Anheuser-Busch InBev reports revenue increase

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world’s biggest brewer, said its third quarter revenues rose by 9.1% despite a decrease in the overall global volumes of sales.

In the UK beer volumes, excluding cider, decreased by 6.3% in the third quarter and have decreased by 8.7% in the first nine month of 2012.

In China, beer volume grew by 2.2% with AB InBev’s “focus brands” of Budweiser, Harbin and Sedrin increasing by 9.2% in the quarter.

The company also said that good weather in the US had helped towards an “encouraging improvement in 2012”, after “three challenging years”. The brewer’s Bud Light Platinum, Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita and Michelob Ultra brands made share gains in the US, but these were offset by losses by other brands including Budweiser.

Inge Plochaet, president of AB InBev UK, said: “We are pleased with the continued strong performance of Stella Artois Cidre that has outperformed the market growing by 80% in the third quarter, supported by the launch of Cidre Pear.

“We have also seen market share growth from Budweiser which demonstrates the success of our partnership with The FA Cup and the increase in distribution for Budweiser on draught in the on-trade.

“More broadly, the business continues to perform well despite challenging economic conditions, record duty increases and poor summer weather, as illustrated by market share gains in the off-trade in the third quarter.”