Heineken’s beer sales in Central and Eastern Europe declined 6.3% in the third quarter, on an organic basis, to 13.4 million hectoliters.
Sales in Romania, Poland and Russia declined due to continued challenging trading conditions and unfavorable weather.
Heineken’s consolidated revenue in the region posted a decline of 6.4% organically, but revenue per hectoliter grew 0.6% in the third quarter.
“Amidst a volatile global environment and poor weather during the high selling season in Europe, we maintained top-line growth. This was led by broad-based growth across our developing markets. Our performance in the first nine months of the year underlines the benefit of sustained investments in long-term brand building, innovation and strengthened sales execution,” Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO, said in a press release.
Worldwide, Heineken’s revenue grew 0.7% organically in the third quarter, to EUR5.5 billion, while sales in volume rose 0.1% organically, to 52.4 million hectoliters, boosted by good results outside of Europe, particularly the Asia Pacific region.
The group’s reported net profit in the third quarter was EUR460 million compared with EUR483 million in the third quarter of 2013.
Heineken Romania’s net turnover stood at RON1.12 billion (EUR254 million) last year, 5% lower than in 2012, as the domestic beer market declined by around 10%.