Heinekein posts net profits increase of 9.2%

Heineken has announced net profits of €1.5 billion before one-off items, an increase of 9.2%.

The Dutch-based global brewer reported that revenue grew 3.6% organically, driven by total consolidated volume growth of 2.1% and revenue per hectolitre growth of 1.5%. Group beer volume increased 3.6%, with growth in all regions driving global market share gains.

The premium brand owner said it expects to benefit from continued positive growth momentum in higher growth economies and from revenue enhancing initiatives in developed markets. Also, revenue development will continue to be supported by an ongoing shift towards higher growth economies in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Heienken says it will also invest in the expansion of its other global brands - Desperados, Strongbow Gold and Amstel - with further planned introductions in new markets in 2012.

Sol, Heinken's Mexican global priority brand, will be launched internationally from 2012. It expects marketing and selling (beia - before exceptional Items and amortisation) expense as a percentage of revenue to remain broadly in line with 2011 (12.8%).

Heineken anticipates an approximate 6% increase in input costs per hectolitre, primarily reflecting higher pricing for malted barley.