Jägermeister reports “significant decrease” in US sales

Mast-Jägermeister has reported a 5.6% decline in annual sales volumes due to “challenging trading conditions” in the US market. 

The privately-owned Germany company said total case sales fell to 87.1 million 700ml bottles, compared to 92.2m in 2013.

Despite an increase in distribution to 108 countries, Jägermeister said the “significant decrease” in US sales was due to “extremely aggressive” pricing by competitors and changing consumer trends, which resulted in lower sales and stock adjustments.

In its domestic market the company says sales remain “high and relatively stable,” despite a price increase in the middle of the year.

In other export markets volumes increased by 4%, with increases in Spain and France of just over 30% and 40%, respectively.

Paolo Dell’Antonio, board spokesperson at Mast-Jägermeister, said: “We are optimistic about the current year. Our brand’s continued international development is bearing fruit in hugely varied cultural environments giving us an extensive portfolio of markets with significant growth potential.”

The company also said more than €20m will be invested in its production and bottling facilities in Wolfenbüttel over the next three years.