Carlsberg’s beer volumes dropped 2 percent during first half

The brewer said it now expects a high single-digit percentage decline for the Russian market in 2010, pointing to an improving Russian economy and slightly better consumer confidence, compared with a previous forecast for a low double-digit percentage drop.

The firm did not repeat in the report that it still expects to outperform the Russian market. Nor did it comment on the impact the drought in Russia could have on its profit margin.

Carlsberg’s beer volume, excluding the effect of acquisitions, was unchanged in the second quarter aided by a 17 percent jump in Asia. Growth in China, where Carlsberg raised its stake in Chongqing Brewery Co., was about 10 percent, the company said.

The volume of beer sold in northern and western Europe in the second quarter remained flat as increased consumption spurred by the soccer World Cup failed to offset the effect of an earlier Easter.