Heineken study shows: Sports fans go for moderation

The Netherlands | When you think of Formula 1 and booze, what comes to mind? Most probably the iconic image of podium champagne showers. But a new global study by Heineken unveiled on 10 July suggests that F1 fans are increasingly steering towards a more moderate – and often alcohol-free – way to celebrate the sport.

German beer sales drop nearly 7 percent in five months through May

Germany | Declining demand, overcapacities and price wars are putting Germany's brewers under pressure. According to Veltins brewery, the industry's 6.8 percent decline in beer sales in the first five months of the year is “historic”. “The beer market is currently weakening to an extent that we have not seen since Germany’s reunification [in 1990],” said Rainer Emig, Managing Director of Sales at Veltins on 3 July. Meanwhile, Germany’s third-largest beer brand, Veltins, continued to grow, increasing its total output by 2.3 percent to 1.78 million hl beer.

Russian media cheer: Russia ahead of Germany in BarthHaas ranking

Russia | For the first time Baltika and United Breweries Holding (OPH) have entered the BarthHaas ranking of the world’s top 40 breweries in 2024 – and they were ahead of German rivals, Russian media hooted with jingoistic glee on 3 July.

AB InBev can’t get rid of Russian subsidiary

Russia | Once again, Russian authorities have blocked the sale of AB-InBev’s stake in its Russian joint venture with Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes. The brewer has been trying to get rid of the Russian subsidiary for years.

Germany’s Erdinger brewery now owned by a non-profit

Germany | Werner Brombach, 85, the owner and sole shareholder of Erdinger Weißbräu, who turned his brand into a global player, has transferred his shares in the business to a foundation. In June, the Werner Brombach Family Foundation, a non-profit, officially became its new owner.

Duvel Moortgat is brewing La Chouffe beer in the US

Belgium | The secret is out: Duvel Moortgat has been brewing its La Chouffe beer, a Belgian Blonde, which is popular with American drinkers, at the Boulevard brewery in Kansas, Missouri since December last year, Belgian media reported on 18 June.

Heineken loses operational control of facilities in Congo's war-hit east

The Netherlands | Heineken has withdrawn its staff from its facilities in conflict-affected areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, having lost operational control, Reuters reported on 20 June.

Russia’s United Breweries aims to boost premium brands

Russia | United Breweries Holding (OPH), the former Heineken unit, seeks to increase the share of premium brands in its revenue to 40 percent this year, up from 30 percent in 2024 as part of the reformatting of its brand portfolio, the Russian news agency Interfax reported. New product launches shall contribute to the effort.

Non-alcoholic beer to become the world’s second most popular beer style

Germany | The sales of non-alcoholic beer have been growing in the two digit figures for the past two years. For brewers, these beers are a ray of hope. But so far non-alcoholic beers have not been able to stem the decline in beer consumption.

Western firms’ direct losses in Russia estimated at over USD 167 billion

Russia | Prior to the Ukraine war, Russia was a key market for many multinational firms. Due to sanctions, ethical concerns, and operational challenges, more than 1300 companies have reduced or ceased their operations. By March 2025, 475 companies had fully exited.