The Netherlands | Because of the global pandemic, Heineken saw a lot of declines in the first half of 2020: in beer sales, revenue and profit. So much so that it swung into a loss.

United Kingdom | Although locked-down drinkers may have taken to mixing their own cocktails, this wasn’t enough to stop profit tumbling at the Guinness and Smirnoff owner Diageo.

Belgium | AB-InBev’s performance in the second quarter took a bad hit. Profits were down by a third, while beer sales declined about 17 percent, in line with turnover shrinking 17 percent to USD 10 billion year-on-year.

United Kingdom | Responding to accusations that it has re-labelled old kegs with new best-before-dates, Heineken has said that the unbroached kegs, which had been repatriated during the lockdown, have been kept in optimum conditions and are therefore fit to be redistributed.

Germany | In the first half of 2020, beer sales fell 6.6 percent (or 3 million hl) to around 43 million hl compared with the same period 2019, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reported on 30 July 2020.

Denmark | To boost its share price, Carlsberg has issued preliminary first half 2020 figures, and warned that its profit declined while the outlook for summer beer sales remains uncertain.

Ireland | The maker of Magners cider, C&C Group, has appointed Heineken UK’s Managing Director David Forde, 52, as its new CEO. Mr Forde will join C&C at the latest in early 2021.

United Kingdom | What was the government thinking? It designated the US Independence Day – 4 July – as the moment England ends its 15 week-long hibernation and flocks to the pub.

United Kingdom | Beer and pub operator Marston’s reported a bruising swing to loss in its first half, with sales down GBP 40 million (USD 50 million) due to covid-19.

United Kingdom | Alcopops are back. This time they are called hard seltzers. You can tell the category holds big promises, if the retailer Aldi barges in on the action with its own label, Nordic Wolf.