The merger of two Luxembourg distributors seems to worry AB-InBev

Luxembourg | The drinks distributor Munhowen recently acquired another distributor, the family firm Heintz for some EUR 12 million to 15 million. However, the merger is now subject to scrutiny by the European Commission. The European executive must determine whether the merger restricts competition in the market.

Dublin City traffic plan not so good for Guinness

Ireland | Guinness brewer Diageo urged Dublin City Council not to block its “historic” route to Dublin Port by removing its lorries from the north and south quays. Presently, Guinness’s lorries with its iconic stout for export cross the city along the quays of the river Liffey, if they want to reach the port (in the east of Dublin) from St James’s Gate brewery.

Diageo’s mulls sale of iconic Wimbledon drink Pimm’s

United Kingdom | Drinks firm Diageo is reportedly exploring the sale of a trio of non-core brands including Pimm’s. According to Sky News, the company has hired bankers at Rothschild to explore whether to sell Pimm’s. The red tipple was acquired in 1997, when Grand Metropolitan and Guinness merged to become Diageo.

Greenwich’s Meantime brewery closes as production moves to west London

United Kingdom | As part of Asahi’s consolidation plan, production of Meantime beers, together with Dark Star ales, will be shifted to the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, Asahi said on 6 March.

Belgium | AB-InBev’s Full Year 2023 results beat sales estimates. It raised its annual dividend by 9 percent on 29 February, but its shares slipped as investors digested the news of poor US sales, the impact of hyperinflation in Argentina and the absence of another share buy-back, Reuters said on 28 February.

Europe | Talking about political risks: In January, China began an anti-dumping investigation into all brandy imported from the European Union. The measure is effectively targeted at cognac, which is by far the biggest-selling imported spirit in China because of its luxury appeal.

Heineken’s shares slide as its profit outlook underwhelms

The Netherlands | Heineken's 2024 profit forecast disappointed investors on 14 February, sending its shares down 6.5 percent, as the world's number two brewer struck a cautious tone.

United Kingdom | The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcoholic drinks in Scotland is poised to rise by 30 percent under measures to control alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations. It will go up from GBP 0.50 to GBP 0.65 (USD 0.82) in May, six years after Scotland became the first country in the world to introduce the policy. The Scottish Parliament still needs to approve the increase.

Carlsberg lost a total of USD 7 billion from Russia exit

Russia | Carlsberg’s Full Year 2023 results, announced on 7 February, were closely watched in Russia. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Carlsberg recorded an impairment loss of DKK 7 billion (USD 1 billion) on its Russian assets.

German beer production drops 4.5 percent in 2023

Germany | If there is a long-term trend, it certainly points south. In 2023, German beer production declined 4.5 percent over 2022, wiping out all hopes that brewers’ output could eventually return to pre-Covid levels, the Bavarian Brewers Association said on 7 February.