Heineken increases sales despite market slump
Heineken Ireland saw its beer sales volume increase by 1.6% last year in what it termed a declining market.
Market share was up from 18.6% to 19% to 31st December 2003, with turnover for the year at €305m.
Heineken lager, the Brewery’s flagship brand, retained its number one position in the draught market segment with a 38% market share.
In the stout sector, Murphy’s maintained its 31% share in the Cork and Munster area.
Coors Light was a strong performer showing a volume growth of 32% in 2003 and now commands a 16% share in the bottled on-trade while remaining at number two nationally in the American bottle lager segment.
Coors Light on draught also proved successful with growth in its first year in both Cork and Dublin.
Amstel’s lager experienced a growth rate of 34% in 2003 and its continued growth is supported by its association with the sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League.
The Irish drinks industry is now worth €5.2bn per annum with the beer segment making up €3.1bn of the total.
Nico Vervelde, Managing Director said: "While the industry as a whole welcomed the decision in the last Budget not to increase excise duties on alcohol and specifically beer, there is no doubt that the industry is facing another tough year ahead.
"It is our intention as a beer-focused company, to continue to invest in our brands, our people and product quality and to promote the naturalness of our beer products," Vervelde added.
The Irish drinks industry is now worth €5.2bn per annum with beer making up €3.1bn of the total.
