AB InBev has reported 4.5% revenue growth in Q3 2018, with sales up 4.6% over the first nine months of the 2018/19 year.
EBITDA grew by 7.5% in the third quarter, as a result of top-line growth and aided by synergies and cost savings, partially offset by increased commodity prices, said the company.
Total volumes grew by 0.2% in the quarter, due to own beer volume growth of 0.5%, while non-beer volumes were down 2.4%.
Its global brands, which include Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona, saw revenue growth of 7.7% globally, in the third quarter, and 10.6% outside their home markets.
Within its EMEA, Western Europe business, the company said revenue grew by mid-single digits, with double-digit growth for our global brands. Budweiser led the way, as it benefitted from 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM activations. Corona’s growth was supported by Casa Corona in France and Spain, as well as the Corona Sunset Festivals in the UK and Italy.
“Our no- and low-alcohol beer (NABLAB) portfolio continues to grow by double-digits with a significant contribution from innovations, including Jupiler Pure Blonde in Belgium.”
The company said premiumisation remained a growing trend across markets of varying levels of maturity.
