Heineken reported UK net revenues grew organically by a high-single-digit, driven by pricing and premiumisation.
Total UK volume declined by a mid-single-digit.
The premium portfolio grew by a high-single-digit, led by Birra Moretti, the largest premium brand in the UK market.
Beavertown became the largest craft beer brand by value share of total beer, building scale and momentum in both channels.
In wider Europe, Heineken said the beer market was showing “sustained value growth whilst facing significant short-term challenges” with inflation putting pressure on businesses and consumers.
The Dutch brewer is focussed on “winning in premium”.
Group revenues rose 6.3% to €17.4bn (£14.9m) in the first half but operating profit fell 22% to €1.6bn (£1.3bn) as Heineken absorbed higher input and energy costs, spent more on marketing and recorded an impairment on its Russia business.
The world’s second-largest brewer said sales volumes fell 5.4% in the first half — worsening to 7.6% in the second quarter — hit by “the cumulative effect of pricing actions”.
Heineken has cut its annual profit forecast after beer drinkers balked at higher prices.
The company now expects operating profit growth for the full year to be stable in mid-single digits, down from a previous prediction of mid- to high-single digits.
