SABMiller has reported net producer revenue up 7% in the UK for the third quarter ended 31 December.
The company said UK volumes were up 2% with favourable brand mix due to the continued growth of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, which was up 7%, and the Czech brand portfolio which offset the declines in Miller Genuine Draft and the Polish brand portfolio.
European NPR grew by 6% in the quarter with beverage volume growth of 4%
Globally qroup NPR for the third quarter grew by 7%, based on volume growth of 4% and price and mix realisation of 3%. Lager volume growth accelerated during the financial year to 3% in the quarter.
Premium lager brand volumes grew by 4% and volumes of SAB’s global lager brands increased by 8%. Soft drinks volumes grew by 8%, with double digit growth in Africa and a subdued performance in Latin America.
Chief executive Alan Clark said: “This was a very strong quarter with volume growth of 4% and group NPR growth of 7%. The majority of our subsidiary businesses achieved strong growth. Africa performed well across the board, with group NPR in South Africa growing by 16% and our African subsidiaries by 18%. In Latin America growth was led by Colombia and the Asia Pacific region benefited from volume and NPR growth in Australia. Europe had a stronger quarter, with all of our subsidiaries in growth. Group NPR growth was held back by headwinds in our associates’ and joint ventures’ major markets and continued industry trends in the USA.
“Our reported results are materially impacted by the significant depreciation of our key operating currencies against the US dollar but the underlying performance we are reporting today reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people.”
