Carlsberg says the UK market was “marginally down” in 2013, although it continued to strengthen its market share in the on-trade, as it predicted a slight decline in beer markets across Western Europe in 2014.
Releasing its full-year results this morning, the company said: “The UK market was marginally down, positively impacted by favourable weather in Q3 and a flat development in the second half of the year.
“We continued to strengthen our market share in the on-trade, while our off-trade market share declined, cycling strong market share gains during Euro 2012. Overall market share was slightly down. During the year, we launched Somersby and Carlsberg Citrus with good results.”
Carlsberg reported a 1% decline in volumes across Western Europe in the full year (Q4: -1%) as total volumes across the group were flat (Q4: -1%).
The company said it expects Western European beer markets “will decline slightly as consumers in many markets remain under pressure, in spite of the macroeconomic situation in some markets having improved slightly in the second half of 2013”.
Global revenues grew 1% to DKK66.6bn (£7.4bn) with adjusted net profit growth of 5% to DKK 5,795m (£640m) - net profit growth accelerated to 8% in Q4.
Carlsberg said: “The group delivered strong performance and achieved market share growth in all three regions driven by focused commercial execution and a number of successful innovations.
“Our Asian markets continued to grow while our Western European markets declined by an estimated 2%. The Russian market declined by an estimated 8% due to outlet restrictions and slower economic growth.”
Chief executive Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen said: “The Carlsberg Group delivered solid earnings growth driven by strong and focused execution in spite of an overall challenging macroenvironment and not least the negative market impact in Russia from the outlet restrictions.
“This shows our ability to constantly execute and innovate effectively while maintaining tight control of our costs.
“In the coming years we will continue to invest in growth and efficiency opportunities. We have a busy agenda of driving our ambitious commercial priorities, which include continued investment in our brands and ensuring that our sales and marketing capabilities are best-in-class.
“Furthermore, we will focus on further strengthening our Russian business; develop our Asian business to capture the growth potential of the region; and change our Western Europe business model and organisation, including the continued roll-out of BSP1.”
