Grolsch has warned of a sharp decline in the UK beer market after seeing its UK volumes fall by more than 10% last year.
The group said that its joint venture with Coors in the UK had experienced a difficult year, with the premium lager segment under severe pressure.
Data from an assortment of market analysts and trade bodies suggests that the UK on-trade beer volume declines are almost in double-digit territory.
The warning came as the Dutch brewer reported 5% growth in like-for-like sales and a 19% rise in net profit for 2007.
Grolsch, which is the subject of a takeover by SAB Miller, recorded net profit of Eu20m (£14.9m) on sales of Eu333m, driven by international sales.
Its volumes in international markets increased by over 20%, as a result of strong growth in Russia and Kazakhstan.
