Strong sales in emerging markets have boosted profits for Heineken, despite unfavourable currency movements taking the fizz out of the Dutch brewer’s full-year results.
The company reported a 5.3 per cent rise in revenues to €21.9 billion for 2017, while pre-tax profits increased by 21 per cent to €2.9 billion, thanks in part to fewer one-off costs compared with the year before.
Emerging markets outperformed the group total, with a 9.8 per cent rise in revenues and 8 per cent in operating profits.
Heineken is the second largest brewer in the world and its brands include Amstel, Sol and Strongbow cider, as well as Heineken. Like other established brewers, it is battling with the growing popularity of craft beers in established markets such as Britain