FDBusiness.com

Global brewer SABMiller has reported that its lager volume in Europe declined by 3% in the 12 months to March 31st 2010, reflecting a particularly challenging first half impacted by generally weak economic conditions. Fourth quarter volumes were up 2% benefiting from a weak comparative period due to prior year excise increases in Russia and the Czech Republic.

Poland’s volumes were down 4% for the year with the market impacted by widespread flooding and alcohol sales restrictions during a nine day national mourning period in the first half, as well as significant competitor discounting in the economy segment. In the Czech Republic SABMiller’s volumes were down 6% due to continued weakness in the on-premise channel, further downtrading into lower value segments and increased competitor discounting.

Russia’s full year volumes were 1% ahead of the prior year as a result of a stronger second half supported by a gradual economic recovery, and despite competitor price reductions in the local premium segment. In the fourth quarter Russia’s volumes grew by 17% reflecting lower volumes in the fourth quarter of the previous year following significant buy-in ahead of the January 2010 excise increase.

Volumes in Romania were down 8% as the market remained in recession and continued to be impacted by government austerity measures.