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The AB InBev team celebrates strong earnings
Coming off an extremely successful sales period (at least internationally), Anheuser-Busch InBev is upping the ante with big plans for 2019…
Here’s the deal…
The world’s largest brewer’s earnings grew more than expected in the second financial quarter due partially to the growth of its global beer brands during this year’s World Cup and the summer’s record heat.
AB InBev’s three flagship brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona were all up by 10% for the quarter and by 17% outside of their home markets (again, thanks to the World Cup).
Jason Warner, president North Europe at AB InBev was understandably elated by the recent results…
“Our UK business momentum continued, delivering double-digit revenue growth again in the first half of this year for the third year running. In the second quarter we saw sales of our premium beers benefiting from the warm weather and busy sports calendar.”
And he doubled down on the importance of AB InBev’s “craft” properties as well the company’s commitment to addressing the growing low-alcohol and alcohol-free segment.
“Looking ahead, we will maintain a focus on our global brands, low-alcohol and alcohol-free portfolio and the craft side of the category, as Goose Island and Camden Town are now the fastest growing craft brand families in the on trade.”
In an effort simplify the geographic structure of its business going forward, AB InBev did announce some restructuring plans that will bring down its total number of management zones from nine to six.
As part of this revision they also announced the addition of a new South America zone, which will merge with current Latin America South zone and the BU Brazil next year.
And to further address the growth potential it sees in the drinks giant announced, Lucas Herscovici, currently strategic VP, will become chief non-alcohol beverages officer, overseeing a category which represents around 10% of AB InBev’s total business.
In a statement to reporters, the company explained their new directives effective in January 2019…
”We are making these changes to more closely align with our consumers, make our company more agile in the zones, and proactively pursue growth opportunities.”
And Chief Financial Officer Felipe Dutra explained their timing…
“Having completed the merger two years ago, the company “just feel it is the right time to adjust our structure to better reflect the opportunities before us.”
