SABMiller has released a trading update for the six months ended 30 September 2015 showing that group NPR (net producer revenue - revenue less excise duties etc) grew by 4%.
Growth accelerated in the second quarter with group NPR and beverage volume growth of 6% and 2% respectively for that period.
Subsidiary lager volumes grew by 3% supported by second quarter growth of 5%.
The group achieved premium lager brands volume growth of 4% driven by strong performance in many of its key markets, and supported by global lager brands volume growth of 10% reflecting growth across all regions.
Soft drinks volumes were up 4%, with good performances across both Latin America and Africa.
Alan Clark, Chief Executive of SABMiller, (pictured) said, “Growth accelerated in the second quarter of the year, underpinned by our unmatched footprint in the growing beer markets of the world.
'We continued to drive strong growth in Africa and Latin America, applying our deep local expertise to markets with favourable long term structural growth dynamics. Particular highlights were our very strong lager volume growth in these regions, together with double digit net producer revenue growth in the second quarter in Africa.
“In parallel, our successful premiumisation and mix strategies are generating NPR per hectolitre growth across all our regions. While adverse currency movements have materially impacted our reported results, we have a strong business with exceptional long term prospects.
'Our strategic priority of driving superior top line growth through strengthening our brand portfolios and expanding the beer category is showing clear results.”