Ambev
Ambev's Profit Rises Despite Volume Decline
Ambev reported a 7.5% increase in adjusted net profit, reaching 5.02 billion reais ($874.63 million), despite a 3.2% drop in total volumes, for the October to December 2024 quarter. Organic net revenue grew 4.2% despite weak demand in Argentina and unfavorable weather in Brazil. The company warned of continued volatility and rising input costs in 2025 but remains focused on efficiency and margin expansion. JPMorgan analysts noted strong margins in the international division and anticipated positive market reactions, even with weaker beer sales in Brazil.
Asahi
Asahi Beer Prices to Rise 20%
Lotte Asahi Beverage will increase Asahi beer prices by up to 20% starting next month. The price of a 500㎖ Asahi Super Dry can at convenience stores will rise from 4,500 won to 4,900 won, while the 350㎖ format will increase from 3,500 won to 4,000 won. 340㎖ draft beer and 640㎖ bottled beer will also see price hikes, with the latter jumping 20% to 5,400 won. Imported beer prices have been rising since 2022, when the "10,000 won for four cans" deal ended. OB Beer raised prices for six imported brands, including Budweiser and Hoegaarden, by 8% in November 2024.
Brands
Carlsberg Launches Sugar-Free Somersby Zero Cider
Carlsberg Group launched Somersby Zero, its first alcohol-free, sugar-free and calorie-free cider, in Germany before it rolls out to Poland and Sweden in 2026. The new range includes Apple & Yuzu and Lemon flavors, catering to the rising demand for healthier beverage options. Carlsberg aims to position Somersby as a leader in the wellbeing trend while strengthening its ‘Beyond Beer’ portfolio. The launch will be backed by Carlsberg’s largest German marketing campaign, featuring digital activations and festival promotions.
Pepsi Launches Two New Zero Sugar Flavors
Carlsberg Britvic is expanding its Pepsi Zero Sugar lineup with two new flavors—Strawberries ‘N’ Cream and Cream Soda. Initially available in select grocery stores, they will roll out to restaurants and convenience stores later this year. Pepsi aims to tap into the growing demand for flavored colas, especially among Gen Z consumers. Previous Pepsi flavors, like Electric and MAX Mango, have already driven engagement. Carlsberg Britvic is supporting the launch with retailer promotions, point-of-sale materials and free case offers. The new flavors will be available in multiple formats, including 500ml bottles, multipacks of 330ml cans and a 1.5-litre bottle for Strawberries ‘N’ Cream.
Britvic
Rockstar Launches Zero Sugar Peach Energy Drink
Rockstar Energy expanded its portfolio with Rockstar Energy Zero Sugar Peach, launching this February. With the energy drink market growing over 8% to £1.8 billion, this new flavor targets the rising demand for peach. Rockstar, worth £15 million, aims to attract new consumers and expand the category. The drink is available in 500ml plain and price-marked packs, including a two-for-£2 offer. Festival-themed packaging will enhance visibility, aligning with Rockstar’s partnerships with major UK music festivals. Carlsberg Britvic sees this launch as key to long-term category growth, meeting consumer demand for zero sugar options, which have surged 248% over the past four years.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Invests $40M To Expand Indian Brewery
Carlsberg will invest Rs3.5bn ($40.2m) to expand its Mysuru brewery in Karnataka, doubling its annual capacity to 160 million liters. The expansion, part of an agreement with the Karnataka government, will add new can, glass and keg lines to meet growing demand. Managing Director Nilesh Patel emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to the region, highlighting economic growth and job creation. This follows Carlsberg’s $744m acquisition of its former joint venture partner’s stake, giving it full control of its Indian business. In 2024, Carlsberg’s India operations saw 12% volume growth, driven by strong performance from Tuborg Strong and Carlsberg Elephant, reinforcing its strategic focus on expansion and premiumization.
Carlsberg Reports Growth Amid China, Southeast Asia Shifts
Carlsberg’s revenue rose 1.9% in 2024 to DKK 75.01 billion ($10.37 billion), while operating profit increased 2.8% to DKK 11.41 billion. Despite a 4% decline in China’s beer market, Carlsberg gained market share and expects further growth in 2025. The premium beer segment is evolving, with craft beer now making up 8% of the market. In Southeast Asia, strong volume growth in Vietnam and Malaysia offset declines in other regions. Laos hit record volumes, while Cambodia saw continued decline in Sting energy drinks. Carlsberg remains focused on premiumization and sustainable growth to navigate market challenges and opportunities.
Carlsberg Reports Strong 2024 Profit, Eyes Growth
Carlsberg reported 6% organic operating profit growth for 2024, hitting the top of its forecasted range, and expects 1-5% profit growth in 2025. Despite missing volume expectations, Carlsberg gained market share in China, outperforming a declining beer market. CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen called 2024 a pivotal year, highlighting the Britvic acquisition and the ongoing sale of its Russian business. The Britvic deal, completed in January, aims to offset declining beer consumption in Western markets. While Carlsberg sees a stable consumer environment, it remains cautious about economic uncertainty in Asia and Europe.
Companies
Suntory CEO Warns Of Impact From US Tariffs
Suntory CEO Takeshi Niinami expressed concerns that potential US tariffs may lead international consumers to avoid American brands. Niinami suggested that Suntory may reduce exports to Europe, Mexico and Canada due to anticipated consumer backlash against US brands. While a tariff pause was announced for Canada and Mexico, concerns persist, with industry leaders like Diageo and Pernod Ricard also warning of significant financial impacts. Diageo projects a $200 million loss from tariffs, with tequila being most affected, while Pernod Ricard forecasts a €200 million hit. These challenges have prompted both companies to adjust growth expectations and implement mitigation strategies.
Lotte
Lotte Chilsung Reports Record Revenue Last Year
Lotte Chilsung Beverage reported record revenue of 4.0245 trillion won in 2024, a 24.8% increase from the previous year. However, the company saw a 12.2% decline in operating profit, which fell to 184.9 billion won. The beverage division experienced a slight decrease in sales and a significant drop in operating profit due to challenges like slower consumer spending, adverse weather and rising raw material costs. Meanwhile, the liquor division showed growth, driven by the soju brand "Saero." The global division performed exceptionally well, with a nearly threefold increase in revenue, especially boosted by the Philippine market.
Suntory
Suntory Invests In Osaka Plant To Boost Gin Production
Suntory Spirits announced total investment of 6.5 billion yen in its Osaka Plant to expand production and enhance the quality of its spirits, including the Japanese craft gin Roku. The 5.5 billion yen capital investment will increase production capacity, especially for gin, by 2.6 times, including the construction of a new craft distillery. An additional 1 billion yen will improve the visitor experience, with plans to open the new distillery to the public in 2026. This investment comes as Japan's gin market continues to grow; Suntory aims to increase its share and drive the market's growth to 45 billion yen by 2030.
Suntory Global Spirits Takes Over UK Distribution
Suntory Global Spirits will directly handle sales, marketing and distribution for its UK portfolio, including brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hibiki and Laphroaig, following the end of the partnership with Edrington UK in January 2025. It aims to leverage its East-meets-West approach to enhance brand presence, particularly in Japanese spirits, Scotch and American whiskey. Suntory Global Spirits UK will significantly expand its workforce, with a head office in London and additional teams in Scotland and key locations and also plans to strengthen relationships with retailers and the hospitality sector, driving growth in the competitive UK market.
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