Ambev
Ambev Grows Revenue In Q3 Despite Market Challenges
Ambev SA reported 7% higher net revenue and an 8% rise in earnings per share for Q3 2025. Premium brand sales increased over 9% and digital platforms grew sharply. The company approved a BRL 2.5 billion share buyback and announced BRL 6 billion in dividends. Despite strong results, softer beer volumes in Brazil and Argentina reflected weaker demand, cold weather and constrained purchasing power. Management highlighted cost discipline, efficient operations and a positive outlook supported by consumer engagement and upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup.
Asahi
Asahi Launches Global “Seek What Is Unique” Campaign
Asahi’s new global campaign, “Seek What Is Unique,” promotes its flagship Asahi Super Dry beer’s crisp “Karakuchi” flavor and modern Japanese identity. It began in Australia with immersive marketing, including 3D billboards and an Australian Open partnership. A unified design update supports global consistency. Executives said the effort reflects Asahi’s ambition to position Super Dry as a modern Japanese icon, celebrating originality and the country’s culture while maintaining strong sales growth and resilience after recent operational challenges.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Plans UK Launch For Poppi Soda
Carlsberg Britvic will introduce to the UK the US prebiotic soda Poppi in early 2026. The brand, known for low-sugar, gut-friendly drinks, has grown strongly in the US following its acquisition by PepsiCo. Carlsberg secured an exclusive retail deal and interest from major on-trade partners. Executives said Poppi fills a “functional drinks” gap in the portfolio. Carlsberg also sees opportunities in Mexican-style beers and healthier beverages in the UK as consumer demand shifts toward low-sugar and added-benefit drinks.
Companies
Carlsberg Volumes Fall Amid Weak Demand
Carlsberg reported a 3% drop in organic volumes for Q3 2025, with beer volumes down 4% and non-beer beverages up 1.5%. Organic revenue fell 1.4% to DKK 24.1 billion, missing expectations. The brewer cited weak consumer sentiment and the impact of the war in Ukraine but maintained full-year profit guidance of 3–5% growth.
Varun Expands Into Alcoholic Beverages
Varun Beverages’ board approved plans to enter the alcoholic drinks market by adding brewing and distilling to its business scope. The amendment allows it to produce and sell beer, spirits and wine in India and abroad, pending shareholder approval. The move marks a major diversification beyond PepsiCo soft drinks.
Suntory Thailand Applies Real-World Insights
To adapt to economic challenges, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand reaffirmed its “Gemba” and “Seikatsusha” philosophies, which involve learning from real-world experiences and understanding consumers’ lifestyles. Leaders regularly visit stores to gather insights and co-create solutions with retailers, such as energy-saving coolers and affordable packaging. The company emphasizes empathy-driven management and local innovation, demonstrated in the development of Boss Coffee Yuzu Black.
Carlsberg To Close French Syrup Plant
Carlsberg plans to close its Teisseire syrup factory in Crolles, France, by April next year unless a buyer is found. The site, facing steep sales declines and negative profitability, will see 167 net job losses after restructuring. Production may shift to local partner Slaur-Sardet. Management cited market changes, higher costs and increased competition. Teisseire aims to maintain brand value through outsourcing and partnerships while prioritizing employee support during the transition.
Carlsberg Expands UK Soft Drink Capacity
Carlsberg is investing £20 million to add a new canning line at its Rugby plant in the UK, increasing production from 560,000 to 610,000 cans per hour, creating over 30 permanent jobs and supporting brands like Tango and Pepsi Max. It forms part of over £60 million invested in the site over five years and aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.
Lotte
Lotte’s Zero-Sugar Soju Surpasses 700 Million Bottles
Lotte Chilsung’s Saero soju sold over 700 million bottles in three years, leading Korea’s zero-sugar soju market. Launched in 2022, Saero gained popularity for its smooth, clean taste and modern design inspired by Korean ceramics. Marketing featuring the “Saero-gumi” character and pop-up experiences strengthened brand appeal. Lotte aims to position Saero as a representative Korean soju brand.
Research & Insights
Beer Sector Boosts Malaysia’s Economy
A joint study by Carlsberg Malaysia and Heineken Malaysia found the beer industry contributed RM 7.1 billion annually to Malaysia’s economy between 2022 and 2023, equal to 0.4% of GDP, and generating RM 3.3 billion in annual taxes and supporting thousands of jobs. The report highlighted risks from illicit alcohol driven by Malaysia’s high excise rates, the second highest globally. Brewers urged stable tax policies and stronger enforcement to protect government revenue and legitimate businesses amid economic challenges and high national debt.
RJ Corp
Varun To Distribute Carlsberg Beer In Africa
Varun Beverages reported an 18.5% profit rise in Q3 2025 and announced it will enter the beer market in Africa through an exclusive distribution deal with Carlsberg. Despite flat domestic demand due to heavy rains, international sales grew 9%, led by South Africa. The company also established a subsidiary in Kenya to expand its beverage operations. Management said continued investment in capacity, logistics and cold-chain infrastructure supports its long-term growth strategy in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Suntory
Suntory Marks 10 Years Of Water Education in Vietnam
Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam celebrated 10 years of its “Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water” program in Vietnam, which has reached nearly one million students and built 200 water facilities. The initiative, supported by the education ministry, teaches water conservation through classroom and outdoor learning. CEO Ashish Joshi highlighted its impact on sustainability awareness and community engagement. The company plans to reach five million pupils globally by 2030.
Suntory Launches Oolong Milk Tea
Suntory will release a limited-edition Oolong Milk Tea in Japan in November. The drink blends oolong tea with milk for a mildly sweet, refreshing taste distinct from black tea milk drinks. Packaged under an “exotic” theme, it contains 35 kcal per 100 ml and will retail for ¥210. Early tasters described the flavor as smooth with a clean finish. The new beverage expands the long-running Suntory Oolong Tea line with a seasonal twist.
Suntory To Close French Beverage Plant
Suntory Beverage & Food France will close its La Courneuve facility by 2026 as part of restructuring to improve efficiency. The decision follows declining soft drink sales and higher costs in France. Production of Orangina and Schweppes will shift to other sites, affecting 56 jobs. CEO Alexis Daems said the company will support staff and reinvest over €170 million by 2030 to modernize operations.
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