From Time Inc.:

2023 has been a challenging year for brewers, with inflation causing a drop in sales. Despite this, big brewers like Heineken have managed to maintain full-year operating profit expectations through price increases and demand for premium beer. However, controversies have hurt the sales of companies like Anheuser-Busch Inbev and Carlsberg, affecting their revenues and market share.

AB InBev faced backlash and boycotts due to a controversial ad campaign that led to a 10.5% drop in U.S. sales, while Carlsberg struggled with the Russian government seizing its beer operations, showing a 13% drop in overall sales.

Brewers have faced challenges due to inflation and high production costs, leading to a price increase and a decline in sales volumes for companies like Heineken and AB InBev.

Premium beer sales have grown as consumers look for affordable yet high-quality experiences. Companies like AB InBev and Carlsberg have seen growth in premium and alcohol-free beer sales, offsetting the decline in traditional beer sales.

Inflation and high production costs are expected to lead to further price increases in 2024. Carlsberg and AB InBev are gearing up for expansion and investment in low and no-alcohol beer portfolios, despite a forecast for slight cooling of production costs.



Read more: AB InBev, Heineken and Carlsberg have had a tough 2023