SABMiller PLC, global brewing giants have said Monday that larger volumes have risen 1 percent in the first part of the financial year, signaling a return to growth, however slight, and sparking hopes of continues growth in the second part of the financial year.
SABMiller has experienced a drop in demand for alcoholic beverages during the global financial crisis, as have many of its rivals. SAB has seen drops and fluctuations in demand for the last couple of years, which is a reflection of the volatility of the market in which it operates. Interestingly, while Europe showed continued decline in demand, amid weak economic conditions and in many cases increased taxes, Asia and Africa there was a general trend towards increasing demand.
Numbers were mixed in South America, with Peru showing a growth in demand by 11 percent, while Colombia fell by 7 percent.
In the US, the company’s join venture branch MillerCoors saw a drop of 3.2 percent, as the market continues to be affected by the uncertainty in the economy as well as increasing joblessness.
China was the leader in growth in Asia, with India close behind, but held back slightly by regulations.
Overall Africa grew by 11 percent in the first half of the year, with Zimbabwe included in the figure for the first time in four years.
Aside from its alcoholic beverages, the company’s soft drink sales also rose by 2 percent, on the back of higher prices as well as cheaper ingredients costs.
