Heineken UK sales (net revenue) fell slightly during 2024, although its global sales remained strong, bolstered by success from premiumisation and its beer division.

The alcohol manufacturer reported that in the full year ending 31 December 2024, its operating profit in Europe inched up by 1.6%, hitting £1.128 (€1.354bn), but in the UK, its net sales declined by a “low-single-digit”.

However, it strengthened its UK market position, growing its share in both the on and off-trade and experiencing a small rise in beer volumes.

Premium volume also expanded by a high single digit, led by popular label Birra Moretti and its new innovation Sale Di Mare.

Other core brands drove the growth, such as Cruzcampo, which boosted the beer category to become the “largest alcohol beverage industry launch in the off-trade in over a decade”, while in the cider category, Old Mout grew volume in the teens and Inch’s volume by over 40%.

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Globally, the dutch brewer fared better, with its operating profit up 8.3% to £3.761bn (€4.512bn), and net sales increasing 5% to £24.977bn (€29.964bn).

CEO and chairman Dolf van den Brink described the performance as “solid” and praised its strategy and volume expansion.

The chief executive said: “Our EverGreen strategy continued to shape operations. Premium volume grew 5%, led globally by Heineken, which was up 9%.

“Mainstream beer volume rose 2%, spearheaded by the leading brands in our largest markets, including Amstel in Brazil, Cruzcampo in the UK, and Kingfisher in India.

He also pointed out the success of the manufacturer’s non-alcohol division, adding: “The beyond beer segment grew 4%, led by Desperados globally and Savanna cider in Southern Africa. Heineken 0.0 grew 10%, reinforcing our global leadership in non-alcoholic beer.”

Heineken’s results follow the success of Danish brewer Carlsberg, which last week reported that it grew ahead of forecasts, and spirits giant Pernod Ricard who reported it had experienced a small dip, citing “ongoing challenges”.