Heineken

Heineken reports an organic volume increase of 4.8% in the third quarter and a sales rise of 4.6%, well above analysts' expectations of 2.9% and 3.5% respectively. The premium segment grew particularly strongly, by 11.5%; all regions contributed to the growth. New group CEO Rafa Oliveira is calling for a stronger performance culture and faster execution and plans to present details of his strategy in February. For the full year 2026, Heineken confirms its forecast of organic operating profit growth of 2% to 6%. » More on n-tv.de

Heineken warns that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy could reduce alcohol cravings through increased feelings of fullness, endangering beer and cider sales in British pubs. The company recommended measures for publicans such as smaller beer glasses, alcohol-free alternatives and food pairings to cushion revenue losses. U.S. market data show households with GLP-1 users have about 7% lower alcohol spending after two years and roughly 13.5% less spending on beer; other spirits companies so far assess the risk as manageable. » More on manager-magazin.de

Heineken told UK pub and bar customers that the rise of GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic can reduce desire to drink alcohol, leading to smaller serves and fewer pints per visit. The brewer advised promoting half-pints, low- and no-alcohol options and food pairings to mitigate potential declines in visits and spending. Heineken said it will monitor changing consumption patterns through 2027, while industry data on the impact remains mixed. » More on theguardian.com

A Dutch court has ordered Heineken to pay €111 million in a dispute between its Greek subsidiary Athenian Brewery and rival Macedonian Thrace Brewery (€43m in damages plus €68m in interest). Heineken plans to appeal, saying the underlying assumptions on sales, pricing and profitability are unrealistic. The case concerns the subsidiary’s conduct between 1998 and 2014; in 2015 Athenian Brewery was already fined by the Greek competition authority. » More on t-online.de

A Dutch court awarded Greek brewer Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB) €111 million against Heineken, consisting of €43 million in damages and €68 million in interest. The case relates to the conduct of Heineken subsidiary Athenian Brewery between 1998 and 2014; Heineken announced it will appeal and considers the court’s assumptions on revenue and profitability unrealistic. In 2015 the Greek competition authority had already fined Athenian Brewery €31.5 million for abuse of dominant market position. » More on t-online.de