Heineken

The antitrust proceedings by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (BWB) against Brau Union, part of the Heineken group, over alleged abuse of market power have been referred to the European Court of Justice. The BWB accuses the group of pressuring beverage retailers to prioritise selling its products. Heineken denies the allegations and complains of insufficient access to the case files; if convicted the company could face a fine of up to ten percent of group turnover. An ECJ decision can take more than a year, and the ongoing proceedings before the Cartel Court in Vienna remain unaffected. » Mais em kurier.at

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%. » Mais em 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. » Mais em 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. » Mais em 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. » Mais em t-online.de