Ahead of the release on Wednesday of Carlsberg’s results for the fourth quarter and the 12 months of 2017, here’s a look at the events that shaped the three months to the end of December for the brewer.
- There was positive news at the start of the quarter as a report on the Russian beer market flagged a return to form – Carlsberg is the biggest brewer in the country through its Baltika unit
- In mid-October, the European arm of United Breweries partnered with Sri Lanka’s Lion Brewery, in which Carlsberg holds a stake, to launch two of its beer brands across Europe
- At the start of November, Carlsberg’s CEO Cees ‘t Hart said the firm is still working on a deal to increase its stake in Vietnam’s state-controlled Hanoi Beer Alcohol & Beverage Corp (Habeco)
- On the same conference call, Hart confirmed that the wheat beer category is enjoying a boost in China. The CEO said 1664 Blanc was poised to capitalise on the trend
- In mid-November, the executive VP for Western Europe at Carlsberg, Michiel Herkemij, announced a break from his time with the brewer. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Chris Warmoth this month
- Towards the end of the month, the brewer unveiled its first carbon-neutral brewery as it ramps up a new sustainability programme
- In December, Carlsberg published an interesting report into consumer behaviour, revealing that older Millennials in the UK are more likely to visit the gym than the pub.