On Wednesday, Heineken will release its results for the first quarter of 2016. Here, just-drinks takes a closer look at the company’s performance in the three months to the end of March:
- Following a quiet start to the year, Heineken released its results for 2015 in February. In a subsequent conference call, CEO Jean-Francois van Boxmeer said that the brewer is looking to launch Lagunitas Brewing Co’s IPA variant outside the US. Heineken bought a 50% stake in California’s Lagunitas in October
- The company’s results in 2015 – see below for the numbers – drew upbeat noises from the analyst community, many of whom hailed a strong performance. Challenges in the year ahead remain, however, with Nigeria and Russia earning mentions
- In mid-February, Heineken’s US unit said it would return production of the Red Stripe brand to its home, in Jamaica. The company acquired a controlling stake in Red Stripe brewer Desnoes & Geddes from Diageo in October
- Toward the end of the month, Heineken admitted to just-drinks that it was “mindful” of circumstances in Nigeria. With around 70% market share in the country, the company has had to deal with the effect of falling oil prices and currency issues that have edged the Government closer to a devaluation of the Naira
- Heineken started March with the unveiling of a global marketing activation featuring actor Benicio Del Toro. Launching in around 70 markets, the ad comprises English- and Spanish-language versions, with both featuring the brand Heineken master brewer, Willem van Waesberghe
- March also saw one analyst link Heineken to a move for Molson Coors as the global brewing landscape prepares for the long shadow of Anheuser-Busch InBev/SABMiller
- Finally, just-drinks exclusively reported on Heineken’s launch of a new beer. Available initially in Italy, H41 is made using the same wort as brand Heineken, but uses a different yeast strain. The move prompted news & insights editor Andy Moron to ask if the new expression risked compromising brand Heineken’s image
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