Anheuser-Busch InBev reports its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Wednesday (26 February). Here just-drinks takes a look at the Leuven-headquartered group’s fortunes in the final three months of 2014.
- In October, A-B InBev reignited its ‘Project 12’ initiative that brought forth its Budweiser Black Crown label in 2012. Three new small-batch beers will be available in sampler packs in the US.
- In the same month, the brewer said it was planning to cut around 10% of the workforce at its biggest production plant in Germany as it battles with the country’s declining beer market.
- In November, A-B InBev agreed to sell its 30% stake in Chicago distributor City Beverage-Illinois three years after it had attempted to take full control of the firm.
- Later in the month, the company said it is aiming to capitalise on the growing US hard cider market with a new brand launch next year. Johnny Appleseed is expected to start launching across channels from 7 April.
- In December, the brewer said it is planning to invest US$10m in one of its US facilities, boosting its ability to produce “innovative” packaging.
- Also in December, A Lisbon court rejected the A-B InBev’s attempts to register four new trademarks for the ‘Budweiser’ name in Portugal. The ruling came ahead of another court decision last week that gave Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar exclusive rights to the trademark in Portugal.
- However, in France, A-B InBev scored a victory in the long-running feud with Budvar over the Budweiser name. In December, a court said the A-B InBev’s ‘BUD’ trademark could be used by the Belgian brewer as it is not an appellation of origin.
In the first three months of 2013:
- Net profits leaped by 23% to $2.05bn
- Net sales slipped by 1.7% to $9.2bn
- Operating profits dropped by 3.5% to $3.4bn
In H1:
- Net profits fell by 6.4% to $3.4bn
- Net sales rose by 2.9% to $19.8bn
- Operating profits increased by 2.4% to $7.3bn
In nine-month YTD:
- Net profits were up by 2.4% to $5.56bn
- Sales rose by 6.8% to $31.48bn
- Operating profits climbed by 7.7% to $11.99bn