Brewing giant SABMiller said lager volumes in Africa grew by 6% y/y on an organic basis in the six months to end-September 2012, as robust volume growth continued in most African markets with the exception of Tanzania, where a significant excise increase in the second quarter dented beer sales. The calculation of the organic growth rates excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals on volumes and revenues. Lager volumes in Zambia grew 14% driven by improved availability and enhanced distribution in rural areas coupled with favourable economic conditions, SABMiller said in a statement. Mozambique reported a 10% lager volume growth, underpinned by robust growth in the mainstream brand, Manica, together with the continued growth of the cassava-based brand Impala. South Sudan continued to grow lager volumes by double digits despite the political and economic challenges of recent months. Zimbabwe reported a 9% growth thanks to pack innovation and improved availability. The beer market in Tanzania was hit by a 25% excise increase in July 2012, which resulted in an 8% decline in the companys H1 lager volumes. In Uganda lager volumes declined by 3% amidst continuing economic weakness. SABMiller said its associate Castel delivered lager growth of 5% on a pro forma basis including the combined Angola business and their Madagascar acquisition. Other beverage categories contributed significantly to total volume growth, with soft drinks 8% higher and other alcoholic beverages up 12%, both on an organic basis. In South Africa lager volumes grew by 1% driven largely by ongoing brand investment combined with continued focus on customer service and execution. Soft drinks volumes grew 8%, benefiting from increased channel penetration. SABMillers total global lager volumes grew 4% on an organic basis in H1 and soft drinks volumes rose 6%. Its H1 revenue increased by 8% y/y. |
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