Europe: Beer market declines 4.4% in the four weeks to December 29

The European beer market showed weakness with a decline of 4.4 percent in the four-week period ending December 29. This is according to Nielsen data cited by Bank of America.

The decline covers all major markets with France at the bottom at minus 5.5%, followed by Spain at minus 5.3%. Germany and Italy fell by 4.1 percent and 3.6 percent respectively, while the UK fared best with a decline of 2 percent.

In this challenging market, Heineken managed to limit its volume loss to 4% and marginally increased its market share, while Carlsberg fell 3.1% and AB InBev lost 10%. Diageo stood out positively with a 15% increase.

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