Heineken experienced a 4.3% increase in consolidated beer volumes during the first three months of 2019.

Volumes rose 4.3% year-on-year to nearly 53 millions hectolitres (52.7). This increase means the company is able to maintain its outlook for 2019.

Its Heineken brand alone saw volumes up 8.3% with double digit growth in Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe and the Americas.

In Europe, despite the later timing of Easter, beer volume grew organically by 1.6% benefiting from better weather conditions across the region.

In the UK specifically, total consolidated volume was up low-single digit helped by some inventory build-up anticipating Brexit and the re-listing at an unnamed large retailer.

In the Americas, beer volume grew organically by 3.2%. In Mexico, beer volume was slightly down, impacted by the later timing of Easter and lower promotional activity. The premium portfolio grew double digit, led by Heineken.

Brazil saw double digit beer volume growth, driven by both the premium portfolio led by Heineken, and the mainstream portfolio led by Amstel and Devassa. Beer volume in the USA declined mid-single digit. Heineken 0.0 was introduced in the quarter.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, chairman of the Executive Board / CEO, said: ”We had a positive start to the year with volume growth across all regions despite the later timing of Easter, underlining our continued focus on growth and the breadth of our geographic footprint.

“The Heineken brand volume was up 8.3%. Our outlook for 2019 remains unchanged, we anticipate our operating profit (beia) to grow by mid-single digit on an organic basis.”