Dive Summary:
- Heineken NV, the world's third largest beer manufacturer, has posted earnings that beat most analysts expectations.
- Heineken has been struggling as of late in its home market, namely western Europe, however with a series of innovative cost cutting measures in their supply and inventory systems, Heineken was able to overcome an actual dip in total sales.
- These measures have given the company high expectations for this coming year, as sales seem to be increasing as they expand into emerging markets like east Asia.
From the article:
Heineken is seeking growth in emerging markets to offset stumbling demand in western Europe, its biggest region. The brewer paid S$5.6 billion ($4.5 billion) last year for control of its joint venture in Asia Pacific to expand in countries including Vietnam and take advantage of faster sales growth.
Heineken, which this month announced a strategic review of its Finnish unit, said it will seek to increase sales of higher- priced beers across western Europe despite it being affected by “economic uncertainty” and government cost-cutting measures.
