The operational profit dropped due to several investments in the Ciuc brand and changes in customer preferences. Romanian sales of the Heineken brand increased 35 percent in H1 compared to the same time last year.
In Central and Eastern Europe beer sales increased 12 percent, to 25 million hectoliters. “Despite unfavorable weather compared to the first four months of 2007, almost all countries posted sales increases in terms of volume. Romania, Poland and Russia generated over 90 percent of the total increase,” according to the report.
Earnings before interests and taxes (EBIT) dropped 12 percent, to €177 million, while income increased 14 percent, to €1.7 billion.
The report also shows that the acquisition of two beer factories in Romania allowed Heineken to contribute 1.3 million hectoliters to the total volume of beer produced in the region.
