Fruity solution: Cider offsets weak UK beer sales for InBev

The world's biggest brewer yesterday said its newly launched Stella Artois Cidre had helped offset a 16 per cent decline in beer volumes in the UK.

AB InBev, which makes Stella Artois, Beck's and Budweiser, said beer volumes in the UK had fallen in the second quarter, after it came up against tough comparative figures a year ago when sales were boosted by the World Cup.

But it added that its cider had proved a success since its launch in April and had claimed a 16 per cent share of the market, according to industry data.

It also hopes volumes of Budweiser will be boosted by its recently announced deal to sponsor the FA Cup for the next three years.

The group's revenues rose 3.7 per cent to $10 billion (6.2bn), while underlying profits lifted 6 per cent to $3.7bn, boosted by a strong performance in China and Brazil. Profits were also helped by lower tax and financing costs and the weakness of the dollar.