Carlsberg see profits droop

Lager-loving drinkers could not prevent Carlsberg’s profits from drooping in the first half of 2003 as the Danish brewer was hit by global economic uncertainty, it emerged today.

Despite the Carlsberg brand achieving a 5% gain in sales in the UK, group operating profits sank 31% in the six months to June 30 as drinkers were reluctant to spend in uncertain times.