Heineken warns of softer demand as inflation hits drinkers

Brewers have managed to largely protect margins this year by raising prices to cope with soaring costs.

Rising costs dented margins and higher prices discouraged some customers from drinking more, said Heineken.

Heineken said it sees signs of weakness in consumer demand after beer sales missed estimates amid growing inflationary pressures.

The world’s second-largest brewer said beer volumes rose 8.9% on an organic basis in the third quarter, below the 11.8% average analyst estimate.