Heineken, which has its Irish headquarters in Cork, said full-year profit will be stagnant as demand in western Europe stumbles, highlighting the Dutch brewer’s need to win the battle for full control of Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd (APB).

BRITVIC Ireland said revenues have been hit by the recession but it is still encouraged by recent sales.

Shares in drinks maker C&C Group sank more than 10% today after the company warned it was facing higher costs as it struggles to cope with soaring UK demand for its flagship Magners cider.