Heineken suffered a profits hangover in the first half of the year as miserable weather cooled drinkers’ thirst for lager.

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).

Heineken said economic woes were impacting sales across the UK and Western Europe after a weather-hit first half of the year.

HEINEKEN sent a shiver through Europe’s brewing industry yesterday with a warning that weak consumer sentiment and a damp summer would wipe out profit growth this year.

Heineken sold less beer and cider in the UK in the first half of the year as economic weakness and low consumer confidence hit sales.

SALES volumes of the Heineken lager brand fell by 6.8% in Ireland last year, according to latest figures from the Dutch brewing giant.

Amsterdam: Heineken’s chief executive said the British beer market has “turned the corner” after the “unfortunate timing” that saw the Dutch company become Britain’s biggest brewer in a merger almost two years ago.

Brewing giant Heineken today said its recent takeover of Scottish & Newcastle helped boost half-year results after it hiked prices and slashed costs.