Heineken make plans for smoking ban

HEINEKEN Ireland’s continued growth of market share will help it offset the forecasted drop-off in beer sales following the imposition of a ban in smoking in pubs from January, the company said yesterday.

The world’s third-largest brewer said first-half profit globally rose to €334 million from €330m a year earlier. Sales rose 6% to €4.61 billion, as the inclusion of new purchases such as Al Ahram Beverages Co. in Egypt added 5% to revenue growth. The company said the gain in revenue was held back by a 4% drop in sales as a result of the euro’s advance.

Heineken, like Guinness owners Diageo, do not give a break-out of their Irish figures, but like their rivals claim increased market share. Both companies are worried a ban on smoking in pubs will hit sales. However, Heineken Ireland managing director Nico Vervelde says by continuing growth of market share they can overcome any negative impact in sales.