UK-based SABMiller's lager sales declined by 1% in the first quarter of 2013 due to cold weather conditions in Europe and China, even though the revenues grew 2% on a like-for-like basis.
In Latin America, the company's group revenue increased by 6%, and lager volumes showed 2% growth rate in the quarter.
In Europe, SABMiller's group revenue decreased by 1% on constant currency basis, while 3% decline was seen in total volumes on an organic basis, and 7% decline in lager volumes.
In North America, the company's brand MillerCoors revenue fell 3%, US domestic sales to retailers (STRs) were down by 4.4%, and domestic sales to wholesalers (STWs) declined by 5.3%.
In Africa, SABMiller's group revenue increased by 10% on an organic, constant currency basis driven by increased volumes, while lager volumes grew by 8%.
In Asia Pacific, the company's group revenue fell 2%, adversely impacted by the loss of discontinued brands in Australia. Lager volumes grew by 1%. In China, lager volume growth was 2% with demand impacted by poor weather across the country in April and May.
SABMiller CEO Alan Clark said, "Our first quarter revenue growth was held back by unseasonably cold and wet conditions in many of our northern hemisphere markets, which negatively impacted beer consumption."
