Heineken booked net profit of €1.06bn in 2009, up 4.1% on the €1.01bn profit earned in 2008, despite lower sales, the brewing group said on Tuesday.

In terms of organic sales, the group sold 5% less beer over the year – a total of 125.2 million hectoliters. Volumes were down 5% in Western Europe and 11% in central and Eastern Europe. But in Africa and the Middle East, sales were up 9.2%.
Earnings were boosted by cost savings, higher prices and the benefits of the takeover of British brewery Scottish & Newcastle.
‘In one of the most challenging trading environments ever witnessed in our industry, we have delivered an outstanding financial performance, transformed our platform for future growth and built a more competitive business,’ CEO Jean-François van Boxmeer said in a statement.