AB InBev volume growth just misses despite world cup sales boost

Anheuser-Busch InBev posted volume growth that narrowly missed expectations, even as the World Cup boosted sales of its flagship beers in the Americas.

The world’s largest brewer reported organic volume growth of 0.9% in the second quarter, just below analysts’ estimates of 0.96%, according to a statement Thursday.

Normalised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 5.8%, beating analysts’ expectations of 4.8%.

ADVERTISEMENT

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Beer makers are contending with a slowdown in drinking across critical markets, linked to cost-of-living pressures and concerns over the negative health impact of consuming alcohol.

Read:
Heineken names Rafael Oliveira as CEO to lead turnaround
AB InBev volumes beat expectations bolstered by beer demand

AB InBev is responding by diversifying beyond beer with products such as canned cocktails, though it still relies heavily on mega brands Corona and Michelob Ultra. The brewer is expanding the “Beyond Beer” portfolio that accounted for about 3% of revenue in 2025, and earlier this year completed the acquisition of a majority stake in ready-to-drink brand BeatBox.

ADVERTISEMENT:

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Read:
The week ahead: Results from AB InBev, Old Mutual and three miners

The Belgium-based company had been expecting to benefit from a boost in sales from the 2026 World Cup in June and July, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

© 2026 Bloomberg

#InBev #volume #growth #misses #world #cup #sales #boost