{
    "title": "AB InBev beats expectations with rise in beer sales",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-05 09:43:18",
    "published_at": "2026-05-05 09:43:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/ab-inbev-beats-expectations-with-rise-in-beer-sales",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/ISEd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "ab-inbev-beats-expectations-with-rise-in-beer-sales",
    "body": "<p><strong>AB InBev, the world&rsquo;s largest brewer, has reported better-than-expected results for the first three months of the year. Beer sales and profits both increased.</strong></p><p>The company sold 136.4 million hectolitres of beer in the first quarter, up 0.8% compared with the same period last year. Analysts had predicted a slight decline.</p><p>Strong performance from key brands helped drive results. Stella Artois saw revenues rise by 14% outside its home market, while Corona and Michelob Ultra also performed well as part of the company&rsquo;s premium range.</p><p>AB InBev also benefited from growing demand for alcohol-free beer, with revenues in that segment rising by 27%. Sales of non-beer products, such as ready-to-drink cocktails, increased by 37%.</p><p>Overall, the brewer&rsquo;s revenue rose by 5.8% to $15.3 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 5.3% to $5.4 billion. Both are above market expectations.</p><p>Despite weaker performance in regions such as North America and China, the company saw stronger growth in Central America, particularly in Mexico.</p><p>AB InBev said it expects steady growth for the rest of the year, forecasting EBITDA to increase by between 4% and 8%.<br>\u200b<br>\u200b\u200b</p><p><sup>#FlandersNewsService | &copy; BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
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