Heineken reports surprise decline in beer sales on damp Europe

22/10/2014 - 7:16

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Heineken , the world's third largest brewer, reported lower than expected beer sales in the third quarter as wet weather reduced drinking in Europe, but retained its full-year outlook.

The Dutch brewer, which makes Europe's best-selling HEINEKEN (HEIA.AM)lager as well as Sol, Tiger and Strongbow cider, said it sold 0.2 percent less beer in the July-Sept period with declines in both eastern and western Europe, but increases elsewhere.

Third quarter revenue rose 0.2 percent on a like-for-like basis to 5.10 billion euros ($6.49 billion), below the average 5.32 billion euro forecast in a Reuters poll of 10 analysts.

(Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop)