Carlsberg Sees Core Brands Slip As Drinkers Choose Premium Or Budget Options

Carlsberg reported Thursday that core beer brands are losing ground as drinkers shift toward premium or budget options amid tighter spending, according to CNBC. The brewer’s second-quarter organic volumes fell 1.7% after losing the San Miguel brand, though demand for premium and alcohol-free products grew. Last month, AB InBev reported a 1.9% year-over-year drop in second-quarter volumes, while Heineken’s volumes fell 0.4%. Brewers have been relatively insulated from pressures hitting the drinks industry, such as falling spirits consumption and U.S. tariff headwinds, partly due to their reliance on local production. However, broader economic challenges still threaten to curb drinking habits and consumer spending.