Global brewer SABMiller Group’s lager volumes for the third quarter were 2% ahead of the previous year and soft drinks volumes 3% higher, both on an organic basis, the company reported today.

The group’s third-quarter revenue grew by 8% and group revenue per hectolitre was up by 5%, both on an organic constant currency basis, reflecting selective price increases and helped by improved brand mix in most regions.

On a reported basis, including the effect of acquisitions and disposals, total volumes were up 6% and group revenue up 17% on the third quarter of the previous year.

In South Africa, lager volumes grew by 3% despite a challenging economic and trading environment, while the mainstream brand portfolio grew in aggregate, with Castle Lager performing particularly well in the face of strong competition.

SABMiller’s principal premium offering, Castle Lite, continued its strong performance with a more than 20% growth.

“Targeted brand investments, as well as improved retail execution and customer service continued to have a positive impact,” the company said.

However, soft drinks volumes declined by 3% following a price increase on some packs in November 2012. 

Elsewhere in Africa, lager volumes grew by 4% on an organic basis, cycling double-digit volume growth in the prior year, with most markets continuing to grow strongly.

Further afield, the company reported improved growth in its Latin America markets, with lager volumes up 6%, supported by the bulk pack introduced in 2011 and strong market execution during the peak period.

Third-quarter lager volumes in Europe were up 1% on an organic basis, with some beer markets impacted by depressed consumer confidence.

In Asia Pacific, lager volumes declined by 1% on an organic basis, largely as a result of subdued volumes in China, which declined by 3%, owing chiefly to a cold and wet winter across the country.

In India, volumes grew by 18% with continued strong growth across the portfolio.

Meanwhile, the group reported an improving trend in lager volumes in its Australian business, with sales for the quarter 4% below the prior year on a pro forma basis, excluding the impact of the termination of some licensed brands, compared with an 8% decline in the previous six months.