AB InBev sales rise boost for grads - graduate jobs

Beer-loving football fans helped boost sales for AB InBev between April and June which could prove to be good news for graduates looking to enter the industry.

The brewing giant behind Stella Artois and Budweiser saw volumes rise 18.6% in the quarter and 11.4% over the first half, exceeding other European markets.

The company also benefited during the World Cup as Budweiser was the official beer of the tournament. AB InBev, which also produces Beck's, Bass and Boddingtons, saw volumes soar more than 70% compared to last year.

AB InBev also benefited from local World Cup sponsorship deals for several of its other brands including Brahma in Brazil, and Jupiler in Holland and Belgium. UK president Stuart Macfarlane said the UK had delivered "a fantastic result, even more so in this challenging environment" as better weather and a promotional campaign also increased demand.

The brewer launched Budweiser across Russia in May - the world's fourth largest beer market - and hopes to use the football tournament as a platform for moves into other markets. "The increased consumer interest and engagement with the Budweiser brand initiated by the World Cup provides an early indication of the brand's global potential," the firm added.

The strong UK showing contrasted with a more sluggish 2.6% rise in own-beer volumes across Western Europe during the second quarter due to much tougher conditions in German and Belgian markets.