By Andrew Starke
Lion Nathan has released impressive first quarter results and appears to be outperforming beer rivals, particularly those in the premium sector.
The combined business, Lion Nathan Australia (LNA), which is owned by Kirin Holdings, delivered revenue of $687.4 million for the three months to the end of December, 2009 – up 6.6 percent on the corresponding period in 2008.
“The investments LNA has made in its brands, breweries and people have created a strong and agile business,” said Lion Nathan National Foods CEO, Rob Murray.
LNA’s success appears grounded in the ongoing tendency for beer drinkers to ‘trade up’ to premium brands.
The company’s range of beers, which include Tooheys, Hahn and XXXX brands, increased revenue by 8 percent while volume grew by 2.9 percent.
“XXXX Gold, the second largest beer in Australia, continued its impressive growth,” said an LNA statement.
“Hahn Super Dry also had a particularly strong summer. New innovations XXXX Summer Bright Lager and Hahn Super Dry 3.5 performed ahead of expectations.”
The company said the Boags portfolio had benefited from a significant increase in marketing investment.
Industry data suggests that Lion Nathan’s share of the Australian beer market has risen to 40 percent while main rival Foster’s has fallen to just under 50 percent.