Heineken Ireland has reported sales up 1.6% to €305m, as the Irish beer market continues to show decline.
The brewery's market share increased to 19% from 18.6% for the year to December 2003, with an increase in both pub trade and off trade.
Announcing annual results today, managing director Nico Vervelde said that the Irish beer market showed an overall decrease but off license sales were up.
'The drinks industry is now worth €5.2 billion, with beer taking €3.1 billion', he said. 'However, the beer market is showing a decline of 6%. For 2003 the on-trade experienced a decline of 8.9% with the off trade segment growing by 13%', he added.
Heineken lager, the Brewery's flagship brand, retained its role as market leader with a 38% share of the draught market.
In the stout sector, Murphy's sales fell 8%, though sales were steady in the Munster and Cork markets, were it maintained its 31% share of the stout market for 2003.
Coors Light saw sales grow 32% on the year and now holds a 16% share in the bottled beer pub sales.
Vervelde said that while the industry as a whole welcomed the decision in the last Budget not to increase excise duties on alcohol , he warned that 'the industry is facing another tough year ahead'.
