Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has forecasted 4% to 8% growth in core profit over the next four years, according to a recent investor update.
Speaking at an investor seminar, AB InBev’s new chief executive Michel Doukeris highlighted how the beer market had expanded over the past four years and was also predicted to expand its share of the alcohol market in the next four.
AB InBev’s EBITDA from 2010 to 2019 rose by an average 7.3%, but, according to reports, it dipped 2.4% in 2020 largely due to the pandemic.
The beer giant, known for brands such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, Camden Town and Corona is forecasting 10% to 12% growth for this year, but has held back and predicted its overall growth of 4% to 8% as achievable in the medium-term over the next four years to remain realistic.
According to Doukeris, who took the leadership role in July, AB InBev is well-positioned to take advantage of that growth via its premium beer portfolio as well as by promoting other drinks such as seltzers, wine and spirits as well as maximising e-commerce as more people look to buy products online.
The group also reportedly plans to further explore the protein and enzyme by-products of brewing that could be useful for plant-based variants – a move many may consider to be a future category for growth amidst the rise of veganism and health and eco-conscious consumer consumption choices.