Carlsberg reported robust growth in its soft drink and non-alcoholic beer segments during the first half of the year, even as demand for its traditional lagers continued to face pressure. Sales of soft drinks for the Danish company saw a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Concurrently, volumes of alcohol-free beer experienced an 11% rise, bolstered by strong performance in Western Europe.
These gains helped to counterbalance a 1% overall decline in beer volumes. The company noted challenging market conditions in Western Europe, where beer volumes fell by 3.9%. This downturn is partly attributed to a decrease in alcohol consumption among younger demographics.
Despite the mixed performance in its core beer categories, Carlsberg group chief executive Jacob Aarup-Andersen stated that the company delivered "solid top-line and earnings growth despite the uncertain environment."