AB InBev, one of the world’s largest brewers, faced a significant setback in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2023, as the country grappled with a severe currency crisis. The impact of Nigeria’s economic challenges was evident as AB InBev witnessed a staggering 20% drop in beer volume sales, highlighting the influence of the crisis on consumer behaviour and corporate bottom lines.

The decline in sales was not limited to Nigeria alone. Several other major African markets also experienced a decline in sales for Anheuser-Busch InBev. The situation echoed the currency shortages reported by other Nigerian operators such as MTN and Nampak.

“Industry performance was impacted by a temporary lack of local currency limiting the ability of consumers to purchase goods,” stated AB InBev, acknowledging the challenges faced by the company and its industry peers in Nigeria.

However, amidst the downturn in Nigeria, there was positive news for Anheuser-Busch InBev in South Africa. During the first quarter of 2023, South Africans seemed to have turned to beer as a way to cope with their problems, leading to record volumes for the global brewing giant.

AB InBev attributed the success in South Africa to a 20% revenue growth in the sales of its flagship beer brand, Carling Black Label. This, combined with higher prices, contributed to the overall revenue growth of the group, which reached 13.2%, totaling $14.2 billion (about R260 billion) by the end of March.

“Our performance was led by Carling Black Label, the number one beer brand in the country, which delivered over 20% revenue growth,” explained AB InBev in a recent statement. “Our premium, super premium, and beyond beer portfolios all delivered double-digit increases in revenue.”

The South African market, along with the increasing volumes of beer brands Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Corona consumed by beer drinkers worldwide, played a significant role in AB InBev’s positive financial results. The company reported a profit of $1.3 billion during the quarter ended March 2023, up from $1.2 billion in the previous quarter.

Despite the challenges faced in Nigeria due to the currency crisis, AB InBev’s strong performance in South Africa and other markets indicates its ability to adapt and navigate through economic uncertainties. The company’s diverse portfolio and strategic focus on key brands have contributed to its resilience in the face of changing market dynamics.