Carlsberg sees strong growth

Carlsberg upgraded its full-year profits forecast yesterday, helped in particular by strong demand in Asia and better-than-expected consumption of its brands in Russia.

The Danish brewing giant, which part owns Scottish & Newcastle, said it expected net profits to grow by 40 per cent this year, double the company's previous forecasts.

Carlsberg said that the football World Cup had helped to drive sales in the UK. Its half-year operating profit increased by 12 per cent to £550m.

It said its beer volumes had dropped in Russia because of higher taxes but that the decline was lower than expected.