- The overall beer volume numbers from Heinken (HINKY) for 2013 weren't outstanding, but a late-year surge in demand in Africa was a bright spot with several big brewers betting heavy on the region.
- A positive read from IRI on January beer sales: Retailers reported a 6.75% increase in sales compared to a year ago for the four-week period ending January 26.
- Craft beer market share rose to 7.5% in 2013 after standing at 5.5% just two years ago. Many of the large global brewers are turning to new craft brewery acquisitions and craft products in order to stoke demand.
- Related stocks: Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD), Heineken (HINKY), Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP), SABMiller (OTCPK:SBMRY), Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM), Craft Brew Alliance (NASDAQ:BREW).