The Netherlands: Heineken has posted a 9.2% increase in full-year profits to €1.58bn, ahead of expectations. Sales rose 3.6% to €17.1bn during the year. However, it warned that input costs would increase by 6% in 2012 due to rising malted barley prices. “The company expects to mitigate this impact through the implementation of planned revenue growth, as well as ongoing efficiency programmes,” said chairman and CEO Jean-Francois van Boxmeer.

India: Coca-Cola has reduced the price of its popular 200ml returnable glass bottle to Rs8 across the whole of India. The format is mostly sold in rural and semi-rural areas and had been either Rs9 or Rs10. Experts said the move was to help Coca-Cola gain market share. India is one of the few countries in the world where it is behind arch-rival Pepsi.

France: Sales soared 13.6% at Danone last year thanks to new brands such as Prostokvashino in Russia, Oikos in the US and Mizone in Asia. Emerging markets also accounted for more than half of Danone’s sales for the first time. “We anticipate no improvement in the economic environment or in consumer spending in 2012,” added chairman Franck Riboud.

Greece: Full-year profits have slumped 27% to €330m at bottler Coca-Cola Hellenic due to “the continuing adverse impact of commodity costs and persisting economic challenges across most of our territories”. Sales volumes rose 2% in developing markets during the year, but declined 3% in established markets. CEO Dimitris Lois also warned 2012 would be “another year of significant input cost pressures”.

Australia: Woolworths is claiming to be the first supermarket in Australia to launch an app allowing its customers to shop via their mobile phone. The Woolworths App was originally launched in August last year but has now been updated to enable shoppers to purchase goods. “Customers want options about how and when they do their fresh food and grocery shopping,” said director of supermarkets Tjeerd Jegen.

China: Brasil Foods has formed a joint venture in China with Dah Chong Hong to expand distribution in the country. The Brazilian food manufacturer said the joint venture would allow it to develop its Sadia brand in China as well as to reach retail and foodservice in China, Hong Kong and Macau. Brasil Foods will focus on production, technical support and marketing of the products to be sold by the joint venture. DCH will concentrate on supply chain and distribution operations, processing and packaging services.