Beer volumes fell by almost 5% at Heineken in 2009, with the Dutch brewer predicting that beer consumption would continue to fall in the year ahead.

But price increases helped Heineken post a rise in pre-tax profits of more than 8% to just short of €2.1bn.

Total sales edged up from €14.32bn in 2008 to €14.7bn last year.

Chief executive Jean-François van Boxmeer said the company had “delivered an outstanding financial performance” despite “one of the most challenging trading environments ever witnessed in our industry”.

“Strong pricing delivered stable revenues that compensated for lower volumes,” he said. “Once again, the Heineken brand outperformed the total portfolio, proving its strategic value to our business.”

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