Heineken profits rose 11 pct., CEO expects 2015 growth

Last year was a good year for Heineken. The group sold 2 percent more beer than in 2013 and profits increased by 11 percent to 1.5 billion euros. Heineken CEO Jean-Francois van Boxmeer expects that the turnover and profits will continue to rise this year, despite uncertainty in emerging markets. The beer giant sold 5.1 percent more of its main beer, Heineken, last year. The sales on Desperados, a tequila flavored beer available in 85 countries, increased by 19 percent. And the sales on Affligem, a Belgian beer sold in 31 countries, increased by 16 percent. The turnover on Heineken's apple cider remained stable. The sales increased in some countries, but this was offset by falling sales in South Africa. The company sold more beer in the first half of last year than in the second half. This was mainly due to the good weather and the World Cup.