KUALA LUMPUR (May 15): Heineken Malaysia Bhd (KL:HEIM), which reported lower first-quarter earnings on Tuesday amid a softer operating environment, expects to begin exporting products to Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) Pte Ltd in the third quarter of 2026.
In a bourse filing, the brewer said the export arrangement follows Asia Pacific Breweries’ transition to an import-based supply model, adding that the initiative is in line with its EverGreen 2030 strategy to optimise supply chain capacity, enhance economies of scale and improve operational efficiency.
For the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (1QFY2026), the group's net profit fell 14.5% to RM104.46 million from RM122.15 million a year earlier, while revenue declined 13% to RM664.21 million from RM763.63 million.
Heineken Malaysia said the weaker performance was mainly due to softer consumer sentiment, alongside a deliberate and proactive reduction in sales ex-brewery to better align inventory and operations with current market conditions.
Managing director Martijn van Keulen said the quarter reflected a more challenging operating environment following a strong 4QFY2025 performance.
“1QFY2026 performance reflects a more challenging operating environment, with softer consumer sentiment and geopolitical developments that influenced spending patterns. We continue to focus on a targeted consumer-led approach to strengthen our growth fundamentals while further improving productivity through revenue optimisation and structural cost efficiency,” he said.
He added that the group remains committed to its EverGreen 2030 strategy, including the rollout of its digital backbone transformation programme, which aims to standardise processes, improve automation and strengthen data-driven decision-making across the business. Deployment of the initiative remains on track for the fourth quarter.
On prospects, Van Keulen said market conditions are expected to remain challenging amid geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Middle East crisis, and subdued consumer sentiment.
“These conditions are expected to continue weighing on demand and cost pressures, underscoring the need for sharper focus and execution. Guided by our EverGreen 2030 strategy, we remain focused on disciplined and agile execution to strengthen fundamentals, step up productivity and build a more resilient, future-fit organisation,” he said.
Shares in Heineken Malaysia ended four sen or 0.2% higher on Tuesday at RM22.42, valuing the group at RM6.77 billion. Over the past one year, the stock has declined 19.2%.