KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 14): Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd (KL:CARLSBG) said the Middle East conflict has caused some impact on its value chain but the situation remains manageable as supply routes have been shifted away from West Asia, according to chief financial officer Anthony Yong.
"The impact of the Middle East conflict on the company is present but manageable," Yong said.
According to Yong, the company sources both packing materials and raw materials from multiple countries, including China and Europe.
Asked about raising average selling prices in the near term, Yong told The Edge on the sidelines of the company's media briefing that “the last thing we want to do” is hike prices, as the group is focused on managing its cost base. He cautioned that any increase could risk a drop in sales volume.
He also did not disclose specific figures on recent sales or production volumes. The group’s last price hike was implemented in September 2025.
Carlsberg Malaysia managing director Stefano Clini noted that the group continues to monitor external developments closely, including potential supply chain risks arising from Middle East tensions while staying focused on disciplined value management, cost optimisation and prudent resource allocation.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026 (6MFY2026), Carlsberg Malaysia’s net profit was up 3.1% to RM181.86 million from RM176.45 million a year ago, as revenue increased 5.9% to RM1.22 billion from RM1.15 billion a year earlier.
Clini is also cautious about sustaining momentum into the second half of the year, warning that beer sales volumes may soften compared with the first half.
“We already see the consumer sentiment is a little bit shaky,” he said.
Clini said consumers had taken advantage of earlier promotions and discounts, leading to higher purchases and early stock-ups in the first half of the year.
He added that higher product prices are now fully reflected in the market, following last year’s excise duty increase and fewer promotional activities.
However, the duration of the impact remains uncertain and could last for several months or longer, depending on consumer sentiment and market conditions.