Core Insights - HEINEKEN inaugurated the Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre, a new €45 million Global Research and Development Centre in Zoeterwoude, Netherlands, aimed at enhancing brewing techniques and developing new beverages [1][7][11] - The Centre will focus on innovation in response to changing consumer preferences, including new flavors, natural ingredients, and low- or no-alcohol options [2][5] - The facility is strategically located near leading universities, fostering collaboration in sustainable brewing and fermentation science [6][8] Investment and Infrastructure - The Centre spans 8,800 m² and is designed to support HEINEKEN's global R&D network, which includes hubs in Mexico, South Africa, and Vietnam [11] - It will house around 100 employees from 12 nationalities, focusing on brewing innovation, flavor research, and sustainability [11] - The building meets BENG standards with an A++++ energy label, emphasizing HEINEKEN's commitment to sustainability [11] Strategic Goals - The Centre is part of HEINEKEN's EverGreen Strategy, aimed at innovating faster and smarter while reducing environmental impact [5] - It aims to connect HEINEKEN's brewing legacy with modern science, ensuring the development of products that resonate with future drinking cultures [5][7] - The investment reinforces the Netherlands' position in the global food technology sector and contributes to the knowledge economy through partnerships with universities [8]

Core Insights - Heineken Holding N.V. reported its first quarter performance for 2025, indicating that results were as anticipated and the full-year outlook remains unchanged [2][10] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first quarter was €7.8 billion, with net revenue (beia) showing an organic increase of 0.9% and net revenue (beia) per hectolitre up by 3.3% [4][10] - Total consolidated volume decreased by 2.4%, while the price-mix on a constant geographic basis increased by 4.1% due to pricing strategies to counter inflation and premiumisation [4][10] - Currency translation negatively impacted net revenue (beia) by €345 million, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro against currencies like the Mexican Peso and Brazilian Real [5][10] Volume and Market Share - Beer volume decreased organically by 2.1%, attributed to calendar timing effects, including a later Easter and the earlier timing of Tết [8][10] - Despite the overall volume decline, Heineken is gaining or holding market share in more than half of its markets year-to-date [8] Premium Segment Performance - Premium beer volume increased organically by 1.8%, outperforming the total beer portfolio, with significant growth in markets such as Vietnam, India, and Nigeria [11][12] - Heineken® brand volume grew by 4.6%, with double-digit growth in 25 markets, including Vietnam and China [12][13] Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company anticipates ongoing macroeconomic volatility, including global inflationary pressures and currency devaluations, but maintains its full-year expectations of 4% to 8% organic growth in operating profit (beia) [14][16] - Heineken is focusing on capital allocation and productivity initiatives to navigate the fluctuating environment while continuing to invest in growth opportunities [15][16] Share Buyback Program - Heineken has initiated a two-year share buyback program for a total of €750 million, with the first tranche of €375 million expected to be completed by January 2026 [17][18]