Lion ups market share and volumes in NZ despite falling beer consumption

Lion ups market share and volumes in NZ despite falling beer consumption
By Fiona Rotherham Aug. 6 (BusinessDesk) - Increased promotional activity has seen Lion gain market share and grow beer, wine and spirits volumes in New Zealand by 1.3 percent, despite intense competition and continued margin pressure. Lion, owned by Japanese drinks giant Kirin, reported an overall 7.5 percent drop in operating earnings in a trading update for the half year ending Mar. 31 as mainstream beer sales continue to decline. Total sales volumes in its beer, spirits and wine business fell 2.8 percent in Australia in line with the...