The parent company of Haacht Brewery, Co.Br.Ha, has reported a loss of €2.2 million for the first half of the year, doubling its losses compared to the same period last year.
Beer and soft drink sales at the Boortmeerbeek-based brewery have continued to decline. In the first half of the year, the volume of beverages sold dropped by 8.9%. Revenue also fell by 4.6% to €57.9 million.
The introduction of a new software programme and delivery issues have exacerbated the challenges.
Cost-cutting measures have been implemented, but these efforts have not been enough to offset the volume losses. The outlook remains bleak, with Co.Br.Ha predicting a further market decline in the second half of the year. However, the company hopes that new business initiatives will positively impact volumes while keeping costs under control.
"We remain focused on strengthening our market penetration, increasing sales of our non-alcoholic beers, and expanding internationally," the company stated, without providing further forecasts for the annual results.
