Rafael Oliveira, the newly appointed chief executive of Heineken, has emphasized the need to improve execution and accelerate performance to sustain the company’s growth. Oliveira assumed the role this year, succeeding Dolf van den Brink, who stepped down after six years at the helm, shortly after unveiling a new strategic direction for the global brewer.

In his first public remarks since taking office, Oliveira acknowledged the company’s solid foundation but noted that Heineken has yet to consistently convert these strengths into steady growth and stronger consumer and customer engagement. He highlighted plans to enhance accountability and build a more robust performance culture across the organization.

Heineken, the world’s second-largest brewer, manages a diverse portfolio that includes international brands such as Tiger, Sol, and Birra Moretti. Despite an anticipated global decline in alcohol consumption over the coming decade, the company reported better-than-expected results for the third quarter, with revenue and volume growth both exceeding 4 percent. These figures surpass analyst projections, which had anticipated organic volume growth of 2.9 percent and revenue growth of 3.5 percent.

The company attributed much of this performance to its Asian markets, particularly Vietnam and India, where sales volumes increased by 17.3 percent. Industry research firm IWSR forecasts that India’s alcoholic beverage market will continue expanding alongside its population growth, potentially becoming the largest drinks market worldwide after China.

Heineken also pointed to growing consumer interest in low- and no-alcohol products and premium beers as drivers of recent growth. In the United Kingdom, for example, as many as 44 percent of adults were reported to prefer low- or no-alcohol drinks in 2025, with young adults—once associated with heavy drinking—nearly doubling their preference for these options since 2018, according to the alcohol charity Drinkaware.

However, the company faces challenges ahead, particularly in the UK market, where the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which suppress appetite, may negatively impact alcohol consumption. In response, Heineken has encouraged venues to promote half-pint servings and pair drinks with small plates as part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing consumer habits.

Economic pressures have also affected the industry. Some European retailers removed Heineken products from shelves after planned price increases amid weak consumer demand in 2025, yet sales of premium product lines have helped underpin the company’s performance.

Despite the encouraging quarterly results, Oliveira acknowledged that the company must make significant improvements in execution. He has indicated that a more detailed strategic update will be provided when Heineken reports its full-year results in February. Following the earnings announcement, the company’s shares closed 1.6 percent higher at €78 on the Amsterdam stock exchange.