But worldwide volume rose 0.6% to 25.5 million hectoliters, thanks to strong growth in Europe and international, the company said. Global priority brand volume rose 2.4%. But sales in the U.S. and Canada were hurt by lower wholesaler inventories, contract brewing and brand volumes. Europe, on the other hand, was a bright spot.
Sales in the U.S were down 5.5% in the third quarter, the company said. U.S. domestic sales-to-retailers volume (STRs, trading-day-adjusted) declined 2.9% for the quarter, driven by lower volume in the Premium Light and Below Premium segments. Domestic sales-to-wholesalers volume (STWs) decreased 7.2%, partially driven by a reduction in distributor inventories and one less trading day this quarter.
Domestic net sales per hectoliter, which excludes contract brewing and company-owned-distributor sales, grew 1.2 percent as a result of higher net pricing, partially offset by negative sales mix.