SABMiller plc, the London-based parent company of Miller Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, today reported that its first-half profit increased 22 percent to $790 million from $650 million a year earlier.
The company's sales grew 33 percent to $9.34 billion.
However, the company's increased profits came amid a flat domestic market, as its sales for beer in the United States dropped 3.6 percent on a comparable basis. The company said its sales of its flagship product, Miller Lite, declined by a "low single-digit level." Miller's North American revenue slipped 1 percent to $2.63 billion.
Miller's sales growth is in Europe, where sales advanced 20 percent to $2.28 billion. The company's sales also are growing in poorer countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia.
In 2007, Miller plans to bring South American brands Cristal, Aguila and Cusquena to the U.S. market.
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