Heineken Volumes Fall Less Than Forecast With Later Easter (2)

Heineken NV said volumes of beer fell less than expected, even as a late Easter dampened demand for its top-selling brands in Europe and the Americas.

Volumes at the world’s second-biggest brewer fell 2.1% during the first quarter, a smaller decline than analysts had expected, with shipments pushed back due to Easter coming later this year.

Heineken shares rose as much as 3% in early Amsterdam trading. The stock is up around 12% since the beginning of the year.

Volume declines in the Americas and Europe were partially offset by growth in the Asia-Pacific region and in Africa ...