Brandhouse's first-half beer sales rise 18%

Gerald Mahinda, managing director of Brandhouse, said sales volumes grew 18% in the six months to the end of February, compared with the comparable period to February 2010.

Over the same period, the total South African beer market rose more than 7%.

"These figures reflect Nilsen Off-Con sales, which equates to approximately 65% of the total beer market, and reflect consumer sales instead of industry ex-factory sales," Brandhouse said.

Brandhouse said its share of the spirits market had also grown considerably.

The brewer, which owns Johnnie Walker, attributed the growth to its whiskey brands.