Nigerian Breweries Leads Q1 2026 Profit Growth at N87bn

In the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria's listed beverage manufacturers, including Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc, reported a combined profit after tax of N86.95bn, up from N81.84bn in the same period of 2025, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase. This growth occurred despite ongoing economic challenges, including rising living costs and inflation, which stood at 15.38% in March 2026.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of Heineken, was the largest contributor with a profit after tax of N55.95bn, a 25.6% increase from N44.55bn in Q1 2025. Guinness Nigeria Plc also showed significant growth, while International Breweries Plc experienced a decline in profit after tax due to increased tax expenses.

The results reflect the brewing sector's resilience amid changing consumer behavior and cost pressures.