Danish beer brewer Carlsberg has experienced declining sales volumes for the first time in two years. Especially in China, where measures to prevent the spread of the virus were previously in place, sales fell. Carlsberg has greatly increased its presence in China in recent years and has a prominent presence in the country.

Carlsberg’s first quarter sales decreased organically by 7.4 percent to SEK 12.9 billion. In addition, the brewer warned that sales volumes in the current quarter will be even lower.

Under the leadership of Dutchman Cees’ t Hart, Carlsberg has been particularly budget-minded in recent years. The company would have liked to invest the costs it has saved in marketing initiatives. Asia in particular is an important growth market for the Danes.

Due to the corona crisis, the brewer is forced to cut spending again. Financial targets for this year have already been thrown overboard.