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Heineken N.V.
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Heineken N.V.
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Annual Report 2017

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Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

In this year’s report

01

Introduction 

We are HEINEKEN 

02–40

Report of the Executive Board

Chief Executive’s Statement 

Strong performance and progress 

Key figures 

Our impact on society:  
From Barley to Bar 

Executive Team 

Our business priorities 

Deliver top line growth 

Drive end2end performance 

Brew a Better World 

Engage and develop our people 

Regional Review 

Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe 

Americas 

Asia Pacific 

Europe 

Risk Management 

Financial Review 

Corporate Governance Statement 

41–56

Report of the Supervisory Board

01

To the Shareholders 

Remuneration Report 

57–132

Financial Statements

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements 

Heineken N.V. Balance Sheet 

Heineken N.V. Income Statement 

Notes to the Heineken N.V.  
Financial Statements 

02

04

05

06

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

26

31

41

48

57

58

59

60

62

64

122

123

124

133–154

Sustainability Review

Brewing a Better World:  
our sustainability performance 

Focus on areas where  
we can make a difference 

‘Every drop’: protecting water resources 

‘Drop the C’: reducing CO2 emissions 

Sourcing sustainably 

Advocating responsible consumption 

Promoting health and safety 

Growing with communities 

Values and behaviours 

Reporting basis and governance  
of non-financial indicators 

155–170

Other Information

Appropriation of Profit 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Assurance Report of the  
Independent Auditor 

Shareholder Information 

Bondholder Information 

Historical Summary 

Glossary 

Disclaimer 

Reference Information 

133

134

136

138

140

142

144

145

146

148

155

156

160

162

166

167

169

170

170

Further information online at:  
theHEINEKENcompany.com

 – Download the Annual Report

 – Find out about HEINEKEN’s history

 – Explore our countries and brands

 – Read more about our sustainability journey

  Follow us on Twitter for news and updates:  
@HEINEKENCorp

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

01

We are HEINEKEN

We build true human connections and break down 
barriers, because we believe great moments of shared 
experiences are the best in life.

We are inspired by consumers to brew the best beers 
and extend that same passion to all of our brands, 
products and activities.

We are proud of our family history and Dutch heritage 
and derive from them our entrepreneurial spirit that  
takes us to every corner of the world.

We are brand builders. The Heineken® brand defines 
and unites us while our many local, regional and global 
brands make our portfolio diverse and unique.

People are at the heart of our company. We see our 
strength in trust, diversity and progress.

We stand by our values: passion for quality, enjoyment 
of life, respect for people and for the planet.

We always advocate responsible consumption. We are 
committed to our communities and strive to consistently 
improve the impact we make on the planet.

We work with our customers and partners to grow 
together and seek to win with integrity and fairness.

And we are convinced that by staying true to these 
commitments, we create value for our shareholders.

We are HEINEKEN.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

02

Chief Executive’s Statement

HEINEKEN delivered a strong performance in 2017, in spite of continued challenges in the 
external environment, including geopolitical instability and volatile currencies. All of our regions 
contributed to organic volume, revenue and profit growth. 

We have a broad, balanced geographic footprint which provides stability from mature markets 
paired with faster growth from emerging economies. 

During 2017, we significantly expanded our operations in Ethiopia, Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam 
and Haiti, and we opened our first brewery in Ivory Coast.

The acquisition of Brasil Kirin makes us the second largest beer company in Brazil and better 
equips us to capture future profitable growth in this exciting beer market. Another key 
investment during 2017 was our acquisition of approximately 1,900 pubs from Punch Taverns, 
making us the owners of the third largest pubs business in the UK. 

The Heineken® brand continued to benefit from its position as a progressive and innovative 
leader in the premium segment, delivering its strongest performance in recent years. As the 
premium segment continues to outpace the overall beer market, the brand power of Heineken® 
is more important than ever. The launch of our latest innovation, Heineken® 0.0, has been very 
promising, in tune with an increasing emphasis on health and wellbeing that is driving changes 
in consumer behaviour worldwide. 

Our international brands portfolio volume growth, outperformed our total beer portfolio 
growth for the third consecutive year. Our local brands are more relevant than ever as local 
identity and provenance increasingly matters in many markets. These brands also provide 
scale and route-to-market power to build our premium portfolio and new categories.

The craft & variety segment continues to be very dynamic and is a priority area for future 
growth. In May 2017, we acquired the remaining stake in Lagunitas (having entered a 
50/50 partnership in 2015), allowing us to accelerate the roll-out of the brand to many more 
markets around the world. Our other international craft brands, Affligem and Mort Subite, 
are performing strongly; and we are successful with our crafty line extensions for brands such 
as Birra Moretti, Brand and Żywiec. 

Heineken® 0.0, as well as our other low- and no-alcohol offerings, represent an opportunity  
to access our existing base of loyal consumers who would prefer an alcohol-free drink at  
times, as well as new consumers who wouldn’t otherwise drink an alcoholic beer. In 2017  
we sold almost 13 million hectolitres of our low- and no-alcohol products and we see growth 
opportunities in this category. 

We continue to make inroads in the cider category, which allows us to reach new consumer 
groups. One in four alcohol drinkers does not drink beer. Cider can provide a great alternative. 
From our position as the world’s leading cider producer, we have a unique ability to help 
consumers in new markets to develop an understanding of cider – what it is, when to drink  
it and the heritage and authenticity that the category represents. The potential of this  
global opportunity is highlighted by the double digit volume growth of our cider portfolio 
delivered outside the UK during 2017. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

03

During the year, HEINEKEN launched new e-commerce initiatives, both Business-to-Business 
and Business-to-Consumer platforms, such as Beerwulf, which is our new craft & variety online 
business channel for consumers. We also continued to introduce innovations. In 2017, for 
instance, we launched The Blade, a countertop draught system with 8 litre kegs that can be 
ordered online by the trade. 

We have a clear strategy which is aligned with our commitment to long-term value creation, 
with four priorities for action: deliver top line growth, drive end2end performance, Brew a Better 
World, and engage and develop our people. You can read more about each of these priorities in 
more detail later in the report. 

We are making good progress with our 2020 Brew a Better World commitments. 
Climate change is a major societal and environmental threat. We have the responsibility 
to reduce our usage of fossil fuels and to reduce our CO2 emissions, playing our part in the 
commitments set by the COP21 Paris Agreement. We are setting a new ambition for 2030 to 
reduce our carbon emissions through a programme called ‘Drop the C’. Our new commitments 
will cover not just production, logistics and cooling, but also for the first time packaging as an 
important component of our carbon footprint. Our aim is to drive an authentic transformation 
to renewable energy, deliberately excluding the possibility to achieve targets through purchasing 
unbundled certificates. The name ‘Drop the C’ is inspired by the idea that taking the C out of 
CO2 leaves Oxygen. The play on words is also about ensuring sea levels do not continue to rise.

We strongly believe that by fully integrating sustainability into the way we do business, we are  
best placed to make a meaningful impact on the world around us. As with last year, for that  
very reason, this is a joint financial and sustainability report.

Looking ahead to 2018, we are committed to long-term value creation and will continue to 
strive for superior top line growth whilst working on improving our operating profit margin. 
For 2018, excluding major unforeseen macro economic and political developments, we expect 
to deliver an operating profit margin expansion of around 25bps. This includes a residual dilutive 
effect on margins from the acquisition of Brasil Kirin and excludes the one-time benefit of IFRS 
15 implementation.

With a rigorous focus on our strategic priorities, and with the engagement and energy of all 
of us working at HEINEKEN, I am looking forward to 2018 being another year of progress for 
our business.

Jean-François van Boxmeer
Chairman of the Executive Board/CEO

Amsterdam, 9 February 2018

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

04

Strong performance 
and progress

We delivered strong top-line and bottom-line performance in 2017 
reflecting volume, revenue and profit organic growth across all regions.

Financial and operational highlights

Further information on our financial performance: 
Pages 26–30

Consolidated beer volume 
(in millions of hectolitres)

218.0mhl

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

Revenue (beia)
(in millions of €)

¤21,908m

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

Operating profit (beia) margin
(in percentages)

17.2%

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

Heineken® volume1
(in millions of hectolitres)

36.0mhl

218.0

200.1

188.3

181.3
178.3

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

Operating profit (beia) 
(in millions of €)

¤3,759m

21,908

20,792
20,511

19,257
19,203

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

Net profit (beia) 
(in millions of €)

¤2,247m

36.0

34.4

33.2

32.1

30.6

3,759

3,540

3,381

3,129

2,941

17.2
17.0

16.5
16.2

15.3

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

2,247

2,098

2,048

1,758

1,585

1 Heineken® volume is now total volume including the Netherlands.

Sustainability highlights

Further information on our sustainability performance: 
Pages 133–154

Water consumption

Carbon emissions 

Sourcing locally 

Responsible consumption 

29%

Decrease in water consumption 
(hl/hl) in our breweries since 2008

41%

Decrease in carbon emissions  
(kg CO2-eq/hl) from production 
since 2008

42%

of our agricultural raw materials 
used in Africa and the Middle East 
sourced locally

10%

of total Heineken® media spend 
was dedicated to responsible 
consumption campaigns, in 71%1 
of operating companies in scope
1 Estimate.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

05

Key figures1

Consolidated results
In millions of € 

Revenue

Revenue (beia)

Operating profit

Operating profit (beia)

Net profit

Net profit (beia)

EBITDA

EBITDA (beia)

Dividend (proposed)

Free operating cash flow

Balance sheet
In millions of €

Total assets

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Net debt position

Market capitalisation

Per share
Weighted average number of shares – basic

Net profit

Net profit (beia)

Dividend (proposed)

Free operating cash flow

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Share price

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

Net profit (beia) – diluted

Employees
Average number of employees (FTE)

Ratios
Operating profit (beia) as a % of revenue

Net profit as % of average equity attributable to equity
holders of the Company

Net debt/EBITDA (beia)

Dividend % payout

Cash conversion rate

2017

21,888

21,908

3,352

3,759

1,935

2,247

4,949

5,115

838

2,031

41,034

13,321

12,879

49,607

2016

20,792

20,792

2,755

3,540

1,540

2,098

4,722

4,901

763

1,773

39,321

13,238

11,293

40,645

570,074,335

569,737,210

3.39

3.94

1.47

3.56

23.37

86.93

2.70

3.68

1.34

3.11

23.24

71.26

570,652,111

570,370,392

3.94

3.68

Change in %

5.3%

5.4%

21.7%

6.2%

25.6%

7.1%

4.8%

4.4%

9.8%

14.6%

4.4%

0.6%

14.0%

22.0%

0.1%

25.6%

7.1%

9.7%

14.5%

0.6%

22.0%

–%

7.0%

80,425

73,525

9.4%

17.2%

14.6%

2.5

37.3%

81.1%

17.0%

11.5%

2.3

36.4%

75.0%

14 bps

27.0%

9.6%

2.4%

8.0%

1  (beia) is before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets. Please refer to the Glossary section for an explanation  
of non-GAAP measures and other terms used throughout this report.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

06

Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

07

Our impact on society:  
From Barley to Bar

Our ambition is to Brew a Better World across the entire value chain, from Barley to Bar.  
This shapes our contribution to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals which  
aim to end global poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity.

UN Sustainable  
Development Goals

 3
Brewing
Brewing beer and making cider 
is a craft. We operate more 
than 170 breweries, malteries, 
cider plants and other 
production facilities around 
the world.

We focus on increasing energy 
and water efficiency in our 
production processes, and 
switching to renewable energy 
sources. In absolute terms, we 
have reduced CO2 emissions by 7% 
since 2008, despite having grown 
our business volumes by 57%. 
For production we have set new 
targets for 2030: growing our share 
of renewable energy from 14% in 
2017 to 70% by 2030. We want 
to enable the transition to the 
circular economy. By-products 
such as spent grains are used for 
cattle feed, and packaging waste 
is recycled into new products. 
We aim for zero waste to landfill 
and 97 of our production facilities 
are already there.

In this way, we support SDG

 2
Agriculture
Our beer and cider are made 
from natural ingredients, 
which we source with care. 

More of our raw materials – 
such as barley, hops and bitter 
sweet apples – now come from 
sustainable sources, and we aim to 
reach 50% by 2020. We work with 
farmers and partners to improve 
crop yields and quality. In Africa, 
in addition to barley, we source 
other locally3 grown ingredients 
including sorghum and rice for 
use in our beer. This empowers 
communities and improves 
livelihoods for over 150,000 
smallholder farmers. Our Supplier 
Code sets clear standards of 
responsibility for our suppliers.

In this way, we support SDG

 1
Employees
Our journey begins and ends 
with over 80,000 employees1 
in more than 70 countries. 

With 64 nationalities represented 
among our senior management, 
cultural diversity is HEINEKEN’s 
strong point. We aim to provide 
equal opportunities for all and 
are focused on increasing female 
representation at senior levels, 
which grew by 2 percentage  
points to 19%. Our Code of 
Business Conduct guides our 
employees both inside the 
Company and in their interactions 
with external stakeholders. 
By end of 2017, more than 75,000 
employees had completed our 
Code of Business Conduct training 
and anti-bribery training modules 
were completed almost 19,350 
times. The response rate of our 
2017 HEINEKEN Climate survey 
was 91%. Both participation 
and employee engagement 
scores grew again, reflecting 
consistently higher scores than 
the external benchmark2. 

In this way, we support SDG

1 Full-time equivalent (FTE). 
2  IBM external norm.
3  More than 80% of local raw materials are sourced 
domestically, with the remainder coming from other 
markets within the region.

 4
Packaging
HEINEKEN drinks come 
in bottles, cans and kegs, 
all of which have an impact 
on the environment. 

We have a strong focus on 
packaging because it is an 
area where we still have a 
lot to get done: optimising 
production, changing design 
and increasing our recycling 
and re-use rates. We are in 
conversation with our packaging 
suppliers to reduce the amount 
of energy used in producing our 
packaging materials.

In this way, we support SDG

 6
Communities
From the farmers we source 
from to the people living 
around our breweries, we 
depend on stable local 
communities and we help 
them prosper.

Our biggest influence is through our 
core business: in 2017, HEINEKEN 
contributed almost €11 billion in 
taxes4 and provided over 80,000 
direct jobs. The HEINEKEN 
Africa Foundation supports 
projects that improve health for 
people living in communities 
near the breweries. Since it was 
established, the Foundation 
has committed €9.2 million 
to 104 projects, of which 41 
projects were still running in 2017. 
Around the world our operating 
companies donated €24 million 
to community projects addressing 
areas like ecosystem conservation, 
culture and education.

In this way, we support SDG

 5
Distribution
The majority of our products 
are produced in the countries 
where they are consumed, 
which limits the environmental 
impacts of transport. 

But we continue to carefully 
manage our movement of 
supplies and products. We are 
on track to reduce our emissions 
from distribution in Europe and 
the Americas. The safety of our 
employees and contractors is, 
and always will be, a key priority.

In this way, we support SDG

 8
Consumers
Every day, millions of 
consumers choose to enjoy one 
of our more than 300 brands. 

We provide choice through our 
premium portfolio approach. 
Innovations, especially in the low- 
and no-alcohol categories, are 
meeting evolving consumer tastes. 
We used our global partnership 
with Formula 1® to launch a major 
new campaign, ‘When You Drive, 
Never Drink’. The majority of our 
operating companies invested 
more than 10% of their media 
spend for Heineken® in activities 
related to responsible drinking 
campaigns and our target is for 
all markets around the world. 
44 of our operating companies 
have local partnerships in place 
to address alcohol-related harm.

In this way, we support SDG

 7
Customers
Our brands are purchased and 
consumed in bars, restaurants 
and via retailers around the 
world. Because our products 
are best served cooled, 
reducing emissions from 
refrigeration is a high priority. 

In 2017, we invested in almost 
138,000 green fridges to help 
customers reduce emissions. 
Our draught system innovations 
are reducing water, energy and 
waste when our drinks are sold. 
We believe our products should 
only be sold to consumers of legal 
drinking age and we encourage 
our customers to promote 
responsible consumption and 
reduce harmful drinking.

In this way, we support SDG

4 Including excise.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

08

Executive Team

The Executive Team consists of the two members of the Executive 
Board, the four regional presidents and four Chief Officers.  
Its members are accountable for the global agendas of their 
functions, working closely with our operating companies.

1

3

5

7

9

Jean-François  
van Boxmeer 
Chairman Executive Board 
and CEO

2

Laurence Debroux 
Member Executive Board 
and CFO

Further information online at: 
theHEINEKENcompany.com

Marc Busain 
President Americas

Stefan Orlowski 
President Europe

4

6

Roland Pirmez 
President Africa Middle 
East and Eastern Europe

Chris Van Steenbergen 
Chief Human 
Resources Officer

Frans Eusman 
President Asia Pacific

Jan Derck 
van Karnebeek 
Chief Commercial Officer

8

Marc Gross 
Chief Supply Chain Officer

10
Blanca Juti 
Chief Corporate 
Affairs Officer

Executive Board and Executive Team member 

Executive team member

4

5

6

7

8

9

3

2

1

10

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

09

Our business priorities

Committed to long-term 
value creation

The HEINEKEN strategy is built around four business priorities for action. They are  
designed to enable the Company to win in the marketplace, focus on the long-term  
sustainability of our business and continue to delivering growth and shareholder value.

Engage  
and develop 
our people 

Further information: 
Page 13

Deliver top 
line growth 

Further information: 
Page 10

Our four 
business 
priorities

Brew a  
Better World 

Further information: 
Page 12

Drive  
end2end  
performance 

Further information: 
Page 11

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

10

Our business priorities (continued)

Deliver top line growth

In 2017, we made good progress in building and leading the 
premium segment, led by Heineken® and supported by our portfolio 
of international and local brands, alongside our focus on  
craft & variety, low- and no-alcohol and cider category growth.

Our strategy is to lead the premium segment 
in beer and cider across the world and leverage 
the brand power of Heineken®, supported by a 
strong portfolio of international premium and 
local brands. As beer remains a local business, 
our goal is to be the number one, or a strong 
number two, in the markets where we compete 
with a full brand portfolio. We will also continue 
our focus on growing and leading the craft & 
variety, low- and no-alcohol and cider categories, 
which is becoming more important as we drive 
additional customer penetration and target 
more households.

In 2017, Heineken® volumes grew 4.5% showing 
one of its strongest performances in recent years.

Our international brands portfolio continued to be  
a strong driver of volume and premium revenue 
growth. The portfolio represents all corners of the 
globe and includes Amstel (which is now available 
in over 100 markets), Desperados, Sol, Tiger, Tecate, 
Red Stripe, Krušovice and Birra Moretti.

The rise of the craft & variety segment continues to 
gain momentum as more people want to explore the 
taste of beer. Craft & variety is an important emerging 
category within HEINEKEN that complements the 
growing international premium beer segment. 

We continue to innovate with products including non-
alcoholic beer, low-alcoholic beer, Radlers, nourishing dark 
malts and refreshing light malts. We launched Heineken® 
0.0 during the Formula 1® Grand Prix in Barcelona 
and it is now available in 16 markets – a clear sign of 
commitment to the category. Our low- and no-alcohol 
portfolio showed consistent double digit volume 
growth in Europe. 

We are capturing the cider opportunity and growing 
the category. Our cider brand portfolio expanded to 
over 50 markets. Consumer trends play well to the 
strength of cider, with its unisex appeal, naturalness, 
authenticity, range of different flavours and sweeter 
taste. We continued to shape the cider portfolio led by 
Strongbow Apple Ciders, as well as Orchard Thieves, Blind 
Pig, Old Mout, Stassen and Bulmers. Consolidated cider 
volume increased low single digit to reach 4.9 million 
hectolitres (2016: 4.8 million hectolitres). 

E-commerce and innovations continued to be important 
for us. In 2017, we launched Beerwulf which is our new 
craft & variety online business channel for consumers. 
We also introduced The Blade, a countertop draught 
system with 8 litre kegs that can be ordered online 
for bars or smaller restaurants that traditionally only 
sell bottles.

 Heineken®

With a presence in more than 
190 markets, Heineken® is the world’s 
most international beer brand.

 Craft & variety

Consumers around the world are 
seeking more choice and taste variety, 
and it is important we have the right 
brands available as consumers navigate 
through a greater assortment of beer 
styles. We have an attractive portfolio 
of local craft line extensions such as 
Brand IPA and Birra Moretti Regionale, 
international craft brands that can 
travel – Lagunitas, Affligem and Mort 
Subite and selectively acquired local craft 
breweries, for example HIBU in Italy and 
Tuatara in New Zealand.

 Global cider portfolio

We are the world’s biggest cider producer. 
Around the world, a growing number of 
consumers are discovering the appeal 
of cider. HEINEKEN is shaping the cider 
category with our portfolio of global and 
local cider brands.

 International brands
Our international brands portfolio 
strengthens our presence in the premium 
segment by tapping into consumer 
appetite for diversity, unique stories, 
purpose, and new brand experiences. 
In 2017, for instance we created the world’s 
first electronic orchestra in hot air balloons 
with Desperados SkyFest.

 Low- and no-alcohol

Our low- and no-alcohol category is 
benefiting from consumer trends towards 
alcohol moderation, naturalness and 
health consciousness. We have a growing 
portfolio in the category made up of 
distinct products. Our latest innovation 
in this category is Heineken® 0.0.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

11

Heineken N.V.  Annual Report 2017

Our business priorities (continued)

Drive end2end performance

HEINEKEN is leveraging the global scale of its operations to 
deliver increased efficiencies across the business. Driving end2end 
performance will fuel future growth and increase our margins.

 Integration of Brasil Kirin 

into HEINEKEN Brazil
By using an end2end approach for the 
integration of Brasil Kirin, procurement, 
production and logistics played 
an instrumental role in identifying 
the synergies and optimising the 
supplier networks, contributing to 
a successful integration.

Our end2end perspective starts with our 
consumers and customers and focuses on 
reducing non-value adding costs. Our strategy 
encompasses disciplined management of capital 
expenditure and working capital and a drive for 
functional efficiency. This means simplifying 
processes and eliminating duplication. As a 
global business we need to continue to realise 
the full benefit of our scale.

In 2017, we continued to invest in key developing 
markets. We added capacity in Ivory Coast and 
Vietnam and we started construction to extend our 
Kilinto brewery in Ethiopia. We are on schedule to 
open our brand new Meoqui brewery in Mexico in 
early 2018. We also laid the foundation stone of our 
first HEINEKEN brewery in Mozambique. The first 
bottle of beer is expected to come off the production 
line in the first half of 2019.

In procurement, we continue to leverage HEINEKEN’s 
global scale with fewer, more strategic suppliers, 
supporting both top and bottom line growth. 
With this strategy, we have continued to reduce our 
cost base as well as leveraging our supplier financing 
tools and delivering cash benefits.

Applying continuous improvement to our New 
Product Implementation (NPI) process allows us 
to introduce more new products faster and more 
efficiently. Our Sales and Operational Planning Process 
capabilities are instrumental for matching supply 
versus demand and anticipating increasing market 
volatility. Through our Commercial Spend Productivity 
(CSP) initiative, we continued to focus on investing 
our commercial resources in the most efficient and 
effective way.

We made good progress on our BASE programme, 
which enables HEINEKEN to become more agile and 
efficient by standardising core business processes 
in Finance, Procurement, Production, Logistics and 
Sales supported by Enterprise Resource Planning 
(ERP) systems. Over the coming three years we plan 
to deploy BASE in various regions and territories: Asia 
Pacific, Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe and 
the Caribbean.

Taken together, these efforts to improve our 
productivity contribute to increase our margins 
and fuel future growth.

 Global supply chain

64% of our beverage production sites 
reduced energy consumption and 63% 
reduced water consumption in 2017.

 HEINEKEN Financial Shared 

Services centre (HFSS)
In 2017, we continued to work end2end 
to achieve process improvements and 
seamless operations between HFSS and 
the countries.

 Media waves project
By aligning the commercial and 
procurement agendas, we have 
supported our Win with Brands strategy 
through the consolidation of the media 
spend into two global competitive 
partners. This allows us to build a 
sustainable relationship with our media 
partners whilst maximising our reach to 
the global consumers.

Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

12

Our business priorities (continued)

Brew a Better World

We believe that sustainability can help drive business success, and that 
business can be a positive force for change. To achieve this we embed 
sustainability within our business strategy and priorities.

We have made good progress towards achieving 
our 2020 commitments but we need to do more 
in some areas.

We are setting our sights beyond 2020 as we 
begin to raise our ambitions for the future. Our new 
transformational programme ‘Drop the C’ will significantly 
reduce carbon emissions from across the business. It is 
a challenging plan with ambitious targets for 2030 
that will require open collaboration and game-changing 
innovation from players covering the entire value chain. 
In 2018 we will start a similar exercise for our water 
ambitions beyond 2020, called ‘Every Drop’. 

We increased our efforts to make responsible 
consumption cool – extending our commitment of 
10% media spend for Heineken® responsible drinking 
advertising from 14 operating companies to all 
consolidated companies1 selling Heineken®. We also 
continued to innovate in the no-alcohol category with 
the successful launch of Heineken® 0.0, offering a 
great tasting, natural product without alcohol and  
with less calories.

We reduced once again our accident frequency, but 
were deeply saddened that 14 people lost their lives 
while working within the HEINEKEN Company in 
2017. Based on pilots in seven operating companies, 
we decided to make telematics mandatory for all 
Company-operated vehicles to monitor and improve 
safe driving behaviour.

Brewing a Better World continues to inspire our brands, 
like Tiger and Tecate, to align their purpose with some of 
the big issues affecting society. The Heineken® Worlds 
Apart campaign in the UK used the power of our global 
brand to inspire positive social change. At a time when 
people feel openness and tolerance in society is under 
threat, our social experiment resonated with millions 
of people – not just in the UK but worldwide.

View  
case  
study  
online

 Tiger helping Tigers

Staying true to its name, Tiger Beer 
embarked on an ambitious six-year 
global partnership with the WWF 
network to create a global movement 
and help double the number of wild 
tigers by 2022.

As we continue our journey to embed Brewing 
a Better World in the business agenda, we are 
engaging our leaders through the introduction of a 
balanced scorecard that will better monitor and drive 
performance across our non-financial indicators.

View  
case  
study  
online

We particularly value our ongoing collaboration and 
dialogue with stakeholders – including NGOs, investors, 
government ministries and many others. They help us 
to learn and improve our approach around key issues 
such as human rights and environmental protection. 
We will continue this dialogue in developing our 
sustainability actions beyond 2020, helping to achieve 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For more on our Brewing a Better World commitments and 
performance, please turn to the Sustainability Review on page 133.  
More in-depth information can be found in the sustainability section  
of our Company website.

View  
case  
study  
online

 Green Corridor

HEINEKEN, Nedcargo and the Port of 
Rotterdam Authority are taking steps 
towards a ‘green corridor’. Together with 
other parties, we want to make the 
logistic activities between Alphen aan 
den Rijn and the port of Rotterdam 
climate neutral.

 Stop and think

10% of Heineken® media spend is on 
ads that actively promote moderation. 
The ads often show people choosing not 
to drink our beer. A bold move for a beer 
brand. But by being bold, we are making 
people stop and think.

 Mexico: circular brewing

Our new brewery in Meoqui, Chihuahua 
(Mexico) started operations in January 
2018. Its design is based on circular 
practices, including recycling wastewater 
to be used in non-product applications, 
reusing brewer’s grain as cattle feed 
and recovering waste heat from the 
neighbouring glass factory to be used 
in the brewing process.

1  Exceptions are companies operating in ‘dark 
markets’ where above-the-line communication 
is not allowed according to regulations.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

13

Our business priorities (continued)

Engage and develop our people

Two of our most important differentiators and competitive 
advantages are, and always have been, our people and our culture. 
To achieve our ambition of being a proud and independent global 
brewer committed to long-term value creation, engaging and 
developing our people will remain critical.

We believe the engagement, capability and 
diversity of all our people drives our continued 
success. This business priority has four elements: 
Develop great business driven leaders, Grow 
our talent pipeline at all levels, Build critical 
capabilities and strengthen functional excellence, 
and Leverage diversity and our culture.

We focus on developing great business-driven leaders, 
because we know that how we lead drives our business 
performance and shapes our culture. Our Leadership 
Expectations – introduced in 2017 and embedded 
in all of our key people processes – equip our leaders 
with a common understanding of what is expected of 
them in their roles, and provide a simple framework to 
guide their ongoing development.

To be successful today and in the future, we have to 
ensure that our talent management approach is aligned 
with the business strategy and that we are attracting, 
identifying, developing, engaging and retaining the 
best talent at all levels. We are making solid progress in 
this agenda and there is increasing ownership of talent 
management by business leaders.

Wherever we operate, we identify and develop the 
critical strategic capabilities to win in the market place. 
This includes building capability for operating in an 
increasingly ‘digital’ world. We focus our investments 
on developing these critical capabilities and, at the 
same time, strengthening our functional excellence 
in a practical and disciplined way whether it is in 
marketing, sales, production, finance, or other areas.

We know that our diversity across HEINEKEN can 
be a big driver of innovation, creativity and business 
success. This includes nationality, experiences, 
thinking styles and also gender where progress still 
needs to be made. To enable this we are driving the 
implementation of our Inclusion & Diversity strategy 
and action plan (see page 147).

We have a unique and compelling culture, reflected 
in ‘We are HEINEKEN’ which we launched last year. 
Our annual Climate Survey is a key barometer for 
how we are doing on culture and engagement and, 
in 2017, we again achieved excellent engagement 
scores, placing us in the top quartile of companies 
against the external benchmark1. 

Workplace by Facebook is our new internal digital 
engagement platform. It connects colleagues 
globally and is already enabling faster, more engaging 
sharing of information, stories and learning among 
HEINEKEN colleagues around the world.

1  IBM external norm.

 HIMAC

Our flagship two week development 
programme for senior top talents, the 
HEINEKEN International Management 
Course (HIMAC), explores our key 
strategic and leadership challenges. 
Members of our Executive Team play an 
active part in the delivery. Last year it was 
delivered in partnership with INSEAD 
Business School. 44 high potential 
leaders from across HEINEKEN attended.

 BOOST

To be successful today and in the future, 
we need to attract, develop and retain 
our talent. The Asia Pacific BOOST 
(Building Our Own Sustainable Talent) 
programme is one of many examples of 
how we are building our talent pipeline 
around the world through a clear focus 
on local talent attraction, identification, 
mobility and development – all 
underpinned by senior leader ownership.

 Workplace by Facebook
In 2017 we rolled out Workplace by 
Facebook at HEINEKEN. We are using 
this as a worldwide internal digital and 
mobile collaboration platform, building 
communities, sharing insights and 
learning from each other. Currently we 
already have around 59,000 colleagues 
from across the world connected and 
engaging with each other on this 
new platform.

 Leadership Expectations
How we lead directly impacts our 
business performance and shapes 
our culture. In 2017 we launched our 
Leadership Expectations to provide a 
simple language that explains what 
it takes to lead HEINEKEN into the 
future. These common expectations 
are embedded in our approaches to 
performance management, reward, 
selection and development. For example, 
over the last year, more than 1,000 senior 
leaders have completed 360° feedback 
against these expectations.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

14

Regional Review

Our balanced  
geographic footprint

Wherever you are in the world, you are able to enjoy one of 
our brands. We own, market and sell more than 300 brands 
in 190 countries.

Africa, Middle East  
and Eastern Europe
40.1mhl

Consolidated beer volume

Consolidated beer volume

Americas
72.1mhl

Further information: 
Page 15

Further information: 
Page 16

Consolidated beer volume

Asia Pacific
27.0mhl

Consolidated beer volume

Europe
78.8mhl

Further information: 
Page 17

Further information: 
Page 18

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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15

Regional Review (continued)

Africa, Middle East 
and Eastern Europe

We saw an acceleration of volume growth, despite a challenging 
trading environment across the region. Growth was particularly strong 
in Ethiopia, South Africa and Russia.

Key brands
Heineken®, Primus, Amstel, Walia, Ivoire

Regional revenue (beia) as % of total

13.6%

40.1mhl (2016: 38.4mhl)

Consolidated beer volume 

18.4% (2016: 19.2%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total 

5.2mhl (2016: 4.6mhl)

Heineken® volume 

¤3,059m (2016: €3,203m)

Revenue (beia)

¤388m (2016: €376m)

Operating profit (beia)

9.9% (2016: 10.5%)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total 

In 2017, macro economic challenges continued in 
the region. Rising inflation and currency pressure 
weighed on performance, particularly in Nigeria and 
Egypt. Despite this, 2017 marked a return to positive 
volume growth in the region.

Heineken® performed well in South Africa with 
double digit volume growth and Strongbow saw 
triple digit growth. In Sedibeng, South Africa, we 
invested in additional capacity. In Ethiopia our 
Walia brand had continued success with double 
digit volume growth and consequently, we are 
extending our Kilinto brewery to add 1.5 million 
hectolitres capacity. In Russia, we saw strong 
performance of Heineken® 0.0.

Our balanced portfolio of premium, mainstream 
and economy brands continues to be part of our 
success in the region. We continued to invest in 
our existing brands and in product innovation. 
Following the successful launch of Ivoire, we also 
launched Mützig in Ivory Coast and, to support our 
strong growth in the country, we have invested in a 
new bottling line.

At the end of last year we commenced the 
construction of HEINEKEN’s first brewery with the 
latest technologies in Mozambique, which is a major 
step forward for our presence in the country.

Hard currency shortages and devaluations in Africa 
have increased demand for local raw materials, which 
has put pressure on both availability and pricing.

Our 2017 local1 sourcing percentage dropped 
to 42%2, primarily because of a reduction in the 
availability and quality of sorghum in Nigeria in the 
early part of the year. We continue to invest in local 
sourcing to reach our target of 60% in 2020 and 
positively contribute to the communities where 
we operate.

1  More than 80% of local raw materials are sourced domestically,  
with the remainder coming from other markets within the region.
2  Estimate.

 First HEINEKEN brewery 

in Mozambique
In December 2017, we laid the foundation 
stone of our first brewery in Mozambique. 
This new brewery, incorporating the latest 
technologies, in the province of Maputo, will 
have a production capacity of 0.8 million 
hectolitres. The first bottle of beer is 
expected to come off the production line 
in the first half of 2019. Aligned with our 
ambition of sourcing 60% of our agricultural 
raw materials locally in Africa by 2020, 
HEINEKEN Mozambique is exploring 
the possibility of locally sourcing the raw 
materials it will need to produce its beers.

 Successful launch of 
Heineken® 0.0 in Russia
In Russia, Heineken® 0.0 has been very 
well received by consumers since its 
successful launch in 2017. Due to the 
strong Heineken® brand recognition 
in Russia and effective TV and digital 
campaigns for Heineken® 0.0, we are 
shaping the non-alcoholic beer segment 
in the market and making responsible 
beer consumption aspirational.

View  
case  
study  
online

 Local sourcing project  

for rice in Ivory Coast
At the end of 2017, we launched the 
Korhogo Rice Sector Performance 
Improvement (KRISPI) pilot 
project, which is a partnership 
between Deutsche Gesellschaft fur 
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) 
GmbH, Fair Match Support, Office 
National de Développement de la 
Riziculture, Société Conseil Organisation 
et Management de Côte d’Ivoire 
and HEINEKEN. The KRISPI project 
aims to help the local rice farmers to 
increase their livelihood and Brassivoire, 
our brewery in Ivory Coast to secure 
sufficient quantities of broken rice to 
use in beer production. The broken rice 
is a by-product of rice processing, which 
is not widely used as food.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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16

Regional Review (continued)

Americas

The Americas region continued its strong revenue and profit development, 
driven by a focus on top line growth supported by stringent cost initiatives and 
Excellent Outlet Execution. The Heineken® brand performed particularly well, 
most notably in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The acquisition of Brasil Kirin 
and full ownership of Lagunitas positions the region well for future performance.

Key brands
Heineken®, Tecate Light, Schin,  
Dos Equis, Lagunitas

Regional revenue (beia) as % of total

27.8%

72.1mhl (2016: 58.7mhl)

Consolidated beer volume 

33.1% (2016: 29.3%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total 

10.7mhl (2016: 9.8mhl)

Heineken® volume 

¤6,258m (2016: €5,203m)

Revenue (beia)

¤1,188m (2016: €1,021m)

30.4% (2016: 28.5%)

Operating profit (beia)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total 

Mexico, Brazil and Haiti delivered strong results. 
The region successfully expanded volumes, revenue 
and profit in 2017.

Mexico, our largest market in the region, continued 
to deliver robust volume growth with excellent 
growth from Tecate and Dos Equis.

During the year, HEINEKEN acquired Brasil Kirin, one 
of the largest beer and soft drinks producers in Brazil. 
This acquisition transforms HEINEKEN’s business by 
extending its portfolio and broadening its reach across 
Brazil. The integration of our business in Brazil with 
Brasil Kirin was successfully concluded ahead of our 
expectations. Increased scale and a strengthened 
brand portfolio will allow the business to accelerate 
premiumisation particularly with Heineken® and Sol, 
and enable further growth of the well-established 
Schin, Bavaria, Kaiser, Amstel and Devassa brands in 
the mainstream and value segments. The Eisenbahn 
brand is our fastest growing premium brand in Brazil 
which sold more than 1 million hectolitres in 2017.

The US beer market declined in 2017, weighing 
on our portfolio of brands. In this context, 
effective marketing and strong sales execution 
saw Heineken® lager return to growth, partially 
offsetting declines of Heineken® Light.

In May 2017, HEINEKEN acquired the remaining 
shares in Lagunitas Brewing Company. 
Lagunitas has continued to outperform the US 
craft beer market. Lagunitas is the market leader in 
the IPA segment, the fastest growing sub-segment 
within craft.

In Mexico, HEINEKEN donated water to earthquake 
survivors. HEINEKEN also supported communities in 
Puerto Rico and St. Maarten who were affected by 
hurricane Irma in 2017.

 Growth of Heineken®  

brand in Brazil
In 2017, Heineken® continued to 
grow double digit in Brazil, meeting 
consumers’ demand for a premium 
international beer.

 Lagunitas 

In 2017, HEINEKEN acquired the 
remaining shares in Lagunitas Brewing 
Company. To maintain the Lagunitas  
culture and free spirit, the company will 
continue to operate as an independent 
entity within HEINEKEN and will report 
within the HEINEKEN Americas Region.

 Earthquake water 

donations Mexico
HEINEKEN Mexico temporarily 
transformed one of its breweries to can 
and ship more than one million cans of 
water to survivors of the earthquake. 
We also made our Distribution Centres 
available to serve as collection centres 
for food, clothes, blankets, and 
other items.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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17

Regional Review (continued)

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific saw strong growth in volume, revenue and profit.  
The Tiger brand continued to perform very well across the region.

Key brands
Heineken®, Anchor, Larue,  
Tiger, Bintang

Regional revenue (beia) as % of total

13.3%

27.0mhl (2016: 24.4mhl)

Consolidated beer volume 

12.4% (2016: 12.2%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total 

6.3mhl (2016: 6.6mhl)

Heineken® volume 

¤2,996m (2016: €2,894m)

Revenue (beia)

¤962m (2016: €927m)

Operating profit (beia)

24.6% (2016: 25.8%)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total 

Our performance in the Asia Pacific region was 
primarily driven by double digit volume growth in 
Vietnam and Cambodia. The strong growth of Tiger 
in Vietnam was driven by execution and distribution 
expansion to secondary cities and rural areas.

Significant new developments during the year 
included the merger of our Mongolian business with 
APU JSC, the country’s leading beverage business. 
We also entered into a new Trade Mark Licensing 
Agreement for Heineken® and a distribution 
agreement for Birra Moretti to replace our joint 
venture HEINEKEN Lion Australia.

Tiger’s growth continued, with the brand selling 
11.5 million hectolitres of beer in 2017. Tiger is 
continuing to engage millennial consumers through 
the ‘Tiger Air-Ink’ campaign as well as the announced 
six year partnership with WWF to save the wild tiger.

Whilst Heineken® volume was under pressure in 
China and Vietnam, it experienced robust growth in 
other markets, and Heineken® Light was launched 
successfully in Indonesia. Anchor is performing 
well, with double digit growth driven by strong 
performance in Malaysia and Cambodia.

We continued to invest for growth in the Asia Pacific 
region, including extending our brewing capacity in 
Vietnam and Cambodia. We opened a new brewery 
in East Timor and acquired the Tuatara craft 
brewery in New Zealand.

We are developing a strong pool of local Asian 
talent, with over 100 Asia Pacific graduates in our 
accelerated talent pipeline.

 Go Bold & Go Smooth, 
Tiger Black and Tiger White
APB Singapore took a bold strategy 
with the launch of two premium Tiger 
variants, Tiger Black and Tiger White, to 
excite and drive positive conversations 
among younger consumers. It was a 
successful campaign in terms of sales 
volumes, both in the on- and off-trade.

 Sand from bottles, not 

from beaches
New Zealand beer brand DB Export 
launched Beer Bottle Sand, an initiative 
to decrease commercial dependence 
on beach-dredged sand and encourage 
Kiwis to recycle by creating a sand 
substitute from empty bottles, diverted 
from landfill.

View  
case  
study  
online

 Malaysia launch of  

Apple Fox Cider
HEINEKEN Malaysia recognised the 
growing number of consumers that 
are discovering the appeal of cider and 
launched Apple Fox Cider in 2017 as a 
mainstream cider brand to complement 
Strongbow Apple Ciders, our premium 
cider brand offering.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

18

Regional Review (continued)

Europe

The region delivered another strong year. Our strategic focus on 
operational excellence, premiumisation and innovation, alongside 
further sales increase in bars and restaurants translated into revenue 
and profit growth.

Key brands
Heineken®, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, 
Żywiec, Strongbow

Regional revenue (beia) as % of total

45.4%

78.8mhl (2016: 78.6mhl)

Consolidated beer volume 

36.1% (2016: 39.3%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total 

13.8mhl (2016: 13.4mhl)

¤10,237m (2016: €10,112m)

Heineken® volume 

Revenue (beia)

¤1,371m (2016: €1,261m)

35.1% (2016: 35.2%)

Operating profit (beia)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total 

 Beerwulf

Beerwulf, our online craft & variety 
e-commerce platform, is a great example 
of our e-commerce strategy, and has been 
successfully launched in the Netherlands, 
Belgium, UK, France and Germany.

  Ichnusa

As an example of our premiumisation 
strategy, HEINEKEN expanded Ichnusa, 
our local jewel brewed for over 100 years 
with passion in Sardinia, to the mainland 
of Italy. This was supported by an award-
winning campaign showing the unique 
Sardinian soul of Ichnusa. As part of this 
roll-out we also launched Ichnusa Non 
Filtrata, a very successful innovation that 
builds on the craft & variety trend.

 Renewable energy, Spain

As part of our sustainability drive, 
HEINEKEN undertook a number of 
sustainability initiatives in Spain, including 
the creation of a renewable energy plant 
that will fulfil 100% of HEINEKEN Spain’s 
electricity demand from 2020, a biomass 
plant that will fully power Jaén Brewery 
and a solar powered brewery in Seville.

Beer volumes across Europe grew moderately, 
but key markets including France, Italy, Spain 
and Portugal delivered a particularly strong 
performance. Our strategy of focusing on further 
premiumisation and innovation supported margin 
expansion, while our operational performance was 
helped by continuous cost management.

Poland decreased in beer volume partially due 
to fewer promotions at retailers. The UK also 
experienced a decline as a result of a partial 
delisting by a large customer.

Our UK pubs business continued to perform well and in 
2017 we completed the acquisition of approximately 
1,900 pubs from Punch Taverns. HEINEKEN now owns 
the largest pubs business in the market and, more than 
ever, this route to market is a key aspect of our strategy.

We launched Heineken® 0.0, demonstrating our 
commitment to growing in the low- and no-alcohol 
category. Its performance so far has been very 
positive across Europe.

HEINEKEN’s cider strategy continues to deliver. 
We experienced particular strong performance 
in Austria, Poland, Greece, Croatia, Romania and 
Ireland. Strongbow Dark Fruit showed excellent 
performance, which is one-third of Strongbow 
volume in the UK, and now also launched in Poland, 
Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. 
Orchard Thieves is growing fast and is now available 
in 14 European markets.

During 2017, HEINEKEN Netherlands entered into 
a strategic partnership for its Beer & Cider logistics 
in the Dutch Out-of-Home market with Sligro Food 
Group N.V. (Sligro). Simultaneously, HEINEKEN 
Netherlands divested its wholesale operations for the 
other (non-Beer & Cider) product categories to Sligro. 

As part of our strategy to selectively expand in the craft 
& variety segment, HEINEKEN entered a partnership 
in the UK with Brixton, a London based craft brewery, 
and in Italy we acquired craft brewery HIBU.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Statements

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19

Risk Management

A disciplined approach 
to managing our risks

To deliver its strategy, HEINEKEN systematically manages the risks 
linked to its daily operations as well as the main risks and opportunities 
arising from its business environment.

Business Framework
HEINEKEN’s Risk Management and Internal 
Control systems are based on the COSO 
reference models and form an integral part 
of the HEINEKEN Business Framework. 
This framework provides an overview of how 
HEINEKEN’s vision, purpose and values ‘We are 
HEINEKEN’ underpin the Company’s strategic 
objectives and ambition to deliver long-term value 
creation, enabled by HEINEKEN’s Governance 
Cycle (planning and performance cycle), its 
organisational structure ‘We are HEINEKEN’, 
the HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct and 
the HEINEKEN Rules. 

The HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct 
and its underlying policies promote doing 
business with fairness and integrity and explain 
to all HEINEKEN employees what is expected 
from them in this regard. Adherence to the 
Code and its policies is supported by regular 
communication and training as well as 
HEINEKEN’s Speak Up framework. Speak Up 
allows and encourages employees and third 
parties to report (suspected) misconduct 
confidentially and without fear of retaliation. 

The risk management cycle, the HEINEKEN 
Rules, and the process and control standards 
enable achievement of HEINEKEN’s business 
objectives while protecting the Company’s 
employees, assets and reputation. 

HEINEKEN 
Business 
Framework

We are  
HEINEKEN

Behaviours 
How we act

Strategy 
Our global priorities

Governance 
How we  
govern internally

Code of  
Business  
Conduct 
How we behave

Policies

HEINEKEN  
Rules 
How we work

Laws and Regulations 

Standards and  
Procedures

Risk  
Management 
How we  
manage risks

Monitoring  
and Assurance

People

Processes

Systems

Data

Execution and change management

Included in the performance reviews, our 
Leadership Expectations foster a culture of 
achievement, collaboration and growth, 
underpinned by integrity and accountability in 
everything we do. Together with the HEINEKEN 
Behaviours framework, they reflect the 
expected attitude in decision-making, including 
risk taking.

Organisation and Accountability
HEINEKEN’s risk management and internal 
control activities are organised along three 
‘lines of defence’: 

 – Operational management (first line of 

defence), has the ownership, responsibility 
and accountability for assessing, controlling
and mitigating risks.

 – Management is supported by second line 
of defence functions (e.g. internal control, 
business conduct and other functional risk 
management teams). These functions 
oversee compliance with HEINEKEN’s 
policies, process and controls, facilitate 
the implementation of effective risk 
management practices and drive continuous
improvements of internal controls.

 – As third line of defence, HEINEKEN’s internal 
audit function (‘Global Audit’) is mandated to 
perform Group-wide reviews of key processes, 
projects and systems, based on HEINEKEN’s 
strategic priorities and most significant 
risk areas. 

 – Global Audit provides independent and 
objective assurance and consultancy 
services. It employs a systematic and 
disciplined approach to evaluate and improve 
the organisation’s governance and risk 
management processes including reliability 
of information, compliance with laws, 
regulations and procedures, and efficient and 
effective use of resources. The methodology 
followed by Global Audit is in accordance 
with the standards of the Institute of Internal 
Auditors and other relevant governing bodies. 

The Executive Board bears the ultimate 
responsibility for managing risks faced by 
the Company, in line with the risk appetite it 
has set, and for reviewing the adequacy of 
HEINEKEN’s risk management and internal 
control activities. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

20

Risk Management (continued)

To support the Executive Board’s external 
representations, a formal bi-annual Letter 
of Representation (LoR) process is in place. 
It requires management to demonstrate 
accountability and covers financial and 
non-financial reporting disclosures, financial 
reporting controls, compliance with the Code 
of Conduct and other HEINEKEN Rules as well 
as fraud and irregularities.

Risk management
Effective management of risks forms an 
integral part of how HEINEKEN operates as 
a business and is embedded in day-to-day 
operations. HEINEKEN’s risk management 
activities seek to identify and appropriately 
address any significant threat to the 
achievement of the Company’s strategic 
objectives, its reputation, the continuity of its 
operations and the safety of its employees. 
HEINEKEN’s risk management system enables 
management to identify, assess, prioritise and 
manage risks on a continuous and systematic 
basis, and covers all subsidiaries across regions, 
countries, markets and corporate functions. 

Ongoing identification and assessment of risks, 
including new risks arising from changes in the 
global or local business environment, are an 
integral part of HEINEKEN’s governance and 
performance management. Risk assessments 
are performed annually by every operating 
company and global function, and the 
implementation of adequate responses 
and progress of risk mitigating measures is 
monitored on a quarterly basis. In parallel, the 
outcome of these risk analyses is aggregated 
on a global level and serves as a basis to 
determine HEINEKEN’s risk exposure and risk 
management priorities. Accountability for 
mitigating, monitoring and reporting on the 
most significant risks is assigned to functional 
directors, who report on progress and residual 
risk levels biannually to the risk committee.

Internal control
HEINEKEN’s internal control activities aim 
to provide reasonable assurance as to 
the accuracy of financial information, the 
Company’s compliance with applicable laws 
and internal policies, and the effectiveness of 
internal processes. 

Internal controls have been defined at 
entity-level (HEINEKEN Rules, comprising all 
mandatory standards and procedures) and at 
process level (Process and Control Standards) 
for key processes, including financial reporting, 
IT and Tax. Compliance with company policies 
is periodically assessed both in OpCos and 
in Global Functions. Deviations from the 
defined standards are included in a global 
monitoring and follow-up tool, which supports 
management in addressing these deviations. 
Management is responsible for defining 
and timely implementation of action plans 
to remediate any deficiency identified as 
part of these assessments. The results are 
reported to the EB in the bi-annual Letter of 
Representations. The Company Rules, policies 
and controls are periodically updated to reflect 
both the Company key risks and the extent 
to which the Company is willing and able to 
mitigate them.

Risk profile 
HEINEKEN is predominantly a single-product 
business, operating throughout the world in the 
alcohol industry. HEINEKEN is present in more 
than 70 countries, with a growing share of its 
revenues originated from emerging markets. 

An increasingly negative perception in society 
towards alcohol could prompt legislators to 
implement further restrictive measures such 
as limitations on availability, advertising, 
sponsorships, distribution and points of sale 
and increased tax. This may cause changes 
in consumption trends, which could lead to 
a decrease in the brand equity and sales of 
HEINEKEN’s products.

HEINEKEN has undertaken business activities 
with other market parties in the form of 
joint ventures and strategic partnerships. 
Where HEINEKEN does not have effective 
control, decisions taken by these entities may 
not be fully harmonised with HEINEKEN’s 
strategic objectives. Moreover, HEINEKEN may 
not be able to identify and manage risks to the 
same extent as in the rest of the Group. 

Risk appetite 
The international spread of its business, a 
robust balance sheet and strong cash flow, 
as well as a commitment to prudent financial 
management, form the context based on 
which HEINEKEN determines its appetite to 
risk. A structured risk management process 
allows HEINEKEN to take risks in a managed 
and controlled manner. Key to determining the 
risk appetite is the nature of the risks: 

Strategic:  
Taking strategic risks is an inherent part of 
HEINEKEN’s entrepreneurial heritage. In its 
pursuit of balanced growth, HEINEKEN is open 
to certain risks linked to its presence in a wide 
array of developing countries. 

Operational:  
Depending on the type of the operational risk, 
HEINEKEN’s risk appetite can be described as 
cautious to averse. In particular, ensuring its 
employees’ and contractors’ safety, delivering 
the highest level of product quality and 
protecting its reputation have priority over 
any other business objective. 

Reporting:  
HEINEKEN is averse to any risks that could 
jeopardise the integrity of its reporting. 

Compliance:  
HEINEKEN is averse to the risk of non-compliance 
with applicable laws or regulations, as well as 
with its own Code of Business Conduct.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

21

Risk Management (continued)

Main risks

The following risk overview highlights the 
main risks that could hinder HEINEKEN 
in achieving its financial and strategic 
objectives or could represent a threat to the 
business. This overview does not include all 
risks and uncertainties that may ultimately 
affect the Company: some risks currently 
deemed immaterial, could ultimately 
have an adverse impact on HEINEKEN’s 
financial performance, reputation, 
business objectives, employees or assets. 
Timely discovery and accurate evaluation 
of such risks is at the core of HEINEKEN’s risk 
management processes. The financial risks 
are dealt with separately in note 30 to the 
Financial Statements. The Statement of the 
Executive Board is included in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on page 31.

Strategic risks

Strategic risks

Regulatory changes 
related to alcohol

Economic and 
political environment

What could happen 
Alcohol remains under scrutiny in many 
markets. This may prompt regulators to 
take further measures limiting HEINEKEN’s 
freedom to operate, such as restrictions 
or bans on advertising and marketing, 
sponsorship, availability of products, and 
increased taxes and duties leading to lower 
revenues and profit.

Recent developments 
Restrictive measures on alcohol consumption 
and sale continue to be taken across 
geographies, especially through excise 
duties increases as in Vietnam, Greece, 
Egypt and Russia. Continued focus by WHO, 
OECD, UN and EU on alcohol as part of 
the Non-Communicable Disease agenda 
could lead to additional restrictions which 
would impact HEINEKEN’s business across 
multiple geographies.

What we are doing to manage this risk 
Responsible consumption is one of the priorities 
of HEINEKEN’s Brewing a Better World 
sustainability programme. Using the power and 
reach of its brands, HEINEKEN strives to make 
responsible consumption aspirational and 
works closely with local governments, NGOs 
and specialists to prevent and reduce harm 
caused by abuses such as underage drinking  
or drinking and driving.

What could happen 
Throughout the world, local or regional 
economic and political uncertainties 
could impact our business and that of 
our customers. In particular, the risk of 
an economic recession, change of laws, 
trade restrictions, inflation, fluctuations 
in exchange rates, devaluation, 
nationalisation, financial crisis, or social 
unrest could adversely affect our revenues 
and profits.

Recent developments 
Political risk has expanded beyond emerging 
markets and has become a permanent 
element of the economic landscape. Brexit and 
the change of administration in the US have 
created significant additional uncertainties. 
Agility has become a priority to enable 
businesses to navigate subsequent changes in 
laws, currency movements, import restrictions, 
scarcity of hard currencies, and their impact on 
the Company’s profit.

What we are doing to manage this risk  
HEINEKEN has set up various tools to limit 
the impact of such events on its business 
such as supplier management, short-term 
liquidity management, tight foreign exchange 
monitoring, prudent balance sheet measures, 
and scenario planning. For events which 
could threaten the continuity of the business, 
contingency plans are in place.

Explore Further: 
–  Advocating responsible consumption, 

pages 135, 142-143

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

22

Risk Management (continued)

Strategic risks

Strategic risks

Strategic risks

Distribution 
channel transformation 

What could happen 
Maintaining strong relationships 
with our customers is key for brand 
positioning and availability to consumers. 
Consolidation among our customers, 
emergence of buying alliances and rise of 
e-commerce distribution channels may 
affect our ability to obtain favourable 
pricing and favourable trade terms and 
negatively impact our operating margin.

Recent developments 
Retail consolidation and the rise of discounters 
have been reshaping the beverage industry 
distribution landscape. This has led HEINEKEN 
to develop its e-commerce channel, both 
B2B and B2C, and to develop a unique and 
innovative sales approach to boost its on-trade 
business, which has been being rolled out 
across all four regions.

What are we doing to manage this risk  
HEINEKEN constantly invests in its business 
relationships and has developed joint business 
plans with distributors and key retailers, 
while enhancing sales performance through 
commercial capabilities programmes, 
customer relationship management at 
central and local level, and development 
of its e-commerce capabilities.

Changing consumer preferences 

Management capabilities 

What could happen 
Consumers’ preferences and behaviours 
are evolving, shaping an increasingly 
complex and fragmented beer category. 
This requires HEINEKEN to constantly adapt 
its product offering, innovate and invest to 
maintain the relevance and strength of its 
brands. Failure to do so would in the longer 
term affect our revenues , market share and 
possibly our brand equity.

Recent developments 
The popularity of craft beer and the rise of low- 
and no-alcohol products have been the most 
noticeable changes in consumer tastes over 
the past years. HEINEKEN has fully embraced 
these trends, as shown by the acquisition of 
Lagunitas, the addition of several specialty 
beers to its craft portfolio and the launch of 
Heineken® 0.0. to complement its low- and  
no-alcohol category.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
Over the past years, HEINEKEN has further 
strengthened its commercial organisation, 
its innovation programme and its marketing 
and sales capabilities. Significant investments 
have been made in consumer and market 
intelligence, new products and formats (both 
through innovation and through acquisitions) 
and in brand protection to anticipate and 
respond to industry changes.

What could happen 
HEINEKEN relies on the skills of its people 
to lead its growth agenda and deliver on 
its strategic ambitions. HEINEKEN may not 
be successful in attracting, developing and 
retaining diverse and talented people and 
leaders with the required capabilities, which 
may jeopardise its capacity to execute its 
strategy and achieve the targeted returns.

Recent developments 
Hiring employees with particular expertise 
remains challenging, both in emerging markets 
due to competition between multinationals, 
and in developed markets where traditional 
industries face competition from new economy 
employers. HEINEKEN continues to invest in its 
global employer branding, targeting especially 
the young and diverse audience it needs to fuel 
its talent pipeline.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
To secure a strong leadership pipeline, HEINEKEN 
has a robust performance management 
process in place which is supported by a 
leadership development curriculum with 
targeted development interventions for various 
levels of leaders across the organisation. 
Succession planning has been enhanced by 
the implementation of Functional Resource 
Committees and a renewed People Strategy 
that is focused on talent and leadership 
development and the responsibility of people 
managers to nurture our leaders of the future.

Explore Further: 
–  Deliver top line growth, page 10
–  Europe, page 18

Explore Further: 
–  Deliver top line growth, page 10
– Advocating responsible consumption, page 143

Explore Further: 
–  Engage and develop our people, page 13
–  Values and behaviours, page 147

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

23

Risk Management (continued)

Strategic risks

Operational risks

Operational risks

Industry consolidation 

Health and Safety 

Product safety and integrity 

What could happen 
Consolidation of the alcoholic beverage 
industry may affect existing market 
dynamics in the future due to competitive 
disadvantage with suppliers and increased 
competition on commercial spend and 
customer acquisition strategies.

Recent developments 
Despite recent market consolidation, beer 
remains a very local industry with respective 
country shares more relevant than global 
share. HEINEKEN remains committed 
to winning through a portfolio strategy 
focused on premium and led by Heineken®. 
Within individual markets, international and 
local brands complement Heineken® and 
provide valuable scale.

What are we doing to manage this risk  
HEINEKEN is constantly working on improving 
its cost efficiency, while rolling out its strategy 
to maintain and develop its competitive 
advantages, in particular in the premium 
and cider markets. Through a number of 
acquisitions, HEINEKEN has evolved its 
footprint extensively to reach an optimal 
balance of both higher growth developing 
markets and more stable developed markets, 
and to build an extensive and complementary 
brand portfolio alongside its flagship  
Heineken® brand.

What could happen 
HEINEKEN is committed to providing 
a safe workplace for all employees and 
contractors. Despite the controls in place, 
incidents and accidents may happen 
in the brewery, our supply chain and in 
HEINEKEN’s route-to-market, leading to 
physical injuries or fatalities to employees, 
contractors or members of the public.

Recent developments 
Given its growing presence in emerging 
markets, safety is an ongoing challenge and a 
permanent focus area. Rolled up throughout 
all operations, the HEINEKEN Life Saving Rules 
target the activities that carry the greatest 
safety threats to employees and contractors. 
Despite these efforts, several significant fatal 
accidents have occurred, underlining the 
importance of realising further improvements 
in the area of safety. In particular, a specific 
programme to improve road safety, being one 
of the highest risk areas, has been set up and is 
being rolled out.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has established ‘Safety First’ as 
a key employee behaviour and Health and 
Safety as a pillar of its Brewing a Better World 
programme. The global safety programme 
in place aims at enhancing global standards, 
organisation and processes, and strengthening 
safety leadership and safety behaviours. 
Continuous improvement is achieved through 
global compliance monitoring, systematic 
gap-closing and central reporting of accidents, 
incidents and near-misses.

What could happen 
Poor quality or contamination of any of 
the HEINEKEN products, be it accidental 
or malicious, could result in health hazards, 
reputational damage, financial liabilities 
and product recalls.

Recent developments 
Innovations and increased local sourcing 
have led HEINEKEN to further strengthen the 
controls on recipe governance and production 
processes in order to maintain its food safety 
and quality standards. Changes to the 
environment in recent years, such as high speed 
of information, growing impact of social media 
and tougher legal environment in certain 
jurisdictions can magnify the impact of any 
quality issues or allegation thereof.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has established a comprehensive 
company-wide Quality Assurance programme 
covering production standards, recipe 
governance, suppliers’ governance, production 
material risk and country risk. Should this risk 
materialise, Global recall and crisis procedures 
are in place to mitigate the impact.

Explore Further: 
– Deliver top line growth, page 10
– Drive end2end performance, page 11
– Main changes in consolidation, page 26

Explore Further: 
–  Promoting Health and Safety, pages 135, 144

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

24

Risk Management (continued)

Operational risks

Operational risks

Supply chain continuity 

Information security 

Operational risks

Digital media 

What could happen 
Disruptions in the supply chain could 
lead to HEINEKEN’s inability to deliver 
products to key customers, revenue loss 
and brand damage. Significant changes 
in the availability or price of raw materials, 
commodities, energy and water may 
result in a shortage of those resources or 
increased costs.

Recent developments 
Political instability, terrorism, climate change 
and in particular growing water scarcity and its 
effects on crop yield and grain prices, require 
both the market and governments to take 
measures, which will in the short term result in 
additional costs to the business.

What are we doing to manage this risk  
Business continuity plans have been developed 
for HEINEKEN’s key brands in all key markets, 
and back-up plans are in place in all operating 
companies. Business resilience is further 
strengthened through ownership of several 
strategic malteries, long-term procurement 
contracts, water management plans and 
central management of global insurance 
policies. Taking a longer-term approach to 
business continuity, HEINEKEN has included 
water resources protection and sustainable 
sourcing in the priorities of its Brewing a Better 
World sustainability programme.

What could happen 
HEINEKEN’s business relies heavily on its 
IT infrastructure. Failure of its IT system 
or a breach in the security infrastructure 
may lead to business disruption, loss of 
confidential information, breach of data 
privacy, financial and reputational damage.

Recent developments 
The rise of the Internet of Things and the 
expansion of Cloud uptake, combined with 
increasing professionalism of online threat 
actors puts Information Security on the map 
as a corporate risk, both in terms of business 
continuity and of data privacy. This is also 
recognised by global regulations, such as the 
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 
where mismanagement of security and data 
breaches becomes financially punitive.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has developed a comprehensive 
information security policy and framework 
addressing IT security, continuity and 
confidentiality. The dedicated Risk 
Management team performs central 
monitoring of IT controls and focuses on 
enhancing the resilience of HEINEKEN’s 
IT infrastructure.

What could happen 
On social media, concerns related to 
HEINEKEN or any of its products, even when 
unfounded, could impact the Company’s 
reputation and the image of its products. 
HEINEKEN may not be able to control 
information or respond in a timely manner 
to reputation threats, which could affect 
its brand equity and income-generating 
capacity at scale and at pace.

Recent developments 
While robust social media risk management 
measures are now in place, social media crises 
increasingly happen via private channels (e.g. 
WhatsApp) and cannot therefore always 
be tracked. Moreover, malicious attempts 
to spread false material becomes ever more 
sophisticated with substantial spend behind it.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has set up continuous monitoring 
of the main social media platforms, in 
several languages, employee training in 
digital communication, and an incident 
response system that includes a dedicated 
digital dashboard and a dedicated crisis 
communication team. Learnings from media 
crisis are shared in the organisation to drive 
continuous improvement.

Explore Further: 
–  Protecting water resources, pages 134, 136–137
–  Reducing CO2 emissions, pages 134, 138–140
–  Sourcing sustainably, pages 134, 140–141

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

25

Risk Management (continued)

Operational risks

Execution and change  
management

Reporting risk

Reporting 

Compliance risk

Non-compliance 

What could happen 
In the last years, HEINEKEN has engaged 
in several significant business improvement 
projects. The large number of operating 
companies and their varying level of 
integration represent a specific challenge 
to these projects. These strategic 
transformation programmes may not 
deliver the expected benefits or may incur 
significant cost or time overruns.

Recent developments 
The Group portfolio of global projects now 
contains more than 40 programmes and 
has supported the implementation of new 
capabilities in the area of finance, supply chain, 
procurement and human resources, thereby 
serving HEINEKEN’s efficiency targets and key 
risk mitigation.

What are we doing to manage this risk  
By taking a portfolio approach, applying 
consistent project methodology and 
governance, and placing ownership of each 
of them at top management level, HEINEKEN 
is able to prioritise and optimise resource 
allocation across its major projects to ensure 
they deliver on their objectives.

What could happen 
Historically HEINEKEN has grown its 
footprint organically and through mergers 
and acquisitions, which had led to a diverse 
landscape of processes and systems and a 
low level of centralisation. Deviations from 
the common accounting and reporting 
processes and related controls could 
impair the accuracy of the financial and 
non-financial data used for Group reporting 
and external communication.

Recent developments 
Since 2015, HEINEKEN has engaged in a 
substantial process and IT simplification and 
standardisation project, which will help to 
achieve further efficiency gains while delivering 
fast and robust reporting, continuously 
strengthening its control environment.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has implemented a common Risk 
and Control Framework across its operating 
companies which includes standardised 
internal controls on financial reporting, 
common accounting policies and standard 
chart of accounts, periodic mandatory training, 
and active monitoring of critical access and 
segregation of duties conflicts. In 2017, 
HEINEKEN evolved its governance around  
non-financial data to further improve the 
quality of the data reported under its  
Brewing a Better World programme.

What could happen 
Changes in the legal and regulatory 
environment tend to increase the risk 
of non-compliance to local and global 
laws and regulations. Failure to comply 
with applicable laws and regulations 
could lead to claims, enforcement and 
reputational damage.

Recent developments 
Across many geographies, law enforcement 
has become more systematic than in the 
past, in particular with regard to anti-bribery 
and corruption, competition and data privacy 
laws, and human rights. This leads to an 
increased risk of being subject to allegations 
of violations of laws and regulations. 
Over the years, HEINEKEN has constantly been 
looking to enhance its internal compliance 
system and resilience to the changes of the 
legal environment.

What are we doing to manage this risk 
HEINEKEN has embedded legal compliance 
in its risk and controls system, and has 
established processes and governance to drive 
implementation and compliance with the 
Company Rules and its HEINEKEN Code of 
Business Conduct.

Explore Further: 
– Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators, 
pages 148–149

Explore Further: 
–  Values and behaviours, pages 146–147

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Financial Review

Key figures

In millions of €

Revenue (beia)
Total expenses (beia)

Operating profit (beia)
Net interest income/(expenses) (beia)

Other net finance income/(expenses) (beia)

Share of net profit of assoc./JVs (beia)

Income tax expense (beia)

Non-controlling interests (beia)

Net profit (beia)
Eia

Net profit

2016

20,792

(17,252)

3,540

(355)

(114)

161

(869)

(265)

2,098

(558)

1,540

Currency 
translation

Consolidation
impact

Organic growth

(817)
629

(188)
7

22

1

50

31

(77)

891
(812)

80
(45)

(9)

(4)

3

6

30

1,042
(714)

328
18

(36)

(4)

(80)

(31)

195

2017

21,908
(18,149)

3,759
(374)

(136)

153

(897)

(258)

2,247
(312)

1,935

26

Organic growth 
%

5.0
(4.1)

9.3
5.2

(31.7)

(2.5)

(9.3)

(11.6)

9.3

Main changes in consolidation
 – On 1 February 2016, Grupa Żywiec completed the sale of 80% in Distribev Sp. z o.o., Grupa Żywiec’s local sales and distribution company serving the 

traditional trade and horeca market, to the Orbico Group. 

 – An agreement with Asia Brewery Incorporated to create AB HEINEKEN Philippines Inc. was announced on 27 May 2016. The transaction closed on 

15 November 2016. 

 – On 4 May 2017 HEINEKEN acquired all the remaining shares in Lagunitas Brewing Company. 

 – On 31 May 2017 HEINEKEN completed the acquisition of Brasil Kirin Holding S.A. (‘Brasil Kirin’) from Kirin Holdings Company Limited. 

 – On 29 August 2017 HEINEKEN completed, through HEINEKEN UK, a back-to-back deal to acquire Punch Securitisation A (‘Punch A’).

 – On 1 September 2017 HEINEKEN transferred HEINEKEN Belarus to Oasis Group who now owns and operates the business, and has entered into 

license and distribution agreements with HEINEKEN.

 – On 30 November 2017 HEINEKEN completed, through HEINEKEN Asia Pacific, the merger of its business in Mongolia with APU JSC. 

HEINEKEN retains 25% of the merged business. 

 – On 1 December 2017 HEINEKEN Nederland B.V. entered into a strategic partnership for its Beer & Cider logistics in the Dutch Out-of-Home market 
with Sligro Food Group N.V.. Simultaneously, HEINEKEN Nederland B.V. divested its wholesale operations for the other (non-Beer & Cider) product 
categories to Sligro Food Group N.V.

Revenue and revenue (beia)
Revenue increased by 5.3% to €21,888 million. Revenue (beia) increased by 5.0% organically to €21,908 million, with total consolidated volume 
growth of 2.9% and a 2.1% increase in revenue (beia) per hectolitre. Currency developments had a negative impact of €817 million, mainly driven by 
adverse development of the Nigerian Naira, the Congolese Franc, the Egyptian Pound, the British Pound and the Mexican Peso. The positive impact 
of consolidation changes was €891 million.

Total expenses (beia) 
Total expenses (beia) were €18,149 million, up by 4.1% on an organic basis. Input costs saw an organic increase of 4.7% and of 1.8% on a per hectolitre 
basis, predominantly due to adverse currency movements leading to a negative transactional impact. Marketing and selling (beia) expenses increased 
organically by 0.9% to €2,888 million, representing 13.2% of revenues (2016: 13.6%).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
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Report of the  
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Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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27

Financial Review (continued)

Operating profit (beia)
Operating profit (beia) was €3,759 million, up 9.3% organically, excluding €188 million negative foreign currency impact and €80 million increase from 
consolidation changes. Growth was driven by higher revenue and cost efficiencies while we continued to increase the support to our brands with 
marketing and selling expenses. 

Share of net profit of associates and joint ventures (beia)
Share of net profit of associates and joint ventures (beia) decreased €8 million to €153 million, reflecting lower net profit from the joint venture 
operation in the Republic of the Congo due to difficult market conditions. 

Net finance expenses (beia)
Net interest expenses (beia) increased by €19 million to €374 million, reflecting a higher average net debt position. The average interest rate (beia) in 
2017 was 3.0% (2016: 3.1%). Other net finance expenses (beia), which primarily includes the impact of currency revaluation on outstanding payables 
in foreign currencies, increased by €22 million to €136 million. 

Income tax expense (beia)
The effective tax rate (beia) was 27.6%, a slight decrease on the rate in 2016 (28.3%) due to one-off tax benefits in 2017.

Net profit and net profit (beia)
Net profit increased by €395 million to €1,935 million. Net profit (beia) grew by €149 million to €2,247 million, an organic increase of 9.3%. The impact 
of currency was unfavourable at €77 million mainly driven by the Nigerian Naira, and consolidation changes had a positive impact of €30 million. 

Earnings per share diluted
Earnings per share – diluted increased to €3.39 (2016: €2.70). Earnings per share – diluted (beia) increased by 7% from €3.68 to €3.94.

Exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles (eia)
The table below presents the reconciliation of operating profit (beia) to profit before income tax.

In millions of €

Operating profit (beia)
Amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets and exceptional items included in operating profit

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof (net of income tax)

Net finance expenses

Profit before income tax

2017

3,759
(407)

75

(519)

2,908

The table below provides an overview of the exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles in HEINEKEN’s net profit:

In millions of €

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (net profit)
Amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets included in operating profit

Exceptional items included in operating profit

Exceptional items included in net finance expenses/(income)

Exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets included in share of profit  
of associates and joint ventures

Exceptional items included in income tax expense

Allocation of exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles to non-controlling interests

Net profit (beia)

2017

1,935
302

105

8

78

(142)

(39)

2,247

2016

3,540
(785)

150

(493)

2,412

2016

1,540
315

470

25

10

(196)

(66)

2,098

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Sustainability  
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28

Financial Review (continued)

The 2017 exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles on net profit amount to €312 million (2016: €558 million). This amount 
consists of:

 – €302 million (2016: €315 million) of amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles recorded in operating profit.

 – €105 million (2016: €470 million) of exceptional items recorded in operating profit, of which €20 million in revenue (2016: nil), €93 million of 

restructuring expenses (2016: €80 million), €19 million of reversal of impairments of property, plant and equipment (2016: €316 million impairment 
loss of which €286 million related to The Democratic Republic of Congo), €72 million of acquisition and integration costs (2016: €8 million) and 
€61 million of other exceptional net benefits (2016: €66 million expense). Other exceptional net benefits include the gain on sale of non-beer and 
cider wholesale operations in the Netherlands.

 – €8 million (2016: €25 million) of exceptional items in net finance expenses, mainly related to the acquisitions of Punch and Brasil Kirin.

 – €78 million of exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles included in share of profit of associates and joint ventures, which 

includes loss on previously-held equity interests and the recycling of foreign exchange from equity to profit and loss (2016: €10 million).

 – €142 million (2016: €196 million) in income tax expense, which includes the tax impact on exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related 

intangible assets of €97 million (2016: €109 million) and an exceptional income tax benefit of €45 million (2016: €87 million), mainly due to the 
remeasurement of deferred tax positions following a nominal tax rate change in the United States.

 – Total amount of eia allocated to non-controlling interests amounts to €39 million (2016: €66 million).

Reported to beia

In millions of €

Revenue
Other income

Total expenses

Operating profit
Share of net profit of assoc./JVs

Net interest income/(expenses)

Other net finance income/(expenses)

Income tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Net profit

Capital expenditure and cash flow

In millions of €

Reported  
2017

21,888
141

(18,677)

3,352
75

(396)

(123)

(755)

(218)

1,935

Eia 
2017

20
(141)

528

407
78

22

(13)

(142)

(40)

312

Beia  
2017

21,908
–

(18,149)

3,759
153

(374)

(136)

(897)

(258)

Reported 
2016

20,792

46

(18,083)

2,755
150

(359)

(134)

(673)

(199)

2,247

1,540

Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital and provisions
Total change in working capital

Change in provisions and employee benefits

Cash flow from operations
Cash flow related to interest, dividend and income tax

Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow (used in)/from operational investing activities

Free operating cash flow
Cash flow (used in)/from acquisitions and disposals

Cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

Net cash flow

Cash conversion ratio

Eia 
2016

–

(46)

831

785
10

4

20

(196)

(66)

558

2017

4,980
69

(125)

4,924
(1,042)

3,882
(1,851)

2,031
(1,114)

(966)

(49)

Beia 
2016

20,792

–

(17,252)

3,540
161

(355)

(114)

(869)

(265)

2,098

2016

4,713
80

(73)

4,720
(1,002)

3,718
(1,945)

1,773
(62)

(672)

1,039

81%

75%

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

29

Financial Review (continued)

Capital expenditure related to property, plant and equipment amounted to €1,696 million in 2017 (2016: €1,757 million) representing 7.7% of 
revenues. The investments include new capacity in Ethiopia, Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam, Haiti and a new brewery in the Ivory Coast.

Free operating cash flow amounted to €2,031 million (2016: €1,773 million), higher than last year primarily due to higher cash flow generated from 
operations and lower operational investing activities. Cash flow from changes in working capital in 2017 was again positive, albeit lower than last year 
due to one offs in receivables and a less favourable change in inventories.

Financial structure and liquidity

In millions of €

Total equity

Deferred tax liabilities

Employee benefits

Provisions

Gross debt

Other liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Total equity
as a percentage of total assets

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

2017

14,521

1,495

1,289

1,148

15,378

7,203

41,034

%

35

4

3

3

38

18

101

206

14,573

1,672

1,420

456

14,570

6,630

39,321

%

37

4

4

1

38

16

100

Net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio

35.4

37.1
37.6

38.6

37.1

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company increased by €83 million to €13,321 million, mainly driven by net profit of €1,935 million being 
offset by a negative other comprehensive income impact of €1,054 million mainly relating to translation differences. Furthermore dividends paid out 
of €775 million reduced the equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company.

Total gross debt amounts to €15,378 million (2016: €14,570 million). The gross debt includes €1,062 million of overdrafts in the cash pool with legally 
enforceable rights to offset against cash. Net debt increased to €12,879 million (2016: €11,293 million) as cash outflow for dividends and acquisitions 
exceeded the positive free operating cash flow and positive foreign currency impact on debt. 

HEINEKEN remains focused on cash flow generation and disciplined working capital management, with a commitment to a long-term target net 
debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio of below 2.5. The pro forma net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio was 2.5 on 31 December 2017 (2016: 2.3).

In 2017 the following notes were issued under HEINEKEN’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme:

 – SDG150 million 5-year Notes with a floating rate coupon (February 2017) 

 – €500 million 15-year Notes with a coupon of 2.02% (May 2017) 

 – €800 million 12-year Notes with a coupon of 1.50% (October 2017)

On 20 March 2017, HEINEKEN extended and amended its €2.5 billion revolving credit facility maturing in May 2021. The facility has been increased to 
€3.5 billion and is now set to mature in May 2022. The facility is committed by a group of 19 banks and has two further one-year extension options.

On 29 March 2017, HEINEKEN placed USD 1.1 billion of long 10-year 144A/RegS US Notes with a coupon of 3.50%, and USD 650 million of 30 year 
144A/RegS US Notes with a coupon of 4.35%.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Financial Review (continued)

The table below presents the reconciliation of EBIT to EBITDA (beia).

In millions of €

Operating profit
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof (net of income tax)

Depreciation and impairments of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

EBITDA
Exceptional items

EBITDA (beia)

30

2016

2,755
150

1,437

380

4,722
179

4,901

2017

3,352

75

1,153

369

4,949

166

5,115

Heineken N.V. was assigned solid investment grade credit ratings by Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poor’s in 2012. The ratings from both 
agencies, Baa1/P-2 and BBB+/A-2 respectively, have ‘stable’ outlooks as per the date of the 2017 Annual Report.

Currency split of net debt
This currency breakdown includes the effect of derivatives, which are used to hedge intercompany lending denominated in currencies other than Euro. 
Of total net interest-bearing debt, 56% is denominated in Euro, 23% in US dollar and US dollar proxy currencies and 14% in British Pound. This is 
including the effect of cross-currency interest rate swaps on some of the non-Euro denominated debt. The fair value of the cross-currency interest rate 
swaps form part of net debt.

Currency split of net debt

7%

56%

14%

23%

EUR
USD + USD proxy
GBP
Other

Obligatory long-term debt repayments
in millions of €

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
>2030

1,040
1,072
1,070
1,067
1,053
1,024

970
975

839

917

1,000

500

1,814

Average number of shares
HEINEKEN has 576,002,613 shares in issue. For the calculation of 2017 basic EPS, the weighted impact of the treasury shares and shares purchased 
for the employee incentive programme reduced the number of weighted average shares outstanding to 570,074,335 (569,737,210 in 2016). For the 
calculation of 2017 diluted EPS, the number of weighted average outstanding shares is adjusted for the amount of shares to be delivered under the 
employee incentive programme, resulting in a weighted average diluted number of shares of 570,652,111 (570,370,392 in 2016). 

Profit appropriation
The Heineken N.V. dividend policy is to pay out a ratio of 30% to 40% of full year net profit (beia). For 2017, payment of a total cash dividend of 
€1.47 per share (2016: €1.34) will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on 19 April 2018. This represents an increase 
of 9.7% versus 2016, translating into a 37.3% payout. If approved, a final dividend of €0.93 per share will be paid on 2 May 2018, as an interim dividend 
of €0.54 per share was paid on 10 August 2017. The payment will be subject to a 15% Dutch withholding tax. The ex-final dividend date for 
Heineken N.V. shares will be 23 April 2018. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

31

Corporate Governance Statement

Introduction
Heineken N.V. (the ‘Company’) is a public company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. Its shares are listed on the 
Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam. 

The Company’s management and supervision structure is organised in a so-called two-tier system, which consists of an Executive Board (made up of 
two executive directors) and a Supervisory Board (made up of 10 non-executive directors). The Supervisory Board supervises the Executive Board and 
ensures that external experience and knowledge are embedded in the Company’s way of operating. These two Boards are independent of one 
another and accountable to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

The Company is required to comply with, among other regulations, the Dutch Corporate Governance Code which has been amended on 8 December 
2016 (the ‘Code’). Deviations from the Code are explained in accordance with the Code’s “comply or explain” principle. 

In this report, the Company addresses its corporate governance structure and states to what extent it applies the best practice provisions of the Code, 
and explains which best practice provisions of the Code the Company does not apply, and why. This report also includes the information that the 
Company is required to disclose pursuant to the Dutch governmental decree on Article 10 Takeover Directive and the governmental decree on 
Corporate Governance. Substantial changes in the Company’s corporate governance structure and in the Company’s compliance with the Code, if 
any, will be submitted to the AGM for discussion under a separate agenda item. 

Executive Board

General
The role of the Executive Board is to manage the Company, which means, among other things, that it is responsible for setting and achieving the 
operational and financial objectives of the Company, the design of the strategy to achieve the objectives, the parameters to be applied in relation to 
the strategy (for example, in respect of the financial ratios), the Company culture aimed at long-term value creation, the associated risk profile, the 
development of results and corporate social responsibility issues that are relevant to the Company. Further detailed information can be found in the 
CEO statement, Our Performance, Our impact on society: from Barley to Bar, Our Business Priorities and the Risk Management section. The Executive 
Board is accountable for this to the Supervisory Board and to the AGM. In discharging its role, the Executive Board shall be guided by the interests of 
the Company and its affiliated enterprises, taking into consideration the interests of the Company’s stakeholders. The Executive Board is responsible 
for complying with all primary and secondary legislation, for managing the risks associated with the Company’s activities and for financing 
the Company.

The Company has four operating regions: Africa Middle East & Eastern Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. Each region is headed by a 
President. The two members of the Executive Board, the four Presidents and four functional Chief Officers (namely Commercial, Corporate Affairs, 
Human Resources and Supply Chain) jointly form the Executive Team. The choice to work with an Executive Team is to ensure effective implementation 
of the key priorities and strategies across the organisation. Throughout the year, members of the Executive Team were invited to give presentations to 
the Supervisory Board. A two-day meeting was also held between the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board to discuss the Company’s strategic 
priorities and main risks of the business also in light of its long-term value creation and Company culture contributing to this. During this meeting, 
members of the Executive Team presented their respective strategic topics and risks per region or function, as the case may be.

Executive Board members are appointed by the AGM from a non-binding nomination drawn up by the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board 
appoints one of the Executive Board members as Chairman/CEO. The AGM can dismiss members of the Executive Board by a majority of the votes 
cast, if the subject majority at least represents one-third of the issued capital. 

At the 2017 AGM, the Supervisory Board nominated Mr. Jean-François van Boxmeer for re-appointment for a four-year term as member of the 
Executive Board and Chairman/CEO, which proposal was adopted. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

32

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Composition of the Executive Board
The Executive Board currently consists of two members, Chairman/CEO Jean-François (J.F.M.L.) van Boxmeer and CFO Laurence (L.M.) Debroux. 
Information on these Executive Board members is provided below.

Jean-François (J.F.M.L.) van Boxmeer (1961)

Belgian nationality; male.

Initial appointment in 2001;
Reappointment: 2017*;
four-year term ends in 2021; 
Chairman/CEO (since 2005).
No supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**. 
Other positions***: Mondelez International, USA; Henkel AG & Co., Germany; National Opera & Ballet, Netherlands (Chairman). 

Laurence (L.M.) Debroux (1969)

French nationality; female.

Initial appointment in 2015;
four-year term ends in 2019;
CFO (since 2015).
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: EXOR Holding N.V., the Netherlands.
Other positions***: HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales) Paris, France.

*  For the maximum period of four years.
** 

 Large Dutch Entities are Dutch N.V.s, B.V.s or Foundations (that are required to prepare annual accounts pursuant to Chapter 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code or similar legislation) that meet two of the following 
criteria (on a consolidated basis) on two consecutive balance sheet dates:

(i)  The value of the assets (according to the balance sheet with the explanatory notes and on the basis of acquisition and manufacturing costs) exceeds €20 million;
(ii)  The net turnover exceeds €40 million;
(iii) The average number of employees is at least 250.
***  Under ‘Other positions’, other functions are mentioned that may be relevant to performance of the duties of the Executive Board.

Best practice provision 2.2.1 of the Code recommends that an Executive Board member is appointed for a maximum period of four years and that a 
member may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years at a time. In compliance with this best practice provision, the Supervisory Board 
has drawn up a rotation schedule in order to avoid, as far as possible, a situation in which Executive Board members retire at the same time. 

Members of the Executive Board are not allowed to hold more than two supervisory board memberships or non-executive directorships in a Large 
Dutch Entity or foreign equivalent. Acceptance of such external supervisory board memberships or non-executive directorships by members of the 
Executive Board is subject to approval by the Supervisory Board, which has delegated this authority to the Selection & Appointment Committee. 

Diversity
The importance of diversity is recognised by the Company as described in the Diversity Policy for the Supervisory Board, Executive Board and 
Executive Team, which considers the elements of a diverse composition in terms of nationality, gender, age, expertise and experience. It is the aim of 
the Company to reflect this in its composition and strives to give appropriate weight to the diversity policy in the selection and appointment process, 
while taking into account the overall profile and selection criteria for the appointments of suitable candidates to the Executive Board. In terms of 
gender diversity and pursuant to Dutch law, executive boards of large Dutch public companies, such as Heineken N.V., are deemed to have a balanced 
composition if they consist of at least 30% female and 30% male members. Currently, the Executive Board is composed of one male and one female 
member, and is therefore deemed to be balanced within the meaning of Dutch law. 

Conflict of Interest
Dealing with (apparent) conflicts of interest between the Company and members of its Executive Board is governed by the Articles of Association of 
the Company (the ‘Articles of Association’) and the Code. A member of the Executive Board shall not take part in any discussion or decision-making 
that involves a subject or transaction in relation to which he has a personal conflict of interest with the Company. Decisions to enter into transactions 
under which members have conflicts of interest that are of material significance to the Company and/or the relevant member(s) of the Executive 
Board require the approval of the Supervisory Board. Any such decisions shall be published in the Annual Report for the relevant year, along with a 
reference to the conflict of interest and a declaration that the relevant best practice provisions of the Code have been complied with. In 2017, no 
transactions were reported under which a member of the Executive Board had a conflict of interest that was of material significance.

Remuneration
In line with the remuneration policy adopted by the AGM, the remuneration of the members of the Executive Board is determined by the Supervisory 
Board, upon recommendation of the Remuneration Committee. The remuneration policy and the elements of the remuneration of the Executive 
Board members are set out in the Remuneration Report and Notes 27 and 33 to the Financial Statements. The main elements of the employment 
agreement with Mr. Van Boxmeer and the service agreement with Mrs. Debroux are available on our corporate website. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

33

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Supervisory Board 

General
The role of the Supervisory Board is to supervise the management of the Executive Board and the general affairs of the Company and its affiliated 
enterprises, as well as to assist the Executive Board by providing advice. In discharging its role, the Supervisory Board shall be guided by the interests 
of the Company and its affiliated enterprises and shall take into account the relevant interest of the Company’s stakeholders. 

The supervision of the Executive Board by the Supervisory Board includes the achievement of the Company’s objectives, the corporate strategy 
and the risks inherent in the business activities, the design and effectiveness of the internal risk and control system, the financial reporting process, 
compliance with primary and secondary legislation, the Company-shareholder relationship and corporate social responsibility issues that are relevant 
to the Company. The Supervisory Board evaluates at least once a year the corporate strategy and main risks to the business, and the result of the 
assessment by the Executive Board of the design and effectiveness of the internal risk management and control system, as well as any significant 
changes thereto. 

The division of duties within the Supervisory Board and the procedure of the Supervisory Board are laid down in the Regulations for the Supervisory 
Board, which are available on our corporate website.

The Supervisory Board members are appointed by the AGM from a non-binding nomination drawn up by the Supervisory Board. The AGM can 
dismiss members of the Supervisory Board by a majority of the votes cast, if the subject majority at least represents one-third of the issued capital.

Composition of the Supervisory Board 
The Supervisory Board consists of 10 members: Hans Wijers (Chairman), José Antonio Fernández Carbajal (Vice-Chairman), Maarten Das,  
Michel de Carvalho, Annemiek Fentener van Vlissingen, Christophe Navarre, Javier Astaburuaga Sanjinés, Jean Marc Huët, Pamela Mars Wright 
and Yonca Brunini.

The Supervisory Board endorses the principle that the composition of the Supervisory Board shall be such that its members are able to act critically 
and independently of one another and of the Executive Board and any particular interests. Each Supervisory Board member is capable of assessing 
the broad outline of the overall strategy of the Company and its businesses and carrying out its duties properly.

Given the structure of the Heineken Group, the Company is of the opinion that, in the context of preserving the continuity of the Heineken Group and 
ensuring a focus on long-term value creation, it is in its best interest and that of its stakeholders that the Supervisory Board includes a fair and adequate 
representation of persons who are related by blood or marriage to the late Mr. A.H. Heineken (former Chairman of the Executive Board), or who are 
members of the Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V., even if those persons would not, formally speaking, be considered ‘independent’ within 
the meaning of best practice provision 2.1.8 of the Code. 

Currently, the majority of the Supervisory Board (i.e. six of its 10 members) qualify as ‘independent’ as per best practice provision 2.1.8 of the Code. 
There are four members whom in a strictly formal sense do not meet the applicable criteria for being ‘independent’ as set out in the Code: Mr. de Carvalho 
(who is the spouse of Mrs. C.L. de Carvalho – Heineken, the daughter of the late Mr. A.H. Heineken, and also an executive director of Heineken Holding 
N.V.), Mr. Das (who is the Chairman of Heineken Holding N.V.), Mr. Fernández Carbajal (who is a non-executive director of Heineken Holding N.V. 
and representative of FEMSA) and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés (who is a representative of FEMSA). However, the Supervisory Board has ascertained 
that Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das, Mr. Fernández Carbajal and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés in fact act critically and independently. Since Mr. de Carvalho, 
Mr Das, Mr. Fernández Carbajal and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés are representing or affiliated with Heineken Holding N.V. or FEMSA who (in)directly hold 
more than 10% of the shares in our Company, the maximum of one representative or affiliate per such shareholder of best practice provision 2.1.7 sub iii 
of the Code is not complied with and as a consequence, the Company also does not comply with best practice provision 2.1.10 of the Code, to the 
extent that this provision provides that the Supervisory Board report shall state that best practice provision 2.1.7 through 2.1.9 has been fulfilled.

In line with the belief that the focus on long-term value creation is best ensured by a fair and adequate representation of persons who are related 
by blood or marriage to the late Mr. A.H. Heineken (former Chairman of the Executive Board) or who are members of the Board of Directors of 
Heineken Holding N.V., best practice provision 2.2.2 of the Code is not applied to Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das and Mr. Fernández Carbajal which provides 
that a person may be appointed to the Supervisory Board for a maximum of two four-year terms, followed by two terms of two years each with an 
explanation in the Corporate Governance Statement. It should also be noted that a non-binding nomination for the reappointment of Mr. 
Fernandez Carbájal and Mr Astaburuaga Sanjinés for a period of four years shall be submitted to the AGM. Both are representatives of FEMSA 
(that (in)directly holds a 14.76% economic interest in the Company), and their respective appointments to the Supervisory Board are based on the 
Corporate Governance Agreement, which was concluded between (among others) the Company and FEMSA on 30 April 2010, and which was 
approved by the AGM on 22 April 2010 (in connection with the acquisition by the Company of FEMSA’s beer activities). A reappointment of Mr. 
Fernández Carbajal and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés for a period of four years is a deviation of the applicable two-year appointment term as per 
best practice provision 2.2.2. of the Code. It is however deemed to be in line with the profile of the Supervisory Board and a reflection of FEMSA’s 
involvement as a long-term shareholder of the Company.

The Supervisory Board has drawn up a rotation schedule in order to avoid, as far as possible, a situation in which many Supervisory Board members 
retire at the same time. The rotation schedule is available on our corporate website. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

34

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Profile and Diversity
The Supervisory Board has prepared a profile of its size and composition, taking account of the nature of the business, its activities and the desired 
expertise and background of the Supervisory Board members. The profile deals with the aspects of diversity in the composition of the Supervisory 
Board that are relevant to the Company and states what specific objective is pursued by the Supervisory Board in relation to diversity. At least one 
member of the Supervisory Board shall be a financial expert with relevant knowledge and experience of financial administration and accounting for 
listed companies or other large legal entities. The composition of the Supervisory Board shall be such that it is able to carry out its duties properly. 
The profile is available on our corporate website.

The importance of diversity is also described in the Diversity Policy for the Supervisory Board, Executive Board and Executive Team, which considers the 
elements of a diverse composition in terms of nationality, gender, age, expertise and experience. With respect to gender, Dutch law stipulates that 
supervisory boards of large Dutch public companies, such as Heineken N.V., are deemed to have a balanced composition if they consist of at least 30% 
female and 30% male members. The Supervisory Board currently consists of 10 members, seven male (70%) and three female (30%) members and is 
therefore deemed to be balanced within the meaning of Dutch law. The Supervisory Board will also take the balanced composition requirements into 
account when nominating and selecting new candidates for the Supervisory Board and has established a list of potential female candidates who will 
be considered should a vacancy in the Supervisory Board arise. The Supervisory Board also notes that, in its opinion, gender is only one element of 
diversity, and that experience, background, knowledge, skills and insight are equally important and relevant criteria in selecting new members as is also 
reflected in its profile.

Regulations of the Supervisory Board
The tasks and responsibilities, as well as internal procedural matters for the Supervisory Board, are addressed in the Regulations of the Supervisory 
Board, and are available on our corporate website. 

The Supervisory Board appoints from its members a Chairman (currently Mr. G.J. Wijers). The Chairman of the Supervisory Board may not be a former 
member of the Executive Board. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board determines the agenda, chairs the meetings of the Supervisory Board, 
ensures the proper functioning of the Supervisory Board and its Committees, arranges for the adequate provision of information to its members and 
acts on behalf of the Supervisory Board as the main contact for the Executive Board and for shareholders regarding the functioning of the Executive 
Board and the Supervisory Board members. The Chairman also ensures the orderly and efficient conduct of the AGM. 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board is assisted in his role by the Company Secretary. All members of the Supervisory Board have access to the advice 
and services of the Company Secretary. The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed and that the Supervisory 
Board acts in accordance with its statutory obligations as well as its obligations under the Articles of Association. 

The Supervisory Board appoints from its members a Vice-Chairman (currently Mr. J.A. Fernández Carbajal). The Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board acts as deputy for the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman acts as contact for individual Supervisory Board members and Executive Board members 
concerning the functioning of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board can only adopt resolutions in a meeting if the majority of its members is present or represented at that meeting. In such 
meetings, resolutions must be adopted by absolute majority of the votes cast. In addition, approval of a resolution by the Supervisory Board, as 
referred to in Article 8, section 6 under a, b and c of the Articles of Association, requires the affirmative vote of the delegated member.

Induction and training
After appointment to the Supervisory Board, members receive an induction programme, drawn up by the Company in consultation with the 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board. The programme includes a general information package in respect of the Company and its corporate 
governance, as well as meetings with members of the Executive Team and other senior management leaders, and a tour of our brewery in 
Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Executive Board provides regular updates to the Supervisory Board on the Company’s operations, 
legal matters, corporate governance, accounting and compliance.

Conflict of Interest
The Articles of Association and the Regulations of the Supervisory Board prescribe how to deal with (apparent) conflicts of interest between the 
Company and members of the Supervisory Board. A member of the Supervisory Board shall not take part in any discussion or decision-making that 
involves a subject or transaction in relation to which he has a personal conflict of interest with the Company. Decisions to enter into transactions under 
which Supervisory Board members have conflicts of interest that are of material significance to the Company and/or the relevant member(s) of the 
Supervisory Board require the approval of the Supervisory Board. Any such decisions shall be published in the Annual Report for the relevant year, 
along with a reference to the conflict of interest and a declaration that the relevant best practice provisions of the Code have been complied with. 
Note 33 of the 2017 Financial Statements sets out related party transactions in 2017.

Remuneration
Supervisory Board members receive a fixed annual remuneration fee, as determined by the AGM. More information on the remuneration of Supervisory 
Board members can be found in Note 33 to the 2017 Financial Statements. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
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Other  
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35

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Resolutions subject to Supervisory Board approval 
Certain resolutions of the Executive Board are subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board. Examples are resolutions concerning the operational 
and financial objectives of the Company, the strategy designed to achieve the objectives, the parameters to be applied in relation to the strategy 
(for example, in respect of the financial ratios) and corporate social responsibility issues that are relevant to the Company. Also, decisions to enter into 
transactions under which Executive Board or Supervisory Board members would have conflicts of interest that are of material significance to the 
Company and/or to the relevant Executive Board member/Supervisory Board member require the approval of the Supervisory Board. Further reference 
is made to Article 8 paragraph 6 of the Articles of Association, which contains a list of resolutions of the Executive Board that require Supervisory 
Board approval. 

Delegated Member
The AGM may appoint one of the Supervisory Board members as Delegated Member. Mr. M. Das currently acts as the Delegated Member. 
The delegation to the Delegated Member does not extend beyond the duties of the Supervisory Board and does not comprise the management 
of the Company. It intends to effect more intensive supervision and advice, and more regular consultation with the Executive Board. The Delegated 
Member has a veto right concerning resolutions of the Supervisory Board to approve the resolutions of the Executive Board referred to in Article 8 
paragraph 6 under a, b and c of the Articles of Association of the Company.

The role of Delegated Member is consistent with best practice provision 2.3.8 of the Code, except insofar that the delegation is not temporary but is 
held for the term for which the member concerned is appointed by the AGM. The Company is of the opinion that the position of Delegated Member, 
which has been in existence since 1952, befits the structure of the Company.

Committees
The Supervisory Board has five committees: the Preparatory Committee, the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee, the Selection & 
Appointment Committee and the Americas Committee. The function of these committees is to prepare the decision-making of the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board has drawn up regulations for each committee, setting out the role and responsibility of the committee concerned, its composition 
and the manner in which it discharges its duties. These regulations are available on our corporate website. In 2017, more than half of the members of 
the Audit Committee were independent within the meaning of best practice provision 2.1.8 of the Code. For the Remuneration Committee and the 
Selection and Appointment Committee the independence criteria of best practice provision 2.3.4 are not met.

The Report of the Supervisory Board states the composition of the committees, the number of committee meetings and the main items discussed.

Preparatory Committee
The Preparatory Committee prepares decision-making of the Supervisory Board on matters not already handled by any of the other committees, 
such as in relation to acquisitions and investments. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee may not be chaired by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board or by a former member of the Executive Board.

At least one member of the Audit Committee shall be a financial expert with relevant knowledge and experience of financial administration and 
accounting for listed companies or other large legal entities.

The Audit Committee focuses on supervising the activities of the Executive Board with respect to (i) the operation of the internal risk management 
and control system, including the enforcement of the relevant primary and secondary legislation and supervising the operation of codes of conduct, 
(ii) the provision of financial information by the Company, (iii) compliance with recommendations and observations of internal and external auditors, 
(iv) the role and functioning of the internal audit function, (v) the policy of the Company on tax risk management, (vi) relations with the external 
auditor, including, in particular, its independence, remuneration and any non-audit services for the Company, (vii) the financing of the Company and 
(viii) the applications of information and communication technology.

The Audit Committee acts as the principal contact for the external auditor if the external auditor discovers irregularities in the content of the 
financial reporting.

The Audit Committee meets with the external auditor as often as it considers necessary, but at least once a year, without the Executive Board 
members being present.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee may not be chaired by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board or by a former member of the Executive Board 
or by a Supervisory Board member who is a member of the management board of another listed company. However, given the structure of the 
Heineken Group and the character of the Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V., the regulations of the Remuneration Committee permit that 
the Remuneration Committee is chaired by a Supervisory Board member who is a member of the Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V. 
The current Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, Mr. M. Das, is a Non-Executive Director (and Chairman) of Heineken Holding N.V. 

No more than one member of the Remuneration Committee may be a member of the management board of another Dutch listed company.

The Remuneration Committee, inter alia, makes the proposal to the Supervisory Board for the remuneration policy to be pursued, and makes a proposal 
for the remuneration of the individual members of the Executive Board for adoption by the Supervisory Board. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

36

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Selection & Appointment Committee
The Selection & Appointment Committee, inter alia, (i) draws up selection criteria and appointment procedures for Supervisory Board members and 
Executive Board members, (ii) periodically assesses the size and composition of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board, and makes a proposal 
for a composition profile of the Supervisory Board, (iii) periodically assesses the functioning of individual Supervisory Board members and Executive 
Board members and reports on this to the Supervisory Board, (iv) makes proposals for appointments and reappointments, (v) supervises the policy of 
the Executive Board on the selection criteria and appointment procedures for senior management, and (vi) decides on a request from Executive Board 
members to accept a board membership of a Large Dutch Entity (as defined above) or foreign equivalent.

Americas Committee 
The Americas Committee advises the Supervisory Board on the overall strategic direction of the Americas Region and reviews and evaluates the 
performance, the organisation and the management in the Americas Region. 

General Meeting of Shareholders
Annually, within six months of the end of the financial year in which the AGM should be held, inter alia, the following items shall be brought forward: 
(i) the discussion of the Annual Report, (ii) the discussion and adoption of the financial statements, (iii) discharge of the members of the Executive 
Board for their management, (iv) discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board for their supervision on the management and (v) appropriation 
of profits. The AGM shall be held in Amsterdam.

Convocation
Pursuant to the law, the Executive Board or the Supervisory Board shall convene the AGM with a convocation period of at least 42 days (excluding the 
date of the meeting, but including the convocation date). 

The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board are obliged to convene an AGM upon request of shareholders individually or collectively owning 25% 
of the shares. Such meeting shall then be held within eight weeks from the request and shall deal with the subjects as stated by those who wish to hold 
the meeting.

Right to include items on the agenda
If the Executive Board has been requested in writing not later than 60 days prior to the date of the AGM to deal with an item by one or more shareholders 
who solely or jointly (i) represent at least 1% of the issued capital or (ii) at least represent a value of €50 million, then the item will be included in the 
convocation or announced in a similar way. A request of a shareholder for an item to be included on the agenda of the AGM needs to be 
substantiated. The principles of reasonableness and fairness may allow the Executive Board to refuse the request. 

The Code provides the following in best practice provision 4.1.6: “A shareholder should only exercise the right to put items on the agenda after they 
have consulted with the management board on this. If one or more shareholders intend to request that an item be put on the agenda that may result 
in a change in the company’s strategy, for example as a result of the dismissal of one or several management board or supervisory board members, 
the management board should be given the opportunity to stipulate a reasonable period in which to respond (the response time). The opportunity to 
stipulate the response time should also apply to an intention as referred to above for judicial leave to call a general meeting pursuant to Section 2:110 
of the Dutch Civil Code. The relevant shareholder should respect the response time stipulated by the management board, within the meaning of best 
practice provision 4.1.7.” 

If the Executive Board invokes a response time, such period shall not exceed 180 days from the moment the Executive Board is informed by one 
or more shareholders of their intention to put an item on the agenda to the day of the general meeting at which the item is to be dealt with. 
The Executive Board shall use the response time for further deliberation and constructive consultation. This shall be monitored by the Supervisory 
Board. The response time shall be invoked only once for any given general meeting and shall not apply to an item in respect of which the response 
time has been previously invoked. 

Record date
For each AGM, the Company shall determine a record date for the exercise of the voting rights and participation in the meeting. The record date shall 
be the 28th day prior to the date of the meeting. The record date shall be included in the convocation notice, as well as the manner in which those 
entitled to attend and/or vote in the meeting can be registered and the manner in which they may exercise their rights.

Only persons who are shareholders on the record date may participate and vote in the AGM. 

Participation in person, by proxy or through electronic communication
Each shareholder is entitled, either personally or by proxy authorised in writing, to attend the AGM, to address the meeting and to exercise his or her 
voting rights. 

The Executive Board may determine that the powers set out in the previous sentence may also be exercised by means of electronic communication. 

If a shareholder wants to exercise his or her rights by proxy authorised in writing, the written power of attorney must be received by the Company no 
later than on the date indicated for that purpose in the convocation notice. Through its corporate website, the Company generally facilitates that 
shareholders can give electronic voting instructions.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

37

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Attendance list
Each person entitled to vote or otherwise entitled to attend a meeting or such person’s representative shall have to sign the attendance list, stating the 
number of shares and votes represented by such person. 

Chairman of the AGM
The AGM shall be presided over by the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board, or in his absence, by one of the Supervisory Board 
members present at the meeting, to be designated by them in mutual consultation. If no members of the Supervisory Board are present, the meeting 
shall appoint its own chairman.

Voting
All resolutions of the AGM shall be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes cast, except for those cases in which the law or the Articles of 
Association prescribe a larger majority.

Each share confers the right to one vote. Blank votes shall be considered as not having been cast.

The Executive Board may determine in the convocation notice that any vote cast prior to the AGM by means of electronic communication shall be 
deemed to be a vote cast in the AGM. Such a vote may not be cast prior to the record date. A shareholder who has cast his or her vote prior to the AGM 
by means of electronic communication remains entitled, whether or not represented by a holder of a written power of attorney, to participate in 
the AGM. 

Minutes
The proceedings in the AGM shall be recorded in minutes taken by a secretary to be designated by the chairman of the meeting, which minutes shall 
be signed by the chairman of the meeting and the secretary. If, in deviation of the above, a notarial record of the proceedings of the AGM is drawn up, 
the chairman of the meeting shall countersign the notarial record. Upon request, the record of the proceedings of the AGM shall be submitted to 
shareholders ultimately within three months after the conclusion of the meeting.

Resolutions to be adopted by the AGM 
The AGM has authority to adopt resolutions concerning, inter alia, the following matters:

Issue of shares by the Company or rights on shares (and to authorise the Executive Board to resolve that the Company issues shares or rights 
on shares)

Authorisation of the Executive Board to resolve that the Company 
acquires its own shares

Appointment of the Delegated Member  
of the Supervisory Board

Cancellation of shares and reduction of share capital 

Adoption of the financial statements

Appointment of Executive Board members

Granting discharge to Executive and Supervisory Board members

The remuneration policy for Executive Board members

Dividend distributions

Suspension and dismissal of Executive Board members

A material change in the corporate governance structure

Appointment of Supervisory Board members

Appointment of the external auditor

The remuneration of Supervisory Board members

Amendment of the Articles of Association, and 

Suspension and dismissal of Supervisory Board members

Liquidation. 

Resolutions on a major change in the identity or character of the Company or enterprise shall be subject to the approval of the AGM. This would at 
least include (a) the transfer of the enterprise or the transfer of practically the entire enterprise of the Company to a third party, (b) the entering into 
or the termination of a lasting co-operation of the Company or a subsidiary with another legal entity or company or a fully liable partner in a limited 
partnership or general partnership, if such co-operation or termination is of fundamental importance to the Company and (c) acquiring or disposing 
of a participation in the capital of a company by the Company or a subsidiary amounting to at least one-third of the amount of assets according to 
the Company’s consolidated balance sheet plus explanatory notes as laid down in the last adopted financial statements of the Company.

Article 10 of the EU Take-Over Directive Decree 

Shares
The issued share capital of the Company amounts to €921,604,180.80, consisting of 576,002,613 shares of €1.60 each. Each share carries one vote. 
The shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

All shares carry equal rights and are freely transferable (unless provided otherwise below).

Shares repurchased by the Company for the share-based Long-Term Variable (LTV) awards or for any other purpose do not carry any voting rights and 
dividend rights.

Shareholders who hold shares on a predetermined record date are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM. The record date for the AGM of 19 April 2018 
is 28 days before the AGM, i.e. on 22 March 2018.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

38

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Substantial shareholdings
Pursuant to the Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht) and the Decree on Disclosure of Major Holdings and Capital Interests in 
Issuing Institutions (Besluit melding zeggenschap en kapitaalbelang in uitgevende instellingen), the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets 
has been notified about the following substantial shareholdings regarding the Company during 2017:

Mrs. C.L. de Carvalho-Heineken (indirectly 50.005%; the direct 50.005% shareholder is Heineken Holding N.V.).

Voting Trust (FEMSA) (indirectly 8.63%; the direct 8.63% shareholder is CB Equity LLP). It is noted that in 2017 Voting Trust (FEMSA)’s indirect 
shareholding in the Company has reduced from 12.53% to 8.63%. 

Restrictions related to shares held by FEMSA
Upon completion (on 30 April 2010) of the acquisition of the beer operations of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA), CB Equity LLP 
(belonging to the FEMSA group) received Heineken N.V. shares (and Heineken Holding N.V. shares). Pursuant to the Corporate Governance Agreement 
of 30 April 2010 concluded between the Company, Heineken Holding N.V., L’Arche Green N.V., FEMSA and CB Equity LLP the following applies:

Subject to certain exceptions, FEMSA, CB Equity LLP, and any member of the FEMSA group shall not increase its shareholding in Heineken Holding N.V. 
above 20% and shall not increase its holding in the Heineken Group above a maximum of 20% economic interest (such capped percentages referred 
to as the ‘Voting Ownership Cap’). 

Subject to certain exceptions, FEMSA, CB Equity LLP and any member of the FEMSA group may not exercise any voting rights in respect of any shares 
beneficially owned by it, if and to the extent that such shares are in excess of the applicable Voting Ownership Cap. 

Unless FEMSA’s economic interest in the Heineken Group were to fall below 14%, the current FEMSA control structure were to change or FEMSA were 
to be subject to a change of control, FEMSA is entitled to have two representatives on the Company’s Supervisory Board, one of whom will be 
Vice-Chairman, who also serves as the FEMSA representative on the Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V. 

Share plans
There is a share-based Long-Term Variable Award (‘LTV’) for both the Executive Board members and senior management. Eligibility for participation 
in the LTV by senior management is based on objective criteria.

Each year, performance shares are awarded to the participants. Depending on the fulfilment of certain predetermined performance conditions during 
a three-year performance period, the performance shares will vest and the participants will receive Heineken N.V. shares.

Shares received by Executive Board members upon vesting under the LTV Award are subject to a holding period of five years as from the date of 
award of the respective performance shares, which is approximately two years from the vesting date. 

Under the Short-Term Variable Pay (STV) for the Executive Board, the Executive Board members are entitled to receive a cash bonus subject to the 
fulfilment of predetermined performance conditions. The Executive Board members are obliged to invest at least 25% of their STV payout in Heineken 
N.V. shares (investment shares) to be delivered by the Company; the maximum they can invest in Heineken N.V. shares is 50% of their STV payout (at 
their discretion).

The investment shares (which are acquired by the Executive Board members in the year after the year over which the STV payout is calculated) are 
subject to a holding period of five years as from 1 January of the year in which the investment shares are acquired. Executive Board members are 
entitled to receive one additional Heineken N.V. share (a matching share) for each investment share held by them at the end of the respective holding 
period. The entitlement to receive matching shares shall lapse upon the termination by the Company of the employment agreement (in respect of 
Mr. Van Boxmeer), or service agreement (in respect of Mrs. Debroux), as the case may be, for an urgent reason (‘dringende reden’) within the meaning 
of the law or in case of dismissal for cause (‘ontslag met gegronde redenen’) whereby the cause for dismissal concerns unsatisfactory functioning of 
the Executive Board member. 

In exceptional situations, extraordinary share entitlements may be awarded by the Executive Board to employees. These share entitlements are 
usually non-performance-related and the employees involved are usually entitled to receive Heineken N.V. shares after the expiry of a period of time. 

The shares required for the LTV, the STV and the extraordinary share entitlements will be acquired by the Company on the basis of an authorisation 
granted by the AGM and subject to approval of the Supervisory Board of the Company. 

Change of control
There are no important agreements to which the Company is a party and that will automatically come into force, be amended or be terminated under 
the condition of a change of control over the Company as a result of a public offer.

However, the contractual conditions of most of the Company’s important financing agreements and notes issued (potentially) entitle the banks and 
noteholders respectively to claim early repayment of the amounts borrowed by the Company in the situation of a change of control over the 
Company (as defined in the respective agreement).

Also, some of HEINEKEN’s important joint venture agreements provide that in case of a change of control over HEINEKEN (as defined in the respective 
agreement), the other party to such agreement may exercise its right to purchase HEINEKEN’s shares in the joint venture, as a result of which the 
respective joint venture agreement will terminate. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

39

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Appointment and dismissal of Supervisory and Executive Board members
Members of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board are appointed by the AGM on the basis of a non-binding nomination by the 
Supervisory Board.

The AGM can dismiss members of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board by a majority of the votes cast, if the subject majority at least 
represents one-third of the issued capital.

Amendment of the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association can be amended by resolution of the AGM in which at least half of the issued capital is represented and exclusively either at 
the proposal of the Supervisory Board or at the proposal of the Executive Board that has been approved by the Supervisory Board, or at the proposal 
of one or more shareholders representing at least half of the issued capital.

Acquisition of own shares
On 20 April 2017, the AGM authorised the Executive Board (for the statutory maximum period of 18 months) to acquire own shares subject to the 
following conditions and with due observance of the law and the Articles of Association (which require the approval of the Supervisory Board):

The maximum number of shares which may be acquired is 10% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Transactions must be executed at a price between the nominal value of the shares and 110% of the opening price quoted for the shares in the Official 
Price List (Officiële Prijscourant) of Euronext Amsterdam on the date of the transaction or, in the absence of such a price, the latest price 
quoted therein.

Transactions may be executed on the stock exchange or otherwise.

The authorisation may be used in connection with the variable awards for the members of the Executive Board and the LTV for senior management, 
but may also serve other purposes, such as other acquisitions. A new authorisation will be submitted for approval at the next AGM on 19 April 2018.

Issue of shares
On 20 April 2017, the AGM also authorised the Executive Board (for a period of 18 months) to issue shares or grant rights to subscribe for shares and 
to restrict or exclude shareholders’ pre-emption rights, with due observance of the law and Articles of Association (which require the approval of the 
Supervisory Board). The authorisation is limited to 10% of the Company’s issued share capital, as per the date of issue. The authorisation may be used 
in connection with the LTV for the members of the Executive Board and the LTV for senior management, but may also serve other purposes, such as 
acquisitions. A new authorisation will be submitted for approval to the AGM at 19 April 2018.

Compliance with the Code
On 8 December 2016, a new Code was published which came into effect on 1 January 2017. The Code can be downloaded at http://www.mccg.nl.

As stated in the Code, there should be a basic recognition that corporate governance must be tailored to the company-specific situation and therefore 
that non-application of individual provisions by a company may be justified.

HEINEKEN in principle endorses the Code’s principles and applies virtually all best practice provisions. However, given the structure of the HEINEKEN 
Group, and specifically the relationship between the Company and its controlling shareholder Heineken Holding N.V., the Company does not (fully) 
apply the following best practice provisions: 

2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10 and 2.3.4:  
Number of independent Supervisory Board members as well as number of independent members of the Remuneration and Selection & Appointment 
Committees; in that light the Supervisory Board report does not state that best practice provision 2.1.7 through 2.1.9 has been fulfilled.

2.2.2:  
Maximum terms of appointment Supervisory Board members; and

2.3.8:  
Temporary nature of appointing a delegated Supervisory Board member.

Furthermore, HEINEKEN does not fully apply best practice provision 3.2.3 (severance payment Executive Board members and notably the one-year 
salary limit for such payments) to Mr. Van Boxmeer, in view of his longstanding employment relationship (over 25 years in service) with the Company. 
The agreement with Mrs. Debroux was made in line with the best practice provisions of the 2008 Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Under the 2016 
Code, the requirements regarding severance payments are more stringent and as such the Company strictly speaking does not comply with this best 
practice provision 3.2.3 during her first term (ending in April 2019). The Company shall comply with it in any subsequent terms after April 2019. 
For more information please see the Remuneration Report.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

40

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Other best practice provisions which are not applied relate to the fact that these principles and/or best practice provisions are not applicable to 
the Company:

1.3.6:  
HEINEKEN has an internal audit function;

3.1.2 sub viii:  
HEINEKEN does not grant options on shares;

4.1.5:  
This best practice provision relates to shareholders;

4.2.6:  
HEINEKEN has no anti-takeover measures;

4.3.1:  
This best practice provision relates to shareholders;

4.3.4:  
HEINEKEN has no financing preference shares;

4.3.5 and 4.3.6:  
This best practice provision relates to institutional investors;

4.4:  
HEINEKEN has no depositary receipts of shares, nor a trust office; and

4.3.3 and 5.1:  
HEINEKEN does not have a one-tier management structure.

Statement of the Executive Board
The Report of the Executive Board, together with pages 133–154 of the Sustainability Review, serves as the management report for the purpose of 
section 391, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

In accordance with best practice provision 1.4.3 of the Code, we are of the opinion that, in respect of financial reporting risks, the internal risk management 
and control system, as described in the Risk Management section of this Annual Report 2017:

Provides sufficient insights into any failings in the effectiveness of the internal risk management and control systems;

The aforementioned systems provide reasonable assurance that the financial reporting does not contain any material inaccuracies in the design and 
operation of the internal risk management and control systems during the past financial year;

Based on the current state of affairs, it is justified that the financial reporting is prepared on a going concern basis; and

The report states those material risks and uncertainties that are relevant to the expectation of the Company’s continuity for the period of 12 months 
after the preparation of the report. 

It should be noted that the foregoing does not imply that this system and these procedures provide absolute assurance as to the realisation of operational 
and strategic business objectives, or that they can prevent all misstatements, inaccuracies, errors, fraud and non-compliance with legislation, rules and 
regulations. For a detailed description of the risk management system and the principal risks identified, please refer to the Risk Management section.

In accordance with Article 5:25c paragraph 2 sub c of the Financial Markets Supervision Act, we confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the 
financial statements in this Annual Report 2017 give a true and fair view of our assets and liabilities, our financial position at 31 December 2017, 
and the results of our consolidated operations for the financial year 2017; and

the Report of the Executive Board includes a fair review of the position at 31 December 2017 and the development and performance during the 
financial year 2017 of Heineken N.V. and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, and describes the principal risks that 
Heineken N.V. faces.

This statement cannot be construed as a statement in accordance with the requirements of Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which Act 
is not applicable to Heineken N.V. 

Executive Board

J.F.M.L. van Boxmeer
L.M. Debroux
Amsterdam, 9 February 2018 
Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

41

To the Shareholders

During the year under review, the Supervisory Board performed its duties in accordance with primary and 
secondary legislation and the Articles of Association of Heineken N.V. and supervised and advised the 
Executive Board on an ongoing basis.

Financial statements and profit appropriation
The Supervisory Board hereby submits to the shareholders the financial statements and the report of the Executive Board for the financial year 2017, 
as prepared by the Executive Board and approved by the Supervisory Board in its meeting of 9 February 2018. Deloitte Accountants B.V. audited the 
financial statements. Its report can be found on page 156 in the Other Information section.

The Supervisory Board recommends that shareholders, in accordance with the Articles of Association, adopt these financial statements and, as proposed 
by the Executive Board, appropriate €838 million for payment of dividend. The underlying principle of the dividend policy is that 30-40% of net 
profit before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets (net profit beia) is placed at the disposal of shareholders for 
distribution as dividend. The proposed dividend amounts to €1.47 per share of €1.60 nominal value, of which €0.54 was paid as an interim dividend on 
10 August 2017.

Supervisory Board composition, independence and remuneration

Composition
The Supervisory Board consists of 10 members: Hans Wijers (Chairman), José Antonio Fernández Carbajal (Vice-Chairman), Maarten Das, 
Michel de Carvalho, Annemiek Fentener van Vlissingen, Christophe Navarre, Javier Astaburuaga Sanjinés, Jean Marc Huët, Pamela Mars Wright 
and Yonca Brunini. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 April 2017 re-appointed Mr. Das and Mr. Navarre for a period of four years. 
Mr. Scheffers stepped down as member of the Supervisory Board after the 2017 AGM. 

Information on the Supervisory Board members is provided below.

Hans (G.J.) Wijers (1951) 

Dutch nationality; male. 

Appointed in 2012; Chairman (as of 2013); latest reappointment in 2016*. 
Profession: Company Director. 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: ING Groep N.V.
Other positions***: Royal Dutch Shell plc (Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director); HAL Holding N.V.; Natuurmonumenten (Chairman); 
Concertgebouw N.V. (Chairman).

José Antonio (J.A.) Fernández Carbajal (1954)

Mexican nationality; male. 

Appointed in 2010; latest reappointment in 2014*.
Vice-Chairman (as of 2010). 
Profession: Executive Chairman Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA). 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: Heineken Holding N.V. 
Other positions***: Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B. de C.V. (Chairman); Tecnológico de Monterrey (Chairman); Fundación Femsa (Chairman); participates on 
the Board of Industrias Peñoles; founding member of the Mexican chapter of the Woodrow Wilson Center; Term Member of the MIT Corporation. 

Maarten (M.) Das (1948)

Dutch nationality; male. 

Appointed in 1994; latest reappointment in 2017*. 
Delegated Member (1995). 
Profession: Lawyer. 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: Heineken Holding N.V. (Chairman) and  
Greenchoice B.V. (Chairman). 
Other positions***: L’Arche Green N.V. (Chairman); Stichting Administratiekantoor Priores; L’Arche Holding B.V.; Greenfee B.V. (Chairman).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Executive Board

Report of the  
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Information

42

To the Shareholders (continued)

Michel (M.R.) de Carvalho (1944)

British nationality; male. 

Appointed in 1996; latest reappointment in 2015*. 
Profession: Banker, Vice-Chairman – Citigroup Investment Bank EMEA; Chairman – Citigroup Private Bank EMEA. 
Executive Director of Heineken Holding N.V.
No supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**.
Other positions***: L’Arche Green N.V.

Annemiek (A.M.) Fentener van Vlissingen (1961)

Dutch nationality; female. 

Appointed in 2006; latest reappointment in 2014*. 
Profession: Company Director. 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: SHV Holdings N.V. (Chairman); EXOR Holding N.V. 
Other positions***: Lhoist, Belgium; Board member Global Advisory Council Bank of America.

Christophe (V.C.O.B.J.) Navarre (1958)

Belgian nationality; male. 

Appointed in 2009; latest reappointment in 2017*. 
Profession: Chairman of Neptune International
No supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**. 

Javier (J.G.) Astaburuaga Sanjinés (1959)

Mexican nationality; male. 

Appointed in 2010; latest reappointment in 2014*. 
Profession: Senior Vice President Corporate Development Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA). 
No supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**. 
Other positions***: Board member of Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA) and Coca-Cola Femsa S.A.B. de C.V.

Jean-Marc (J.M.) Huët (1969)

Dutch nationality; male.

Appointed in 2014*. 
Profession: Company Director 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: SHV Holdings N.V.
Other positions***: Canada Goose Incorporated; J2 Acquisition Ltd.

Pamela (P.) Mars Wright (1960)

American nationality; female.

Appointed in 2016*. 
Profession: Company Director. 
Supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**: SHV Holdings N.V.
Other positions***: Mars, Incorporated.

Yonca (Y.) Brunini (1969)

British nationality; female. 

Appointed in 2016*. 
Profession: VP Marketing EMEA at Google. 
No supervisory board seats (or non-executive board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**.
Other positions***: none.

*  For the maximum period of four years. 
** 

 Large Dutch Entities are Dutch N.V.s, B.V.s or Foundations (that are required to prepare annual accounts pursuant to Chapter 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code or similar legislation) that meet two of the following 
criteria (on a consolidated basis) on two consecutive balance sheet dates:

(i)  The value of the assets (according to the balance sheet with the explanatory notes and on the basis of acquisition and manufacturing costs) exceeds €20 million;
(ii)  The net turnover exceeds €40 million;
(iii) The average number of employees is at least 250. 
***  Under ‘Other positions’, other functions are mentioned that may be relevant to performance of the duties of the Supervisory Board.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

43

To the Shareholders (continued)

The Supervisory Board has a diverse composition in terms of experience, gender, nationality and age. Three out of 10 members are women and six 
out of 10 members are non-Dutch. There are five nationalities (American, Belgian, British, Dutch and Mexican) and age ranges between 46 and 73. 
The Supervisory Board is of the opinion that a diversity of experience and skills is represented on its board. The elements of a diverse composition of 
the Supervisory Board are laid down in the Diversity Policy of the Supervisory Board, Executive Board and Executive Team as per best practice provision 
2.1.5 of the revised Dutch Corporate Governance Code, which was published on 8 December 2016 and which came into effect on 1 January 2017 
(the ‘Code’).

In line with Dutch law, the profile of the Supervisory Board and the Diversity Policy state that the Supervisory Board shall pursue that at least 30% of the 
seats shall be held by men and at least 30% by women. Currently, 30% (i.e. three out of 10) of the Supervisory Board members are female and it is 
therefore deemed to be balanced within the meaning of Dutch law. Diversity and gender are important drivers in the selection process. With reference 
thereto, the Supervisory Board will retain an active and open attitude as regards selecting female candidates, and has established a list of potential 
female candidates who will be considered should a vacancy in the Supervisory Board arise. The Supervisory Board however also notes that, in its 
opinion, gender is only one element of diversity, and that experience, background, knowledge, skills and insight are equally important and relevant 
criteria in selecting new members.

Mr. J.A. Fernández Carbajal, Mr. J.G. Astaburuaga Sanjinés, Mr. J.M. Huët and Mrs. A.M. Fentener van Vlissingen will have completed their four year 
appointment terms per the end of the AGM on 19 April 2018. Mr. Huët is eligible for reappointment for a period of four years and a non-binding 
nomination shall be submitted to the AGM in that respect. A non-binding nomination for the reappointment of Mr. Fernández Carbajal and Mr. 
Astaburuaga Sanjinés for a period of four years shall also be submitted to the AGM. Both are representatives of FEMSA (that (in)directly holds a 
14.76% economic interest in the Company), and their respective appointments are based on the Corporate Governance Agreement, which was 
concluded between (among others) the Company and FEMSA on 30 April 2010, and which was approved by the AGM on 22 April 2010 (in connection 
with the acquisition by the Company of FEMSA’s beer activities). A reappointment of Mr. Fernández Carbajal and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés for a period 
of four years is a deviation of the applicable two-year appointment term as per best practice provision 2.2.2. of the Code, it is however deemed to be in 
line with the profile of the Supervisory Board and a reflection of FEMSA’s involvement as a long-term shareholder of the Company.

The Supervisory Board is grateful for the commitment of Mrs. Fentener van Vlissingen over the past 12 years and for the way she contributed to the 
Supervisory Board, as well as its Audit Committee and Selection & Appointment Committee.

A non-binding nomination will be submitted to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2018 to appoint Mrs. Marion Helmes as member 
of the Supervisory Board as of 19 April 2018 for a period of four years. It is the intention that Mrs. Helmes will join the Audit Committee and in time 
become the Chair of the Audit Committee, taking over this role from Mr. Huët who will remain a member of the Audit Committee.

Independence
The Supervisory Board endorses the principle that the composition of the Supervisory Board shall be such that its members are able to act critically 
and independently of one another and of the Executive Board and any particular interests. 

Given the structure of the Heineken Group, the Company is of the opinion that, in the context of preserving the continuity of the Heineken Group 
and ensuring a focus on long-term value creation, it is in its best interest and that of its stakeholders that the Supervisory Board includes a fair and 
adequate representation of persons who are related by blood or marriage to the late Mr. A.H. Heineken (former Chairman of the Executive Board), 
or who are members of the Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V., even if those persons would not, formally speaking, be considered 
‘independent’ within the meaning of best practice provision 2.1.8 of the Code.

Currently, the majority of the Supervisory Board (i.e. six of its 10 members) qualify as ‘independent’ as per best practice provision 2.1.8 of the 
Code. There are four members whom in a strictly formal sense do not meet the applicable criteria for being ‘independent’ as set out in the Code: 
Mr. de Carvalho (who is the spouse of Mrs. C.L. de Carvalho – Heineken, the daughter of the late Mr. A.H. Heineken, and also an executive director of 
Heineken Holding N.V.), Mr. Das (who is the Chairman of Heineken Holding N.V.), Mr. Fernández Carbajal (who is a non-executive director of Heineken 
Holding N.V. and representative of FEMSA) and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés (who is a representative of FEMSA). However, the Supervisory Board has 
ascertained that Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das, Mr. Fernández Carbajal and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés in fact act critically and independently. 

Remuneration
The AGM determines the remuneration of the members of the Supervisory Board. In 2011, the AGM resolved to adjust the remuneration of the 
Supervisory Board effective 1 January 2011. The detailed amounts are stated in the notes to the financial statements.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

44

To the Shareholders (continued)

Meetings and activities of the Supervisory Board
During 2017, the Supervisory Board held seven meetings with the Executive Board. The agenda regularly included subjects such as the development 
of and the manner in which the Executive Board implements the Company’s strategy aimed at long-term value creation, as well as enabling Company 
culture aiming to ensuring proper monitoring by the Supervisory Board, its financial position, the results of the Regions and Operating Companies, 
acquisitions, large investment proposals, the yearly budget, management changes, the new Dutch Corporate Governance Code and the internal risk 
management and control system. The external auditor attended the meeting in which the annual results were discussed. In 2017, specific attention 
was given to the following:

The Supervisory Board had a two-day meeting with the Executive Board to discuss the Company’s strategic priorities and main risks of the business 
associated with it in depth. During this meeting, members of the Executive Team presented their respective strategic topics and risks per region or 
function, as the case may be. 

The Supervisory Board visited London, the United Kingdom, where the Managing Directors of Heineken UK, Heineken Italy and the Europe Region 
presented an update on business performance. In addition, a visit was made to the Google UK offices and the Mars Slough factory.

During the year, several representatives of senior management and the Executive Team were invited to give presentations to the Supervisory Board. 

In 2017, the following subjects were presented in more detail:

 – Sustainability

 – Digital Commerce

 – Human Resources and succession planning (including the remuneration of the members of the Executive Team)

 – Global Information Systems, including Cyber Security

Regular Executive Sessions were held without the Executive Board being present. The purpose of these sessions was to evaluate the Supervisory Board 
meetings and, where relevant, further reflect on particular subjects discussed at the meetings. One Executive Session was dedicated to the evaluation 
of the Supervisory Board relating to the performance, working methods, procedures and functioning of the Supervisory Board, its committees and its 
individual members as well as the functioning of the Executive Board and its individual members. These evaluations were conducted on the basis of 
responses to a questionnaire submitted by the members of the Supervisory Board to the Chairman followed by individual interviews with the Chairman. 
The questionnaire and discussions with the Chairman covered topics such as the composition and expertise of the Supervisory Board, access to 
information, frequency and quality of the meetings, quality and timeliness of the meeting materials, and the nature of the topics discussed during 
meetings. The responses provided by the Supervisory Board members indicated that the Board continues to be a well-functioning team. 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board met frequently with the CEO to, among others, prepare the Supervisory Board meetings. 

Committees
The Supervisory Board has five Committees: the Preparatory Committee, the Audit Committee, the Selection & Appointment Committee, the 
Remuneration Committee and the Americas Committee. The terms of reference for the Committees are posted on the Company’s website.

Preparatory Committee
Composition: Mr. Wijers (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das and Mr. Fernández Carbajal. The Preparatory Committee met seven times. 
The Committee prepares decision-making by the Supervisory Board on matters not already handled by any of the other Committees, such as 
in relation to acquisitions and investments.

Audit Committee
Composition: Mr. Huët (Chairman), Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés, and Mrs. Fentener van Vlissingen. The Audit Committee met four times. The members 
collectively have the experience and financial expertise to supervise the Executive Board in its activities in relation to the publication of financial 
statements and operation of the internal risk management and control systems, including the risk profile of Heineken N.V.

The Executive Board attended all meetings, and so did the external auditor, the Executive Director Global Audit, and the Senior Director Global 
Accounting and Reporting.

The Executive Director Global Audit has direct access to the Audit Committee, primarily through its Chairman. During the year, the Audit Committee 
met once with the external auditors and once with the Executive Director Global Audit, in both instances without management being present. 
In addition, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Executive Director Global Audit held regular update meetings during the year. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

45

To the Shareholders (continued)

The Committee supervises the activities of the Executive Board with respect to the publication of financial information. The Committee reviews, 
in the presence of the Executive Board and the external auditor, the appropriateness of the half-year reporting and the annual financial statements, 
focusing on:

The decisions made on the selection and application of accounting policies.

The reliability and completeness of disclosures.

Compliance with financial, non-financial and other reporting requirements.

Significant judgements, estimates and assumptions used in preparing the reports in respect of, among others, accounting for acquisitions and 
divestments, the annual impairment test and determining the level of provisions.

At the beginning of the year, the Committee reviews the audit plan of the external auditor as well as the internal audit plan. The Committee focuses 
mainly on the scoping, key risks, staffing and budget. During the year, the Committee reviews the reports of the external and the internal auditor.

Furthermore, the Committee in 2017 discussed recurring topics, such as:

The effectiveness and the outcome of the internal control and risk management systems, as well as changes made and improvements planned to 
these systems.

Functional updates in respect of Global Procurement, Financial Shared Services & Internal Control over Financial Reporting, Global Treasury and Tax, 
Pensions, Litigation and Risk Management.

Update on new IFRS Standards: IFRS 9 (Financial instruments), IFRS 15 (Revenue from contracts with customers) and IFRS 16 (Leases).

HEINEKEN’s governance, risk and compliance (GRC) activities, including the HEINEKEN Company Rules and the HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct.

Post Audit Reviews of large investments.

The outcome of the internal audit activities.

The outcome of the annual Letter of Representation process and the report from the Integrity Committee related to fraud reporting and Speak 
Up policy.

The evaluation of the external auditor, Deloitte Accountants B.V.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee informed the Supervisory Board of the discussions held in the Audit Committee in respect of these 
recurring topics. 

Selection & Appointment Committee
Composition: Mr. Wijers (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das, Mr. Fernández Carbajal, and Mrs. Fentener van Vlissingen. The Selection & Appointment 
Committee met five times.

In 2017, the following subjects were discussed:

The composition and rotation schedule of the Supervisory Board and its Committees.

Female representation on the Supervisory Board, including a list of potential female candidates.

Evaluation of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board.

Diversity Policy for the Supervisory Board, Executive Board and Executive Team.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

46

To the Shareholders (continued)

Remuneration Committee
Composition: Mr. Das (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Wijers and Ms. Brunini. The Remuneration Committee met four times in 2017.

The Remuneration Committee discussed the new Code and in particular the best practice provisions related to remuneration, including the pay ratio 
within the Company. 

The Committee made recommendations to the Supervisory Board on 2017 target setting and 2016 payout levels for the STV pay and LTV awards to 
the Executive Board, all of which were endorsed by the Supervisory Board. As part of the recommendations the Remuneration Committee took note 
of the Executive Board member’s views with regard to the amount and structure of their own remuneration. 

The Remuneration Committee received a report on status and trends in executive remuneration and executive remuneration governance in order to 
fulfil its remuneration governance responsibilities. The report aimed to review, amongst other things, alignment of HEINEKEN’s remuneration practices 
with its remuneration principles, to provide an overview of HEINEKEN’s competitive remuneration positioning versus the market, to assess the relation 
between actual remuneration and performance and to update the Committee on executive compensation trends and regulatory development. 
A copy of the report was also submitted to the full Supervisory Board. 

In addition, a review was performed on the Executive Board Remuneration Policy as well as the Supervisory Board fees and recent developments were 
discussed in light of the new Code and the European Shareholders Rights Directive. 

Americas Committee
Composition: Mr. Fernández Carbajal (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Navarre, and Ms. Mars Wright.

The Committee advises the Supervisory Board on the overall strategic direction of the Americas Region and reviews and evaluates the performance, 
the organisation and the management in the Americas Region. The Chairman of the Executive Board and the President Americas also attend the 
Americas Committee meetings. The Committee met twice in 2017 and reviewed specific developments in the region, including financial results and 
strategic priorities, presented by the President Americas.

Attendance 
The Supervisory Board confirms that all Supervisory Board members have adequate time available to give sufficient attention to the concerns of the 
Company. In 2017, the attendance rate was 92% for the Supervisory Board meetings and 82% including the Committee meetings. Many Supervisory 
Board members were able to attend all seven meetings. In case of absence, members are fully informed in advance, enabling them to provide input 
for the meeting, and they are also updated on the meeting outcome. 

The table below provides an overview of the attendance record of the individual members of the Supervisory Board. Attendance is expressed as a 
number of meetings attended out of the number eligible to attend.

Supervisory
Board

Preparatory
Committee

Audit
Committee

Selection &
Appointment
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Americas
Committee

Mr. Wijers 

Mr. Fernández Carbajal 

Mr. Das 

Mr. de Carvalho

Mrs. Fentener van Vlissingen

Mr. Navarre

Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés 

Mr. Huët 

Mrs. Mars Wright

Ms. Brunini 

7/7

7/7

7/7

6/7

6/7

6/7

6/7

7/7

5/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

6/7

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

4/5

3/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

2/2

2/2

1/2

2/2

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

47

To the Shareholders (continued)

Executive Board composition and remuneration

Composition
Best practice provision 2.2.1 of the Code recommends that an Executive Board member is appointed for a period of four years and that a member 
may be reappointed for a term of not more than four years at a time. In compliance with this best practice provision, the Supervisory Board has drawn 
up a rotation schedule in order to avoid, as far as possible, a situation in which Executive Board members retire at the same time.

Mr. Jean-François van Boxmeer was initially appointed for an indefinite term in 2001 and was reappointed for a period of four years in 2017. 
Mrs. Laurence Debroux was appointed in 2015 for a period of four years.

Pursuant to Dutch law, the Supervisory Board shall pursue that on the Executive Board at least 30% of the seats shall be held by men and at least 30% 
by women. The current composition of the Executive Board is compliant with this target. HEINEKEN also strives to appoint a well-balanced mix of men 
and women to its senior management. We note that there may be various pragmatic reasons – such as other relevant selection criteria and the 
availability of suitable candidates – that could play a complicating role in achieving a well-balanced mix of men and women to its senior 
management, at least in the short term.

Remuneration
The AGM approved the current remuneration policy for the Executive Board in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Details of the policy and its implementation 
are described in the Remuneration Report.

Appreciation
The Supervisory Board wishes to express its gratitude to the members of the Executive Board and all HEINEKEN employees for their hard work and 
dedication in 2017.

Supervisory Board Heineken N.V.

Wijers 
Fernández Carbajal 
Das 
de Carvalho 
Navarre 
Amsterdam, 9 February 2018 
Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017

Fentener van Vlissingen 
Huët
Astaburuaga Sanjinés
Mars Wright
Brunini

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

48

Remuneration Report

The Executive Board remuneration policy reflects our longstanding remuneration principles of 
supporting the business strategy, paying for performance, and paying competitively and fairly.  
The remuneration policy and underlying principles continue to support our business growth in the  
widely diverse markets in which we operate.

For 2017, the Remuneration Committee and Supervisory Board reviewed the Executive Board remuneration policy versus its implementation, and its 
outcome versus performance. With regard to policy, the Supervisory Board decided not to recommend any policy change to the 2018 Annual General 
Meeting of Shareholders. With regard to implementation, the Supervisory Board decided to realign the Executive Board base salaries with the aspired 
policy levels, to adjust the relative weights of the financial and operational measures within the Short-term variable pay plan, and to change the name 
of one of the measures in the Short-term and Long-term variable pay plans.

This Remuneration Report includes three sections: 

Part I  
Describes the prevailing Executive Board remuneration policy, as it was adopted by the AGM in 2011, and as it has been implemented in 2017 and  
will be implemented in 2018.

Part II  
Provides details of the Executive Board actual remuneration for performance ending in, or at year-end, 2017.

Part III  
Outlines adjustments to the Executive Board remuneration policy and implementation for 2018.

Part I – Executive Board remuneration policy 

Remuneration principles 
The Executive Board remuneration policy is designed to meet four key principles:

Support the business strategy 
We align our remuneration policy with business strategies focused on creating long-term growth and shareholder value, while maintaining a tight 
focus on short-term financial results.

Pay for performance 
We set clear and measurable targets for our short-term variable pay and long-term variable award policies, and we pay higher remuneration when 
targets are exceeded and lower remuneration when targets are not met.

Pay competitively 
We set target remuneration to be competitive with other relevant multinational corporations of similar size and complexity.

Pay fairly 
We set target remuneration to be internally consistent and fair; we regularly review internal pay relativities between the Executive Board and senior 
managers and aim to achieve consistency and alignment where possible.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

49

Remuneration Report (continued)

Summary overview of remuneration elements
The Executive Board remuneration policy is simple and transparent in design, and consists of the following key elements: 

Remuneration element

Description

Strategic role

Facilitates attraction and is the basis for  
competitive pay 

Rewards performance of day-to-day activities

Drives and rewards annual HEINEKEN performance 

Drives and rewards sound business decisions for the 
long-term health of HEINEKEN 

Aligns Executive Board and shareholder interests

Base salary 

Involves fixed cash compensation

Aims for the median of the labour market peer group

Short-term variable pay

Is based on achievements of annual measures, 
of which a weighted 75% relate to financial and 
operational measures for Heineken N.V. and 25% 
to individual leadership measures 

Aims, at target level, for the median of the labour 
market peer group 

Is partly paid in cash, and partly in investment shares 
with a holding period of five calendar years:

 – the part paid in shares is between 25% and 50% 

of the full gross pay, depending on the individual’s 
choice whether, and to which extent, to exceed  
the mandatory 25% share investment

 – the part in cash is paid net of taxes (i.e. after 
deduction of withholding tax due on the full  
before-tax pay) 

Investment shares are matched on a 1:1 basis after 
the holding period

Long-term variable award

Is based on achievements of three-year financial 
targets for Heineken N.V. as specified on page 54

Drives and rewards sound business decisions for the 
long-term health of HEINEKEN

Aims, at target level, for the median of the labour 
market peer group

Aligns Executive Board and shareholder interests

Supports Executive Board retention

Is awarded through the vesting of shares, net of taxes 
(i.e. after deduction of withholding tax due on the full 
before-tax award)

Vested shares are blocked for another two years, to 
arrive at a five-year holding restriction after the date 
of the conditional performance grant

Pensions

Defined Contribution Pension Plan and/or Capital 
Creation Plan

Provides for employee welfare and retirement needs

Labour market peer group 
A global labour market peer group was adopted by the AGM in 2011, and subsequently adjusted in 2012 and 2017. The median target  
remuneration of this peer group is a reference point for the target remuneration of the CEO and CFO. Each year, the Remuneration Committee 
validates the peer group to ensure relevance, and recommends adjustments to the Supervisory Board if needed. For 2017, the peer group consisted  
of the following companies:

Anheuser-Busch InBev (BE)

Carlsberg (DK)

Coca-Cola (US)

Diageo (UK)

Henkel (DE)

Nestlé (CH)

Pepsico (US)

Kimberley-Clark (US)

Pernod Ricard (FR)

Colgate-Palmolive (US)

Mondelēz International (US)

Unilever (NL)

Danone (FR)

L’Oréal (FR)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

50

Remuneration Report (continued)

The change for 2017 involved the replacement of Philips and SABMiller by Nestlé. Philips has been removed from the labour market peer group due to 
the divestment of its lighting business, thus leaving two smaller entities that are fairly remote from HEINEKEN industry-wise, and SABMiller has been 
removed due to its acquisition by Anheuser-Busch Inbev. As replacement, the Supervisory Board has decided to include Nestlé in the labour market 
peer group.

Base salary
Base salaries are determined by reference to the median base salary levels of the aforementioned labour market peer group. Every year, peer group 
and base salary levels are reviewed, and the Remuneration Committee may propose adjustments to the Supervisory Board taking into account the 
external labour market peer group data and internal pay relativities. The annual base salaries for 2017 were €1,200,000 for the CEO, and €720,000 
for the CFO. For 2018 these base salary levels will be increased to €1,250,000 for the CEO and €735,000 for the CFO respectively, to realign these base 
salaries with the aspired policy levels following from the medians of the aforementioned Labour market peer group.

Short-term variable pay
The short-term variable pay (STV) is designed to drive and reward the achievements of HEINEKEN’s annual performance targets. Through its payout 
in both cash and investment shares it also drives and rewards sound business decisions for HEINEKEN’s long-term health while aligning Executive 
Board and shareholder interests at the same time. The target STV opportunities for both 2017 and 2018 are 140% of base salary for the CEO and 
100% of base salary for the CFO. These percentage opportunities are well aligned with the labour market peer group medians. 

The STV opportunities are for a weighted 75% based on financial and operational measures for Heineken N.V., and for a weighted 25% on individual 
leadership measures. At the beginning of each year, the Supervisory Board establishes the performance measures, their relative weights and 
corresponding targets based on HEINEKEN’s business priorities for that year. The financial and operational measures and their relative weights 
are reported in the Remuneration Report upfront; the numerical performance targets themselves are not disclosed as they are considered to be 
commercially sensitive. In the first weeks of the following year, the Supervisory Board reviews the Company and individual performance against the 
pre-set targets, and approves the STV payout levels based on the performance achieved. The performance on each of the measures is reported 
in qualitative terms in the Remuneration Report after the end of the performance period (cf. Part II). The STV payout for 2017 is subject to four 
performance measures with equal weights of 25% each: Organic Revenue Growth, Organic Net Profit beia Growth, Free Operating Cash Flow 
and Individual Leadership measures. For 2018 the same performance measures will apply, yet with adjusted weights of 35%, 15%, 25% and 25% 
respectively, to further increase focus on top line growth. In addition, as from 2018 the name of the 2017 Organic Revenue Growth performance 
measure will be changed into Organic Net Revenue Growth, since IFRS has changed the definition of ‘Revenue’ to include certain types of excise duties 
whereas we wish to maintain the performance measure net of excise duties and thus unchanged in its content.

For each performance measure, a threshold, target and maximum performance level is set with the following STV payout, as a percentage  
of target payout:

Threshold performance
50% of target payout

Target performance
100% of target payout

Maximum performance
200% of target payout.

For each measure, payout in between these performance levels is on a straight-line basis; below threshold performance the payout is zero, whereas 
beyond maximum performance it is capped at 200% of payout at target.

In line with policy, 25% of the STV payout is paid out in shares, referred to as investment shares. At their discretion, the Executive Board members have 
the opportunity to indicate before the end of the performance year whether they wish to receive up to another 25% of their STV payout in additional 
investment shares. All investment shares thus received are then blocked and cannot be sold under any circumstance, including resignation, for five 
calendar years to link the value of the investment shares to long-term Company performance. Withholding tax on the investment shares and on the 
cash part of the STV payout is settled with the cash part at the time of payout. After the blocking period is completed after five calendar years, the 
Company will match the investment shares 1:1 in the first weeks of the following year, i.e. one matching share is granted for each investment share. As 
from then, there are no holding requirements on these investment shares anymore, and there are no holding requirements on the resulting matching 
shares that remain after withholding tax on these shares. According to plan rules, matching entitlements will be forfeited in case of dismissal by the 
Company for an urgent reason within the meaning of the law (‘dringende reden’), or in case of dismissal for cause (‘gegronde reden’) whereby the 
cause for dismissal concerns unsatisfactory functioning of the Executive Board member. With this ‘deferral-and-matching’ proposition a significant 
share ownership by the Executive Board is ensured, creating an increased alignment with the interests of shareholders. The Supervisory Board has the 
power to revise the amount of the STV payout to an appropriate amount if the STV payout that would have been payable in accordance with the 
agreed payment schedule would be unacceptable according to standards of reasonableness and fairness. The Supervisory Board is entitled to claw 
back all or part of the STV payout (in cash, investment shares or matching shares) insofar as it has been made on the basis of incorrect information 
about achieving the performance conditions.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

51

Remuneration Report (continued)

Long-term variable award
The long-term variable award (LTV) is designed to drive and reward sound business decisions for HEINEKEN’s long-term health, and to align the 
Executive Board with shareholder interests. The target LTV opportunities for both 2017 and 2018 are 150% of base salary for the CEO and 125% of 
base salary for the CFO. 

Each year, a target number of performance shares is conditionally granted based on the aforementioned target LTV opportunity percentage of 
that year, the base salary of that year, and the closing share price of 31 December of the preceding year. The vesting of these performance shares is 
contingent on HEINEKEN’s performance over a period of three years on four fundamental financial performance measures:

Organic Revenue Growth 
To drive top line growth

Organic Operating Profit beia Growth
To drive profitability and operational efficiency

Earnings Per Share (EPS) beia Growth
To drive overall long-term Company performance

Free Operating Cash Flow
To drive focus on cash.

These four performance measures have equal weights to minimise the risk that participants over-emphasise one performance measure to the 
detriment of others. At the beginning of each performance period, the Supervisory Board establishes the corresponding numerical targets for these 
performance measures based on HEINEKEN’s business priorities. These targets are not disclosed upfront as they are considered to be commercially 
sensitive. In the first weeks after the end of the performance period, the Supervisory Board reviews the Company’s performance against the pre-set 
targets, and approves the LTV vesting based on the performance achieved. The performance on each of the measures is reported in qualitative terms 
in the Remuneration Report after the performance period has been completed (cf. Part II).

For each performance measure, a threshold, target and maximum performance level is set with the following performance share vesting schedule:

Threshold performance
50% of performance shares vests

Target performance
100% of performance shares vests

Maximum performance
200% of performance shares vests.

For each measure, vesting in between these performance levels is on a straight-line basis; below threshold performance the vesting is zero, whereas 
beyond maximum performance it is capped at 200% of vesting at target.

The Supervisory Board has the power to revise the amount of performance shares that will vest to an appropriate number if the number of 
performance shares that would have vested under the agreed vesting schedule would be unacceptable according to standards of reasonableness 
and fairness. The Supervisory Board is entitled to claw back all or part of the shares transferred to the Executive Board members upon vesting (or the 
value thereof) insofar as vesting occurred on the basis of incorrect information about achieving the performance conditions. The vested performance 
shares that remain after withholding tax are subject to an additional holding restriction of two years, to arrive at a five-year holding restriction after the 
date of the conditional performance grant.

As from the 2017 grant, the performance measure ‘Organic Operating Profit beia Growth’ replaced the performance measure ‘Organic EBIT beia 
Growth’, as approved by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 20 April 2017. For the LTV grants for the performance period 2015-2017 
and the performance period 2016-2018 the original EBIT targets remained in place. As from 2018 the name of the 2017 Organic Revenue Growth 
performance measure will be changed into Organic Net Revenue Growth, since IFRS has changed the definition of ‘Revenue’ to include certain types 
of excise duties whereas we wish to maintain the performance measure net of excise duties and thus unchanged in its content.

Pay mix
The mix between fixed pay and variable pay for various levels of performance is illustrated overleaf. In these charts, fixed pay refers to base salary only, 
excluding pensions and other emoluments, and variable pay consists of the aforementioned short-term variable pay and long-term variable award 
opportunities, including the ‘deferral-and-matching’ proposition. Share price movements during performance and holding periods are hereby not 
included since these are unknown in the context of target remuneration.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

52

Remuneration Report (continued)

CEO target pay mix 2017-2018
100%

36%

22%

12%

88%

78%

Below threshold performance

At threshold performance

At target performance

At/beyond max performance

64%

CFO target pay mix 2017-2018
100%

42%

27%

15%

85%

73%

Below threshold performance

At threshold performance

At target performance

At/beyond max performance

58%

Fixed pay

Variable pay

Pensions
The members of the Executive Board participate in a defined-contribution Capital Creation Plan. As of 2015, following pension reforms in the 
Netherlands, new members of the Executive Board receive the same contribution as new top executives under Dutch employment contract below 
the Executive Board, which is currently 18% of base salary. This applies to our current CFO who became an Executive Board member in 2015. For the 
CEO the same capital creation arrangement as for 2014 remained in force, since the existing top executives below the Executive Board at that time 
were compensated on an individual basis for the impact of the aforementioned pension reforms. The contribution to the CEO therefore remains an 
age-dependent percentage of base salary and STV payout. Both Executive Board members have chosen to receive their full pension contributions 
as taxable income, as opposed to applying tax deferral to the maximum amount possible.

Compensation rights on termination of employment/service agreement
If the Company gives notice of termination of the employment agreement of Mr. Van Boxmeer for a reason which is not an urgent reason (‘dringende 
reden’) within the meaning of the law, the Company shall pay severance compensation to Mr. Van Boxmeer on expiry of his employment agreement. 
This severance compensation shall be set on the basis of the notion of reasonableness taking into account all the circumstances of the matter, including 
whether Mr. Van Boxmeer shall be bound by a non-competition obligation and whether any allowance is paid by the Company in relation to this 
non-competition obligation. In case of dismissal for cause (‘ontslag met gegronde reden’) whereby the cause for dismissal concerns unsatisfactory 
functioning of Mr. Van Boxmeer, the severance compensation cannot exceed one year’s base salary.

If the Company gives notice of termination of the service agreement of Mrs. Debroux for a reason which is not an urgent reason (‘dringende reden’) 
within the meaning of the law, or decides not to extend the service agreement upon its expiry, or if the AGM does not re-appoint Mrs. Debroux 
as member of the Executive Board for a subsequent term, the Company shall pay Mrs. Debroux an amount equal to two years of base salary (in 
the event of termination during or upon expiry of Mrs. Debroux’s first four-year term), or an amount equal to one year base salary (in the event of 
termination during or upon expiry of any subsequent term), respectively. This agreement with Mrs. Debroux was made in line with the best practice 
provisions of the 2008 Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Under the revised 2016 Code, the requirements regarding severance payments are more 
stringent and as such the Company does not, strictly speaking, comply with best practice provision 3.2.3 during her first term (ending in April 2019). 
The Company shall comply with the requirements in any subsequent terms after April 2019.

Loans
HEINEKEN does not provide loans to the members of the Executive Board.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

53

Remuneration Report (continued)

Part II – The Executive Board actual remuneration for performance ending in, or at year-end, 2017 

The following table provides an overview of the Executive Board actual remuneration that became unconditional in, or at year-end, 2017. For 
disclosures in line with IFRS reporting requirements, which are ‘accrual-based’ over earning/performance periods and partly depend on estimations/ 
assumptions, see note 33 ‘Related parties’ on page 120. The Supervisory Board conducted a scenario analysis with respect to possible outcomes of the 
variable remuneration disclosed in this section.

2015-2017 Long-term 
variable award

Matching entitlements

Extraordinary Share Grants

(2) 2017 
Short-term 
variable pay 
in €
1,200,000 2,735,880

(1) Base 
salary in €

(3) No. of 
performance 
shares vesting
47,699

(4) Value of 
performance 
shares vesting 
in €
4,146,474

(5) No. of 
matching 
entitlements 
vesting
12,391

(6) Value of 
matching 
entitlements 
vesting in €
1,077,150

(7) Pension 
cost in €
857,531

(8) No. of 
extraordinary 
shares vesting
–

(9) Value of 
extraordinary 
shares vesting 
in €
–

(10) Other 
emoluments 
in €
20,948

720,000 1,172,520

19,327

1,680,096

–

–

142,157

–

–

162,511

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

ad (1) – Base salary
These base salaries have been paid to the members of the Executive Board for 2017.

ad (2) – 2017 Short-term variable pay 
The 2017 Short-term variable pay (STV) relates to the performance year 2017, and becomes payable in 2018. The STV pay for 2017 was subject to 
four performance measures: Organic Revenue Growth, Organic Net Profit beia Growth, Free Operating Cash Flow and Individual leadership measures, 
each with a weight of 25%. The Supervisory Board determined the results against the pre-set targets on these measures as follows:

Organic Revenue Growth
between target and maximum performance

Organic Net Profit beia Growth
at maximum performance

Free Operating Cash Flow
at maximum performance

Individual leadership measures
between target and maximum performance

The resulting STV payout for 2017 is close to 163% of payout at target level for both members of the Executive Board. In line with policy, 25% of the 
STV payout is paid out in investment shares against the closing share price of 12 February 2018, the publication date of these financial statements. 
In addition, the Executive Board members have had the opportunity to indicate before the end of the 2017 performance year whether they wished 
to receive up to another 25% of their STV payout in additional investment shares; for 2017 the Executive Board members did not elect to receive 
additional investment shares beyond the mandatory 25% share investment. The investment shares are restricted for sale for five calendar years, 
after which they are matched 1:1 by matching shares. Revision and clawback provisions apply to this award, including the related matching share 
entitlement. The table below provides an overview of the investment shares at year-end that were awarded as part of STV payouts in the past, and 
that have remained blocked and await 1:1 matching by the Company, provided the conditions thereto are met. Only when the holding period of the 
investment shares has been completed, will the matching share entitlements be converted into shares and transferred to the recipient.

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

STV payout for 

% of STV payout 
invested in shares 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2017

2016

2015

25%

25%

50%

25%

50%

25%

25%

50%

Award date 

13.02.2018

16.02.2017

11.02.2016

12.02.2015

13.02.2014

13.02.2018

16.02.2017

11.02.2016

No. of investment
shares awarded1 

Value of investment 
shares as of the 
award date in € 

End of 
blocking period 

Value of investment 
shares as of
31.12.2017 in €2

t.b.d.

11,106

20,105

10,427

11,910

t.b.d.

4,760

5,713

683,970

839,947

1,465,051

692,249

563,462

293,130

359,999

416,306

31.12.2022

31.12.2021

31.12.2020

31.12.2019

31.12.2018

31.12.2022

31.12.2021

31.12.2020

n.a.

965,445

1,747,728

906,419

1,035,336

n.a.

413,787

496,631

1  The number of investment shares awarded in relation to the STV payout for 2013 and beyond is determined by dividing the part of the STV payout that is invested in shares by the closing share price of the date of 
publication of the financial statements for that year; the Award date of the investment shares is the day following.
2 The share price as of 31 December 2017 is €86.93.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

54

Remuneration Report (continued)

ad (3) – 2015-2017 Long-term variable award: number of performance shares vesting
The 2015-2017 Long-term variable award (LTV) relates to the performance period 2015-2017 and vests shortly after 12 February 2018, the 
publication date of these financial statements. The vesting of the LTV award for performance period 2015-2017 is subject to Heineken N.V. 
performance on four financial measures with equal weights. The Supervisory Board determined the results against the pre-set targets as follows:

Organic Revenue Growth
between target and maximum performance

Organic EBIT beia Growth
between target and maximum performance

Earnings Per Share (EPS) beia Growth
at maximum performance

Free Operating Cash Flow
between target and maximum performance.

As a result, the vesting of the LTV grant for performance period 2015-2017 will be equal to 163% of the vesting at target level. For the CEO this plan 
performance implies that 47,699 shares will vest shortly after 12 February 2018, as a result of the 29,263 conditional performance shares granted to 
him in 2015. For the CFO this plan performance implies that 19,327 shares will vest shortly after 12 February 2018, as a result of the 11,857 conditional 
performance shares granted to her in 2015. The resulting share awards are defined in before-tax terms (i.e. before deduction of withholding tax due); 
the actual net shares awarded (i.e. after withholding tax due) remain blocked for an additional period of two years until 12 February 2020, also in case 
of resignation during that period. Revision and clawback provisions apply to this award. The table below provides an overview of outstanding LTV 
awards (awards granted but not yet vested, or awards vested but still blocked) as of 31 December 2017.

No. of shares 
conditionally 
granted at
target level1

Value of shares 
conditionally 
granted as of the 
grant date in €

Grant date

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2017

2016

2015

25,260

22,852

29,263

35,147

34,179

12,630

11,426

11,857

1,910,414

1,665,225

Vesting date2

02.2020

02.2019

1,942,771

13.02.2018

1,662,805

16.02.2017

1,877,452

11.02.2016

955,207

832,613

02.2020

02.2019

787,186

13.02.2018

No. of shares 
vesting on the
vesting date3
 (before tax)

No. of shares 
vesting on the
vesting date4
(after tax)

Value of unvested 
or blocked shares 
as of 31.12.20175 
in €

End of 
blocking period

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

47,699

61,508

58,447

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

19,327

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

24,175

31,143

16.02.2022

1,112,878

11.02.2021

1,006,823

12.02.2020

13.02.2019

2,101,533

2,707,261

29,593

13.02.2018

2,572,519

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

16.02.2022

11.02.2021

724,996

655,887

12,762

24.04.2020

1,109,401

1 Determined according to plan rules, using the closing share price of 31 December of the year preceding the grant date.
2 The vesting date is shortly after the publication of the financial statements after completion of the performance period.
3 Vested shares are disclosed in before-tax terms (i.e. before deduction of withholding tax due).
4 Vested shares are disclosed in after-tax terms (i.e. after deduction of withholding tax due).
5  The value for the grants in 2013, 2014 and 2015 is based on the actual number of shares vesting on the vesting date after tax withholding, i.e. after applying the relevant income tax rate, whereas the value for the 
grants in 2016 and 2017 is based on the number of performance shares conditionally granted at target level (since the number of performance shares vesting is yet unknown) after applying the currently prevailing 
income tax rate. The share price as of 31 December 2017 is €86.93.

ad (4) – 2015-2017 Long-term variable award: value of performance shares vesting
The value of performance shares vesting is based on the share price as of 31 December 2017 of €86.93.

ad (5) – Number of matching entitlements vesting
These entries refer to the number of matching share entitlements that vested after year-end 2017, as a result of the investment in shares of part of the 
STV payout for performance year 2012, and holding on to these investment shares until year-end 2017. For the CEO this number of matching shares 
is the result of a 50% investment of this STV payout in investment shares at the time. For the CFO there is no vesting from this plan yet, given her later 
appointment to the Executive Board on 23 April 2015.

ad (6) – Value of matching entitlements vesting
The value of matching share entitlements vesting is based on the share price as of 31 December 2017 of €86.93.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

55

Remuneration Report (continued)

ad (7) – Pension cost
The pension costs involve the employer contributions paid in the Capital Creation Plan as well as the employer contributions to the risk insurances for 
death and disability.

ad (8) – Extraordinary share grants: number of shares vesting
The table below provides an overview of the Extraordinary share awards and the Retention share award that have vested prior to 2017 but are still 
blocked as of 31 December 2017; there are no such awards to members of the Executive Board that are still unvested or that vested in, or at year-
end, 2017. The Retention share award to Mr. Van Boxmeer vested in April 2015; a further three-year holding period applies to this share award. The 
Extraordinary share award to Mr. Van Boxmeer vested at grant in 2013; to this share award a five-year holding period applies as from grant. The 
Extraordinary share awards to Mrs. Debroux vested in 2015 and 2016, yet are blocked for five years from the moment of grant, i.e. until 24 April 2020.

Award

Grant date

No. of shares
of the granted1
 in €

Value of shares 
conditionally 
granted as 
grant date

No. of shares 
vesting on the
vesting date2

End of blocking 
period

Value of unvested
or blocked shares 
as of 31.12.20173 
in € 

Vesting date

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

Extraordinary 
share award

Retention 
share award

Extraordinary 
share award

Extraordinary 
share award

26.04.2013 

45,893

2,520,000

26.04.2013

24,373

26.04.2018

2,118,745

26.04.2013

27,317

1,500,000

26.04.2015

27,317

26.04.2018

2,374,667

24.04.2015

1,000

73,640

24.04.2015

681

24.04.2020

59,199

24.04.2015

1,000

73,640

24.04.2016

675

24.04.2020

58,678

1 The ‘Number of shares granted’ refers to the grant in before-tax terms (i.e. before tax withholding).
2  As the table reveals, income tax has been withheld from the Extraordinary share awards themselves; the Retention share award to Mr. Van Boxmeer has vested ‘gross’, i.e. withholding tax has been withheld and paid from 
other sources than the share award itself.
3 The value of the share awards is based on the ‘Number of shares vesting on the vesting date’ against the share price as of 31 December 2017 of €86.93.

ad (9) – Extraordinary share grants: value of shares vesting
There are no such awards to members of the Executive Board that vested in, or at year-end, 2017.

ad (10) – Other emoluments
The amount for Mr. Van Boxmeer involves his car benefit-in-kind. The amount for Mrs. Debroux involves housing allowance (grossed-up), schooling cost 
for her children, and car benefit-in-kind.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

56

Remuneration Report (continued)

Actual remuneration paid to former members of the Executive Board
The resignation per 1 May 2015 of the former CFO Mr. Hooft Graafland has been considered a retirement under the LTV Plan Rules. Existing 
agreements from 2005 for a specific group of senior managers (including the Executive Board members at the time) to compensate for the negative 
effects of a structural change in their variable pay plan designs, implied that unvested LTV awards as of his retirement date would continue to be 
subject to vesting at their regular vesting dates, insofar and to the extent that the predetermined performance conditions are met. Shares that may 
vest under these plans will be subject to a holding period of two years in accordance with the LTV Plan Rules, to arrive at a five-year holding restriction 
after the date of the conditional performance grant. For Mr. Hooft Graafland this involved the three Long-term variable award plans over performance 
years 2013-2015, 2014-2016 and 2015-2017 respectively. In the previous two years the remuneration related to the vesting of the former two 
plans has been disclosed. Following year-end 2017 the 2015-2017 plan has vested with a performance of 163% as mentioned under ‘ad (3)’ above, 
implying a vesting of 22,467 shares for Mr. Hooft Graafland and, given an end-of-year share price of €86.93, a value of €1,953,056. This concludes all 
remuneration to Mr. Hooft Graafland following his retirement.

Hooft Graafland

2015-2017 Long-term variable award

No. of 
performance 
shares vesting

Value of 
performance 
shares vesting 
in € 

22,467

1,953,056

Pay Ratio 
In the Netherlands a revised corporate governance code has come into effect as of financial year 2017. This revised code requires Dutch stock-listed 
companies to consider pay ratios between Executive Board members and other employees within the Company when formulating the remuneration 
policy for the Executive Board, and to disclose these ratios in the Remuneration Report every year. 

As is commonly understood, such ratios are specific to the company’s industry, geographical footprint and organisational model. HEINEKEN has a 
truly wide geographical footprint, with the majority of its business and employees in emerging markets with widely different pay levels and structures 
compared to the Netherlands and Europe. In addition, HEINEKEN has a large number of breweries and sales forces in-house worldwide, which adds 
to the variety of pay within the Company. For other companies in other industries this will be different. Finally, pay ratios can also be quite volatile over 
time, as they can vary with exchange rate movements and can be very dependent on the Company’s annual performance since that performance 
impacts the remuneration of the Executive Board much more than of all other employees.

The 2017 pay ratios for HEINEKEN are 215 for the CEO and 100 for the CFO. These ratios are obtained by dividing the 2017 total remuneration for 
the CEO and CFO by the 2017 average total remuneration of all other employees worldwide. The common denominator of these ratios is derived 
from note 10 on page 87 by dividing the 2017 total personnel expense (after subtracting the expense for contractors and for the Executive Board’s 
remuneration), by the reported FTE (minus two; excluding contractors), leading to an amount of €42,074. The total remuneration for the CEO and 
CFO is retrieved from note 33 on page 119. The reason why the Executive Board’s remuneration is obtained from note 33 rather than from this 
Remuneration Report is explained by the fact that the personnel expense in note 10 is based on IFRS valuation standards, which implies that the 
Executive Board’s remuneration also needs to be based on these standards for reasons of comparability.

Part III – Adjustments to the Executive Board remuneration policy and implementation for 2018

Policy changes
The Supervisory Board reviewed the remuneration policy and decided not to submit any changes for approval to the 2018 Annual General Meeting 
of Shareholders.

Implementation changes
The Supervisory Board also reviewed the remuneration policy versus its implementation and decided to implement the following changes as from 
2018 onwards.

 – The Executive Board base salaries will be increased from €1,200,000 to €1,250,000 for the CEO and from €720,000 to €735,000 for the CFO, to 

realign these base salaries with the aspired policy levels following from the medians of the Labour market peer group.

 – The relative weights of the financial and operational measures within the Short-term variable pay plan will change from 25% to 35% for Organic 

Revenue Growth, to further increase focus on top line growth, and from 25% to 15% for Organic Net Profit beia Growth; the relative weights for Free 
Operating Cash flow and the Individual leadership objectives will remain the same at 25% each.

 – The name of the 2017 Organic Revenue Growth performance measure within the Short-term and Long-term variable pay plans will be changed 
into Organic Net Revenue Growth, since IFRS has changed the definition of ‘Revenue’ to include certain types of excise duties whereas we wish to 
maintain the performance measure net of excise duties and thus unchanged in its content.

Supervisory Board Heineken N.V. 
Amsterdam, 9 February 2018

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

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Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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57

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Revenue

Other income

Raw materials, consumables and services

Personnel expenses

Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Total expenses

Operating profit
Interest income

Interest expenses

Other net finance income/(expenses)

Net finance expenses
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof (net of income tax)

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit 
Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

Profit 

Weighted average number of shares – basic

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

Basic earnings per share (€)

Diluted earnings per share (€)

Note

5

8

9

10

11

12

12

12

16

13

2017

21,888

2016

20,792

141

46

(13,540)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,677)

3,352

72

(468)

(123)

(519)

75

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

2,153

(13,003)

(3,263)

(1,817)

(18,083)

2,755
60

(419)

(134)

(493)
150

2,412
(673)

1,739

1,540

199

1,739

23 570,074,335

569,737,210

23 570,652,111

570,370,392

23

23

3.39

3.39

2.70

2.70

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58

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Profit

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gains and losses

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Currency translation differences

Recycling of currency translation differences to profit or loss

Effective portion of net investment hedges

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Effective portion of cash flow hedges transferred to profit or loss

Net change in fair value available-for-sale investments

Share of other comprehensive income of associates/joint ventures

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income

Note

2017

2,153

2016

1,739

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

24

64

(252)

(1,485)

(908)

59

26

109

(3)

68

(7)

(1,169)

984

881

103

984

–

44

6

41

140

–

(929)

810

660

150

810

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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December

In millions of €

Assets
Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Other investments and receivables

Advances to customers

Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets
Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Prepayments 

Current tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity
Share capital

Share premium

Reserves

Retained earnings

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities
Loans and borrowings

Tax liabilities

Employee benefits

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities
Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Note

2017

2016

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

7

22

22

22

25

26

28

18

21

25

29

28

7

11,117

17,670

1,841

1,113

277

768

32,786

1,814

3,496

399

64

2,442

33

8,248

41,034

922

2,701

(2,129)

11,827

13,321

1,200

14,521

9,232

17,424

2,166

1,077

274

1,011

31,184
1,618

3,052

328

47

3,035

57

8,137

39,321

922

2,701

(1,173)

10,788

13,238
1,335

14,573

12,301

10,954

–

1,289

970

1,495

16,055

1,265

1,947

6,756

310

178

2

10,458

26,513

41,034

3

1,420

302

1,672

14,351
1,669

1,981

6,224

352

154

17

10,397

24,748

39,321

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Operating activities
Profit

Adjustments for:

Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Net interest expenses

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets  
and subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates

Investment income and share of profit and impairments of associates and joint ventures and 
dividend income on available-for-sale and held-for-trading investments

Income tax expenses

Other non-cash items

Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital and provisions
Change in inventories

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Total change in working capital
Change in provisions and employee benefits

Cash flow from operations
Interest paid

Interest received

Dividends received

Income taxes paid

Cash flow related to interest, dividend and income tax

Cash flow from operating activities

Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Loans issued to customers and other investments

Repayment on loans to customers

Cash flow (used in)/from operational investing activities

Free operating cash flow

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Acquisition of/additions to associates, joint ventures and other investments

Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed of

Disposal of associates, joint ventures and other investments

Cash flow (used in)/from acquisitions and disposals

Cash flow (used in)/from investing activities

Note

2017

2016

2,153

1,739

11

12

8

13

1,587

396

(141)

(84)

755

314

4,980

(185)

(241)

495

69

(125)

4,924

(463)

98

109

(786)

(1,042)

3,882

187

(1,696)

(137)

(259)

54

(1,851)

2,031

(1,047)

(93)

10

16

(1,114)

(2,965)

1,817

359

(46)

(161)

673

332

4,713
(20)

(228)

328

80
(73)

4,720
(441)

70

118

(749)

(1,002)

3,718

116

(1,757)

(109)

(219)

24

(1,945)

1,773

(9)

(68)

15

–

(62)

(2,007)

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued)

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Financing activities
Proceeds from loans and borrowings

Repayment of loans and borrowings

Dividends paid

Purchase own shares and shares issued

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

Other

Cash flow (used in)/from financing activities

Net cash flow
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

Note

2017

2016

3,268

(3,205)

(1,011)

–

(18)

–

(966)

(49)

1,366

(140)

1,177

1,670

(1,001)

(1,031)

(31)

(294)

15

(672)

1,039
282

45

1,366

21

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

In millions of €

Note

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserves

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders 
 of the 
Company

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total 
equity

Balance as at 
1 January 2016
Profit

Other comprehensive 
income

24

Total comprehensive 
income
Transfer to  
retained earnings

22

Dividends to 
shareholders

Purchase/reissuance 
own/non-controlling 
shares

Own shares delivered

Share-based 
payments

Acquisition of non-
controlling interests 
without a change in 
control

Changes in 
consolidation/
transfers  
within equity

Balance as at 
31 December 2016

922

2,701

(1,017)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(812)

(812)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(47)

–

46

46

122

–

140

719

153

–

140

153

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(34)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(432) 10,567

13,535

1,535

15,070

–

–

–

–

–

1,387

1,540

199

1,739

(254)

(880)

(49)

(929)

1,133

660

150

810

34

–

–

–

(786)

(786)

(261)

(1,047)

(39)

28

–

(28)

(39)

–

13

13

8

–

–

(31)

–

13

–

–

–

(145)

(145)

(144)

(289)

–

–

47

47

922

2,701

(1,829)

(1)

262

838

(443) 10,788

13,238

1,335

14,573

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

In millions of €

Note

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserves

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders 
 of the 
Company

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total equity

Balance as at 
1 January 2017
Profit

Other comprehensive 
income

24

Total comprehensive 
income
Transfer to/(from) 
retained earnings

Dividends to 
shareholders

Purchase/reissuance 
own/non-controlling 
shares

Own shares delivered

Share-based 
payments

Acquisition of non-
controlling interests 
without a change in 
control

Changes in 
consolidation/
transfers  
within equity

Balance as at 
31 December 2017

22

6

922

2,701

(1,829)

(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,295)

106

(1,295)

106

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

262

–

69

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

838

153

–

153

(29)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(443) 10,788

13,238

1,335

14,573

–

–

–

–

–

1,782

1,935

218

2,153

66

(1,054)

(115)

(1,169)

1,848

881

103

984

29

–

–

–

(775)

(775)

(245)

(1,020)

–

33

–

(33)

–

–

22

22

–

–

–

–

–

22

–

–

–

(45)

(45)

28

(17)

(7)

–

(21)

(21)

922

2,701

(3,124)

112

331

962

(410) 11,827

13,321

1,200

14,521

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Reporting entity

Heineken N.V. (the ‘Company’) is a company domiciled in the Netherlands. The address of the Company’s registered office is Tweede 
Weteringplantsoen 21, Amsterdam. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 
2017 comprise the Company, its subsidiaries (together referred to as ‘HEINEKEN’) and HEINEKEN’s interest in joint ventures and associates. 
The Company is registered in the Trade Register of Amsterdam No. 33011433. HEINEKEN is primarily involved in the brewing and selling of beer 
and cider. Led by the Heineken® brand, HEINEKEN has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders.

2. Basis of preparation

(a) Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed 
by the European Union (EU) and also comply with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 
All standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) effective year-end 2017 have been adopted by the EU. Consequently, the accounting policies applied by the 
Company also comply fully with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Executive Board of the Company and authorised for issue on 9 February 2018 
and will be submitted for adoption to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 19 April 2018.

(b) Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis unless otherwise indicated. The methods used to measure 
fair values are discussed further in notes 3 and 4.

(c) Functional and presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company’s functional currency. All financial information presented in 
Euro has been rounded to the nearest million unless stated otherwise.

(d) Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which 
the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most 
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements are described in the following notes and related 
accounting policies:

Note 5 Operating segments, particularly the estimation of discount accruals in revenue at the end of the year based on the individual 
customer agreements. 

Note 6 Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries, particularly with regard to the identification and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.

Note 15 Intangible assets, particularly the assumptions used in goodwill impairment testing.

Note 18 Deferred tax assets and liabilities, particularly with regard to the assessment of the recoverability of past tax losses.

Note 26 Employee benefits, particularly with regard to assumptions for discount rates, future pension increases and life expectancy to calculate the 
defined benefit obligation.

Note 28 Provisions and note 32 Contingencies, particularly with regard to estimating the likelihood and timing of potential cash outflows relating 
to claims and litigations.

Note 29 Trade and other payables, particularly with regard to the estimation of circulation times and market losses in determining the returnable 
packaging deposit liability.

Note 30 Financial risk management and financial instruments, particularly with regard to the estimation of the recoverability of loans and 
advances to customers and trade receivables.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(e) Changes in accounting policies
HEINEKEN has adopted the following new standards and amendments to standards, including any consequential amendments to other 
standards, with a date of initial application of 1 January 2017:

 – Disclosure Initiative (amendments to IAS 7)

 – Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses (amendments to IAS 12)

 – Annual Improvements to IFRS’s 2014-2016 Cycle – amendments to IFRS 12

These changes had no significant impact on the disclosures or amounts recognised in HEINEKEN’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Significant accounting policies

General
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and have 
been applied consistently by HEINEKEN entities.

(a) Basis of consolidation

(i) Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred 
to HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN controls an entity when it has power over the investee, is exposed or has the right to variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

HEINEKEN measures goodwill at the acquisition date as the fair value of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any previously held 
equity interest in the acquiree and the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, less the net recognised amount 
(generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss.

The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally 
recognised in profit or loss.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that HEINEKEN incurs in connection with a 
business combination are expensed as incurred.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is 
not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent considerations 
are recognised in profit or loss.

Contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are recognised at fair value even if it is not probable that an outflow will be required 
to settle the obligation. After initial recognition and until the liability is settled, cancelled or expired, the contingent liability is measured at the 
higher of the amount that would be recognised in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and the initial 
liability amount.

(ii) Acquisitions of non-controlling interests
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is 
recognised as a result. Adjustments to non-controlling interests arising from transactions that do not involve the loss of control are based on a 
proportionate amount of the net assets of the subsidiary.

(iii) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN controls an entity when it has power over the investee, is exposed or has the right 
to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial 
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control 
ceases. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by HEINEKEN.

Losses applicable to the non-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to the non-controlling interests, even if doing so causes the non-
controlling interests to have a deficit balance.

(iv) Loss of control
Upon the loss of control, HEINEKEN derecognises the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, any non-controlling interests and the other 
components of equity related to the subsidiary. Any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. If HEINEKEN retains any interest in the 
previous subsidiary, such interest is measured at fair value at the date that control is lost. Subsequently, it is accounted for as an equity-accounted 
investee or as an available-for-sale financial asset, depending on the level of influence retained.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(v) Interests in equity-accounted investees
HEINEKEN’s investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in associates are 
those entities in which HEINEKEN has significant influence, but no control or joint control, over the financial and operating policies. Joint ventures 
are the arrangements in which HEINEKEN has joint control, whereby HEINEKEN has rights to the net assets of the arrangement, rather than rights 
to its assets and obligations for its liabilities.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are recognised initially at cost. The cost of the investment includes transaction costs.

The consolidated financial statements include HEINEKEN’s share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income, after adjustments to align 
the accounting policies with those of HEINEKEN, from the date that significant influence or joint control commences until the date that significant 
influence or joint control ceases.

When HEINEKEN’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture, including any long-term investments, the carrying 
amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that HEINEKEN has an obligation or has made a 
payment on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

(vi) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-HEINEKEN balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-HEINEKEN 
transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity-accounted 
associates and JVs are eliminated against the investment to the extent of HEINEKEN’s interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in 
the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(b) Foreign currency

(i) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of HEINEKEN entities at the exchange rates at the dates of 
the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency 
at the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss arising on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the 
functional currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the period, and the amortised cost 
in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency 
at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items in a foreign currency that are measured at cost are 
translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit or loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-
for-sale (equity) investments and foreign currency differences arising on the retranslation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net 
investment, which are recognised in other comprehensive income.

(ii) Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to Euro at 
exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations, excluding foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies, 
are translated to Euro at exchange rates approximating to the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Group entities, with a 
functional currency being the currency of a hyperinflationary economy, first restate their financial statements in accordance with IAS 29, Financial 
Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies. The related income, costs and balance sheet amounts are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling 
at the balance sheet date. In 2017 HEINEKEN did not have any foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies.

Foreign currency differences are recognised in other comprehensive income and are presented within equity in the translation reserve. However, 
if the operation is not a wholly owned subsidiary, the relevant proportionate share of the translation difference is allocated to the non-controlling 
interests. When a foreign operation is disposed of such that control, significant influence or joint control is lost, the cumulative amount in the 
translation reserve related to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. When HEINEKEN disposes 
of only part of its interest in a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation while retaining control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount 
is reattributed to non-controlling interests. When HEINEKEN disposes of only part of its investment in an associate or joint venture that includes 
a foreign operation while retaining significant influence or joint control, the relevant proportion of the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit 
or loss.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is 
neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of a net investment in a foreign operation and are recognised in 
other comprehensive income, and are presented within equity in the translation reserve.

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The following exchange rates, for the most important countries in which HEINEKEN has operations, were used while preparing these consolidated 
financial statements:

In €

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Great Britain Pound (GBP)

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Polish Zloty (PLN)

Russian Ruble (RUB)

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

United States Dollar (USD)

Vietnamese Dollar in 1,000 (VND)

Year-end  
2017

Year-end  
2016

0.2517

1.1271

0.0425

0.0025

0.2398

0.0144

0.6241

0.8338

0.0367

0.2915

1.1680

0.0463

0.0030

0.2260

0.0156

0.6564

0.9487

0.0417

Average 
2017

0.2774

1.1410

0.0469

0.0027

0.2349

0.0152

0.6417

0.8854

0.0389

Average 
2016

0.2592

1.2209

0.0484

0.0036

0.2292

0.0135

0.6547

0.9036

0.0404

(iii) Hedge of net investments in foreign operations
Foreign currency differences arising on the translation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are 
recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that the hedge is effective and regardless of whether the net investment is held directly or 
through an intermediate parent. These differences are presented within equity in the translation reserve. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, 
such differences are recognised in profit or loss. When the hedged part of a net investment is disposed of, the relevant amount in the translation 
reserve is transferred to profit or loss as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

(c) Non-derivative financial instruments

(i) General
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, 
loans and borrowings, and trade and other payables.

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through profit or loss, any directly 
attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below.

If HEINEKEN has a legal right to offset financial assets with financial liabilities and if HEINEKEN intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise 
the asset and settle the liability simultaneously, financial assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position as a net amount. 
The right of set-off is available today and not contingent on a future event and it is also legally enforceable for all counterparties in a normal course 
of business, as well as in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts and commercial papers form an integral part of HEINEKEN’s 
cash management and are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

Accounting policies for interest income, interest expenses and other net finance income and expenses are discussed in note 3(r).

(ii) Held-to-maturity investments
If HEINEKEN has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity. Debt securities are loans 
and long-term receivables and are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Investments held-
to-maturity are recognised or derecognised on the day they are transferred to or by HEINEKEN.

(iii) Available-for-sale investments
HEINEKEN’s investments in equity securities and certain debt securities are classified as available-for-sale. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are 
measured at fair value and changes therein – other than impairment losses (see note 3i(i)) and foreign currency differences on available-for-sale 
monetary items (see note 3b(i)) – are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented within equity in the fair value reserve. When these 
investments are derecognised, the relevant cumulative gain or loss in the fair value reserve is transferred to profit or loss.

Where these investments are interest-bearing, interest calculated using the effective interest method is recognised in profit or loss. Available-for-sale 
investments are recognised or derecognised by HEINEKEN on the date it commits to purchase or sell the investments.

(iv) Other
Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(d) Derivative financial instruments (including hedge accounting)

(i) General
HEINEKEN uses derivatives in the ordinary course of business in order to manage market risks. Generally, HEINEKEN applies hedge accounting in 
order to minimise the effects of foreign currency, interest rate or commodity price fluctuations in profit or loss.

Derivatives that can be used are interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, caps and floors, commodity swaps, spot and forward exchange 
contracts and options. Transactions are entered into with a limited number of counterparties with strong credit ratings. Foreign currency, interest 
rate and commodity hedging operations are governed by internal policies and rules approved and monitored by the Executive Board.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value, with attributable transaction costs recognised in profit or loss as incurred. 
Derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are accounted for as instruments at fair value through profit or loss. When derivatives qualify 
for hedge accounting, subsequent measurement is at fair value, and changes therein accounted for as described in 3b(iii), 3d(ii) or 3d(iii).

(ii) Cash flow hedges
Changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised in other comprehensive income 
and presented in the hedging reserve within equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in 
fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, hedge accounting is 
discontinued. The cumulative unrealised gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the hedging reserve 
in equity is recognised in profit or loss immediately. When a hedging instrument is terminated, but the hedged transaction still is expected to occur, 
the cumulative gain or loss at that point remains in other comprehensive income and is recognised in accordance with the above-mentioned policy 
when the transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in other comprehensive income is transferred 
to the carrying amount of the asset when it is recognised. In other cases, the amount recognised in other comprehensive income is transferred to 
the same line of profit or loss in the same period that the hedged item affects profit or loss.

(iii) Fair value hedges
Changes in the fair value of a derivative hedging instrument designated as a fair value hedge are recognised in profit or loss. The hedged item is 
also stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged; the gain or loss attributable to the hedged risk is recognised in profit or loss and adjusts 
the carrying amount of the hedged item.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective 
interest method is used is amortised to profit or loss over the period to maturity.

(iv) Separable embedded derivatives
Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risks of the host 
contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would 
meet the definition of a derivative, and the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss. Changes in the fair value 
of separable embedded derivatives are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

(e) Share capital

(i) Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from 
equity, net of any tax effects.

(ii) Repurchase of share capital (treasury shares)
When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, is net 
of any tax effects recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented in the reserve 
for own shares.

When treasury shares are sold or reissued subsequently, the amount received is recognised as an increase in equity, and the resulting surplus or 
deficit on the transaction is transferred to or from retained earnings.

(iii) Dividends
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

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(f) Property, plant and equipment

(i) Owned assets
Items of property, plant and equipment (P, P & E) are measured at cost less government grants received (refer to (q)), accumulated depreciation 
(refer to (iv)) and accumulated impairment losses (3i(ii)).

Cost comprises the initial purchase price increased with expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset (such as transports 
and non-recoverable taxes). The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour and any other costs directly 
attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use (refer to an appropriate proportion of production overheads), and 
the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located. Borrowing costs related to the acquisition or 
construction of qualifying assets are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset. Cost also may include transfers from equity of any gain or loss on 
qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of P, P & E.

Spare parts that are acquired as part of an equipment purchase and only to be used in connection with this specific equipment or purchased 
software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment are capitalised and amortised as part of that equipment. In all other cases, 
spare parts are carried as inventory and recognised in the income statement as consumed. Where an item of P, P & E comprises major components 
having different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of P, P & E.

Returnable bottles and kegs in circulation are recorded within P, P & E and a corresponding liability is recorded in respect of the obligation to repay 
the customers’ deposits. Deposits paid by customers for returnable items are reflected in the consolidated statement of financial position within 
current liabilities.

(ii) Leased assets
Leases in terms of which HEINEKEN assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial 
recognition, P, P & E acquired by way of finance lease is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments at inception of the lease. Lease payments are apportioned between the outstanding liability and finance charges so as 
to achieve a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Other leases are operating leases and are not recognised in HEINEKEN’s statement of financial position. Payments made under operating leases 
are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. When an operating lease is terminated before the lease period 
has expired, any payment required to be made to the lessor by way of penalty is recognised as an expense in the period in which termination 
takes place.

(iii) Subsequent expenditure
The cost of replacing a part of an item of P, P & E is recognised in the carrying amount of the item or recognised as a separate asset, as 
appropriate, if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to HEINEKEN and its cost can be measured 
reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of P, P & E are recognised in profit or loss 
when incurred.

(iv) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated over the depreciable amount, which is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value.

Land, except for financial leases on land over the contractual period, is not depreciated as it is deemed to have an infinite life. Depreciation on 
other P, P & E is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of P, P & E, and major components that are 
accounted for separately, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the 
asset. Assets under construction are not depreciated. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless it 
is reasonably certain that HEINEKEN will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative 
years are as follows:

 – Buildings 

30 – 40 years

 – Plant and equipment 

10 – 30 years

 – Other fixed assets 

3 – 10 years

Where parts of an item of P, P & E have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of P, P & E.

The depreciation methods and residual value as well as the useful lives are reassessed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each financial year-end.

(v) Gains and losses on sale
Net gains on sale of items of P, P & E are presented in profit or loss as other income. Net losses on sale are included in depreciation. Net gains 
and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the 
consideration is probable, the associated costs can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the P, P & E.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(g) Intangible assets

(i) Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over 
HEINEKEN’s interest in net fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.

Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in ‘intangible assets’. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of associates and joint ventures is 
included in the carrying amount of the associates and joint ventures.

Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses (refer to accounting policy 3i(ii)). Goodwill is allocated to individual or groups of 
cash-generating units (CGUs) for the purpose of impairment testing and is tested annually for impairment. Negative goodwill is recognised directly 
in profit or loss as other income.

(ii) Brands
Brands acquired, separately or as part of a business combination, are capitalised if they meet the definition of an intangible asset and the 
recognition criteria are satisfied.

Strategic brands are well-known international/local brands with a strong market position and an established brand name. Brands are amortised 
on an individual basis over the estimated useful life of the brand.

(iii) Customer-related, contract-based intangibles and reacquired rights
Customer-related and contract-based intangibles are capitalised if they meet the definition of an intangible asset and the recognition criteria 
are satisfied. If the amounts are not material, these are included in the brand valuation. The relationship between brands and customer-related 
intangibles is carefully considered so that brands and customer-related intangibles are not both recognised on the basis of the same cash flows.

Reacquired rights are identifiable intangible assets recognised in an acquisition that represent the right an acquirer previously has granted to the 
acquiree to use one or more of the acquirer’s recognised or unrecognised assets.

Customer-related and contract-based intangibles acquired as part of a business combination are valued at fair value. Customer-related and 
contract-based intangibles acquired separately are measured at cost.

Customer-related, contract-based intangibles and reacquired rights are amortised over the remaining useful life of the customer relationships 
or the period of the contractual arrangements.

(iv) Software, research and development and other intangible assets
Purchased software is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer to (vi)) and impairment losses (refer to accounting policy 3i(ii)). 
Expenditure on internally developed software is capitalised when the expenditure qualifies as development activities, otherwise it is recognised 
in profit or loss when incurred.

Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new technical knowledge and understanding, is recognised in profit 
or loss when incurred.

Development activities involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products, software and processes. 
Development expenditure is capitalised only if development costs can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially 
feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and HEINEKEN intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell 
the asset. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and overhead costs that are directly attributable to preparing the 
asset for its intended use, and capitalised borrowing costs. Other development expenditure is recognised in profit or loss when incurred.

Capitalised development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer to (vi)) and accumulated impairment losses (refer 
to accounting policy 3i(ii)).

Other intangible assets that are acquired by HEINEKEN and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer to 
(vi)) and impairment losses (refer to accounting policy 3i(ii)). Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands is recognised in profit or loss 
when incurred.

(v) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. 
All other expenditure is expensed when incurred.

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(vi) Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated over the cost of the asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less its residual value. Intangible assets with a finite life 
are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives from the date they are available for use, since this most closely reflects the 
expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

 – Strategic brands 

 – Other brands 

40 – 50 years

15 – 25 years

 – Customer-related and contract-based intangibles 

5 – 20 years

 – Reacquired rights 

 – Software 

 – Capitalised development costs 

3 – 12 years

3 – 7 years

3 years

Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

(vii) Gains and losses on sale
Net gains on sale of intangible assets are presented in profit or loss as other income. Net losses on sale are included in amortisation. Net gains 
and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of 
the consideration is probable, the associated costs can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the 
intangible assets.

(h) Inventories

(i) General
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is based on the weighted average cost formula, and 
includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing 
location and condition. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion 
and selling expenses.

(ii) Finished products and work in progress
Finished products and work in progress are measured at manufacturing cost based on weighted averages and taking into account the production 
stage reached. Costs include an appropriate share of direct production overheads based on normal operating capacity.

(iii) Other inventories and spare parts
The cost of other inventories is based on weighted averages. Spare parts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Value reductions 
and usage of parts are charged to profit or loss. Spare parts that are acquired as part of an equipment purchase and only to be used in connection 
with this specific equipment are initially capitalised and depreciated as part of the equipment.

(i) Impairment

(i) Financial assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is 
considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows 
of that asset that can be estimated reliably.

Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtors or a group of debtors are experiencing significant financial difficulty, default 
or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation, and where 
observable data indicates that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic 
conditions that correlate with defaults.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the 
present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-
sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its current fair value.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively 
in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset recognised previously 
in other comprehensive income and presented in the fair value reserve in equity is transferred to profit or loss.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial 
assets measured at amortised cost and available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss. 
For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is recognised in other comprehensive income.

(ii) Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of HEINEKEN’s non-financial assets, other than inventories (refer to accounting policy (h)) and deferred tax assets (refer 
to accounting policy (s)), are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication 
exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount 
is estimated each year at the same time.

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that 
generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the cash-
generating unit, ‘CGU’).

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the acquirer’s CGUs, or groups of CGUs 
expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level 
within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is monitored on regional, sub-regional or country 
level depending on the characteristics of the acquisition, the synergies to be achieved and the level of integration.

An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses 
recognised in respect of a CGU are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the 
carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 
In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss 
has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable 
amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Goodwill that forms part of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate and joint venture is not recognised separately, and therefore is 
not tested for impairment separately. Instead, the entire amount of the investment in an associate and joint venture is tested for impairment as a 
single asset when there is objective evidence that the investment in an associate may be impaired.

(j) Assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale
Assets or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing 
use are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets, or components of a disposal group, are measured at 
the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal. Any impairment loss on a disposal group is first allocated to goodwill, and 
then to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets and 
employee defined benefit plan assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with HEINEKEN’s accounting policies. Impairment losses on 
initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in 
excess of any cumulative impairment loss.

Intangible assets and P, P & E once classified as held for sale are not amortised or depreciated. In addition, equity accounting of equity-accounted 
investees ceases once classified as held for sale.

(k) Employee benefits

(i) Defined contribution plans
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan (pension plan) under which HEINEKEN pays fixed contributions into a separate 
entity. HEINEKEN has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all 
employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the periods 
during which services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction 
in future payments is available. Contributions to a defined contribution plan that are due more than 12 months after the end of the period in 
which the employee renders the service are discounted to their present value.

(ii) Defined benefit plans
A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan (pension plan) that is not a defined contribution plan. Typically, defined benefit plans 
define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of 
service and compensation.

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HEINEKEN’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future 
benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present 
value. The fair value of any defined benefit plan assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at balance sheet date on high-quality credit-rated 
bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of HEINEKEN’s obligations and that are denominated in the same currency in which 
the benefits are expected to be paid.

The calculations are performed annually by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. When the calculation results in a benefit to 
HEINEKEN, the recognised asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or 
reductions in future contributions to the plan. In order to calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any minimum 
funding requirements that apply to any plan in HEINEKEN. An economic benefit is available to HEINEKEN if it is realisable during the life of the 
plan, or on settlement of the plan liabilities.

When the benefits of a plan are changed, the expense or benefit is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

HEINEKEN recognises all actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans immediately in other comprehensive income and all 
expenses related to defined benefit plans in personnel expenses and other net finance income and expenses in profit or loss.

(iii) Other long-term employee benefits
HEINEKEN’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits, other than pension plans, is the amount of future benefit that employees 
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value 
of any related assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at balance sheet date on high-quality credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates 
approximating to the terms of HEINEKEN’s obligations. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method. Any actuarial gains and 
losses are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

(iv) Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by HEINEKEN before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee 
accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits.

Termination benefits are recognised as an expense when HEINEKEN is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current 
employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal, or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to 
encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are recognised if HEINEKEN has made an offer encouraging 
voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, and the number of acceptances can be estimated reliably.

Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to their present value.

(v) Share-based payment plan (LTV)
HEINEKEN has a performance-based share plan (Long-Term Variable award (LTV)) for both the Executive Board and senior management (refer to 
note 27).

The grant date fair value, adjusted for expected dividends, of the share rights granted is recognised as personnel expenses with a corresponding 
increase in equity (equity-settled) over the period that the employees become unconditionally entitled to the share rights. The costs of the 
share plan for both the Executive Board and senior management members are spread evenly over the performance period, during which 
vesting conditions are applicable subject to continued services. The total amount to be expensed is determined taking into consideration the 
expected forfeitures.

At each balance sheet date, HEINEKEN revises its estimates of the number of share rights that are expected to vest, for the 100 per cent internal 
performance conditions of the running share plans for the senior management members and the Executive Board. It recognises the impact of 
the revision of original estimates (only applicable for non-market performance conditions, if any) in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment 
to equity.

(vi) Matching share entitlement
The Executive Board is entitled to matching shares (refer to note 33). The grant date fair value of the matching shares is recognised as personnel 
expenses in the income statement as it is deemed an equity-settled share-based payment.

(vii) Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is 
recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term benefits if HEINEKEN has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this 
amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(l) Provisions

(i) General
A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, HEINEKEN has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and 
it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured at the present value of the 
expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as part of net finance expenses.

(ii) Restructuring
A provision for restructuring is recognised when HEINEKEN has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring has either 
commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating losses are not provided for. The provision includes the benefit commitments in 
connection with early retirement and redundancy schemes.

(iii) Onerous contracts
A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by HEINEKEN from a contract are lower than the unavoidable 
cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of terminating the 
contract and the expected net cost of continuing with the contract and taking into consideration any reasonably obtainable sub-leases for onerous 
lease contracts. Before a provision is established, HEINEKEN recognises any impairment loss on the assets associated with that contract.

(iv) Other
The other provisions, not being provisions for restructuring or onerous contracts, consist mainly of surety and guarantees, litigation and claims and 
environmental provisions.

(m) Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Loans and borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in profit or loss over the 
period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Loans and borrowings included in a fair value hedge are stated at fair value in respect 
of the risk being hedged.

Loans and borrowings for which HEINEKEN has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance 
sheet date are classified as non-current liabilities.

(n) Revenue

(i) Products sold
Revenue relates to the sale and delivery of products (own-produced finished goods and goods for resale) in the ordinary course of business. The product 
portfolio of HEINEKEN mainly consists of beer, soft drinks and cider. Revenue is recognised in the income statement when all significant risks and rewards 
have been transferred to the customer and when the income can be reliably measured and no significant uncertainties remain regarding recovery of the 
consideration due, associated costs or the possible return of goods, and there is no continuing management involvement with the goods. For the majority 
of the sales transactions, the risks and rewards are transferred to the buyer on delivery of the products. Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the 
fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns and allowances, trade discounts, volume rebates, discounts for cash payments and 
excise taxes.

If it is probable that discounts will be granted and the amount can be measured reliably, the discount is recognised as a reduction of revenue as the 
sales are recognised.

(ii) Other revenue
Other revenues are proceeds from royalties, rental income, pub management services and technical services to third parties, net of sales tax. 
Royalties are recognised in profit or loss on an accrual basis in accordance with the relevant agreement. Rental income, pub management services 
and technical services are recognised in profit or loss when the services have been delivered.

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(o) Other income
Other income includes gains from sale of P, P & E, intangible assets and (interests in) subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, net of sales tax. 
They are recognised in profit or loss when risks and rewards have been transferred to the buyer.

(p) Expenses

(i) Operating lease payments
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received 
are recognised in profit or loss as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

(ii) Finance lease payments
Minimum lease payments under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. 
The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining 
balance of the liability. Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising the minimum lease payments over the remaining term of the 
lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed.

(q) Government grants

Government grants are recognised at their fair value when it is reasonably assured that HEINEKEN will comply with the conditions attaching to 
them and the grants will be received.

Government grants relating to P, P & E are deducted from the carrying amount of the asset.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognised in profit or loss over the period necessary to match them with the costs that they 
are intended to compensate.

(r) Interest income, interest expenses and other net finance income and expenses
Interest income and expenses are recognised as they accrue in profit or loss, using the effective interest method unless collectability is in doubt.

Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are recognised in profit or loss 
using the effective interest method.

Other net finance income and expenses comprises dividend income, gains and losses on the disposal of available-for-sale investments, changes 
in the fair value of investments designated at fair value through profit or loss and held for trading investments, changes in fair value of hedging 
instruments that are recognised in profit or loss, unwinding of the discount on provisions, impairment losses recognised on investments and interest 
on the net defined benefit obligation. Dividend income is recognised in the income statement on the date that HEINEKEN’s right to receive 
payment is established, which in the case of quoted securities is the ex-dividend date.

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis in the other net finance income and expenses.

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3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(s) Income tax
Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it 
relates to a business combination, or items recognised directly in equity, or in other comprehensive income.

(i) Current tax
Current tax is the expected income tax payable or receivable in respect of taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to income tax payable in respect of previous years.

(ii) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and their tax bases.

Deferred tax is not recognised for:

 – temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither 

accounting nor taxable profit or loss

 – temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures to the extent that HEINEKEN is able to control the 

timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future

 – taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities reflects the tax consequences that would follow the manner in which HEINEKEN expects, at 
the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and are expected 
to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income 
taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities 
and assets on a net basis or to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

Deferred tax is provided for on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the timing of the reversal 
of the temporary difference is controlled by HEINEKEN and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

A deferred tax asset is recognised for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is probable that 
future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and are 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

(iii) Uncertain tax positions
In determining the amount of current and deferred income tax, HEINEKEN takes into account the impact of uncertain income tax positions and 
whether additional taxes and interest may be due. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of judgements 
about future events. New information may become available that causes HEINEKEN to change its judgement regarding the adequacy of existing 
tax liabilities; such changes to tax liabilities will impact the income tax expense in the period that such a determination is made.

(t) Discontinued operations
A discontinued operation is a component of HEINEKEN’s business that represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of 
operations that has been disposed of or is held for sale or distribution, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. Classification as a 
discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, if earlier. When an operation 
is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of comprehensive income is re-presented as if the operation had been 
discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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(u) Earnings per share
HEINEKEN presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss 
attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, adjusted 
for the weighted average number of own shares purchased in the year. Diluted EPS is determined by dividing the profit or loss attributable to 
ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for the weighted average number of own shares 
purchased in the year and for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares which comprise share rights granted to employees.

(v) Cash flow statement
The cash flow statement is prepared using the indirect method. Changes in balance sheet items that have not resulted in cash flows such as 
translation differences, fair value changes, equity-settled share-based payments and other non-cash items have been eliminated for the purpose of 
preparing this statement. Assets and liabilities acquired as part of a business combination are included in investing activities (net of cash acquired). 
Dividends paid to ordinary shareholders are included in financing activities. Dividends received are classified as operating activities. Interest paid is 
also included in operating activities.

(w) Operating segments
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Executive Board, which is considered to be 
HEINEKEN’s chief operating decision-maker. An operating segment is a component of HEINEKEN that engages in business activities from which 
it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of HEINEKEN’s other components. 
All operating segments’ operating results are reviewed regularly by the Executive Board to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the 
segment and to assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

Inter-segment transfers or transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would also be available to 
unrelated third parties.

Segment results, assets and liabilities that are reported to the Executive Board include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those 
that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated result items comprise net finance expenses and income tax expenses. Unallocated assets 
comprise current other investments and cash call deposits.

Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire P, P & E, and intangible assets other than goodwill.

(x) Recently issued IFRS

New relevant standards and interpretations not yet adopted
A number of new standards and amendments to standards are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2017, which HEINEKEN has 
not applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 9 Financial instruments
IFRS 9, was published in July 2014 and subsequently endorsed by the European Union on 9 November 2017. IFRS 9 includes revised guidance 
on classification and measurement of financial instruments, including a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial 
assets, and new general hedge accounting requirements. The standard replaces existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement. HEINEKEN will implement IFRS 9 per 1 January 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, meaning that the 2017 
comparative numbers in the 2018 financial statements will not be restated. Any impact of IFRS 9 as of 1 January 2018 will be recognised directly 
in equity.

HEINEKEN has reviewed the impact of this new standard and has concluded that the impact is limited:

 – With regard to the revised classification and measurement principles, IFRS 9 contains three classification categories: ‘measured at amortised cost’, 
‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ (FVTOCI) and ‘fair value through profit and loss’ (FVTPL). The standard eliminates the existing 
IAS 39 categories: ‘loans and receivables’, ‘held to maturity’ and ‘available-for-sale’. For HEINEKEN this new classification only means that the 
assets currently classified as available-for-sale will be measured at FVTOCI which constitutes no significant change, except for the accounting for 
accumulative gains or losses when equity securities measured at FVTOCI are disposed of. These cumulative gains or losses will not be recognised 
in the income statement upon disposal but kept in the fair value reserve. HEINEKEN has no investments classified as held to maturity and the 
other categories involve no change in measurement for HEINEKEN.

 – With regard to the impact of the expected loss model on trade receivables and both advances and loans to customers HEINEKEN concluded that 
the impact is immaterial. The impact on HEINEKEN’s future consolidated income statement is also expected to be immaterial as the standard 
requires provisions to be recorded earlier and the initial impact of this timing difference is recorded in equity upon implementation.

 – For the new hedging requirements of IFRS 9 HEINEKEN concluded that all current hedging relationships will continue to qualify as hedging 

relationships upon application of IFRS 9. For existing hedges HEINEKEN will exclude the foreign currency basis spread from the hedge relation 
only when this improves hedge effectiveness by applying the cost of hedging approach. HEINEKEN will retrospectively apply the cost of hedging 
approach for these hedges and recognise any initial impact, which is expected to be immaterial, directly in equity upon implementation.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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78

3. Significant accounting policies (continued)

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the International Accounting Standards Board issued IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, which was subsequently 
endorsed by the European Union on 22 September 2016. IFRS 15 establishes a framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue 
is recognised from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 supersedes existing standards and interpretations related to revenue. HEINEKEN will apply the 
new standard as per 1 January 2018. For implementation the full retrospective method will be applied, meaning prior period financial information 
will be restated. HEINEKEN concluded that IFRS 15 will not impact the timing of revenue recognition. However the amount of recognised revenue 
will be impacted by payments to customers and excise taxes. HEINEKEN has evaluated the available practical expedients for application of the 
standard and concluded that these options have no significant impact on HEINEKEN’s revenue recognition. The practical expedients will therefore 
not be applied.

IFRS 15 will impact the accounting for certain payments to customers, such as listing fees and marketing support expenses. Most of these 
payments are currently recorded as operating expenses, but will be considered a reduction of revenue under IFRS 15. Only when these payments 
relate to a distinct service the amounts will continue to be recorded as operating expenses.

IFRS 15 will also impact the accounting for excise tax. Based on the current revenue standards different policies are applied by peers in our industry. 
Some companies include all excises in revenue, some record excise only for specific countries and some, like HEINEKEN, exclude all excise from 
revenue. The clarifications to IFRS 15 describes that an ‘all or nothing’ approach is no longer possible; an assessment of the excise tax needs to be 
done on a country by country basis. In most countries where HEINEKEN operates, excise duties are effectively a production tax. Increases in excise 
duty are not always (fully) passed on to customers and where customers fail to pay for products received, HEINEKEN cannot, or can only partly, 
reclaim the excise duty. In these countries the excise tax is borne by HEINEKEN and included in revenue applying IFRS 15. Only for those countries 
where excise tax is fully based on the sales value, HEINEKEN concluded that the excise tax is collected on behalf of a third party. For these countries 
the excise is excluded from revenue. The conclusion whether excise is collected on behalf of a third party or borne by HEINEKEN requires significant 
judgement due to the variety in excise tax legislation in the countries HEINEKEN operates in.

To provide full transparency on the impact of the accounting for excise, HEINEKEN will present the excise tax expense on a separate line below 
revenue in the consolidated income statement. A new subtotal called ‘Net revenue’ will be added. This ‘Net revenue’ subtotal is ‘revenue’ as defined 
in IFRS 15 (after discounts) minus the excise taxes for those countries where the excise is borne by HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN will furthermore disclose 
the excise collected on behalf of third parties, which is excluded from revenue, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

The IFRS 15 changes described above will have no impact on operating profit, net profit and EPS.

The following table presents 2017 figures, including the impact of applying IFRS 15. The final impact is still under review and as a result the actual 
restated financial information may differ materially from those included in this overview. However this table gives HEINEKEN’s best estimate of the 
impact of IFRS 15:

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Revenue
Excise taxes

Net revenue

Other income

Raw materials, consumables and services

Personnel expenses

Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Total expenses

Operating profit

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit
Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

2017

21,888

141

(13,540)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,677)

3,352

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

Estimated 
impact IFRS 15

2017 including 
impact IFRS 15

3,865

(4,162)

(297)

297

297

25,753

(4,162)

21,591

141

(13,243)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,380)

3,352

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ was published in January 2016 and subsequently endorsed by the European Union on 9 November 2017. IFRS 16 establishes 
a revised framework for determining whether a lease is recognised in the (Consolidated) Statement of Financial Position. The standard replaces 
existing guidance on leases, including IAS 17. HEINEKEN will implement IFRS 16 per 1 January 2019 by applying the modified retrospective 
method, meaning that the 2018 comparative numbers in the 2019 financial statements will not be restated to show the impact of IFRS 16. 
Under the new standard lease contracts will be recognised on HEINEKEN’s balance sheet and subsequently depreciated on a straight line basis. 
The liability recognised upon transition is measured based on discounted future cash flows and the future interest will be recorded in interest 
expenses. Lease expenses currently recorded in the income statement will therefore be replaced by depreciation and interest expenses for all lease 
contracts within the scope of the standard. The financial impact of the new standard on HEINEKEN is not yet known.

HEINEKEN completed the selection of a lease contract management and accounting tool in 2017, which will support the implementation of 
the new standard. HEINEKEN has around 30,000 operating leases that will be recorded on HEINEKEN’s balance sheet as a result of IFRS 16. 
These operating leases mainly relate to offices, warehouses, pubs, stores, cars and (forklift) trucks. 

In selecting which practical expedients to apply HEINEKEN has focused on reducing the complexity of implementation. Based on analysis of the 
options available, HEINEKEN will: 

 – use the option to grandfather classification as a lease for the existing contracts 

 – measure the Right of Use Asset based on the lease liability recognised 

 – apply the short-term and low value exemptions

 – not use the transition option for leases with a short remaining contract period 

 – apply the option to exclude non-lease components from the lease liability for real estate leases 

 – most likely not use the option to exclude non-lease components from the lease liability for equipment leases because the lessors of HEINEKEN 

are currently not able to provide a sufficiently reliable and consistent split for both the calculation and invoicing. 

Other standards and interpretations 
The following new or amended standards are not expected to have a significant impact of HEINEKEN’s consolidated financial statements: 

 – Classification and measurement of Share-based Payments (amendments to IFRS 2) 

 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (IFRIC 22) 

 – Uncertainty over tax treatments (IFRIC 23) 

 – Transfers of Investment Property (amendments to IAS 40) 

 – Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014–2016 Cycle (amendments IFRS 1 and IAS 28).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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4. Determination of fair values

General
A number of HEINEKEN’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and 
liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, further 
information about the assumptions made in determining fair values or for the purpose of impairment testing is disclosed in the notes specific to 
that asset or liability.

Fair value as a result of business combinations

(i) Property, plant and equipment
The fair value of P, P & E recognised as a result of a business combination is based on depreciated replacement cost, taking into account 
economical and functional obsolescence, or market prices for similar items when available. For acquired pub estates, the fair values are based 
on the stabilised earnings valuation method.

(ii) Intangible assets
The fair value of brands acquired in a business combination is based on the relief from royalty method or determined using the multi-period excess 
earnings method (MEEM). The fair value of customer relationships acquired in a business combination is determined using the multi-period excess 
earnings method, taking into account the historical chum rate of the acquired customer base. The valuation of customer relationships and brands 
(when using MEEM valuation) takes into account a fair return on all other assets that support the generation of the related cash flows. The fair 
value of reacquired rights and other intangible assets is based on the discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and eventual sale 
of the assets.

(iii) Inventories
The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on its estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business 
less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin based on the effort required to complete and sell the inventories.

(iv) Trade and other receivables
The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated at the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the 
reporting date. This fair value is determined for disclosure purposes or when acquired in a business combination.

(v) Provisions
Determining the fair value of acquired claims is subject to significant estimation. The fair value of these claims are recorded based on an estimate 
of the likelihood, the expected timing and the amount of a potential cash outflow. Contrary to accounting for provisions under IAS 37, provisions 
for civil and labour claims are also recognised for claims with a likelihood of less than probable, but more than remote. For income tax claims 
HEINEKEN applies IAS 12, which requires recognition of provisions only when the likelihood of cash outflow is considered probable. 

Fair value from normal business

(i) Investments in equity and debt securities
The fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments and available-for-sale financial assets is 
determined by reference to their quoted closing bid price at the reporting date or, if unquoted, determined using an appropriate valuation 
technique. The fair value of held-to-maturity investments is determined for disclosure purposes only. In case the quoted price does not exist at the 
date of exchange or in case the quoted price exists at the date of exchange but was not used as the cost, the investments are valued indirectly 
based on discounted cash flow models.

(ii) Derivative financial instruments
The fair value of derivative financial instruments is based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not available, fair value is 
in general estimated by discounting the difference between the cash flows based on contractual price and the cash flows based on current price for 
the residual maturity of the contact using observable interest yield curves, basis spread and foreign exchange rates.

Fair values include the instrument’s credit risk and adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the HEINEKEN entity and counterparty 
when appropriate.

(iii) Non-derivative financial instruments
Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes or when fair value hedge accounting is applied, is calculated based on the present value 
of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases, the market rate of 
interest is determined by reference to similar lease agreements.

Fair values include the instrument’s credit risk and adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the HEINEKEN entity and counterparty 
when appropriate.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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81

5. Operating segments

HEINEKEN distinguishes the following five reportable segments:

 – Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe*

 – Americas

 – Asia Pacific

 – Europe

 – Head Office and Other/eliminations

* Within the Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe segment, Eastern Europe consists of Belarus and Russia.

The first four reportable segments as stated above are HEINEKEN’s business regions. These business regions are each managed separately 
by a Regional President. The Regional President is directly accountable for the functioning of the segment’s assets, liabilities and results of the 
region and reports regularly to the Executive Board (the chief operating decision-maker) to discuss operating activities, regional forecasts and 
regional results. The Head Office operating segment falls directly under the responsibility of the Executive Board. The Executive Board reviews the 
performance of the segments based on internal management reports on a monthly basis.

Information regarding the results of each reportable segment is included in the table on the next page. Performance is measured based on 
operating profit (beia), as included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Executive Board. Operating profit beia has 
replaced EBIT beia as key measure of profitability as of 1 January 2017. Operating profit better reflects the profitability that is under the direct 
control of HEINEKEN. Exceptional items are defined as items of income and expense of such size, nature or incidence, that in the view of 
management their disclosure is relevant to explain the performance of HEINEKEN for the period. Operating profit and operating profit (beia) are 
not financial measures calculated in accordance with IFRS. Operating profit (beia) is used to measure performance as management believes that 
this measurement is the most relevant in evaluating the results of the segments.

HEINEKEN has multiple distribution models to deliver goods to end customers. There is no reliance on major clients. Deliveries to end consumers 
are done in some countries via own wholesalers or own pubs, in other markets directly and in some others via third parties. As such, distribution 
models are country-specific and diverse across HEINEKEN. In addition, these various distribution models are not centrally managed or monitored. 
Consequently, the Executive Board is not allocating resources and assessing the performance based on business type information and therefore no 
segment information is provided on business type.

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. As net finance expenses and income tax expenses are monitored on a consolidated 
level (and not on an individual regional basis) and regional presidents are not accountable for that, net finance expenses and income tax expenses 
are not provided for the reportable segments.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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82

5. Operating segments (continued)

Information about reportable segments

In millions of €

Total revenue (beia)3

Revenue
Third party revenue1

Interregional revenue

Total revenue
Other income

Operating profit

Net finance expenses

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof

Income tax expense

Profit
Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

Operating profit reconciliation
Operating profit2

Eia2

Operating profit (beia)2

Current segment assets

Non-current segment assets

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Total segment assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities
Unallocated liabilities

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Purchase of P, P & E

Acquisition of goodwill

Purchases of intangible assets

Depreciation of P, P & E

(Impairment) and reversal of impairment of P, P & E

Amortisation intangible assets

(Impairment) and reversal of impairment of intangible assets

1 Includes other revenue of €361 million in 2017 and €343 million in 2016.

Europe

Americas

2017

10,237

9,520

687

10,207

134

2016

10,112

9,422

690

10,112
39

2017

6,258

6,230

28

6,258

5

2016

5,203

5,200

3

5,203
12

Africa, Middle East &

Eastern Europe

2017

3,059

2016

3,203

Asia Pacific

2017

2,996

2016

2,894

Head Office &

Other/eliminations

3,058

3,200

3,003

2,891

3,059

3,203

3,005

2,894

2

–

3

1

2017

(642)

77

(718)

(641)

–

2016

(620)

79

(699)

(620)

(7)

Consolidated

2017

21,908

2016

20,792

21,888

20,792

–

21,888

141

20,792

–

46

1,338

1,208

1,003

883

844

710

(159)

(84)

3,352

2,755

(11)

13

20

69

22

19

–

–

Note

8

12

16

13

1,338

33

1,371

2,793

11,364

217

14,374

1,208

53

1,261

2,898

10,047

162

13,107

1,003

185

1,188

2,331

7,787

829

10,947

883

138

1,021

2,003

5,854

1,203

9,060

4,814

4,804

2,483

1,383

1,088

1,154

900

864

1,790

2,110

14

15

15

14

14

15

15

537

2

42

(496)

1

(57)

–

533

6

40

(487)

11

(60)

–

615

907

20

(266)

–

(116)

–

502

4

22

(230)

10

(97)

–

1

2

326

44

326

62

388

1,146

2,316

219

3,681

361

(261)

1

8

4

–

(8)

3

1

38

49

38

338

376

1,303

2,620

221

4,144

436

4

9

(299)

(276)

(9)

(1)

(519)

75

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

2,153

3,352

407

3,759

8,496

29,927

1,841

40,264

770

41,034

11,075

15,438

14,521

41,034

1,696

919

138

(1,172)

(380)

19

11

(493)

150

(673)

1,739

1,540

199

1,739

2,755

785

3,540

8,180

27,964

2,165

38,309

1,012

39,321

10,315

14,433

14,573

39,321

1,757

25

109

(1,163)

(274)

(368)

(12)

844

118

962

1,226

7,525

575

9,326

163

9

2

(134)

14

(174)

11

710

217

927

1,150

8,668

552

10,370

281

11

5

(131)

(19)

(181)

(11)

(159)

9

(150)

1,000

935

1

1,936

20

–

66

(15)

(25)

–

–

(84)

37

(47)

826

775

27

1,628

5

–

–

–

33

(16)

(21)

2 Comparatives have been restated to reflect HEINEKEN’s revised internal reporting measure. Note that these are non-GAAP measures.

3 Note that this is a non-GAAP measure.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Statements

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83

Africa, Middle East & 
Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office & 
Other/eliminations

Consolidated

2017

2,996

3,003

2

3,005

–

2016

2,894

2,891

3

2,894
1

2017

(642)

77

(718)

(641)

–

2016

(620)

79

(699)

(620)
(7)

2017

21,908

21,888

–

21,888

141

2016

20,792

20,792

–

20,792
46

844

710

(159)

(84)

3,352

2,755

2017

3,059

3,058

1

3,059

2

326

44

326

62

388

1,146

2,316

219

3,681

2016

3,203

3,200

3

3,203
1

38

49

38

338

376

1,303

2,620

221

4,144

22

19

–

–

844

118

962

1,226

7,525

575

9,326

710

217

927

1,150

8,668

552

10,370

(159)

9

(150)

1,000

935

1

1,936

(84)

37

(47)

826

775

27

1,628

(519)

75

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

2,153

3,352

407

3,759

8,496

29,927

1,841

40,264

770

41,034

11,075

15,438

14,521

41,034

1,696

919

138

(1,172)

19

(380)

11

(493)

150

(673)

1,739

1,540

199

1,739

2,755

785

3,540

8,180

27,964

2,165

38,309
1,012

39,321

10,315

14,433

14,573

39,321
1,757

25

109

(1,163)

(274)

(368)

(12)

4,814

4,804

2,483

1,383

1,088

1,154

900

864

1,790

2,110

14

15

15

14

14

15

15

537

2

42

(496)

(57)

1

–

533

6

40

(487)

11

(60)

–

615

907

20

(266)

(116)

–

–

(Impairment) and reversal of impairment of P, P & E

Amortisation intangible assets

(Impairment) and reversal of impairment of intangible assets

1 Includes other revenue of €361 million in 2017 and €343 million in 2016.

2 Comparatives have been restated to reflect HEINEKEN’s revised internal reporting measure. Note that these are non-GAAP measures.

3 Note that this is a non-GAAP measure.

361

1

8

(261)

4

(8)

–

436

4

9

(299)

(276)

(9)

(1)

163

9

2

(134)

14

(174)

11

281

11

5

(131)

(19)

(181)

(11)

20

–

66

(15)

–

(25)

–

5

–

33

(16)

–

(21)

–

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof

(11)

13

20

69

5. Operating segments (continued)

Information about reportable segments

In millions of €

Total revenue (beia)3

Revenue

Third party revenue1

Interregional revenue

Total revenue

Other income

Operating profit

Net finance expenses

Income tax expense

Profit

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

Operating profit reconciliation

Operating profit2

Eia2

Operating profit (beia)2

Current segment assets

Non-current segment assets

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Total segment assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets

Segment liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Purchase of P, P & E

Acquisition of goodwill

Purchases of intangible assets

Depreciation of P, P & E

Europe

Americas

2017

10,237

9,520

687

10,207

134

2016

10,112

9,422

690

10,112

39

2017

6,258

6,230

28

6,258

5

2016

5,203

5,200

5,203

3

12

1,338

1,208

1,003

883

Note

8

12

16

13

1,338

33

1,371

2,793

11,364

217

14,374

1,208

53

1,261

2,898

10,047

162

13,107

1,003

185

1,188

2,331

7,787

829

10,947

883

138

1,021

2,003

5,854

1,203

9,060

502

4

22

(230)

10

(97)

–

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

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Review

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84

5. Operating segments (continued)

Reconciliation of segment profit or loss
In the internal management reports, HEINEKEN measures its segmental performance primarily based on operating profit and operating profit beia 
(before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets). Operating profit beia is a non-GAAP measure not calculated in 
accordance with IFRS. Beia adjustments are also applied on other metrics. The presentation of these financial measures may not be comparable to 
similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to differences in the ways the measures are calculated.

The table below presents the reconciliation of operating profit (beia) to profit before income tax.

In millions of €

Operating profit (beia)
Amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets included in operating profit

Exceptional items included in operating profit

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof (net of income tax)

Net finance expenses

Profit before income tax

2017

3,759

(302)

(105)

75

(519)

2,908

2016

3,540
(315)

(470)

150

(493)

2,412

The 2017 exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles in operating profit amounts to €407 million (2016: €785 million). 
This amount consists of:

 – €302 million (2016: €315 million) of amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles recorded in operating profit. 

 – €105 million (2016: €470 million) of exceptional items recorded in operating profit, of which €20 million in revenue (2016: nil), €93 million 
of restructuring expenses (2016: €80 million), €19 million of reversal of impairments of property, plant and equipment (2016: €316 million 
impairment loss of which €286 million related to The Democratic Republic of Congo), €72 million of acquisition and integration costs 
(2016: €8 million) and €61 million of other exceptional net benefits (2016: €66 million expense). Other exceptional net benefits include 
the gain on sale of non-beer and cider wholesale operations in the Netherlands. 

6. Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

Acquisition of Brasil Kirin
On 13 February 2017, HEINEKEN announced that it had entered into an agreement with Kirin Holdings Company, Limited to acquire Brasil 
Kirin Holding S.A. (‘Brasil Kirin’), one of the largest beer and soft drinks producers in Brazil, through its wholly owned subsidiary Bavaria S.A. 
The acquisition transforms HEINEKEN’s existing business across the country by extending its footprint, increasing scale and further strengthening 
its brand portfolio. The transaction completed on 31 May 2017 as from which date Brasil Kirin is consolidated within HEINEKEN. The total 
consideration paid by HEINEKEN to Kirin for all the shares was €594 million, mainly paid in cash. 

In the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2017, the major classes of consideration 
transferred and the recognised provisional amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date of 31 May 2017, have 
been disclosed. IFRS 3 requires the acquirer to retrospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognised at the acquisition date to reflect new 
information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The following table summarises the revised purchase 
price allocation as per 31 December 2017 for the acquisition of Brasil Kirin: 

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Assets acquired
Short-term liabilities

Long-term liabilities

Liabilities assumed

Total net identifiable assets
Consideration transferred

Net identifiable assets acquired

Goodwill on acquisition (provisional)

Provisional fair values 
Brasil Kirin disclosed in 
HY report 2017

Adjustments

Adjusted fair values
Brasil Kirin

561

374

137

173

148

166

1,559

734

775

1,509

50

594

50

544

38

(5)

(6)

113

140

15

237

252

(112)

(112)

112

599

374

132

167

148

279

1,699

749

1,012

1,761

(62)

594

(62)

656

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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The main cause for the adjustments is that HEINEKEN had a short period to determine the opening balance, the complexity of the business and 
the high number of existing labour, civil and tax claims acquired. Per 31 December 2017 the provisional accounting period has been closed for all 
assets and liabilities, except for completion of the assessment on labour, tax and civil claims acquired given the aforementioned reason.

The goodwill is attributable to earnings beyond the period over which intangible assets are amortised, workforce, expected synergies and future 
customers. The goodwill for Brasil Kirin could potentially be tax deductible in the future.

Acquisition of Punch
On 15 December 2016, HEINEKEN announced that following Vine Acquisitions Limited’s announcement of a recommended cash offer for Punch 
Taverns plc (‘Punch’), HEINEKEN through HEINEKEN UK had agreed a back-to-back deal with Vine Acquisitions to acquire Punch Securitisation 
A (‘Punch A’), comprising approximately 1,900 pubs across the UK. The transaction completed on 29 August 2017 as from which date Punch is 
consolidated within HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN believes that there is compelling strategic rationale for enlarging its existing pub business through the 
acquisition of Punch A. HEINEKEN considers pubs to be an integral part of British culture and believes that high-quality, well invested pubs run by 
skilled and motivated operators will continue to prosper. 

HEINEKEN has paid an aggregate consideration of GBP308 million (€331 million) for all shares in Punch A. This consideration is mainly paid 
in cash. 

The following table summarises the consideration transferred and the recognised amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the 
acquisition date:

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Assets acquired
Short-term liabilities

Long-term liabilities

Liabilities assumed

Total net identifiable assets

In millions of €

Consideration transferred

Net identifiable assets acquired

Goodwill on acquisition

Punch

1,349

25

1

47

74

1,496

1,154

11

1,165

331

331

331

–

HEINEKEN considers the measurement period for the acquisition of Punch to be closed as per 31 December 2017. Any adjustments afterwards will 
be recognised in the consolidated income statement.

In total €37 million of acquisition-related costs have been recognised for Kirin and Punch in the income statement for the period ended 
31 December 2017.

The amount of revenue for the acquisition of Brasil Kirin and Punch after obtaining control amounts to €684 million and €97 million respectively; 
the amount of profit recognised after obtaining control amounts to €17 million and €28 million respectively. Would the acquisitions have taken 
place on 1 January 2017, revenue and profit for HEINEKEN would have been €22.4 billion and €2.1 billion respectively.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

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Review

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7. Assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale

The assets and liabilities below are classified as held for sale following the commitment of HEINEKEN to a plan to sell these assets and liabilities. 
Efforts to sell these assets and liabilities have commenced and are expected to be completed during 2018.

Assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale

In millions of €

Current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Other non-current assets

Assets classified as held for sale
Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale

8. Other income

In millions of €

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

Gain on sale of intangible assets

Gain on sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates

2017

2016

–

29

3

1

33

(2)

–

(2)

2017

20

87

34

141

13

38

6

–

57
(11)

(6)

(17)

2016

38

–

8

46

Note

The gain on sale of intangible assets mainly relates to the sale of the non-beer and cider related activities of the Dutch HEINEKEN beverages 
wholesale business to Sligro Food Group. 

9. Raw materials, consumables and services

In millions of €

Raw materials

Non-returnable packaging

Goods for resale

Inventory movements

Marketing and selling expenses

Transport expenses

Energy and water

Repair and maintenance

Other expenses

2017

1,817

3,353

1,591

(130)

2,913

1,203

513

509

1,771

13,540

2016

1,646

3,187

1,523

(54)

2,836

1,100

476

475

1,814

13,003

Other expenses mainly include rentals of €308 million (2016: €302 million), consultant expenses of €169 million (2016: €140 million), telecom 
and office automation of €227 million (2016: €220 million), warehousing expenses of €172 million (2016: €141 million), travel expenses of 
€162 million (2016: €148 million) and other taxes of €33 million (2016: €96 million).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Statements

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Review

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10. Personnel expenses

In millions of €

Wages and salaries

Compulsory social security contributions

Contributions to defined contribution plans

Expenses/(income) related to defined benefit plans

Expenses related to other long-term employee benefits

Equity-settled share-based payment plan

Other personnel expenses

Note

26

27

2017

2,339

364

47

59

3

55

683

3,550

87

2016

2,158

333

48

88

1

42

593

3,263

Other personnel expenses includes expenses for contractors for an amount of €153 million (2016: €142 million) and restructuring costs for an 
amount of €82 million (2016: €38 million). Restructuring provisions are disclosed in note 28. 

The average number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, excluding contractors, during the year was:

The Netherlands

Other Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

The increase in FTE in the region Americas mainly relates to the acquisition of Brasil Kirin. 

11. Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Recycling of currency translation differences

2017

3,998

23,873

27,818

14,475

10,261

80,425

2017

1,153

369

65

1,587

2016

3,907

24,012

20,917

15,193

9,496

73,525

2016

1,437

380

–

1,817

Note

14

15

In 2017 HEINEKEN recycled the negative currency translation reserves relating to disposed subsidiaries to the consolidated income statement. 

12. Net finance income and expense

Recognised in profit or loss

In millions of €

Interest income

Interest expenses

Dividend income from available-for-sale investments

Net change in fair value of derivatives

Net foreign exchange gain/(loss)1

Unwinding discount on provisions

Interest on the net defined benefit obligation

Other

Other net finance income/(expenses)

2017

72

(468)

10

(149)

56

(14)

(33)

7

(123)

2016

60

(419)

12

19

(114)

(1)

(40)

(10)

(134)

Net finance income/(expenses)

(519)

(493)

1 Transactional foreign exchange effects of working capital and foreign currency denominated loans, the latter being offset by net change in fair value of derivatives. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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13. Income tax expense

Recognised in profit or loss

In millions of €

Current tax expense
Current year

Under/(over) provided in prior years

Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences, tax losses and tax credits

De-recognition/(recognition) of deferred tax assets

Effect of changes in tax rates

Under/(over) provided in prior years

Total income tax expense in profit or loss

Reconciliation of the effective tax rate

In millions of €

Profit before income tax

Share of net profit of associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof

Profit before income tax excluding share of profit of associates  
and joint ventures (including impairments thereof)

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Effect of non-deductible expenses

Effect of tax incentives and exempt income

De-recognition/(recognition) of deferred tax assets

Effect of unrecognised current year losses

Effect of changes in tax rates

Withholding taxes

Under/(over) provided in prior years

Other reconciling items

2017

2016

815

(16)

799

(12)

11

(45)

2

(44)

755

2017

2,908

(75)

807

(11)

796

(45)

(90)

2

10

(123)

673

2016

2,412

(150)

2,833

2,262

%

25.0

0.6

2.6

(3.4)

0.4

1.7

(1.6)

2.3

(0.5)

(0.4)

26.7

2017

708

17

75

(98)

11

49

(45)

65

(14)

(13)

755

%

25.0

(0.4)

2.9

(2.8)

(4.0)

6.8

0.1

3.1

–

(1.0)

29.7

2016

565

(9)

67

(64)

(90)

154

2

70

(1)

(21)

673

The effective tax rate 2017 is impacted by one-off benefits in several jurisdictions, including the remeasurement of deferred tax positions following 
a nominal tax rate change in the United States. The effective tax rate 2016 included the impact of impairments for which no tax benefit could 
be recognised. 

For the income tax impact on items recognised in other comprehensive income, please refer to note 24. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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14. Property, plant and equipment

In millions of €

Cost

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Changes in consolidation

Purchases

Transfer of completed projects under construction

Transfer (to)/from assets classified as held for sale

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Changes in consolidation

Purchases

Transfer of completed projects under construction

Transfer (to)/from assets classified as held for sale

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2017

Depreciation and impairment losses

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Changes in consolidation

Depreciation charge for the year

Impairment losses

Reversal impairment losses

Transfer to/(from) assets classified as held for sale

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Changes in consolidation

Depreciation charge for the year

Impairment losses

Reversal impairment losses

Transfer to/(from) assets classified as held for sale

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2017

Carrying amount

As at 1 January 2016

As at 31 December 2016

As at 1 January 2017

As at 31 December 2017

Note

Land and
buildings

Plant and
equipment

Other  
fixed assets

Under
construction

Total

5,480
13

113

212

(19)

(58)

(306)

5,435

5,435

1,611

73

197

(17)

(145)

(243)

6,911

(2,088)
1

(158)

(50)

7

11

37

70

8,110
–

163

696

(24)

(131)

(420)

5,408
5

338

323

(8)

(620)

(403)

8,394

5,043

8,394

5,043

257

119

425

(9)

(185)

(608)

8,393

(4,452)
–

(441)

(229)

4

23

128

234

150

372

284

(6)

(386)

(291)

5,166

(3,694)
(2)

(564)

(16)

10

7

585

271

(2,170)

(4,733)

(3,403)

(2,170)

33

(163)

–

11

6

112

82

(4,733)

(3,403)

(15)

(438)

–

6

4

197

273

(28)

(571)

–

2

2

362

176

(2,089)

(4,706)

(3,460)

788
–

1,143

(1,231)

(1)

(4)

(29)

666

666

92

1,132

(906)

–

(16)

(66)

902

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,392

3,265

3,265

4,822

3,658

3,661

3,661

3,687

1,714

1,640

1,640

1,706

788

666

666

902

19,786
18

1,757

–

(52)

(813)

(1,158)

19,538

19,538

2,110

1,696

–

(32)

(732)

(1,208)

21,372

(10,234)
(1)

(1,163)

(295)

21

41

750

575

(10,306)

(10,306)

(10)

(1,172)

–

19

12

671

531

(10,255)

9,552

9,232

9,232

11,117

11

11

11

11

11

11

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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14. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Impairment losses
In 2017, no impairment loss was charged to profit or loss.

In 2016 impairment losses of €295 million were charged to profit or loss. These impairment losses were mainly related to The Democratic 
Republic of Congo (DRC). A slowdown of the expected future economic growth in DRC due to lower commodity prices, power constraints 
and lower investments and consumption resulting from political uncertainties, resulted in an impairment of assets in the cash generating unit 
(CGU). The impairment primarily related to property, plant and equipment and has been recorded on the line ‘Amortisation, depreciation and 
impairments’ in the Income Statement. The CGU DRC is part of the Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe segment. The determination of the 
recoverable amount of these assets was based on a fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) valuation. The FVLCD was based on a discounted  
10-year cash flow forecast (level 3). The key assumptions used to determine the cash flows are based on market expectations and management’s 
best estimates. See the table below for the key assumptions used for the impairment in DRC in 2016:

in %

Sales volume growth (CAGR)

Cost inflation

Discount rate – post tax

2017-2026

After that

3.4

4.0

16.0

0.0

4.0

16.0

Property, plant and equipment under construction
P, P & E under construction mainly relates to extension of brewing capacity in various countries.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Total

20,541
60

109

(6)

(636)

20,068

20,068

1,782

138

(3)

(26)

(1,447)

20,512

(2,358)
–

(368)

(12)

3

91

15. Intangible assets

In millions of €

Cost

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

Purchased/internally developed

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

Purchased/internally developed

Transfer (to)/from assets classified as held for sale

Disposals

Note

Goodwill

Brands

Customer- related 
intangibles

Contract-based 
intangibles

Software, research 
and development 
and other

11,731
25

–

–

(320)

11,436

11,436

919

–

–

(6)

4,577
1

1

–

(188)

4,391

4,391

656

3

(3)

(1)

(407)
–

–

–

–

–

(571)
–

(110)

(1)

–

26

2,527
15

2

(2)

(99)

1,101
19

12

–

(10)

2,443

1,122

2,443

112

10

–

(12)

(219)

2,334

(808)
–

(147)

(11)

–

58

1,122

86

–

–

–

(113)

1,095

(202)
–

(53)

–

–

(9)

605
–

94

(4)

(19)

676

676

9

125

–

(7)

(21)

782

(370)
–

(58)

–

3

16

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2017

(737)

11,612

(357)

4,689

Amortisation and impairment losses

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Changes in consolidation

Amortisation charge for the year

Impairment losses

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Changes in consolidation

Amortisation charge for the year

Impairment losses

Reversal impairment losses

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

11

11

11

11

11

Balance as at 31 December 2017

(407)

Carrying amount

As at 1 January 2016

As at 31 December 2016

As at 1 January 2017

As at 31 December 2017

11,324

11,029

11,029

11,205

(407)

(656)

(908)

(264)

(409)

(2,644)

(407)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(656)

–

(124)

–

–

–

42

(738)

4,006

3,735

3,735

3,951

(908)

3

(144)

–

11

–

79

(959)

1,719

1,535

1,535

1,375

(264)

4

(52)

–

–

–

42

(270)

899

858

858

825

(409)

(20)

(60)

–

–

6

15

(468)

235

267

267

314

(2,644)

(13)

(380)

–

11

6

178

(2,842)

18,183

17,424

17,424

17,670

Brands, customer-related and contract-based intangibles
The main brands capitalised are the brands acquired in various acquisitions such as Fosters, Strongbow, Lagunitas, Dos Equis, Tiger and Bintang. 
The main customer-related and contract-based intangibles relate to customer relationships with retailers in Mexico and Asia Pacific (constituted 
either by way of a contractual agreement or by way of non-contractual relations) and reacquired rights.

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill in respect of Europe, the Americas (excluding Brazil) and Asia Pacific is allocated and monitored on 
a regional basis. For Brazil and subsidiaries within Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe and Head Office, goodwill is allocated and monitored on 
an individual country basis. The carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each (group of) CGU(s) are as follows:

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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92

15. Intangible assets (continued)

In millions of €

Europe

The Americas (excluding Brazil)

Brazil

Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe (aggregated)

Asia Pacific

Head Office

2017

4,720

2,109

668

346

2,882

480

11,205

2016

4,788

2,115

78

414

3,154

480

11,029

Throughout the year, goodwill increased mainly due to the Brasil Kirin acquisition offset by net foreign currency differences. 

The recoverable amounts of the (group of) CGUs are based on the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and value in use calculations. 
Value in use was determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the continuing use of the unit using a pre-tax discount rate.

The key assumptions used for the value in use calculations are as follows:

 – Cash flows were projected based on actual operating results and the three-year business plan. Cash flows for a further seven-year period (except for 

Europe, where a further two-year period was applied) were extrapolated using expected annual per country volume growth rates, which are based on 
external sources. Management believes that this period is justified due to the long-term development of the local beer business and past experiences.

 – The beer price growth per year after the first three-year period is assumed to be at specific per country expected annual long-term inflation, based 

on external sources.

 – Cash flows after the first 10-year (Europe five-year) period were extrapolated using a perpetual growth rate equal to the expected annual 

long-term inflation, in order to calculate the terminal recoverable amount.

 – A per CGU-specific pre-tax Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) was applied in determining the recoverable amount of the units.

The values assigned to the key assumptions used for the value in use calculations are as follows:

In %

Europe

The Americas (excluding Brazil)

Brazil

Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office

Expected annual
long-term inflation 
2021-2027

Expected volume
growth rates 2021-
2027

Pre-tax WACC

9.2

14.2

14.3

1.9

3.1

3.9

0.5

3.3

2.0

17.7–27.4

3.5–12.3

0.0–8.5

15.4

8.9

4.8

1.9

3.7

0.5

The outcome of these impairment tests in 2017 did not result in an impairment loss (2016: nil) being charged to profit or loss.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The outcome of a sensitivity analysis of a 100 basis points adverse change in key assumptions (lower growth rates or higher discount rates 
respectively) did not result in a materially different outcome of the impairment test.

16. Investments in associates and joint ventures

HEINEKEN has interests in a number of individually insignificant joint ventures and associates.

Summarised financial information for equity accounted joint ventures and associates
The following table includes, in aggregate, the carrying amount and HEINEKEN’s share of profit and OCI of joint ventures and associates:

In millions of €

Carrying amount of interests
Share of:

Profit or loss from continuing operations

Other comprehensive income

Joint ventures

Associates

2017

1,612

43

(13)

30

2016

2,022

124

–

124

2017

229

32

6

38

2016

144

26

–

26

The decrease in the carrying amount of interests is mainly due to the acquisition in 2017 of all the remaining shares in Lagunitas Brewing 
Company, which was formerly a joint venture. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

93

17. Other investments and receivables

In millions of €

Non-current other investments and receivables
Available-for-sale investments

Non-current derivatives

Loans to customers

Loans to joint ventures and associates

Long-term prepayments

Other receivables

Note

2017

2016

30

30

30

30

30

481

36

54

3

346

193

1,113

427

254

58

18

145

175

1,077

The increase in long-term prepayments is mainly related to deposits paid for existing legal proceedings which were inherited as part of the Brasil 
Kirin acquisition (refer to note 6).

The other receivables mainly originate from the acquisition of the beer operations of FEMSA and represent a receivable on the Brazilian authorities 
on which interest is calculated in accordance with Brazilian legislation. Collection of this receivable is expected to be beyond a period of five years. 
A part of the aforementioned receivable qualifies for indemnification towards FEMSA.

HEINEKEN has interests in several entities where it has less than significant influence. These are classified as available-for-sale investments and 
valued based on their share price when publicly listed. For investments that are not listed fair values are established using multiples. Debt securities 
(which are interest-bearing) with a carrying amount of €15 million (2016: €15 million) are included in available-for-sale investments.

Sensitivity analysis – equity price risk

As at 31 December 2017, an amount of €396 million (2016: €342 million) of available-for-sale investments and investments held for trading is listed on 
stock exchanges. An increase or decrease of 1% in the share price at the reporting date would not result in a material impact on HEINEKEN’s financial position.

18. Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following items:

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Tax assets/(liabilities)
Set-off of tax

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

Assets

2017

72

41

54

31

32

300

131

467

460

2016

71

56

126

27

2

346

125

413

391

1,588

(820)

768

1,557
(546)

1,011

Liabilities

2017

(521)

(1,333)

(6)

(9)

(28)

(6)

(30)

(382)

–

(2,315)

820

(1,495)

2016

(547)

(1,402)

(5)

(1)

(32)

(6)

(45)

(180)

–

(2,218)
546

(1,672)

Net

2017

(449)

(1,292)

48

22

4

294

101

85

460

(727)

–

(727)

2016

(476)

(1,346)

121

26

(30)

340

80

233

391

(661)
–

(661)

Of the total net deferred tax assets of €768 million as at 31 December 2017 (2016: €1,011 million), €253 million (2016: €405 million) is recognised 
in respect of subsidiaries in various countries where there have been tax losses in the current or preceding period. Management’s projections support 
the assumption that it is probable that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to utilise these deferred tax assets. 
This judgement is performed annually and based on budgets and business plans for the coming years, including planned commercial initiatives. 

No deferred tax liability has been recognised in respect of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, with a net impact of 
€75 million (2016: €58 million). This because HEINEKEN is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences, and it is probable 
that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Tax losses carried forward 
HEINEKEN has tax losses carried forward of €3,593 million as at 31 December 2017 (2016: €2,370 million), out of which €137 million (2016: €145 million) 
expires in the following five years. €434 million (2016: €338 million) will expire after five years and €3,023 million (2016: €1,887 million) can be carried forward 
indefinitely. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses carried forward of €1,619 million (2016: €637 million) as it is not probable 
that taxable profit will be available to offset these losses. The increase in the amount of tax losses carried forward relates mainly to the acquisition of Brasil Kirin.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

94

18. Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Movement in deferred tax balances during the year

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Loans and borrowings

Employee benefits

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

19. Inventories

In millions of €

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished products

Goods for resale

Non-returnable packaging

Other inventories and spare parts

Balance 
1 January 2017

Changes in 
consolidation

Effect of 
movements in 
foreign exchange

Recognised  
in income

Recognised  
in equity

Transfers

(476)

(1,346)

121

26

(30)

340

80

233

391

(661)

(15)

(201)

–

(3)

21

5

2

24

48

(119)

36

127

(8)

–

24

(8)

(4)

(81)

(16)

70

2

132

(65)

4

–

(33)

18

(51)

37

44

–

–

–

–

(13)

(9)

–

(15)

–

(37)

4

(4)

–

(5)

2

(1)

5

(25)

–

(24)

Balance 
1 January 2016

Changes in 
consolidation

Effect of 
movements in 
foreign exchange

Recognised  
in income

Recognised  
in equity

Transfers

(553)

(1,429)

124

26

(12)

331

51

198

364

(900)

1

(10)

–

–

–

–

–

(3)

4

(8)

52

50

(13)

(1)

(4)

(28)

(4)

24

13

89

22

40

17

1

(1)

(13)

34

20

3

123

–

–

–

–

(13)

49

–

(10)

–

26

2

3

(7)

–

–

1

(1)

4

7

9

2017

316

234

412

311

204

337

Balance 
31 December 
2017

(449)

(1,291)

48

22

4

294

101

85

460

(727)

Balance 
31 December 
2016

(476)

(1,346)

121

26

(30)

340

80

233

391

(661)

2016

247

225

479

168

187

312

During 2017 inventories were written down by €14 million to net realisable value (2016: €19 million).

1,814

1,618

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

95

20. Trade and other receivables

In millions of €

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Trade receivables due from associates and joint ventures

Derivatives

Note

2017

2,582

672

23

219

2016

2,283

701

20

48

30

3,496

3,052

A net impairment loss of €13 million (2016: €57 million) in respect of trade and other receivables was included in expenses for raw materials, 
consumables and services.

21. Cash and cash equivalents

In millions of €

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows

Note

30

25

2017

2,442

(1,265)

1,177

2016

3,035

(1,669)

1,366

HEINEKEN has cash pooling arrangements with legally enforceable rights to offset cash and overdraft balances. Where there is an intention 
to settle on a net basis, cash and overdraft balances relating to the cash pooling arrangements are reported on a net basis in the statement of 
financial position.

The following table presents the recognised ‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Bank overdrafts and commercial papers’ and the impact of netting 
on the gross amounts. The column ‘Net amount’ shows the impact on HEINEKEN’s balance sheet if all amounts subject to legal offset rights had 
been netted.

In millions of €

Balance as at 31 December 2017

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities
Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities
Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Gross amounts 
offset in the 
statement of 
financial position

Net amounts 
presented in the 
statement of 
financial position

Amounts subject 
to legal offset 
rights

Gross amounts

Net amount

2,442

(1,265)

3,097

(1,731)

–

–

(62)

62

2,442

(1,062)

1,380

(1,265)

1,062

(203)

3,035

(1,489)

1,546

(1,669)

1,489

(180)

HEINEKEN operates in a number of territories where there is limited availability of foreign currency resulting in restrictions on remittances. 
Mainly as a result of these restrictions, ¤208 million of cash included in cash and cash equivalents is restricted for use by the Company, yet available 
for use in the relevant subsidiary’s day-to-day operations.

22. Capital and reserves

Share capital
As at 31 December 2017, the issued share capital comprised 576,002,613 ordinary shares (2016: 576,002,613). The ordinary shares have a par 
value of €1.60. All issued shares are fully paid. The share capital as at 31 December 2017 amounted to €922 million (2016: €922 million).

The Company’s authorised capital amounts to €2,500 million, consisting of 1,562,500,000 shares.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of 
the Company. In respect of the Company’s shares that are held by HEINEKEN, rights are suspended.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

96

22. Capital and reserves (continued)

Share premium
As at 31 December 2017, the share premium amounted to €2,701 million (2016: €2,701 million).

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations of 
HEINEKEN (excluding amounts attributable to non-controlling interests) as well as value changes of the hedging instruments in the net investment 
hedges. HEINEKEN considers this a legal reserve.

Hedging reserve
This reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments where the hedged 
transaction has not yet occurred. HEINEKEN considers this a legal reserve.

Fair value reserve
This reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of available-for-sale investments until the investment is derecognised or 
impaired. HEINEKEN considers this a legal reserve.

Other legal reserves
These reserves relate to the share of profit of joint ventures and associates over the distribution of which HEINEKEN does not have control. 
The movement in these reserves reflects retained earnings of joint ventures and associates minus dividends received. In case of a legal or other 
restriction which means that retained earnings of subsidiaries cannot be freely distributed, a legal reserve is recognised for the restricted part. 
Furthermore, part of the reserve comprises a legal reserve for capitalised development costs.

Reserve for own shares
The reserve for the Company’s own shares comprises the cost of the Company’s shares held by HEINEKEN. As at 31 December 2017, HEINEKEN 
held 5,808,418 of the Company’s shares (2016: 6,321,833).

Dividends
The following dividends were declared and paid by HEINEKEN:

In millions of €

Final dividend previous year €0.82, respectively €0.86 per qualifying ordinary share

Interim dividend current year €0.54, respectively €0.52 per qualifying ordinary share

Total dividend declared and paid

2017

468

307

775

2016

490

296

786

For 2017, a payment of a total cash dividend of €1.47 per share (2016: €1.34) will be proposed at the AGM. If approved, a final dividend of €0.93 
per share will be paid on 2 May 2018, as an interim dividend of €0.54 per share was paid on 10 August 2017. The payment will be subject to 
15% Dutch withholding tax. 

After the balance sheet date, the Executive Board proposed the following appropriation of profit. The dividends, taking into account the interim 
dividends declared and paid, have not been provided for.

In millions of €

Dividend per qualifying ordinary share €1.47 (2016: €1.34)

Addition to retained earnings

Net profit

2017

838

1,097

1,935

2016

763

777

1,540

Non-controlling interests
The non-controlling interests (NCI) relate to minority stakes held by third parties in HEINEKEN consolidated subsidiaries. The total non-controlling 
interest as at 31 December 2017 amounted to €1,200 million (2016: €1,335 million).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

97

23. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share for the period ended 31 December 2017 is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of 
the Company (net profit) of €1,935 million (2016: €1,540 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares – basic outstanding during 
the year ended 31 December 2017 of 570,074,335 (2016: 569,737,210). Basic earnings per share for the year amounted to €3.39 (2016: €2.70). 

Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the period ended 31 December 2017 is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 
of the Company (net profit) of €1,935 million (2016: €1,540 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares – basic outstanding after 
adjustment for the dilutive effect of share-based payment plan obligations of 570,652,111 (2016: 570,370,392). Diluted earnings per share for 
the year amounted to €3.39 (2016: €2.70). 

Weighted average number of shares – basic and diluted

Total number of shares issued

Effect of own shares held

Weighted average number of basic shares for the year
Dilutive effect of share-based payment plan obligations

Weighted average number of diluted shares for the year

24. Income tax on other comprehensive income

2017

2016

576,002,613

576,002,613

(5,928,278)

(6,265,403)

570,074,335

577,776

569,737,210
633,182

570,652,111 570,370,392

In millions of €

Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains and losses

Currency translation differences

Recycling of currency translation differences  
to profit or loss

Effective portion of net investment hedges

Effective portion of changes in fair value  
of cash flow hedges

Effective portion of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit or loss

Net change in fair value  
available-for-sale investments

Share of other comprehensive income  
of associates/joint ventures

Amount
before tax

73

(1,440)

59

26

145

(13)

69

(7)

(1,088)

2017

Amount
net of tax

64

(1,485)

59

26

109

(3)

68

(7)

(1,169)

Tax

(9)

(45)

–

–

(36)

10

(1)

–

(81)

Amount
before tax

(301)

(935)

–

44

18

53

140

–

(981)

2016

Amount
net of tax

(252)

(908)

–

44

6

41

140

–

(929)

Tax

49

27

–

–

(12)

(12)

–

–

52

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

98

25. Loans and borrowings

This note provides information about the contractual terms of HEINEKEN’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings. For more information about 
HEINEKEN’s exposure to interest rate risk and foreign currency risk, refer to note 30.

Non-current liabilities

In millions of €

Unsecured bond issues

Unsecured bank loans

Secured bank loans

Other non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities
Non-current non-interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current derivatives

Non-current liabilities

Current interest-bearing liabilities

In millions of €

Current portion of unsecured bonds issued

Current portion of unsecured bank loans

Current portion of secured bank loans

Current portion of other non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Total current portion of non-current interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits from third parties (mainly employee loans)

Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Current interest-bearing liabilities

Note

Note

21

2017

11,789

109

105

163

12,166

78

57

12,301

2017

159

142

4

993

1,298

649

1,947

1,265

3,212

For further details regarding the interest-bearing liabilities refer to terms and debt repayment schedule included in this note.

Net interest-bearing debt position

In millions of €

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Current portion of non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Deposits from third parties (mainly employee deposits)

Total current and non-current loans and borrowings
Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Gross debt
Market value of cross-currency interest rate swaps

Cash, cash equivalents and current other investments

Net interest-bearing debt position

Note

21

30

17/21

2017

12,166

1,298

649

14,113

1,265

15,378

(57)

(2,442)

12,879

2016

9,432

239

84

1,165

10,920
24

10

10,954

2016

1,251

4

10

94

1,359
622

1,981
1,669

3,650

2016

10,920

1,359

622

12,901
1,669

14,570
(242)

(3,035)

11,293

Net interest-bearing debt is the key metric for HEINEKEN to measure debt and the basis for the calculation of the Net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio as 
used for the long-term target net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio and the incurrence covenant. Please refer to the end of this note for more information 
on the incurrence covenant calculation.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Non-current liabilities

In millions of €

Balance as at  
1 January 2017
Consolidation changes

Effect of movements  
in exchange rates

Transfers to current liabilities

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at  
31 December 2017

Unsecured
bond issues

Unsecured
bank loans

Secured
bank loans

Other
non-current 
interest-bearing 
liabilities

Non-current 
derivatives

Non-current non-
interest-bearing 
liabilities

9,432

–

(466)

(163)

2,976

–

10

11,789

239

1

(21)

(134)

197

(173)

–

109

84

124

(6)

(3)

43

(137)

–

105

1,165

144

(131)

(1,045)

19

(4)

15

163

10

152

52

(5)

–

(152)

–

57

24

35

25

–

1

(7)

–

78

Current interest-bearing liabilities excluding bank overdrafts and commercial papers

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Consolidation changes

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Transfers from non-current liabilities

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at 31 December 2017

Current portion 
of unsecured 
bond issues

Current portion 
of unsecured 
bank loans

Current portion 
of secured bank 
loans

Current portion  
of other interest-
bearing liabilities

Deposits from 
third parties

1,251

–

(73)

163

–

(1,182)

–

159

4

–

8

134

–

(4)

–

142

10

952

40

3

–

(1,002)

1

4

94

394

(35)

1,045

–

(505)

–

993

622

–

(3)

–

32

–

(2)

649

99

Total

10,954

456

(547)

(1,350)

3,236

(473)

25

12,301

Total

1,981

1,346

(63)

1,345

32

(2,693)

(1)

1,947

The difference between the total repayment of loans and borrowings in the above tables and the total repayment of loans and borrowings 
in the consolidated statement of cash flows is caused by the settlement of short-term derivative liabilities of €39 million. As at 31 December 
2017, the value of derivative assets used by HEINEKEN to manage the currency denomination of the interest-bearing debts was €117 million 
(2016:  €242 million). The change in the value is caused by fair value movements. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

100

25. Loans and borrowings (continued)

Terms and debt repayment schedule
Terms and conditions of outstanding non-current and current loans and borrowings were as follows:

In millions of €

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bank loans

Unsecured bank loans

Unsecured bank loans

Unsecured bank loans

Category

Currency

Nominal 
interest  
rate %

Carrying 
amount 
2017

Face 
value 
2017

Carrying 
amount 
2016

Face value 
2016

Repayment

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under APB MTN programme

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

various

bank facilities

bank facilities

bank facilities

bank facilities

 SGD

 EUR

 SGD

 USD

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 USD

 SGD

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

SGD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

EUR

PLN

NGN

1.4

1.3

2.2

2.5

2.5

2.1

2.0

1.3

3.3

1.6

1.7

3.5

1.5

2.9

2.0

1.0

1.4

3.5

1.5

2.0

3.3

2.6

3.5

2017

2018

2018

2019

2019

2020

2021

2021

2022

2022

2023

2024

2024

2025

2025

2026

2027

2029

2029

2032

2033

2033

2043

3.8–4.0 2020–2022

1.4

3.4

2.8

3.5

4.0

4.4

3.0–4.5

2.5

20.0

2017

2022

2023

2028

2042

2047

2020

2019

2021

USD–RWF

5.2–12.5

2018–2022

ZAR

9.4–9.9

2018–2022

various

various

various

–

100

59

167

848

998

498

498

166

93

140

498

455

744

224

791

496

200

790

499

177

92

75

24

–

623

831

906

408

533

15

24

20

21

170

16

–

100

59

167

850

1,000

500

500

167

94

140

500

460

750

225

800

500

200

800

500

180

100

75

25

–

625

834

917

417

542

15

24

20

21

170

16

66

100

62

189

847

997

498

498

189

–

140

497

454

743

224

790

497

199

–

–

180

92

75

25

66

100

62

190

850

1,000

500

500

190

–

140

500

460

750

225

800

500

200

–

–

180

100

75

25

1,185

1,186

709

945

–

465

–

17

34

51

26

112

20

712

949

–

474

–

17

34

51

26

112

20

Unsecured bank loans

various

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

101

In millions of €

Secured bank loans

Secured bank loans

Secured bank loans

Category

bank facilities

bank facilities

various

Other interest-bearing liabilities 2008 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities 2008 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities 2010 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities 2008 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities

facilities from JVs

Other interest-bearing liabilities bank facilities

Other interest-bearing liabilities

various

Deposits from third parties

n.a.

Nominal 
interest  
rate %

9.5

7.0

Repayment

2017

2026

Currency

ETB

XOF

various

various

various

USD

GBP

USD

USD

EUR

BRL

2.8

7.2

4.6

6.3

2017

2018

2018

2018

various

various

4.9 – 8.5 2020 – 2026

various

various

various

various

various

various

Carrying 
amount 
2017

Face 
value 
2017

Carrying 
amount 
2016

Face value 
2016

–

83

26

–

36

605

325

4

85

101

649

–

83

26

–

36

605

325

4

85

101

649

20

57

17

85

37

688

369

4

–

76

622

20

56

20

85

37

688

370

4

–

76

622

14,113 14,207 12,901 12,972

Financing headroom
The committed financing headroom at Group level was approximately €4.0 billion as at 31 December 2017 and consisted of the undrawn 
revolving credit facility and centrally available cash, minus the amount of commercial paper in issue at Group level.

Incurrence covenant
HEINEKEN has an incurrence covenant in some of its financing facilities. This incurrence covenant is calculated by dividing net debt (excluding the 
market value of cross-currency interest rate swaps) by EBITDA (beia) (both based on proportional consolidation of joint ventures and including 
acquisitions made in 2017 on a pro-forma basis). As at 31 December 2017 this ratio was 2.4 (2016: 2.3). If the ratio would be beyond a level of 
3.5, the incurrence covenant would prevent HEINEKEN from conducting further significant debt financed acquisitions.

26. Employee benefits

In millions of €

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations

Total present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets

Present value of net obligations
Asset ceiling items

Defined benefit plans included under non-current assets

Recognised liability for defined benefit obligations
Other long-term employee benefits

2017

296

8,792

9,088

(7,908)

1,180

19

10

1,209

80

1,289

2016

305

8,865

9,170
(7,815)

1,355
3

–

1,358
62

1,420

HEINEKEN makes contributions to defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits to (former) employees upon retirement in a number of countries. 
The defined benefit plans in The Netherlands and the UK represent the majority of the total defined benefit plan assets and the present value of the 
defined benefit obligations. Refer to the table below for share of the these plans in the total present value of the net obligations of the Company.

In millions of €

Total present value of defined benefit obligations

2017
UK

4,002

2016
UK

4,167

2017
NL

2016
NL

3,729

3,544

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets

(3,449)

(3,488)

(3,546)

(3,392)

Present value of net obligations

553

679

183

152

2017
Other

1,357

(913)

444

2016
Other

1,459

(935)

524

2017
Total

9,088

(7,908)

1,180

2016
Total

9,170

(7,815)

1,355

HEINEKEN provides employees in the Netherlands with an average pay pension plan based on earnings up to the legal tax limit. Indexation of 
accrued benefits is conditional on the funded status of the pension fund. HEINEKEN pays contributions to the fund up to a maximum level agreed 
with the Board of the pension fund and has no obligation to make additional contributions in case of a funding deficit. In 2017, HEINEKEN’s cash 
contribution to the Dutch pension plan was at the maximum level. The same level is expected to be paid in 2018.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

102

26. Employee benefits (continued)

HEINEKEN’s UK plan (Scottish & Newcastle pension plan ‘SNPP’) was closed to future accrual in 2010 and the liabilities thus relate to past service 
before plan closure. Based on the triennial review finalised in early 2016, HEINEKEN has renewed the funding plan (until 31 May 2023) including 
an annual Company contribution of GBP37.5 million in 2017, thereafter increasing with GBP1.7 million per year. Deficit payments as of 2019 will 
be reviewed and may be replaced following the upcoming triennial valuation. No additional liability has been recognised as the net present value 
of the minimum funding requirement does not exceed the net obligation.

Other countries where HEINEKEN offers a defined benefit plan to (former) employees include: Austria (closed in 2007 to new entrants), Belgium, 
France, Greece (closed in 2014 to new entrants), Ireland (closed in 2012 to all future accrual), Jamaica (closed in 2017 to all future accrual), Mexico 
(plan changed to hybrid defined contribution for majority of employees in 2014), Nigeria (closed to new entrants in 2007), Portugal, Spain (closed 
to management in 2010 and changed to a defined contribution plan for actives in 2017) and Switzerland.

The vast majority of benefit payments are from pension funds that are held in trusts (or equivalent); however, there is a small portion where 
HEINEKEN meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due. Plan assets held in trusts are governed by Trustee Boards composed of 
HEINEKEN representatives and independent and/or member representation, in accordance with local regulations and practice in each country. 
The relationship and division of responsibility between HEINEKEN and the Trustee Board (or equivalent) including investment decisions and 
contribution schedules are carried out in accordance with the plan’s regulations.

In other countries, retirement benefits are provided to employees via defined contribution plans.

Other long-term employee benefits mainly relate to long-term bonus plans, termination benefits, medical plans and jubilee benefits.

Movement in net defined benefit obligation
The movement in the net defined benefit obligation over the year is as follows:

In millions of €

Note

Present value of  
defined benefit obligations

Fair value of defined  
benefit plan assets

Present value  
of net obligations

2017

9,170

2016

8,873

2017

(7,815)

2016

(7,661)

2017

1,355

2016

1,212

Balance as at 1 January

Included in profit or loss
Current service cost

Past service cost/(credit)

Administration expense

Effect of any settlement

Expense recognised  
in personnel expenses
Interest expense/(income)

Included in OCI
Remeasurement loss/(gain):

Actuarial loss/(gain) arising from

Demographic assumptions

Financial assumptions

Experience adjustments

Return on plan assets  
excluding interest income

Effect of movements  
in exchange rates

Other
Changes in consolidation  
and reclassification

Contributions paid:

By the employer

By the plan participants

Benefits paid

Settlements

Balance as at 31 December

10

12

85

5

–

(35)

55

196

251

79

190

(31)

–

(200)

38

42

–

23

(385)

(51)

(371)

9,088

86

1

–

(1)

86
257

343

20

1,080

(139)

–

(674)

287

(1)

–

23

(355)

–

(333)

9,170

–

–

4

–

4

(163)

(159)

–

–

–

(327)

165

(162)

(49)

(136)

(23)

385

51

228

–

–

2

–

2
(217)

(215)

–

–

–

(660)

557

(103)

85

5

4

(35)

59

33

92

79

190

(31)

(327)

(35)

(124)

86

1

2

(1)

88
40

128

20

1,080

(139)

(660)

(117)

184

–

(7)

(1)

(168)

(23)

355

–

164

(136)

(168)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(143)

1,180

(169)

1,355

(7,908)

(7,815)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

103

2016

Total

1,092

403

113

47

724

2,379

4,210

399

4,609

–

–

–

–

246

246

1,537

102

1,639

(1,389)

(1,379)

362

116

350

254

(307)

1,578

592

296

1,061

257

827

7,815

Defined benefit plan assets

In millions of €

Equity instruments:

Europe

Northern America

Japan

Asia other

Other

Debt instruments:

Corporate bonds – investment grade

Corporate bonds – non-investment grade

Derivatives

Properties and real estate

Cash and cash equivalents

Investment funds

Other plan assets

Balance as at 31 December

Quoted

Unquoted

Quoted

Unquoted

2,282

2,133

2017

Total

985

556

109

122

510

3,782

716

4,498

–

–

–

–

180

180

1,524

476

2,000

(1,333)

(1,322)

437

3

244

76

(573)

1,607

707

629

919

195

1,128

7,908

1,092

403

113

47

478

2,673

297

2,970

10

230

180

711

3

1,134

6,237

985

556

109

122

330

2,102

2,258

240

2,498

11

270

626

675

119

1,701

6,301

The HEINEKEN pension funds monitor the mix of debt and equity securities in their investment portfolios based on market expectations. 
Material investments within the portfolio are managed on an individual basis. Through its defined benefit pension plans, HEINEKEN is exposed to a 
number of risks, the most significant which are detailed below:

Asset volatility
The plan liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields. If the return on the plan assets is less than the 
return on the liabilities implied by this assumption, this will create a deficit. Both the Netherlands and the UK plans hold a significant proportion of 
equities, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long term, while providing volatility and risk in the short term.

In the Netherlands, an Asset-Liability Matching (ALM) study is performed at least on a triennial basis. The ALM study is the basis for the strategic 
investment policies and the (long-term) strategic investment mix. This resulted in a strategic asset mix comprising 38% equity securities, 40% 
bonds, 7% property and real estate and 15% other investments. The objective is to hedge currency risk on the US dollar, Japanese yen and British 
pound for 50% of the equity exposure in the strategic investment mix.

In the UK, an Asset-Liability Matching study is performed at least on a triennial basis. The ALM study is the basis for the strategic investment 
policies and the (long-term) strategic investment mix. This resulted in a strategic asset mix comprising 45% of plan assets in liability driven 
investments, 18% in absolute return, 16% in equities (global and emerging markets), 5.5% in alternatives and 15.5% in private markets. 
The objective is to hedge 100% of currency risk on developed non-GBP equity market exposures in the strategic investment mix.

Interest rate risk
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the plans’ fixed 
rate instruments holdings.

In the Netherlands, interest rate risk is partly managed through fixed income investments. These investments match the liabilities for 22.9% 
(2016: 22.9%). In the UK, interest rate risk is partly managed through the use of a mixture of fixed income investments and interest rate swap 
instruments. These investments and instruments match 32% of the interest rate sensitivity of the total liabilities (2016: 28%).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

104

26. Employee benefits (continued)

Inflation risk
Some of the pension obligations are linked to inflation. Higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities, although in most cases caps on the level of 
inflationary increases are in place to protect the plan against extreme inflation. The majority of the plan assets are either unaffected by or loosely 
correlated with inflation, meaning that an increase in inflation will increase the deficit.

HEINEKEN provides employees in the Netherlands with an average pay pension plan, whereby indexation of accrued benefits is conditional on the 
funded status of the pension fund. In the UK, inflation is partly managed through the use of a mixture of inflation-linked derivative instruments. 
These instruments match 35% of the inflation-linked liabilities (2016: 41%).

Life expectancy
The majority of the plans’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase 
in the plans’ liabilities. This is particularly significant in the UK plan, where inflation-linked increases result in higher sensitivity to changes in 
life expectancy. In 2015, the Trustee of SNPP implemented a longevity hedge to remove the risk of a higher increase in life expectancy than 
anticipated for the 2015 population pensioners.

Principal actuarial assumptions as at the balance sheet date
Based on the significance of the Dutch and UK pension plans compared with the other plans, the table below only includes the major actuarial 
assumptions for those two plans as at 31 December:

In %

Discount rate as at 31 December

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

The Netherlands

2017

1.7

2.0

0.9

2016

1.5

2.0

0.4

UK*

2017

2.5

–

2.9

2016

2.7

–

3.1

* The UK plan closed for future accrual, leading to certain assumptions being equal to zero.

For the other defined benefit plans, the following actuarial assumptions apply at 31 December:

In %

Discount rate as at 31 December

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

Medical cost trend rate

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe

2017

0.7-4.5

0.0-3.5

0.0-1.5

0.0-4.5

2016

0.6-6.8

0.0-3.5

0.0-1.5

0.0-4.5

2017

7.0-8.0

0.0-4.5

0.0-3.5

0.0-7.5

2016

7.0-7.6

0.0-4.5

0.0-3.5

0.0-5.0

2017

1.7-14.5

0.0-5.0

0.0-2.6

0.0-5.0

2016

1.5-15.5

0.0-5.0

0.0-3.5

0.0-5.0

Assumptions regarding future mortality rates are based on published statistics and mortality tables. For the Netherlands, the rates are obtained 
from the ‘AG-Prognosetafel 2016’, fully generational. Correction factors (2016) from ‘Sprenkels en Verschuren’ are applied on these rates. For the 
UK, the future mortality rates are obtained by applying the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2014 projection model with an assumed long 
term rate of 1.5% p.a. to the Self-Administered Pension Schemes Series 2 (year of birth) tables with a 112% (male)/109% (female) weighting for 
pensioners and a 105% (male)/106% (female) weighting for non-pensioners. 

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period is 18 years.

HEINEKEN expects the 2018 contributions to be paid for the defined benefit plans to be in line with 2017.

Sensitivity analysis
Reasonably possible changes at the reporting date to one of the relevant actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have 
affected the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below:

Effect in millions of €

Discount rate (0.5% movement)

Future salary growth (0.25% movement)

Future pension growth (0.25% movement)

Medical cost trend rate (0.5% movement)

Life expectancy (1 year)

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Increase in 
assumption

Decrease in 
assumption

Increase in 
assumption

Decrease in 
assumption

(738)

15

355

5

305

846

(15)

(302)

(5)

(302)

(695)

23

332

5

300

798

(22)

(309)

(4)

(301)

Although the analysis does not take account of the full distribution of cash flows expected under the plan, it does provide an approximation of the 
sensitivity of the assumptions shown.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

105

27. Share-based payments – Long-Term Variable Award

HEINEKEN has a performance-based share plan (Long-Term Variable award (LTV)) for the Executive Board and senior management. Under this 
LTV plan, share rights are conditionally awarded to incumbents on an annual basis. The vesting of these rights is subject to the performance of 
Heineken N.V. on specific internal performance conditions and continued service over a three-year period.

The performance conditions for LTV 2015-2017, LTV 2016-2018 and LTV 2017-2019 are the same for the Executive Board and senior 
management and comprise solely of internal financial measures, being Organic Revenue Growth, Organic operating profit (as of LTV 2017-2019. 
LTV 2015-2017 and 2016-2018 are on Organic EBIT beia growth), Earnings Per Share (EPS) beia growth and Free Operating Cash Flow.

At target performance, 100% of the awarded share rights vest. At threshold performance, 50% of the awarded share rights vest. At maximum 
performance, 200% of the awarded share rights vest for the Executive Board as well as senior managers contracted by the US, Mexico, Brazil and 
Singapore, and 175% vest for all other senior managers. As per LTIP 2017-2019 the maximum performance is set at 200% for all senior managers.

The performance period for the aforementioned plans are:

LTV

2015-2017

2016-2018

2017-2019

Performance period start

1 January 2015

1 January 2016

1 January 2017

Performance period end

31 December 2017

31 December 2018

31 December 2019

The vesting date for the Executive Board is shortly after the publication of the annual results of 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively and for senior 
management on 1 April 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively.

As HEINEKEN will withhold the tax related to vesting on behalf of the individual employees, the number of Heineken N.V. shares to be received will 
be a net number. The share rights are not dividend-bearing during the performance period. The fair value has been adjusted for expected dividends 
by applying a discount based on the dividend policy and historical dividend payouts, during the vesting period.

The number of share rights granted and share price at grant date are as follows:

Grant date/employees entitled

Share rights granted to Executive Board in 2015

Share rights granted to senior management in 2015

Share rights granted to Executive Board in 2016

Share rights granted to senior management in 2016

Share rights granted to Executive Board in 2017

Share rights granted to senior management in 2017

* The number of shares is based on at target payout performance (100%).

Number*

54,903

534,298

34,278

398,850

37,890

472,116

Based on share 
price

58.95

58.95

78.77

78.77

71.26

71.26

Under the LTV 2014-2016, a total of 61,508 (gross) shares vested for the Executive Board and 740,873 (gross) shares vested for senior 
management. The number of shares vested for the Executive Board only relates to Mr. Jean-François van Boxmeer, as Ms. Laurence Debroux 
received LTI as per LTIP 2015-2017.

Based on the performance conditions, it is expected that approximately 689,495 shares of the LTV 2015-2017 will vest in 2018 for senior 
management and the Executive Board.

The number, as adjusted for the expected performance for the various awards, and weighted average share price per share under the LTV of senior 
management and Executive Board are as follows:

Outstanding as at 1 January
Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Vested during the year

Performance adjustment

Outstanding as at 31 December

Weighted 
average share 
price 2017

60.40

71.26

69.41

49.08

–

Number of share 
rights 2017

1,873,347

510,006

(55,103)

(802,381)

740,773

Weighted
average share 
price 2016

Number of share 
rights 2016

52.26
78.77

58.33

50.47

–

1,854,782
433,128

(121,026)

(785,236)

491,699

69.54

2,266,642

60.40

1,873,347

Under the extraordinary share plans for senior management 1,489 shares were granted and 18,647 (gross) shares vested. These extraordinary 
grants only have a service condition and vest between one and five years. The expenses relating to these additional grants are recognised in profit 
or loss during the vesting period. Expenses recognised in 2017 are €1,0 million (2016: €1.3 million).

Matching shares, extraordinary shares and retention share awards granted to the Executive Board are disclosed in note 33.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

106

27. Share-based payments – Long-Term Variable Award (continued)

Personnel expenses

In millions of €

Share rights granted in 2014

Share rights granted in 2015

Share rights granted in 2016

Share rights granted in 2017

Total expense recognised in personnel expenses

10

28. Provisions

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Changes in consolidation

Provisions made during the year

Provisions used during the year

Provisions reversed during the year

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Unwinding of discounts

Balance as at 31 December 2017

Non-current

Current

Restructuring

Onerous 
contracts

Claims and 
litigation

99

–

70

(45)

(19)

(1)

–

104

40

64

50

24

33

(17)

(31)

(3)

–

56

19

37

149

323

50

(35)

(48)

(48)

12

403

388

15

Note

2017

2016

–

18

17

20

55

Other

158

519

68

(12)

(99)

(51)

2

585

523

62

16

12

14

–

42

Total

456

866

221

(109)

(197)

(103)

14

1,148

970

178

Restructuring
The provision for restructuring of €104 million (2016: €99 million) mainly relates to restructuring programmes in Spain and the Netherlands. 
For large restructurings, management assesses the timing of the costs to be incurred, which influences the classification as current or non-
current liabilities.

Claims and litigation
The provision for claims and litigation of €403 million mainly relates to the litigation inherited from the acquisition of Brasil Kirin, as well as the 
beer operations of FEMSA in 2010 (refer to note 32). Management assesses provisions for claims and litigation on an ongoing basis. The outcome 
depends on future events, which are by nature uncertain. In assessing the likely outcome of lawsuits and tax disputes etc., management bases its 
assessment on internal and external legal assistance and established precedents.

Other provisions
Included are, among others, surety and guarantees provided of €42 million (2016: €35 million) and provisions for taxes of €498 million 
(2016: €56 million). The increase mainly relates to the acquisition of Brasil Kirin (refer to note 4 and 6) as tax legislation in Brazil is highly complex 
and subject to interpretation. The timing of the cash outflows for these provisions is uncertain. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

29. Trade and other payables

In millions of €

Trade payables

Accruals 

Taxation and social security contributions

Returnable packaging deposits

Interest

Derivatives

Dividends

Other payables

Note

30

2017

3,430

1,344

924

607

168

21

30

232

6,756

107

2016

2,934

1,263

879

628

129

75

45

271

6,224

The returnable packaging liability is based on the expected return of delivered returnable packaging materials with a deposit such as bottles, 
crates and kegs, where HEINEKEN has the legal or constructive obligation to buy back the materials. The expected return is determined based on 
measured circulation times and historical losses of returnable packaging materials in the market.

30. Financial risk management and financial instruments

Overview
HEINEKEN has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments, as they arise in the normal course of HEINEKEN’s business:

 – Credit risk

 – Liquidity risk

 – Market risk

This note presents information about HEINEKEN’s exposure to each of the above risks, and it summarises HEINEKEN’s policies and processes 
that are in place for measuring and managing risk, including those related to capital management. Further quantitative disclosures are included 
throughout these consolidated financial statements.

Risk management framework
The Executive Board, under the supervision of the Supervisory Board, has overall responsibility and sets rules for HEINEKEN’s risk management and 
control systems. They are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and HEINEKEN’s activities. The Executive Board oversees the 
adequacy and functioning of the entire system of risk management and internal control, assisted by HEINEKEN Group departments.

The Global Treasury function focuses primarily on the management of financial risk and financial resources. Some of the risk management 
strategies include the use of derivatives, primarily in the form of spot and forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps, but options can be 
used as well. It is HEINEKEN’s policy that no speculative transactions are entered into.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to HEINEKEN if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, 
and it arises principally from HEINEKEN’s receivables from customers and investment securities.

All local operations are required to comply with the principles contained within the Global Credit Policy and develop local credit management 
procedures accordingly. HEINEKEN regularly reviews and updates the Global Credit Policy ensuring that adequate controls are in place to mitigate 
any identified risks in respect of customer credit risk.

As at the balance sheet date, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of each financial instrument, including derivative financial instruments, in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Loans and advances to customers
HEINEKEN’s exposure to credit risk is mainly influenced by the individual characteristics of each customer. HEINEKEN’s loans and receivables 
include loans and advances to customers, issued based on a loan or advance contract. Loans and advances to customers are secured by, among 
others, rights on property or intangible assets, such as the right to take possession of the premises of the customer. On loans to customers interest 
rates calculated by HEINEKEN are at least based on the risk-free rate plus a margin, which takes into account the risk profile of the customer and 
value of security given.

In a few countries HEINEKEN provides guarantees to third parties who issue loans to our customers.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

108

30. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Trade and other receivables
HEINEKEN’s local management has credit policies in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. Under the credit 
policies, all customers requiring credit over a certain amount are reviewed and new customers are analysed individually for creditworthiness before 
HEINEKEN’s standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. HEINEKEN’s review can include external ratings, where available, 
and in some cases bank references. Credit limits are established for each customer and these limits are reviewed regularly. Customers that fail to 
meet HEINEKEN’s benchmark creditworthiness may transact with HEINEKEN only on a prepayment basis.

In monitoring customer credit risk customers are, on a country basis, grouped according to their credit characteristics, including whether they 
are an individual or legal entity, which type of distribution channel they represent, geographic location, industry, ageing profile, maturity and 
existence of previous financial difficulties. Customers that are graded as high risk are placed on a restricted customer list, and sales are made on 
strict payment conditions only with approval of management. In addition HEINEKEN issued an Anti-Money Laundering and Sanction Letter to 
safeguard our reputation and operations. HEINEKEN considers it important to know with whom business is done and from whom HEINEKEN is 
receiving payments. 

HEINEKEN has multiple distribution models to deliver goods to end customers. Deliveries are done via own wholesalers, directly or via third parties, 
depending the countries specifics. As such distribution models are country-specific and diverse across HEINEKEN, the results and the balance 
sheet items cannot be split between types of customers on a consolidated basis. The various distribution models are also not centrally managed 
or monitored.

Allowances
HEINEKEN establishes allowances for impairment of loans, trade and other receivables that represent the estimate of incurred losses. The main 
components of these allowances are specific loss components that relates to individually exposures, and a collective loss component established for 
groups of similar customers in respect of losses that have been incurred but not yet identified. The collective loss allowance is determined based on 
historical data of payment statistics.

Investments
HEINEKEN limits its exposure to credit risk by only investing available cash balances in deposits and liquid securities and only with counterparties 
that have strong credit ratings. HEINEKEN actively monitors these credit ratings.

Guarantees
HEINEKEN’s policy is to avoid issuing guarantees where possible unless this leads to substantial benefits for HEINEKEN. In cases where HEINEKEN 
does provide guarantees, such as to banks for loans (to third parties), HEINEKEN aims to receive security from the third party.

Heineken N.V. has issued a joint and several liability statement to the provisions of Section 403, Part 9, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code with respect 
to legal entities established in the Netherlands. Refer to Note 42 of the Company financial statements.

Exposure to credit risk
The carrying amount of financial assets and guarantees to banks for loans represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to 
credit risk at the reporting date was:

In millions of €

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables, excluding derivatives

Current derivatives

Available-for-sale investments

Non-current derivatives and investments FVTPL

Loans to customers

Advances to customers

Loans to joint ventures and associates

Other non-current receivables

Guarantees to banks for loans (to third parties)

* Revised to include advances to customers.

Note

21

20

20

17

17

17

17

17

32

2017

2,442

3,277

219

481

36

54

277

3

193

307

2016*

3,035

3,004

48

427

254

58

274

18

175

335

7,289

7,628

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

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109

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables (excluding current derivatives) at the reporting date by geographic region was:

In millions of €

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office and Other/eliminations

2017

1,435

836

441

364

201

2016

1,412

636

444

349

163

3,277

3,004

Impairment losses
The ageing of trade and other receivables (excluding current derivatives) at the reporting date was:

In millions of €

Not past due

Past due 0 – 30 days

Past due 31 – 120 days

More than 120 days

Gross
2017

2,477

487

255

511

3,730

Impairment 
2017

(46)

(19)

(42)

(346)

(453)

Gross
2016

2,499

238

263

452

3,452

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade and other receivables (excluding current derivatives) during the year was 
as follows:

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation

Impairment loss recognised

Allowance used

Allowance released

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December

2017

448

55

105

(45)

(92)

(18)

453

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of loans and advances to customers during the year was as follows:

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation

Impairment loss recognised

Allowance used

Allowance released

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Other

Balance as at 31 December

*Revised to reflect inclusion of advances to customers.

2017

132

–

8

(2)

(8)

(1)

16

145

Impairment
2016

(32)

(8)

(67)

(341)

(448)

2016

441
–

106

(37)

(49)

(13)

448

2016*

142
–

3

–

(9)

(4)

–

132

Impairment losses recognised for trade and other receivables (excluding current derivatives), loans and advances to customers are part of the other 
non-cash items in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

A net impairment loss of €13 million (2016: €57 million) in respect of trade and other receivables and in respect of loans and advances to 
customers nil (2016: €7 million gain) were included in expenses for raw materials, consumables and services. 

The allowance accounts in respect of trade and other receivables and held-to-maturity investments are used to record impairment losses, unless 
HEINEKEN is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible; at that point, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against 
the financial asset.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

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Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

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110

30. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that HEINEKEN will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled 
by delivering cash or another financial asset. HEINEKEN’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have 
sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking 
damage to HEINEKEN’s reputation.

HEINEKEN has a clear focus on ensuring sufficient access to capital markets to finance long-term growth and to refinance maturing debt 
obligations. Financing strategies, including the diversification of funding sources are under continuous evaluation (information about borrowing 
facilities is presented in Note 25). In addition, HEINEKEN seeks to align the maturity profile of its long-term debts with its forecasted cash flow 
generation. Strong cost and cash management and controls over investment proposals are in place to ensure effective and efficient allocation of 
financial resources.

Contractual maturities
The following are the contractual maturities of non-derivative financial liabilities and derivative financial assets and liabilities, including 
interest payments:

In millions of €

Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

Less than  
1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

2017

More than  
5 years

(15,378)

(18,549)

(3,580)

(1,397)

(3,877)

(9,695)

Trade and other payables (excluding interest payable,  
dividends and derivatives and including non-current part)

(6,577)

(6,577)

(6,505)

(18)

(20)

(34)

Derivative financial assets and (liabilities)
Interest rate swaps used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Interest rate swaps not used for hedge accounting, (net)

Forward exchange contracts used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Commodity derivatives used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Derivatives not used for hedge  
accounting (net)

In millions of €

Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities

57

4

46

77

(7)

79

(18)

29

78

(8)

136

(7)

30

46

(8)

5

(6)

(1)

6

–

16

(5)

–

26

–

(78)

–

–

–

–

(21,778)

(24,966)

(9,888)

(1,411)

(3,860)

(9,807)

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

Less than  
1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

2016

More than  
5 years

(14,570)

(16,792)

(4,006)

(1,703)

(4,895)

(6,188)

Trade and other payables (excluding interest payable,  
dividends and derivatives and including non-current part)

(5,994)

(5,994)

(5,963)

(16)

(2)

(13)

Derivative financial assets and (liabilities)
Interest rate swaps used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Forward exchange contracts used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Commodity derivatives used for hedge  
accounting (net)

Derivatives not used for hedge  
accounting (net)

242

283

(23)

11

(13)

(32)

11

(14)

17

(24)

4

(14)

266

(8)

2

–

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

(20,347)

(22,538)

(9,986)

(1,459)

(4,892)

(6,201)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
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Statements

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111

The total carrying amount and contractual cash flows of derivatives are included in trade and other receivables (refer to note 20), other 
investments (refer to note 17), trade and other payables (refer to note 29) and non-current non-interest-bearing liabilities (refer to note 25).

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices and equity prices, will adversely 
affect HEINEKEN’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control 
market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk.

HEINEKEN uses derivatives in the ordinary course of business, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage market risks. Generally, 
HEINEKEN seeks to apply hedge accounting or make use of natural hedges in order to minimise the effects of foreign currency fluctuations in profit 
or loss.

Derivatives that can be used are interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, caps and floors, commodity swaps, spot and forward exchange 
contracts and options. Transactions are entered into with a limited number of counterparties with strong credit ratings. Foreign currency, interest 
rate and commodity hedging operations are governed by internal policies and rules approved and monitored by the Executive Board.

Foreign currency risk
HEINEKEN is exposed to foreign currency risk on (future) sales, (future) purchases, borrowings and dividends that are denominated in a currency 
other than the respective functional currencies of HEINEKEN entities. The main currencies that give rise to this risk are the US dollar, Mexican peso, 
Nigerian naira, British pound, Vietnamese dong and Euro. In 2017, the transactional exchange risk was hedged in line with the hedging policy 
to the extent possible, the resulting impact from currency movements was therefore partly mitigated. The negative translational impact was 
more profound. 

In managing foreign currency risk, HEINEKEN aims to ensure the availability of these foreign currencies and to reduce the impact of short-term 
fluctuations on earnings. Over the longer term, however, permanent changes in foreign exchange rates and the availability of foreign currencies, 
especially in emerging markets, will have an impact on profit.

HEINEKEN hedges up to 90% of its net US dollar export cash flows on the basis of rolling cash flow forecasts in respect to forecasted sales and 
purchases. Cash flows in other foreign currencies are also hedged on the basis of rolling cash flow forecasts. HEINEKEN mainly uses forward 
exchange contracts to hedge its foreign currency risk. The majority of the forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than one year after 
the balance sheet date.

HEINEKEN has a clear policy on hedging transactional exchange risks, which postpones the impact on financial results. Translation exchange 
risks are hedged to a limited extent, as the underlying currency positions are generally considered to be long term in nature. The result of the net 
investment hedging is recognised in the translation reserve, as can be seen in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

It is HEINEKEN’s policy to provide intra-HEINEKEN financing in the functional currency of subsidiaries where possible to prevent foreign currency 
exposure on a subsidiary level. The resulting exposure at Group level is hedged by means of foreign currency denominated external debts and by 
forward exchange contracts. Intra-HEINEKEN financing in foreign currencies is mainly in British pounds, US dollars, Polish zloty and New Zealand 
dollar. In some cases, HEINEKEN elects to treat intra-HEINEKEN financing with a permanent character as equity and does not hedge the foreign 
currency exposure.

HEINEKEN maintains debt in foreign currencies like US dollar and British pound to hedge local operations, which generate cash flows that have the 
same respective functional currencies or have functional currencies that are closely correlated. Corresponding interest on these borrowings is also 
denominated in currencies that match the cash flows generated by the underlying operations of HEINEKEN.

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of HEINEKEN and the various 
foreign operations, HEINEKEN ensures that its net exposure is kept to an acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates when 
necessary to address short-term imbalances.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

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112

30. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Exposure to foreign currency risk
HEINEKEN’s transactional exposure to the US dollar and Euro was as follows based on notional amounts. The Euro column relates to transactional 
exposure to the Euro within subsidiaries which are reporting in other currencies. Included in the amounts are intra-HEINEKEN cash flows.

In millions

Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Gross balance sheet exposure
Estimated forecast sales next year

Estimated forecast purchases next year

Gross exposure
Net notional amounts foreign exchange contracts

Net exposure

Sensitivity analysis
Equity

Profit or loss

EUR

85

(2,284)

(2,199)

153

(1,578)

(3,624)

411

(3,213)

(149)

(13)

2017

USD

4,997

(6,657)

(1,660)

1,321

(2,011)

(2,350)

1,670

(680)

1

(9)

EUR

146

(1,291)

(1,145)
207

(1,965)

(2,903)
433

(2,470)

(59)

(4)

2016

USD

5,260

(6,338)

(1,078)
1,330

(1,818)

(1,566)
884

(682)

(15)

1

Sensitivity analysis
A 10% strengthening of the US dollar against the Euro or, in case of the Euro, a strengthening of the Euro against all other currencies as at 
31 December would have affected the value of financial assets and liabilities (related to transactional exposure) recorded on the balance sheet 
and would have therefore decreased (increased) equity and profit by the amounts shown above. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in 
particular interest rates, remain constant.

A 10% weakening of the US dollar against the Euro or, in case of the Euro, a weakening of the Euro against all other currencies as at 31 December 
would have had the equal but opposite effect on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

Interest rate risk
In managing interest rate risk, HEINEKEN aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations on earnings. Over the longer term, however, 
permanent changes in interest rates would have an impact on profit.

HEINEKEN opts for a mix of fixed and variable interest rates in its financing operations, combined with the use of interest rate instruments. 
Currently, HEINEKEN’s interest rate position is more weighted towards fixed than floating. Interest rate instruments that can be used are  
(cross-currency) interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, caps and floors.

Swap maturity follows the maturity of the related loans and borrowings which have swap rates for the fixed leg ranging from 2.3 to 6.5% (2016: 
from 3.8 to 6.5%).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Interest rate risk – profile
At the reporting date, the interest rate profile of HEINEKEN’s interest-bearing financial instruments was as follows:

In millions of €

Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Net interest rate swaps

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Net interest rate swaps

2017

2016

75

83

(13,002)

(11,984)

417

–

(12,510)

(11,901)

2,599

(2,376)

(463)

(240)

3,214

(2,587)

–

627

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments
HEINEKEN applies fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed rate financial liabilities and designates derivatives as hedging instruments. 
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates constantly applied during the reporting period would have increased (decreased) equity and profit or 
loss by the amounts shown below (after tax). This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant and 
excludes any possible change in fair value of derivatives at period-end because of a change in interest rates. This analysis is performed on the same 
basis as for 2016.

In millions of €

31 December 2017
Variable rate instruments

Net interest rate swaps

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

31 December 2016
Variable rate instruments

Net interest rate swaps

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

Profit or loss

Equity

100 bp increase 100 bp decrease

100 bp increase 100 bp decrease

2

(3)

(1)

5

–

5

(2)

3

1

(5)

–

(5)

2

(3)

(1)

5

–

5

(2)

3

1

(5)

–

(5)

Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk is the risk that changes in commodity prices will affect HEINEKEN’s income. The objective of commodity price risk 
management is to manage and control commodity risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk. The main 
commodity exposure relates to the purchase of cans, glass bottles, malt and utilities. Commodity price risk is in principle addressed by negotiating 
fixed prices in supplier contracts with various contract durations. So far, commodity hedging with financial counterparties by HEINEKEN has 
been limited to aluminium hedging and to a limited extent gas, sugar and grains hedging, which are done in accordance with risk policies. 
HEINEKEN does not enter into commodity contracts other than to meet HEINEKEN’s expected usage and sale requirements. As at 31 December 
2017, the market value of commodity swaps was €77 million positive (2016: €11 million positive).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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30. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Sensitivity analysis for aluminium hedges
The table below shows an estimated pre-tax impact of 10% change in the market price of aluminium.

In millions of €

31 December 2017
Aluminium hedges

10% increase

10% decrease

Equity

50

(50)

Cash flow hedges
The following table indicates the carrying amount of derivatives and the periods in which all the cash flows associated with derivatives that are 
cash flow hedges are expected to occur:

In millions of €

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Assets

Liabilities

Forward exchange contracts

Assets

Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Assets

Liabilities

In millions of €

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Assets

Liabilities

Forward exchange contracts

Assets

Liabilities

Commodity derivatives

Assets

Liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Expected cash 
flows

Less than  
1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

2017

More than  
5 years

113

–

50

(4)

81

(4)

236

978

(847)

978

(847)

1,159

(1,130)

1,126

(1,096)

81

(2)

239

49

(2)

208

–

–

33

(34)

6

–

5

–

–

–

–

26

–

26

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Carrying 
amount

Expected cash 
flows

Less than  
1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

2016

More than  
5 years

242

–

33

(56)

24

(13)

230

1,167

(885)

1,302

(1,335)

24

(13)

260

55

(38)

1,144

(1,169)

12

(8)

(4)

1,112

(847)

158

(166)

7

(5)

259

–

–

–

–

5

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The periods in which the cash flows associated with forward exchange contracts that are cash flow hedges are expected to impact profit or loss is 
typically one or two months earlier than the occurrence of the cash flows as in the above table.

HEINEKEN has entered into several cross-currency interest rate swaps which have been designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the foreign 
exchange rate risk on the principal amount and future interest payments of its US dollar borrowings. The borrowings and the cross-currency interest 
rate swaps have the same critical terms.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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Fair value hedges
The following table indicates the carrying amount of derivatives and the periods in which all the cash flows associated with derivatives that are fair 
value hedges are expected to occur:

In millions of €

Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Assets

Liabilities

Carrying 
amount

Expected cash 
flows

Less than  
1 year

1-2 years

2-5 years

2017

More than  
5 years

(48)

(48)

481

(463)

18

12

12

12

12

35

35

422

(463)

(41)

In 2017 HEINEKEN has entered into several cross-currency interest rate swaps which have been designated as fair value hedges to hedge the 
foreign exchange rate risk on the principal amount and future interest payments of its certain US dollar borrowings. The borrowings and the  
cross-currency interest rate swaps have the same critical terms.

The loss arising on derivatives as designated hedging instruments in fair value hedges amounts to €48 million. The gain arising on the adjustment 
for the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in a designated fair value hedge accounting relationship amounts to €48 million.

Net investment hedges
HEINEKEN hedges its investments in certain subsidiaries by entering into local currency denominated borrowings and cross-currency interest rate 
swaps, which mitigate the foreign currency translation risk arising from the subsidiaries net assets. These borrowings and swaps are designated as 
net investment hedges and fully effective as such there was no ineffectiveness recognised in profit and loss in 2017 (2016: nil). The fair value of 
these borrowings at 31 December 2017 was €475 million (2016: €506 million) and the market value of these swaps at 31 December 2017 was 
€8 million negative (2016: nil).

Capital management
There were no major changes in HEINEKEN’s approach to capital management during the year. The Executive Board’s policy is to maintain a 
strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future development of the business and acquisitions. 
Capital is herein defined as equity attributable to equity holders of the Company (total equity minus non-controlling interests).

HEINEKEN is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements other than the legal reserves explained in note 22. Shares are purchased to 
meet the requirements of the share-based payment awards, as further explained in note 27.

Fair values
For bank loans and finance lease liabilities the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value. The fair value of the unsecured 
bond issues as at 31 December 2017 was €12,660 million (2016: €11,292 million) and the carrying amount was €11,948 million 
(2016: €10,683 million). The fair value of the other interest-bearing liabilities as at 31 December 2017 was €1,535 million (2016: €1,662 million) 
and the carrying amount was €1,515 million (2016: €1,597 million).

Basis for determining fair values
The significant methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments are discussed in note 4.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

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30. Financial risk management and financial instruments (continued)

Fair value hierarchy
The tables below present the financial instruments accounted for at fair value and amortised cost by level of the following fair value 
measurement hierarchy:

 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly 

(that is, derived from prices) (level 2)

 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (level 3)

31 December 2017

Available-for-sale investments

Non-current derivative assets

Current derivative assets

Non-current derivative liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Current derivative liabilities

31 December 2016

Available-for-sale investments

Non-current derivative assets

Current derivative assets

Non-current derivative liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Current derivative liabilities

Level 1

396

–

–

396

–

(12,660)

–

(12,660)

Level 1

342

–

–

342

–

(11,292)

–

(11,292)

Level 2

Level 3

–

36

219

255

(57)

(1,535)

(21)

(1,613)

84

–

–

84

–

–

–

–

Level 2

Level 3

–

254

48

302

(10)

(1,662)

(75)

(1,747)

85

–

–

85

–

–

–

–

During the period ended 31 December 2017 there were no significant transfers between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 2
HEINEKEN determines level 2 fair values for over-the-counter securities based on broker quotes. The fair values of simple over-the-counter derivative 
financial instruments are determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data 
where available.

The fair value of derivatives is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable interest yield curves, basis 
spread and foreign exchange rates. These calculations are tested for reasonableness by comparing the outcome of the internal valuation with the 
valuation received from the counterparty. Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument and include adjustments to take into account the credit 
risk of HEINEKEN and counterparty when appropriate.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

Sustainability  
Review

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117

Level 3
Details of the determination of level 3 fair value measurements as at 31 December 2017 are set out below:

In millions of €

2017

2016

Available-for-sale investments based on level 3

Balance as at 1 January
Fair value adjustments recognised in other comprehensive income

Disposals

Transfer between levels

Transfer to associate

Balance as at 31 December

85

2

1

–

(4)

84

84
(2)

–

3

–

85

The fair values for the level 3 available-for-sale investments are based on the financial performance of the investments and the market multiples of 
comparable equity securities.

31. Off-balance sheet commitments

In millions of €

Operational lease commitments

Property, plant and equipment ordered

Raw materials purchase contracts

Marketing and merchandising commitments

Other off-balance sheet obligations

Off-balance sheet obligations

Total 2017

1,704

329

6,153

647

2,092

10,925

Less than  
1 year

269

285

2,433

242

304

3,533

1-5 years

645

26

2,580

401

716

4,368

More than  
5 years

790

18

1,140

4

1,072

3,024

2016

1,460

128

5,287

391

1,542

8,808

Undrawn committed bank facilities

3,929

59

3,870

–

2,747

HEINEKEN leases offices, warehouses, pubs, cars and other equipment in the ordinary course of business.

Raw material contracts include long-term purchase contracts with suppliers in which prices are fixed or will be agreed based upon predefined price 
formulas. These contracts mainly relate to malt, bottles and cans. The raw materials purchase commitments relate to purchase contracts with 
EMPAQUE which has become a third party supplier after the disposal in 2015.

During the year ended 31 December 2017, €364 million (2016: €302 million) was recognised as an expense in profit or loss in respect of operating 
leases and rent.

Other off-balance sheet obligations include energy, distribution and service contracts.

Committed bank facilities are credit facilities on which a commitment fee is paid as compensation for the bank’s requirement to reserve capital. 
The bank is legally obliged to provide the facility under the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

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Review

Other  
Information

118

32. Contingencies

HEINEKEN’s significant contingencies are described below.

Tax 
HEINEKEN operates in a high number of jurisdictions, and is subject to a wide variety of taxes per jurisdiction. Tax legislation can be highly 
complex and subject to interpretation. As a result, HEINEKEN is required to exercise significant judgement in the recognition of taxes payable and 
determination of tax contingencies.

The tax contingencies mainly relate to tax positions in Latin America and include a large number of cases with a risk assessment lower 
than probable but higher than remote. Assessing the amount of tax contingencies is highly judgemental, and the timing of possible 
outflows is uncertain. Our best estimate of tax related contingent liabilities is €897 million (2016: €443 million), out of which €170 million 
(2016: €188 million) qualifies for indemnification. For several tax contingencies that were part of acquisitions, an amount of €382 million 
(2016: €98 million) has been recognised as provisions in the balance sheet. 

Other contingencies 
HEINEKEN also has other contingencies, for which, in the opinion of management and its legal counsel, the risk of loss is possible but not probable. 
Contingencies involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental 
actions. The most significant contingencies relate to civil cases in Brazil. Management’s best estimate of the financial effect for these cases 
is €57 million (2016: €14 million). For the other contingencies that were part of acquisitions, an amount of €49 million (2016: nil) has been 
recognised on balance.

Guarantees

In millions of €

Guarantees to banks for loans (to third parties)

Other guarantees

Guarantees

Total 2017

Less than 1 year

1-5 years

307

978

1,285

94

149

243

202

431

633

More than
5 years

11

398

409

Total 2016

335

771

1,106

Guarantees to banks for loans relate to loans and advanced discounts to customers, which are given to external parties in the ordinary course 
of business of HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN provides guarantees to the banks to cover the risk related to these loans. The increase in other guarantees 
mainly relates to the acquisition of Brasil Kirin.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

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119

33. Related parties

Identification of related parties
HEINEKEN’s parent company is Heineken Holding N.V. HEINEKEN’s ultimate controlling party is Mrs. de Carvalho-Heineken. Our shareholder 
structure is set out in the section ‘Shareholder Information’.

In addition, HEINEKEN has related party relationships with its associates and joint ventures (refer to note 16), HEINEKEN pension funds (refer 
to note 26), Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA), employees (refer to note 25) and with its key management personnel (the 
Executive Board and the Supervisory Board).

Best practice provisions 2.7.3, 2.7.4 and 2.7.5 of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code of 8 December 2016 have been observed where relevant in 
regard to transactions with related parties.

Key management remuneration

In millions of €

Executive Board

Supervisory Board

Total

2017

13.3

1.0

14.3

2016

13.0

1.0

14.0

Executive Board
The remuneration of the members of the Executive Board consists of a fixed component and a variable component. The variable component is 
made up of a Short-term variable pay (STV) and a Long-term variable award (LTV). The STV is based on financial and operational measures (75%) 
and on individual leadership measures (25%) as set by the Supervisory Board. For the LTV award we refer to note 27. The separate Remuneration 
Report is stated on pages 48–56.

As at 31 December 2017, Mr. Jean-François van Boxmeer held 240,695 Company shares and Mrs. Laurence Debroux held 11,829 Company shares 
(2016: Mr. Jean-François van Boxmeer 217,276, Mrs. Laurence Debroux 7,069).

In thousands of €

Fixed salary

Short-Term Variable pay

Matching share entitlement

Long-Term Variable award

Extraordinary share award/Retention bonus

Pension contributions

Other emoluments

Total

J.F.M.L. van 
Boxmeer

L. Debroux

1,200

2,736

622

3,623

–

858

21

720

1,173

266

1,739

–

142

163

9,060

4,203

2017

Total

1,920

3,909

888

5,362

–

1,000

184

13,263

J.F.M.L. van 
Boxmeer

1,200

3,360

751

3,204

–

944

21

L. Debroux

720

1,440

322

711

22

139

160

2016

Total

1,920

4,800

1,073

3,915

22

1,083

181

9,480

3,514

12,994

The matching share entitlements for each year are based on the performance in that year. The Executive Board members receive 25% of their 
STV pay in (investment) shares. In addition they have the opportunity to indicate before year-end whether they wish to receive up to another 
25% of their STV pay in (investment) shares. All (investment) shares are restricted for sale for five calendar years, after which they are matched 
1:1 by (matching) shares. For 2017 the Executive Board members did not elect to receive additional (investment) shares, hence the ‘Matching 
share entitlement’ in the table above is based on a 25% investment. In 2016 the investment was 25% for both Executive Board members. From an 
accounting perspective the corresponding matching shares vest immediately and as such a fair value of €0.9 million was recognised in the 2017 
income statement. The matching share entitlements are not dividend-bearing during the five calendar year holding period of the investment 
shares. Therefore, the fair value of the matching share entitlements has been adjusted for missed expected dividends by applying a discount based 
on the dividend policy and vesting period.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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120

33. Related parties (continued)

Supervisory Board
The individual members of the Supervisory Board received the following remuneration:

In thousands of €

G.J. Wijers

J.A. Fernández Carbajal

M. Das

M.R. de Carvalho

A.M. Fentener van Vlissingen

V.C.O.B.J. Navarre

J.G. Astaburuaga Sanjinés

H. Scheffers1

J.M. Huët

P. Mars-Wright2

Y. Brunini3

M.E. Minnick4

1 Stepped down as at 20 April 2017.

2 Appointed as at 21 April 2016.

3 Appointed as at 21 April 2016.

4 Stepped down as at 21 April 2016.

2017

160

114

85

90

85

70

99

40

82

95

70

–

2016

163

109

88

96

91

74

99

83

88

49

44

28

990

1,012

Mr. Michel de Carvalho held 100,008 shares of Heineken N.V. as at 31 December 2017 (2016: 100,008 shares) and A.M. Fentener van Vlissingen 
8,000 shares (2016: 0). As at 31 December 2017 and 2016, the Supervisory Board members did not hold any of the Company’s bonds or option 
rights. Mr. Michel de Carvalho held 100,008 ordinary shares of Heineken Holding N.V. as at 31 December 2017 (2016: 100,008 ordinary shares). 

Other related party transactions

In millions of €

Sale of products, services and royalties
To associates and joint ventures

To FEMSA

Purchase of raw materials, consumables and services
From associates and joint ventures – goods for resale

From associates and joint ventures – other 

From FEMSA

Transaction value

2017

2016

300

1,168

1,468

63

416

168

647

441

797

1,238

5

370

151

526

Balance outstanding  
as at 31 December

2017

88

238

326

6

62

42

110

2016

95

170

265

–

37

70

107

Heineken Holding N.V.
In 2017, an amount of €714,412 (2016: €1,159,905) was paid to Heineken Holding N.V. for management services for HEINEKEN.

This payment is based on an agreement of 1977 as amended in 2001, providing that Heineken N.V. reimburses Heineken Holding N.V. for its costs.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
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Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

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121

FEMSA
As consideration for HEINEKEN’s acquisition of the beer operations of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA), FEMSA became a 
major shareholder of Heineken N.V. in 2010. Therefore, contracts between FEMSA and HEINEKEN are related party contracts.

34. HEINEKEN entities

Control of HEINEKEN
The shares and options of the Company are traded on Euronext Amsterdam, where the Company is included in the main AEX Index. 
Heineken Holding N.V. Amsterdam has an interest of 50.005% in the issued capital of the Company. The financial statements of the Company are 
included in the consolidated financial statements of Heineken Holding N.V.

A declaration of joint and several liability pursuant to the provisions of Section 403, Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code has been issued with 
respect to legal entities established in the Netherlands. The list of the legal entities for which the declaration has been issued is disclosed in the 
Heineken N.V. stand-alone financial statements.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 357 of the Republic of Ireland Companies Act 2014, the Company irrevocably guarantees, in respect of 
the financial year from 1 January 2017 up to and including 31 December 2017, the liabilities referred to in Schedule 3 of the Republic of Ireland 
Companies Act 2014 of the wholly-owned subsidiary companies Heineken Ireland Limited, Heineken Ireland Sales Limited, The West Cork Bottling 
Company Limited, Western Beverages Limited, Beamish & Crawford Limited and Nash Beverages Limited.

Significant subsidiaries
Set out below are HEINEKEN’s significant subsidiaries at 31 December 2017. The subsidiaries as listed below are held by the Company and the 
proportion of ownership interests held equals the proportion of the voting rights held by HEINEKEN. The country of incorporation or registration 
is also their principal place of business. The disclosed significant subsidiaries represent the largest subsidiaries and represent an approximate total 
revenue of €14 billion and total asset value of €23 billion and are structural contributors to the business.

There were no significant changes to the HEINEKEN structure and ownership interests, except for the acquisition of Brasil Kirin (refer to note 6).

Percentage of ownership

Heineken International B.V.

Heineken Brouwerijen B.V.

Heineken Nederland B.V.

Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Holding, S.A. de C.V.

Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A.

Bavaria S.A.

Heineken France S.A.S.

Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Heineken USA Inc.

Heineken UK Ltd

Heineken España S.A.

Heineken Italia S.p.A.

Brau Union Österreich AG

Grupa Z˙ywiec S.A.

LLC Heineken Breweries

Heineken Vietnam Brewery Limited Company

35. Subsequent events

No material subsequent events occurred.

Country of incorporation

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Mexico

Brazil

Brazil

France

Nigeria

United States

United Kingdom

Spain

Italy

Austria

Poland

Russia

Vietnam

2017

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

56.0

100.0

100.0

99.8

100.0

100.0

65.2

100.0

60.0

2016

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

–

100.0

55.4

100.0

100.0

99.8

100.0

100.0

65.2

100.0

60.0

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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122

Heineken N.V. Balance Sheet

Before appropriation of profit
As at 31 December

In millions of €

Fixed assets

Financial fixed assets
Investments in participating interests

Other investments

Deferred tax assets

Total financial fixed assets
Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Shareholders’ equity
Issued capital

Share premium

Translation reserve

Hedging reserve

Fair value reserve

Other legal reserves

Reserve for own shares

Retained earnings

Net profit

Total shareholders’ equity

Liabilities
Loans and borrowings

Total non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings (current part)

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities

Note

2017

2016

36

26,276

24,846

3

74

26,353

122

1

123

242

73

25,161
14

–

14

26,476

25,175

922

2,701

(3,124)

112

331

962

(410)

9,892

1,935

922

2,701

(1,829)

(1)

262

838

(443)

9,248

1,540

13,321

13,238

11,799

11,799

1,126

228

2

1,356

13,155

26,476

10,480

10,480
1,338

117

2

1,457

11,937

25,175

37

38

38

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Heineken N.V. Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Personnel expenses

Total expenses
Interest income

Interest expenses

Other net finance income/(expenses)

Net finance expenses
Share of profit of participating interests, after income tax

Profit before income tax
Income tax income/(expense)

Profit

Note

37

2017

(14)

(14)

111

(355)

502

258

1,749

1,993

(58)

1,935

123

2016

(14)

(14)
77

(320)

(90)

(333)
1,799

1,452
88

1,540

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Report of the  
Supervisory Board

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Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
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124

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements

Reporting entity
The Company financial statements of Heineken N.V. (the ‘Company’) are included in the consolidated financial statements of Heineken N.V.

Basis of preparation
The Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code. The Company 
uses the option of Article 362.8 of Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code to prepare the Company financial statements, using the same 
accounting policies as in the consolidated financial statements. Valuation is based on recognition and measurement requirements of accounting 
standards adopted by the EU (i.e. only IFRS that is adopted for use in the EU at the date of authorisation) as explained further in the notes to the 
consolidated financial statements.

Significant accounting policies

Financial fixed assets
Participating interests (subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates) are measured on the basis of the equity method.

Shareholders’ equity
The translation reserve and other legal reserves were previously formed under, and are still recognised in accordance with, the Dutch Civil Code.

Profit of participating interests
The share of profit of participating interests consists of the share of the Company in the results of these participating interests. Results on 
transactions, where the transfer of assets and liabilities between the Company and its participating interests and mutually between participating 
interests, themselves, are not recognised.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

36. Investments in participating interests

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Profit of participating interests

Dividend payments by participating interests

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Changes in hedging and fair value adjustments

Actuarial gains/(losses)

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change in control

Investments/(repayments)

Other movements

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Profit of participating interests

Dividend payments by participating interests

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Changes in hedging and fair value adjustments

Actuarial gains/(losses)

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change in control

Investments/(repayments)

Other movements

Balance as at 31 December 2017

125

Total

24,522
1,799

–

(804)

186

(254)

(148)

(451)

(4)

24,846

24,846

1,749

–

(1,297)

176

66

(50)

790

(4)

Participating 
interests

17,156
1,799

(800)

(804)

186

(254)

(148)

(1,457)

(4)

15,674

15,674

1,749

(616)

(1,297)

176

66

(50)

42

(4)

Loans to 
participating 
interests

7,366
–

800

–

–

–

–

1,006

–

9,172

9,172

–

616

–

–

–

–

748

–

15,740

10,536

26,276

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

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Review

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126

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

37. Shareholders’ equity

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Profit

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Transfer to retained earnings

Dividends to shareholders

Purchase/reissuance of own shares

Own shares granted

Share-based payments

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change  
in control

Balance as at 31 December 2016

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Profit

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Transfer to retained earnings

Dividends to shareholders

Purchase/reissuance of own shares

Own shares granted

Share-based payments

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change  
in control

Changes in consolidation/transfers within equity

Share capital

Share premium Translation reserve

Hedging reserve

Fair value reserve

922
–

2,701
–

(1,017)
–

(812)

(812)
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

2,701

(1,829)

2,701

(1,829)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,295)

(1,295)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

922

922

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(47)
–

46

46
–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

(1)

–

106

106

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

122
–

140

140
–

–

–

–

–

–

262

262

–

69

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2017

922

2,701

(3,124)

112

331

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

Other legal reserve

shares Retained earnings

Net profit

Reserve for own 

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2016
Profit

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Transfer to retained earnings

Dividends to shareholders

Purchase/reissuance of own shares

Own shares granted

Share-based payments

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change  
in control

719
153

–

153
(34)

–

–

–

–

–

(432)
–

–

–
–

–

(39)

28

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2016

838

(443)

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Profit

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Transfer to retained earnings

Dividends to shareholders

Purchase/reissuance of own shares

Own shares granted

Share-based payments

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change  
in control

Changes in consolidation/transfers within equity

838
153

–

153
(29)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(443)
–

–

–
–

–

–

33

–

–

–

8,675
(153)

(254)

(407)
1,926

(786)

–

(28)

13

(145)

9,248

9,248
(153)

66

(87)
1,569

(775)

–

(33)

22

(45)

(7)

1,892
1,540

–

1,540
(1,892)

–

–

–

–

–

1,540

1,540
1,935

–

1,935
(1,540)

–

–

–

–

–

–

127

Shareholders’ 
equity

13,535
2

(880)

660
–

(786)

(39)

–

13

(145)

13,238

13,238
1,935

(1,054)

881
–

(775)

–

–

22

(45)

–

Balance as at 31 December 2017

962

(410)

9,892

1,935

13,321

For more details on reserves, refer to note 22 of the consolidated financial statements.

For more details on share-based payments, refer to note 27 of the consolidated financial statements.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Supervisory Board

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Statements

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Review

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Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

38. Loans and borrowings

Non-current and current liabilities

In millions of €

Unsecured bond issues

Unsecured bank loans

Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Other interest-bearing liabilities

Total interest-bearing liabilities
Non-interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current derivatives

Loans and borrowings

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Effects of movements of exchange rates

Transfers

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at 31 December 2017

2017

11,902

–

1

966

12,869
–

56

12,925

Unsecured bond 
issues

Bank overdrafts 
and commercial 
papers

Other interest-
bearing liabilities

Non-current 
derivatives

10,637
(536)

–

2,976

(1,182)

7

11,902

2
–

–

–

(1)

–

1

1,179
(137)

–

–

(76)

–

966

–
61

–

–

(5)

–

56

128

2016

10,637

–

2

1,179

11,818
–

–

11,818

Total

11,818
(612)

–

2,976

(1,264)

7

12,925

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

129

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

Terms and debt repayment schedule
Terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows:

Category

Currency

Nominal 
interest
 rate %

Carrying 
amount 
2017

Face 
value 
2017

Carrying 
amount 
2016

Face value 
2016

Repayment

In millions of €

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

Unsecured bond

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under EMTN programme

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

issue under 144A/RegS

 SGD

 EUR

 SGD

 USD

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 USD

 SGD

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

 EUR

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

GBP

USD

USD

1.4

1.3

2.2

2.5

2.5

2.1

2.0

1.3

3.3

1.6

1.7

3.5

1.5

2.9

2.0

1.0

1.4

3.5

1.5

2.0

3.3

2.6

3.5

1.4

3.4

2.8

4.0

3.5

4.4

2.8

7.2

4.6

6.3

2017

2018

2018

2019

2019

2020

2021

2021

2022

2022

2023

2024

2024

2025

2025

2026

2027

2029

2029

2032

2033

2033

2043

2017

2022

2023

2042

2028

2047

2017

2018

2018

2018

–

100

59

167

848

998

498

498

166

93

140

498

455

744

224

791

496

200

790

499

177

92

75

–

623

831

408

906

533

–

36

605

325

–

100

59

167

850

1,000

500

500

167

94

140

500

460

750

225

800

500

200

800

500

180

100

75

–

625

834

417

917

542

–

36

605

325

66

100

62

189

847

997

498

498

189

–

140

497

454

743

224

790

497

199

–

–

180

92

75

66

100

62

190

850

1,000

500

500

190

–

140

500

460

750

225

800

500

200

–

–

180

100

75

1,185

1,186

709

945

465

–

–

85

37

688

369

712

949

474

–

–

85

37

688

370

12,875 12,968 11,820 11,889

Other interest-bearing liabilities

2008 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities

2008 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities

2010 US private placement

Other interest-bearing liabilities

2008 US private placement

For financial risk management and financial instruments, refer to note 30.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

130

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

39. Auditor fees

Other expenses in the consolidated financial statements include €10.1 million of fees in 2017 for services provided by Deloitte Accountants B.V. 
and its member firms and/or affiliates (2016: €9.8 million). Fees for audit services include the audit of the financial statements of the Company 
and its subsidiaries. Fees for other audit services include review of interim financial statements, sustainability, subsidy and other audits. Fees for tax 
services include tax compliance and tax advice. Fees for other non-audit services include agreed-upon procedures and advisory services. Fees for tax 
and other non-audit services are related to the network outside the Netherlands and are in accordance with local independence regulation.

In millions of €

Audit of HEINEKEN and its subsidiaries

Other audit services

Tax services

Other non-audit services

Total

Deloitte 
Accountants B.V.

Deloitte 
Accountants B.V.

Other Deloitte 
member 
firms and affiliates

Other Deloitte 
member 
firms and affiliates

2017

2.8

0.5

–

–

3.3

2016

2.6

0.4

–

–

3.0

2017

6.3

0.3

–

0.2

6.8

2016

6.2

0.3

0.1

0.2

6.8

Total

2017

9.1

0.8

–

0.2

10.1

2016

8.8

0.7

0.1

0.2

9.8

40. Off-balance sheet commitments

In millions of €

Undrawn committed bank facility

Declarations of joint and several liability

Total 2017

3,500

Less than  
1 year

–

Third parties

–

1 – 5 years

3,500

2017

HEINEKEN 
companies

3,288

More than  
5 years

–

Third parties

–

Total 2016

2,500

2016

HEINEKEN 
companies

3,728

The declarations of joint and several liability include a conditional guarantee for the deficit of the defined benefit pension plan of HEINEKEN UK 
(Scottish and Newcastle pension plan) as calculated in accordance with IAS 19. Through this guarantee Heineken N.V. is ultimately liable for the 
payments, including any potential recovery payments, to the pension plan. Refer to note 26 for more information. 

Fiscal unity
The Company is part of the fiscal unity of HEINEKEN in the Netherlands. As a result, the Company is liable for the tax liability of the fiscal unity in 
the Netherlands.

41. Subsequent events

For subsequent events, refer to note 35.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

131

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

42. Participating interests

For disclosures of significant direct and indirect participating interests, refer to notes 16 and 34 to the consolidated financial statements.

A declaration of joint and several liability pursuant to the provisions of Section 403, Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code has been issued with 
respect to the following legal entities established in the Netherlands:

Percentage of ownership

Heineken Nederlands Beheer B.V.

Heineken Group B.V.

Heineken Brouwerijen B.V.

Heineken CEE Investments B.V.

Heineken Nederland B.V.

Heineken International B.V.

Heineken Supply Chain B.V.

Heineken Global Procurement B.V.

Heineken Mexico B.V.

HIBV Skopje Holdings B.V.

Heineken Beer Systems B.V.

Amstel Brouwerij B.V.

Vrumona B.V.

B.V. Beleggingsmaatschappij Limba

Brand Bierbrouwerij B.V.

Brasinvest B.V.

Heineken Asia Pacific B.V.

B.V. Handel- en Exploitatie Maatschappij Schoonhoven

Distilled Trading International B.V.

Premium Beverages International B.V.

De Brouwketel B.V.

Proseco B.V.

Roeminck Insurance N.V.

Heineken Americas B.V.

Heineken Export Americas B.V.

Amstel Export Americas B.V.

Horeca European Buying B.V.

Heineken Brazil B.V.

B.V. Panden Exploitatie Maatschappij PEM

Heineken Exploitatie Maatschappij B.V.

Hotel De L’Europe B.V.

Hotel De L’Europe Monumenten I B.V.

Hotel De L’Europe Monumenten II B.V.

Heineken Groothandel B.V.

Heineken Horeca Services B.V.

Heineken Namibia B.V.

Online Drinks B.V.

Beerwulf B.V.

Country of incorporation

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

2017

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

–

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

–

100%

100%

2016

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

132

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

43. Other disclosures

Remuneration
Refer to note 33 of the consolidated financial statements for the remuneration and incentives of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board.

Executive and Supervisory Board statement
The members of the Supervisory Board signed the financial statements in order to comply with their statutory obligation pursuant to Article 2:101, 
paragraph 2, of the Dutch Civil Code.

The members of the Executive Board signed the financial statements in order to comply with their statutory obligation pursuant to Article 2:101, 
paragraph 2, of the Dutch Civil Code and Article 5:25c, paragraph 2 sub c, of the Financial Markets Supervision Act.

Amsterdam, 9 February 2018

Executive Board

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

Supervisory Board

Wijers

Fernández Carbajal

Das

de Carvalho

Fentener van Vlissingen

Navarre

Astaburuaga Sanjinés

Huët

Mars-Wright

Brunini

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
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Other  
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133

Heineken N.V.  Annual Report 2017

Sustainability Review

Brewing a Better World:  
our sustainability performance

Our sustainability strategy focuses on the areas 
where we can make the biggest difference and 
inspire our brands to align their brand purpose 
with environmental and social issues.

We are making good progress and are on 
track to reach the majority of our 2020 
commitments, but with more to do in certain 

areas, like local sourcing and taking action on 
our Life Saving Rules.

We started to look beyond 2020 and define our 
2030 commitments in alignment with the Paris 
Agreement on climate change (COP21), the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 
the expectations of our stakeholders.

The SDGs provide a powerful, common global 
agenda to end poverty, protect the planet and 
ensure prosperity. Climate action, access to 
water, good health and sustainable production 
are some of the priority areas we focus on in 
our contribution.

Visit our website to find more details on our Brewing a Better 
World strategy, material issues, stakeholder engagement and 
performance – along with case studies from our businesses 
around the world. 

From March 2018, you will be able to explore additional non-
financial indicators and the GRI Standards reference table.

Advocating responsible
consumption

Promoting health 
and safety

P eople

Brewing 
a Better 
World

‘Every drop’: 
protecting  
water  
resources

Planet

Sourcing 
sustainability

P

r

o

s

p

e

rit
y

Growing with 
communities

‘Drop the C’:  
reducing CO2 
emissions

This section is printed on beer paper, made from spent brewers’ grains

Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

134

Sustainability Review (continued)

Focus on areas where  
we can make a difference

Our sustainability strategy focuses on the areas where we can make  
the biggest difference. In this section we summarise the why and how 
of our strategy.

On track

More to do

Off track

‘Every drop’:  
protecting water resources

‘Drop the C’:  
reducing CO2 emissions

Sourcing 
sustainably

Supporting SDG 

Supporting SDG 

Supporting SDG 

Water is the ultimate shared resource and 
we must all safeguard it for the future. 
Beer is 95% water, so it is a critical resource 
for our business. We use water throughout 
our supply chain – from growing crops to 
our finished products. We are working hard 
to reduce our water use in our breweries, 
especially in water-stressed areas. We are 
investing in new water treatment plants 
and technology to reuse our treated water 
and generate renewable energy from the 
treatment process – offering good potential 
for the future. 

We have committed to balance the 
water we consume in water-stressed areas. 
The water stewardship projects that enable 
us to do it are increasingly varied – from 
restoring wetlands and testing whether 
barley planted among olive trees in Spain 
can help conserve water, to researching 
innovative new irrigation techniques 
with farmers in Mexico. But this is not an 
easy process and takes time. One of the 
challenges is mobilising stakeholders, as 
everyone has a role to play.

There is more to do and our next step is 
to look beyond 2020, defining our water 
strategy and related targets for 2030: 
‘Every Drop’.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats 
facing society, but still emissions continue 
to rise. From production and transport 
to refrigeration and waste, we focus on 
reducing emissions across our entire value 
chain, and we are on track to reach our 2020 
targets. In our breweries, we are improving 
energy efficiency – investing in efficient 
processes and using more renewable energy 
to brew our beer, like at Ponta Grossa in Brazil 
where a new biomass boiler covers 100% 
of the brewery’s thermal energy needs. 
For production we have set new targets for 
2030: growing our share of renewable energy 
from 14% in 2017 to 70% by 2030. This would 
lead to an 80% reduction in our CO2 emissions 
per hl for our production (breweries).

We are working hard to reduce emissions 
from distribution but we still have more to 
do – reducing the distance we drive, using more 
sustainable fuels and vehicles, and switching 
from road to rail and water. ‘Green’ fridges 
have become the norm for cooling our 
beverages, but our biggest impact comes 
from our packaging. It is an area where we 
have more to do and we are bringing it into 
the scope of our target setting. In the next 
two years, we will set 2030 science based 
targets for reducing emissions in packaging, 
distribution and cooling. These three areas 
are difficult to tackle and require collaborative 
action across the whole value chain.

Responsible sourcing has never been more 
important. As pressure on resources grows, 
we are focused on securing a long-term, 
sustainable supply of raw materials, 
improving farmer livelihoods and raising 
supplier standards. Our sustainable sourcing 
approach is based on the principles of the 
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform 
(SAI), a multinational partnership working 
towards a more sustainable food chain.

In Africa, we support farmer livelihoods, 
increase processing capacity and promote 
better access to markets, seeds and finance. 
At the same time, HEINEKEN benefits by 
reducing import-related duties and securing 
a sustainable supply of raw materials. 
But challenging economic conditions 
impacted our ability to source locally3 
in 2017.

Because many of our impacts happen 
through our supply chain, we depend on our 
suppliers to help us improve supply chain 
standards. Ensuring compliance with the 
HEINEKEN Supplier Code is just the starting 
point for many suppliers as we raise our 
expectations across topics such as human 
and labour rights.

2020 Commitment

Progress 2017

2020 Commitment

Progress 2017

2020 Commitment

Progress 2017

Reduce water consumption 
in our breweries 30%1

Water balancing in water-
stressed areas

All wastewater treated

1 Baseline 2008.

Lower emissions in production 
by 40%2

Lower emissions in distribution 
by 20%3

Lower emissions from our 
fridges by 50%4

2 Baseline 2008.
3 Baseline 2010/2011.
4 Baseline 2010.

50% of raw materials 
sustainably sourced

60% local sourcing in Africa

Compliance with Supplier 
Code Procedure

5  More than 80% of local raw materials are sourced domestically, 
with the remainder coming from other markets within the region.

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See pages 136–137

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See pages 138–140

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See pages 140–141

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

135

Sustainability Review (continued)

UN Sustainable  
Development Goals

Advocating responsible 
consumption

Promoting  
Health & Safety

Growing with 
Communities

On track

More to do

Off track

Supporting SDG 

Supporting SDG 

Supporting SDG 

Beer is a natural fermented drink, that 
when enjoyed in moderation can be part 
of a balanced lifestyle. But there are clear 
health and behavioural risks when alcohol 
is not consumed responsibly. For some 
people and on some occasions, it is better 
not to drink at all. We are committed to 
responsible consumption and use the power 
of the global Heineken® brand to make 
moderation cool. This year, we raised our 
ambition by directing 10% of media spend 
to promoting responsible drinking across all 
operating companies6 selling Heineken®, 
with a special eye on ‘When You Drive, 
Never Drink.’

As well as being a signatory to the 
Commitments to Reduce Harmful 
Drinking, we are involved in partnerships 
in markets around the world.

We are also an advocate for increased 
consumer transparency and we aim 
to provide ingredients and nutrition 
information on pack or online for our 
beer and cider brands by 2018, ahead of 
the industry. We offer consumer choice by 
providing low- and no-alcohol brands and 
launched Heineken 0.0 in 2017.

2020 Commitment

Progress 2017

10% of Heineken® media 
budget invested in responsible 
consumption advertising

Partnerships to address 
alcohol abuse

Deliver global industry 
commitments

Ingredients and nutrition on 
pack and online

6  Exceptions are companies operating in ‘dark markets’ where 
above-the-line communication is not allowed according 
to regulations.

The safety of our people and those we work 
with is everything and it requires constant 
attention. Our goal is simple: zero fatalities 
and we want ‘Safety First’ to be our number 
one company behaviour. To achieve it, we 
launched the 12 HEINEKEN Life Saving 
Rules in 2016. They set out clear and 
simple ‘do’s and ‘dont’s’ for our highest-risk 
activities. These must be followed across 
all our operations and our companies are 
required to assess their safety performance 
against these goals and invest in projects to 
close any gaps. 

But the challenges are complex. Most of 
our work-related accidents and fatalities 
happen outside our production sites 
when people are travelling or distributing 
our products. These are less controlled 
environments. Our global strategy is to 
systematically address safety across the 
whole of the Company, with a particular 
focus on road safety. Operating companies 
are required to have at least one road safety 
officer per 50 vehicles and, along with 
defensive driving training, we are making 
telematics mandatory for all company 
operated vehicles.

2020 Commitment

Progress 2017

100% Life Saving Rules 
implemented

Reduce accident frequency 
by 20%

We have an opportunity to use our 
business as a positive force for change. 
Helping communities prosper is good for 
society, and it is also good for HEINEKEN. 
Our biggest contribution is through our 
core business; the jobs we create, the 
businesses we support and the taxes 
we pay. We believe responsible tax 
behaviour is an essential element of our 
sustainability strategy. 

Our social investments are based on three 
building blocks:

 – Direct local contributions to 

community projects: from improving 
safe water supply for communities 
vulnerable to climate change in Vietnam, 
to building shelters for women who are 
survivors of domestic violence in Mexico,

 – Shared value projects: creating social,
economic and environmental value, 
for example through our local sourcing 
projects in Africa and elsewhere,

 – The HEINEKEN Africa Foundation: 

investing in projects that address 
maternal healthcare and water, sanitation
and hygiene, such as our partnership 
to provide clean water to 3,400 people 
in Burundi.

Since 1989 we have incorporated HIV/AIDS 
prevention for our employees in Africa in 
our medical programme, and since 2002 
we provide lifelong antiretroviral medication 
for HIV-positive employees and their 
family members.

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See pages 142–143

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See page 144

For more information about our progress in 2017: 
See page 145

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

136

Sustainability Review (continued)

‘Every drop’: 
protecting  
water resources

Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is 
projected to rise. More than 80% of wastewater resulting from human 
activities is discharged into rivers or sea without any treatment, leading 
to pollution1. It is vital we use water sustainably and ensure our suppliers 
do the same.

Reduce water consumption in our breweries

2020 commitment

Reduce average water consumption in our breweries 
to 3.5 hl/hl and in our breweries in water-stressed 
areas to 3.3 hl/hl.

2018 milestone

Reduce average water consumption in our breweries 
to 3.6 hl/hl.

Our progress in 2017

On track

The average water consumption in our breweries 
remained on 3.6 hl/hl, meeting our 2018 milestone 
and meeting our 2020 target for 58% of our total 
production volume (2016: 63%). 

In water-stressed areas, we decreased average 
water consumption to 3.2 hl/hl. 35% of our sites 
in water-stressed areas have now achieved the  
3.3 hl/hl target.

At a number of sites, water consumption is still too 
high. 36 sites still use above 5 hl/hl, representing 8% 
of our volume.

We are investing in technology for the reclaiming 
and recycling of water in our production processes, 
especially in water-stressed areas. Over the coming 
year, our breweries at Tangerang in Indonesia and 
Meoqui in Mexico will begin to reclaim and treat 
wastewater for use in non-product applications. 
A similar initiative is underway at our brewery in 
Singapore. We will assess the potential for installing 
technology at other sites on a case-by-case basis, 
depending on the situation at the brewery and the 
status of the surrounding watershed.

 Water reclamation

In Indonesia, population growth, 
urbanisation and industrial development 
are putting water resources under 
pressure. Our brewery near Jakarta 
invested in technology that will enable 
to reclaim treated wastewater for use in 
cooling, steam and packaging.

29%

decrease in water consumption  
(hl/hl) compared with 2008

372

Olympic-sized pools – the equivalent 
of water we saved in 2017 compared 
to 2016

Looking ahead
In 2018, we will define our water strategy and 
related targets beyond 2020.

€14.7m

saved through water efficiency 
since 2009

Total water withdrawal,  
including sources

86m m3

51% 
Groundwater

13% 
Surface water, including water from 
wetlands, rivers, lakes and oceans

36% 
Municipal water supplies or other 
water utilities 

For more on our water stewardship approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies

1 www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/.

View  
case  
study  
online

Water consumption (global average) 
Hl/hl beer, cider, soft drinks and water

3.6 hl/hl

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

Our 2020
target

3.6
3.6
3.7

3.9

4.1
4.2
4.3

4.5

4.8

5.0

Water consumption – 
breweries in water-stressed areas

3.2 hl/hl

2017
2016
2015
2014

3.2
3.3

Our 2020
target

3.6

3.8

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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137

Sustainability Review (continued)

Significant water balancing in water-stressed areas3

In Algeria, SARL Tango jointly hosted 
a three-day workshop with the United 
Nations Industrial Development 
Organisation (UNIDO) to engage 
government and industry stakeholders in 
developing a shared vision of the water 
issues facing the region and the action that 
is needed. We are exploring opportunities 
for a similar initiative in South Africa. 

In Egypt, we launched a collaboration with 
the University of Ghent to develop early 
malting barley varieties that are more heat, 
drought and disease resistant.

HEINEKEN Spain has signed an agreement 
with the Valencia Regional Government 
to restore the riparian zone of the Poyo 
ravine by replacing cane with indigenous 
riparian plants.

In Mexico, pilot projects started to engage 
farmers on sustainable water use, in 
collaboration with the International Centre 
for Maize and Wheat Improvement.

Looking ahead
We will complete Source Water Vulnerability 
Assessments and deliver training in 2018 to enable 
the operating entity in Tunisia to begin the water 
balancing process.

 Promoting water filtration
Our innovative pilot at Jaén brewery 
in Spain is testing whether barley 
planted among olive trees can help 
improve water infiltration, prevent soil 
loss (erosion) and improve biodiversity 
and farmers’ profitability.

2020 commitment

Aim for significant water balancing by  
our production units2 in water-scarce and  
water-distressed areas.

2018 milestone

18 production units in water-scarce and water- 
distressed areas have started to implement action 
plans for water balancing.

Our progress in 2017

More to do

12 of the 23 production units in scope have begun 
to implement water balancing action plans.

Six of the remaining sites have completed the 
preparation phase, while three sites in Tunisia have 
yet to begin and one site each in Algeria and Mexico 
are at the project identification stage.

Based on a global assessment by WWF 
International, we identified 13 additional sites where 
we started investigating the water risks through 
local assessments. Studies were completed at seven 
sites in 2017 and six sites will be completed in 2018. 
When water risks are confirmed, we will launch 
Water Stewardship Initiatives to address them.

For more on our water balancing approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies

2  23 production units in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, 
Spain and Tunisia.
3  This means redressing the balance between the amount of water we 
source from the watershed and the amount that isn’t returned because 
it is used in our products, and through evaporation.

View  
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Wastewater management

2020 commitment

All of our wastewater volumes are treated – by us 
or by a third party – before being discharged into 
surface water.

Our progress in 2017

On track

A new wastewater treatment plant became 
operational in Freetown (Sierra Leone) in 2017 
and another is on track to be completed in Gisenyi 
(Rwanda) in 2018. Construction of a wastewater 
treatment plant has begun in Zajecar (Serbia) and we 
expect this to be operational in the course of 2019.

At the end of 2017, we had 12 sites still without a 
treatment plant: 11 beverage plants and one malting 
plant, representing 3.5% of production volume 
(2016: 13 sites, 3.5% volume). Those sites currently 
lacking wastewater treatment infrastructure are part 
of our future investment planning.
54.7

total wastewater volume in million m3

96.5%

of wastewater volume was treated before discharge

For more on our wastewater approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies

View  
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 Biogas from wastewater
This brewery in Nigeria is one of the 
many sites where we generate biogas 
from the wastewater treatment process 
as resource to reduce CO2 emissions.

Looking ahead
We will continue with generating biogas 
from wastewater treatment and we aim 
to intensify reuse of treated effluent for 
production purposes.

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‘Drop the C’: 
reducing CO2 
emissions

Climate change is one of the top risks facing society4, but still greenhouse gas 
emissions continue to rise. The potential impact on the lives and livelihoods 
of millions of people worldwide is severe. As a global company, we must 
reduce our CO2 emissions across our entire value chain – from production 
and transport to packaging and cooling.

Lower emissions in production

2020 commitment

Reduce CO2 emissions from production by 40%5 to 
6.4 kg CO2-eq/hl.

2018 milestone

Reduce CO2 emissions from production by 37% to 
6.7 kg CO2-eq/hl.

Our progress in 2017

On track

In 2017, we achieved a 41% reduction in relative CO2 
emissions from production, already surpassing our 
2020 target (2016: 37%).

Our emissions are decreasing in absolute terms as 
well: even though our production volumes were 57% 
higher than in 2008, our emissions were 7% lower.

29% of our electrical energy and 7% of our thermal 
energy now comes from renewable sources 
(2016: 25% and 5%).

The reduction in CO2 emissions has been achieved 
by improving our energy efficiency and by using 
more renewables and replacing high CO2 fuels with 
lower-emission fuels.

Looking ahead

We have set ambitious new targets that align 
our efforts with the COP21 Paris Agreement: we 
will grow our renewable energy share (thermal 
and electricity combined) from 14% in 2017 to 
70% in 2030. This also means that we aim for 
an 80% reduction in carbon emissions per hl 
compared to baseline year 2008. 

We will start internal carbon shadow pricing 
to help drive sustainable investment and 
innovation decisions.

We joined the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, 
an informal network of leading CEOs committed 
to climate action, facilitated by the World 
Economic Forum.

We will submit our commitments to the Science 
Based Targets initiative.

View  
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CO2 emissions in production 
Kg CO2-eq/hl beer, cider, soft drinks and water

6.1 kg CO2-eq/hl

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

6.1

6.5
6.7

Our 2020
target

7.2

7.7

8.4

8.8

9.3

9.8

10.4

For a more detailed breakdown of our total carbon footprint,  
see our website

4 https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-risks-report-2017.
5 Baseline 2008.

€83.3m

saved through energy 
efficiency since 2009

29%

of our total electrical 
energy comes from 
renewable sources

 Wind in Mexico

HEINEKEN Mexico has signed Power 
Purchase Agreements with three 
windfarms, which will cover around 
65% of the total electricity needed 
in the coming years.

 Biomass in Brazil

In 2017, a new biomass boiler was 
fired up at our brewery in Ponta Grossa, 
Brazil, covering 100% of its thermal 
energy needs.

Electricity mix 2017
for Beverage production

28%

Own renewable production  1%
Imported renewable (PPA* 
and green certificates) 
Country electricity mix
(renewable) 
Country electricity mix
(non-renewable) 
Own non-renewable
production 

16%

11%

44%

*Power Purchase Agreement

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Reduced emissions from distribution in Europe and the Americas

Looking ahead
For the coming two years we commit to setting 
science based targets for 2030.

Having stepped up our fuel management 
programme in Spain, we plan to introduce the 
approach in more markets in 2018.

View  
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 Smart shipping in 

the Netherlands
Inauguration of electric inland vessel 
BON JOVI (renamed Gouwenaar II). 
It consumes 25% less fuel than similar 
vessels and is able to carry more 
containers of beer. To cut the vessel’s CO2 
emissions to virtually zero, there are plans 
to replace the generators by a hydrogen 
cell in the future.

2020 commitment

Reduce CO2 emissions from distribution by 20% in 
Europe and the Americas6.

2018 milestone

Reduce CO2 emissions from distribution by 16% in 
Europe and 16% in the Americas7.

Our progress in 2017

On track

We have reduced emissions from distribution by 
9.7% since 2010/11 across Europe and the Americas 
combined (2016: 7.7%).

Emissions in Europe (including Russia) went down 
0.2% from 2016 and 13.6% compared to baseline 
year, putting us on track to meet our commitment 
for the region. Excluding Russia, emissions decreased 
by 16.1%. In Russia, a change in footprint (closure 
Kaliningrad brewery) and external market factors 
(including new regulations and limited low-carbon 
alternatives for transport) saw emissions increase. 
Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Poland have already 
achieved the 2020 commitment of 20% reduction.

Emissions in Americas went down 4.1% from 2016 
and 12.2% compared to baseline. USA has already 
surpassed the 2020 target.

We signed the Sustainable Fuel Buyers’ Principles, 
which provide a framework to catalyse development 
and uptake of sustainable fuels. We are also piloting 
sustainable biofuel in a number of countries for road 
and water transport.

For more on how we reduce CO2 emissions from distribution,  
see our website and case studies

Lower emissions from our fridges

2020 commitment

Reduce the CO2 emissions of our fridges by 50%8.

2018 milestone

100% green fridges purchased.

Reduce the CO2 emissions of our fridges by 47%.

Our progress in 2017

On track

Almost 100% of our 137,818 new fridges in 
2017 had one or more green features: use of 
hydrocarbon refrigerant, LED illumination, an energy 
management system and energy efficient fans.

View  
case  
study  
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CO2 emissions per fridge were almost 48% less than 
in 2010, putting us ahead of target in reaching our 
2020 commitment (2016: 46%).

We are a strong supporter of phasing out 
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which contributes 
significantly to global warming today. Saving energy 
also means our customers incur less costs in 
their business.

For more on how we reduce CO2 emissions from our fridges,  
see our website and case studies

 HEINEKEN UK’s  

SmartDispense
In the UK, the SmartDispense cools beer 
as it leaves the keg, rather than refrigerating 
the entire cellar. This saves 20% of the 
energy used by traditional systems.  
On top of this, it reduces the need to clean 
beer lines from once a week to every four, 
cutting water and chemical use by 75%. 
More than 4,500 pubs are using this 
system, rolling out to 10,000.

6  Baseline year 2010 for Mexico and 
Netherlands, 2011 for all other HEINEKEN 
operating companies.
7  We raised the milestone for Americas from 
0% to 16%, based on progress and outlook for 
this region.

Looking ahead

For the coming two years we 
commit to setting science 
based targets for 2030. 

We are exploring the 
opportunity to introduce an 
energy reduction programme 
for Draught Beer Equipment.

We are exploring the 
possibilities of developing 
a more efficient, circular 
business model, based on 
cooling as a service.

8 Baseline 2010.

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Lower emissions in packaging 

Packaging materials

Packaging is essential to the identity of our brands 
– it makes them unique and provides an arena for 
creative innovation. It also represents the largest 
part of our carbon footprint, from Barley to Bar. 

In 2017, we applied a cross-functional approach 
to begin reducing the carbon footprint of our 
packaging without compromising the quality and 
identity of our brands. It is a complex challenge: as 
part of our indirect Scope 3 emissions, we started 
to engage with many suppliers to develop a 
deeper, shared understanding of the opportunities 
to achieve large scale, meaningful reductions in 
packaging emissions. 

For example, we are working closely with our 
supplier, Ardagh, to reduce the impact of our 
packaging in European markets.

In parallel, we are embedding sustainability at the 
core of our packaging innovation processes.

Looking ahead
We will join the Aluminium Stewardship 
Initiative to scale up our industry 
wide collaborations.

We will continue working with expert 
NGOs to formalise our 2030 vision and 
identify science based targets for the 
coming two years, to reduce our carbon 
emissions from packaging materials.

For more information on waste recycling and how we  
move towards circular business models, see our website

View  
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Recycling waste

Zero waste in production

We aim to fully recycle all residual products 
in our production facilities. In 2017, 97 of 
our production units sent virtually zero 
waste9 to landfill (2016: 91 of 165 of our 
production units). This means that for 
these sites waste was recycled into feed, 
material loops, compost or energy. Brewer’s 
grains and yeast, for example, have a high 
nutrition value and are recycled for animal 
or human consumption. 

We will continue to roll out our Zero Waste 
programme to other sites, as part of our 
TPM framework.

9  Less than 2% of total co-products and waste sent to landfill.

 Glass production

The Ardagh plant in Moerdijk in 
the Netherlands is our largest glass 
supplying plant. The installation of 
sensors in the glass furnaces help to 
decrease temperature fluctuations 
and, as a result, reduce CO2 emissions.

Sourcing 
sustainably

With the global population on track to reach nine billion by 2050, agricultural 
productivity must increase while protecting natural resources and biodiversity. 
Securing a long-term supply of high quality raw materials is fundamental to our 
success. To achieve our commitments, we need to support farmer livelihoods 
and encourage better environmental and social standards, while increasing 
processing capacity and promoting access to quality seeds and finance.

Source raw materials from sustainable sources

Looking ahead
To reach our 2020 ambition, we are applying 
our sustainable agriculture programme to 
selected volumes of raw materials that are 
contracted locally.

 Sustainable farming UK
79% of cider apples sourced in the UK 
are from sustainable farmers, like the 
Skittery family farm in Herefordshire.

2020 commitment

Aim for at least 50% of our main raw materials10 to 
come from sustainable sources.

2018 milestone

Aim for at least 25% of our main raw materials to 
come from sustainable sources.

Our progress in 2017

On track

In 2017, 28%11 of our main raw materials came from 
sustainable sources (2016: 17%).

With the expansion of the sustainable sourcing 
(agriculture) programme in 2016 from three to nine 
crops, monitoring progress has proven challenging. 
Our priority in 2017 has been to develop a robust 
and efficient monitoring process.

For more on our Sustainable Agriculture approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies

10  In scope are barley, hops, apples, sugar beet, sugar cane, rice, sorghum, 

wheat and maize.

11  28% is an estimation. At the time of the publication, contract negotiations 

were still in progress.

View  
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study  
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Source agricultural raw materials locally in Africa

Looking ahead

In our Public-Private Partnership, we continue 
to focus on improving farmer access to better 
seeds, other agricultural inputs and working 
capital financing.

Our global malting partners are exploring 
opportunities to invest in new processing capacity 
in Africa, and are developing and testing crop 
varieties that are well adapted to local conditions.

In Mozambique, we have begun building a 
new brewery and we are running pilots with 
smallholder farmers to decide which raw materials 
to use.

We are working with the African Studies Centre at 
Leiden University on an independent study into the 
social and economic impact of our sorghum value 
chain in Nigeria.

12  Based upon volume (in tons). With local 

sourcing we refer to sourcing within the region 
of Africa and Middle East. More than 80% of 
local raw materials are sourced domestically, 
with the remainder coming from other 
markets within the region.

13  Estimate.

 Ethiopia

Our local sourcing project in Ethiopia 
works directly with more than 20,000 
farmers who produced around 80,000 
tons of barley, of which an estimated 
50% was sold to the brewing industry 
and the rest was sold on the local 
food market.

2020 commitment

Deliver 60% of agricultural raw materials in Africa via 
local sourcing within the continent12.

2018 milestone

56% of agricultural raw materials used in Africa to 
be locally sourced from within the continent.

Our progress in 2017

Off track

We sourced 42%13 of agricultural raw materials 
used in Africa and the Middle East locally in 2017 
(2016: 49%). This includes two new operating 
companies consolidated since 2016: South Africa 
and Ivory Coast. When we look at like-for-like 
compared with the original scope, the percentage 
decreased from 53% to 46%. 

Challenging economic conditions impacted our 
ability to source locally in 2017. In some operating 
companies, local currency devaluations and scarcity 
of hard currency (Forex) pushed up demand for local 
raw materials. This, combined with below average 
harvests in some countries, drove up the price of local 
crops. While these price increases are good news 
for many farmers, this volatility can make it difficult 
for us to secure the quantity and quality of local raw 
materials we require, at competitive prices.

We are now sourcing locally in 13 operating 
companies across 28 different value chains, including 
six Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). These projects 
support more than 150,000 farmer households.

We launched a new PPP in Ivory Coast which aims 
to develop the local rice value chain.

We have reached an agreement with The International 
Finance Corporation (IFC) to extend our barley 
project in Ethiopia into new geographical areas 
in 2018 and 2019, when two new malteries are 
expected to be operational.

For more on our Local Sourcing programme in Africa, progress 
in 2017 and initiatives in other markets like Jamaica and Haiti,  
see our website and case studies

View  
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Compliance with our Supplier Code Procedure

2020 commitment

Ongoing compliance with our Supplier Code Procedure.

2018 milestone

95% compliance with our four-step Supplier 
Code Procedure.

Our progress in 2017

More to do

In 2017, compliance with our four-step Supplier Code 
Procedure among the operating companies in scope, 
remained at 78%14. 

We stopped working with 85 suppliers because 
they were unwilling to sign our Supplier Code (47), 
refused to subscribe to EcoVadis (37) or refused to 
undergo a site audit (1).

Many more of our operating companies 
are working with suppliers at the site audit 
stage of our Supplier Code Procedure. 
The threshold for compliance is high 
and the required action can take many 
months for a supplier to implement. 
We are working to improve the support for 
operating companies in delivering the audit 
stage of our Procedure to implement our 
2020 commitments.

For more details on our Supplier Code approach and 
2017 progress, and to read our new Supplier Code,  
see our website

14  See page 151 ‘Reporting basis and governance of non-

financial indicators’ for more information on the supplier 
procedure and how we calculate this percentage.

Looking ahead

Following a review by NGO Forum 
for the Future in 2016, we revised 
our Supplier Code to make it more 
comprehensive, precise and actionable. 
Applicable to all first tier suppliers, 
the topics it covers are: Integrity 
and Business Conduct; Human and 
Labour Rights; Health and Safety; and 
Protecting the Environment. The new 
Supplier Code will be rolled out in 2018. 

We aim to identify our high risk areas 
so that we can prioritise future activities 
required to manage our Human Rights 
risks beyond our first tier supplier base. 

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Advocating 
responsible 
consumption

Our products are enjoyed in moderation by hundreds of millions of people 
worldwide. Our 2020 commitments are aimed at encouraging responsible 
attitudes and reducing the harmful use of alcohol. We want to make 
responsible drinking aspirational and we are driving innovation in the  
low- and no-alcohol category.

Looking ahead

In 2018, we will launch a new global campaign 
to demonstrate the benefits of positive 
drinking behaviour.

We have also commissioned a global study 
to explore the behavioural triggers that cause 
people to drink and drive. Based on the findings, 
we will develop a responsible drinking campaign 
to test and measure drink driving reduction 
initiatives based on nudge theory18.

Make responsible consumption cool

2020 commitment

Invest 10% of Heineken® media budget15 to support 
our responsible consumption programmes by every 
operating company selling Heineken®.

Our progress in 2017

On track

We have raised our ambition to dedicate 10% of 
media spend by all the operating companies16 
selling Heineken® to responsible drinking campaigns. 
Our previous commitment involved only 14 markets. 

In 2017, 71%17 of the operating companies in scope 
invested 10% of media spend, or more, in dedicated 
responsible consumption campaigns. The remaining 
markets invested less than 10% or are yet to start.

‘When You Drive, Never Drink’ our global Formula 1® 
partnership campaign, was activated by 36 markets 
around the world. Markets also continued to activate 
‘Moderate Drinkers Wanted’, our third global 
campaign that shows how drinking in moderation 
is more attractive than drinking too much.

Building partnerships to address alcohol-related harm

View  
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 This One Is On Us

To nudge people to drink responsibly, 
we started to offer a cup of water with 
every beer we serve during events.

15  Investments dedicated to responsible 
consumption messaging with regards 
to Heineken® brand communication. 
This includes the ‘Moderate Drinkers Wanted’ 
campaign and ‘When You Drive, Never Drink’ 
Formula 1® campaign.

16  Exceptions are companies operating 

in ‘dark markets’ where above-the-line 
communication is not allowed according 
to regulations.

17  Estimate.
18  Nudge theory focuses on providing consumer 
choices that encourage a certain behaviour.

Looking ahead
As every market has its own context, we are 
exploring a model for a community-based 
prevention programme to see if this can be 
adapted locally.

 Vietnam

In partnership with Uber and the 
National Traffic Safety Committee, 
HEINEKEN Vietnam launched a 
campaign addressing drink-driving.

2020 commitment

Every market in scope has a relevant and active 
partnership addressing alcohol-related harm. 

Our progress in 2017

More to do

83% of the 53 operating companies in  
scope have a partnership in place to address 
alcohol-related harm. 

These partnerships aim to address alcohol-related 
harm such as underage drinking, drinking and 
driving or excessive drinking working with local 
governments, NGOs and other stakeholders. 
For examples, see our case studies from Burundi  
and Vietnam on our website.

For more of our partnership details, see our website  
and case studies

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Deliver global industry commitments

2018 milestone

Our progress in 2017

More to do

Deliver the Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ industry 
commitments by end of 2017 and report in 2018 
on our actions in five key areas: underage drinking; 
marketing codes of practice; consumer information 
and product innovation; drinking and driving; and 
retailer support.

A report on the progress of commitments was 
published in September 2017 and assured by KPMG. 
Drawing on case studies from nine countries, it 
highlights key lessons and insights and recognises 
that, while progress has been made, there is still 
much more to do.

The fifth and final progress report will be published 
in 2018 by the International Alliance for Responsible 
Drinking (IARD) – the industry body that 
administers the commitments.

For more information on our responsible marketing code,  
see our website

Looking ahead
In 2018, the current set of 
commitments will come 
to an end. We will remain 
committed to promoting 
responsible consumption 
and will focus in particular 
on the Digital Guiding 
Principles (DGPs), which 
are part of the Producers’ 
commitments. The DGPs 
are aimed at strengthening 
and expanding marketing 
codes of practice on digital 
platforms at a global level.

Drive innovation in the low- and no-alcohol category

There are some occasions when consumers want 
to enjoy the taste of an alcoholic drink, without the 
alcohol. We offer consumer choice by providing low- 
and no-alcohol brands.

In 2017, we successfully launched a 0.0 version 
of our flagship brand Heineken® in 16 markets. 
We have also seen strong performance on 
innovations such as Sofi Malt in Ethiopia, Radler 
Light in Slovakia and our first Hops Lemonade 
launch in Austria.

By end of 2017, low- and no-alcohol options made 
up 5.6% of HEINEKEN’s total global volume.

Looking ahead
In 2018, we will accelerate the launch of 
Heineken® 0.0% in additional markets 
outside Europe.

View  
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Increase transparency on ingredients and nutrition

Looking ahead
We will further raise our ambition and commit to provide 
ingredients and nutrition information on pack or online 
for our beer and cider brands around the world, by end 
of 2018.

Our 2018 commitment

Provide ingredient and nutrition information per 
100 ml on pack and online for all beer brands19 
produced and sold in the EU by 2017.

For all our cider brands produced and sold in the EU, 
provide information on pack and online by the end 
of 2018. 

Our progress in 2017

On track

Our commitment to provide ingredients and 
nutrition information on pack and online is ahead 
of industry and regulation. We believe consumers 
should be able to make fair comparisons between 
different beverages. 

By the end of 2017, 100% of our beer brands in 
scope had ingredients and nutrition information 
on pack20 (2016: 47%). 98% of brands also shared 
information online21.

We raised our ambition by extending this 
commitment to our cider brands and we are  
working hard to comply by the end of 2018.

19  Imported low volume non-European brands are not in scope, as well 

as no-and low-alcohol beer brands. Commitment is only applicable to 
consumer-facing products (bottles, cans). 

20  Label includes all ingredients, energy value (KJ/kcal)/100 ml, two out 

of three alcohol related symbols and ABV content.

21  Branded website providing full ingredient and nutrition information 

(energy; fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, salt).

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Promoting 
health
and safety

The ILO estimates22 that 337 million accidents occur on the job annually. 
The human and economic cost of this impact is vast. At HEINEKEN, nothing 
matters more than the safety of our people. That is why ‘Safety First’ is our 
number one company behaviour.

22  ILO website – International Labour Standards on Occupational Safety and Health.

Implement Life Saving Rules

Our 2020 commitment

100% of Life Saving Rules action plans implemented.

Our 2018 milestone

Operating companies representing 95% of 
employees have carried out 80% of their Life Saving 
Rules action plans.

Safety performance

Our 2020 commitment

Accident frequency reduced by 20% compared to 2015.

Our progress in 2017

On track

We were deeply saddened that 14 people lost their 
lives while working within the HEINEKEN Company 
in 2017 (2016: 15). Six of these people were direct 
HEINEKEN employees and eight were employed by 
contractors or suppliers. Four people lost their lives in 
Mexico, three in Democratic Republic of Congo, two 
in Brazil, one each in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Slovakia, South 
Africa and United States of America. Seven fatalities 
involved traffic accidents, four fatalities were crime 
related and three were due to falls. 

For all fatalities, the operating company conducts 
a full investigation and submits a plan for improved 
safety in the future. The outcomes inform global 
Company-wide safety alerts and strategy.

There were 806 accidents among HEINEKEN 
employees in 2017, down 9.8% since 2016 (2016: 894). 

Accident frequency reduced by 24.6% compared to 
2015, ahead of our 2020 target.

459 accidents were in logistics and distribution, 167 
in sales and marketing, 146 in production and 34 in 
support functions. 

Our global strategy is systematically addressing safety 
across the whole of the Company, with a particular 
focus on road safety. Operating companies are required 
to have at least one road safety officer per 50 vehicles, 
and our defensive driving26 training, called AlertDriving 
is mandatory for everyone driving for the Company.

Our progress  
in 2017

More to do

Operating companies representing 
95% of employees have now 
carried out 21% of the actions 
in these plans. We are assessing 
compliance through self-
assessments and audits.

Looking ahead
We will continue supporting and monitoring 
operating companies’ progress against  
their action plans. In some cases, action  
requires investment – for example to upgrade  
equipment – and this can take time to deliver.

Looking ahead
Based on pilots in seven 
operating companies, we 
decided to make telematics 
mandatory for all Company-
operated vehicles to 
monitor and improve safe 
driving behaviour23.

View  
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Fatalities and permanent disabilities

Fatalities of Company personnel

Fatalities of contractor personnel

Permanent disabilities of Company personnel

Accidents (absolute values)24
Accidents of Company personnel

Accidents of contractor personnel

Lost days of Company personnel

Total workforce (FTE)25

Company wide

2015

2016

2017

6

16

6

3

12

3

6

8

1

1,060

140

31,008

76,956

894

171

806

272

27,240

77,215

28,628

77,792

Accidents (relative values)
Accident frequency (accidents per 100 FTE 
Company personnel)

Accident severity (lost calendar days per 100 FTE 
Company personnel)

1.38

1.16

1.04

40

35

37

For more detailed information on our health and safety performance, 
see our website and case studies

Accident frequency
accidents per 100 FTE

Accident severity
lost calendar days per 100 FTE

23  Pending the opinion of the European Works Council.
24  The reporting period for accidents is from December 2016 up till and 

including November 2017.

25  The FTE is measured as the average of the month end FTEs for the in 

scope operating companies.

26  An interactive training programme addressing risks during driving.

1.04

2017
2016
2015

37

2017
2016
2015

1.04

1.16

1.38

37

35

40

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Growing with 
communities

People around the world are now healthier, more educated and better connected 
than ever before. But while we have seen poverty decline dramatically in recent 
decades, millions of people still face inequalities that limit their potential27. We  
contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of communities through our core  
business and through our targeted support and investment in community initiatives.

27  United Nations – Report on the World Social Situation 2016.

Creating economic and social impact

The taxes we pay make an important contribution 
to the economies and development of the 
countries in which we operate. We believe 
responsible tax behaviour is an essential element 
of our sustainability strategy. We support stable, 
transparent and predictable tax regimes that 
incentivise long-term investment and economic 
growth. We also support the principles that underpin 
the OECD’s work on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting 
(BEPS), including country-by-country reporting to 
the tax authorities.

27.6%

effective income tax rate (beia)

For more on our approach to tax, see our website

Investing in our communities

Direct contributions 
In 2017, HEINEKEN operating companies 
contributed €24 million to local communities, 
including cash donations, time, in-kind donations 
and management costs. More than 2,700 
employees in 32 markets spent over 34,000 
hours volunteering.

Total direct contributions by  
our operating companies

€24m

2017
2016
2015

24.0

22.9

23.6

Corporate income tax  
paid by geographical region

Total tax contribution 
per category

33%

10%

4%

52%

7%

9%

€786m

€10.9bn

28%

29%

Europe
Americas
Asia Pacific
Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

28%

Excise duties paid
Net VAT paid
Employee taxes paid
(including social security contributions)
Corporate income tax paid
Other tax paid

Shared value projects
Our local sourcing projects in Africa create 
jobs, strengthen the agricultural sector 
and improve the lives of rural households. 
Between 2009 and 2017, we invested 
€4.4 million in cash and €12.7 million in 
equipment and people through our PPP 
projects in Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia,  
Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, 
South Africa. This excludes additional 
third party funding leveraged by our 
contribution28. Our local sourcing projects 
provide work to more than 150,000 
farmer households.

The HEINEKEN Africa Foundation
Since it was established in 2007, the 
Foundation has committed €9.2 million to 
104 projects, of which 41 projects were still 
running in 2017.

In 2017, the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation 
approved 10 new projects totalling an 
investment of €1 million. Four of these 
projects will provide access to safe drinking 
water to communities in Burundi, DRC, 
Kenya, and Sierra Leone, with the aim to 
benefit up to 82,000 people. Other projects 
will support the construction and 
renovation of health centres, purchase of 
mobile clinics and training of medical staff. 

For more detailed information on how we contributed and where, 
see our website and case studies

28  Input is originally in US Dollars. Since 2017 we are following the average 

exchange rate as disclosed on page 67.

View  
case  
study  
online

 Water in Burundi

Providing safe drinking water for 3,400 
people in southern Burundi, reducing 
the time to collect water from hours 
to minutes.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017 
 
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Sustainability Review (continued)

Values and behaviours

In ‘We are HEINEKEN’ we summarise our purpose: who we are 
and what we stand for. We stand by our values: passion for quality, 
enjoyment of life, respect for people and for our planet. Our values 
are part of our company culture, and our Code of Business Conduct, 
Supplier & Marketing Codes.

Conducting business with integrity
Our values guide how we work and conduct 
our business, supporting the principles of 
the UN Global Compact and the OECD 
Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. 
We are committed to conducting business 
with fairness, integrity and respect for the 
law and our values. The HEINEKEN Code of 
Business Conduct and its underlying policies 
communicate the basic principles that each 
employee must observe when acting for, or on 
behalf of, HEINEKEN. The Code and its policies 
are available in more than 40 languages both 
online and as a printed booklet.

Communication and training is provided to 
employees worldwide to raise awareness 
about the Code and its policies. A mandatory 
e-learning exposes all employees to practical 
business conduct dilemmas. By the end of 
2017, more than 75,000 employees had 
completed this training, either online or in the 
classroom (2016: 50,000). We implemented 
our Business Conduct framework in four new 
operating companies.

As a multinational operating in more than 70 
countries, we pay special attention to potential 
exposure to bribery and corruption. It is our 
principle never to engage in bribery, in any 
place, at any time.

HEINEKEN’s anti-bribery framework consists of 
several key elements aimed at our operations 
to minimise the risk of and exposure to bribery 
related incidents, to support our employees 
with their daily challenges and to meet 
applicable legal requirements. These elements 
include screening of third parties and visits 
to selected operations to assess their bribery 
risks. Furthermore, we have an anti-bribery 
e-learning programme to help our employees 
recognise and deal with bribery dilemmas they 
may encounter during their work.

The programme consists of three training 
modules and is mandatory for key groups 
of employees across a range of functions. 
Module 1 and module 2 were completed 
almost 19,350 times (2016: 11,187). 
Module 3 was launched at the end of 2017 
and completed more than 1,600 times. 
We keep reasonable and proportionate 
oversight on activities related to the 
implementation and effectiveness of  
the above through internal controls.

Speak Up
We encourage everyone to Speak Up in 
confidence and without fear of retaliation 
about any concerns they may have. We offer 
several Speak Up channels to raise questions 
and concerns, including Trusted Representatives 
and an external Speak Up service (telephone 
and online) which is run by an independent third 
party and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

We received 661 reports of suspected 
misconduct through Speak Up in 2017 
(2016: 380). This increase is linked to an 
internal communication campaign promoting 
Speak Up, the implementation of Speak Up 
in newly acquired operations and the level of 
awareness and use of Speak Up at HEINEKEN 
Brazil, including our newly acquired operation. 
Reports related to misconduct or inappropriate 
behaviour (33%), fraud (31%), discrimination 
and harassment (12%), and other issues (24%). 

56% of reports were substantiated and 
corrective and preventative actions were taken 
where relevant and possible, including process 
and control improvements. Actions included 
process and control improvements, 
reimbursement of financial loss and 
disciplinary measures.

In 2017, Transparency International 
Netherlands investigated the whistleblowing 
frameworks of 27 Dutch publicly listed 
companies, including HEINEKEN. The report 
can be downloaded on their website.

Respecting Human Rights
Our global Employees’ and Human Rights 
Policy sets out 11 standards on Employee and 
Human Rights including non-discrimination, 
forced labour, harassment and child labour. 
This policy is an integral part of our Code of 
Business Conduct and builds on a foundation 
of existing policies and practices to achieve our 
goal of doing business with respect for Human 
Rights, such as our Speak Up process, our Health 
and Safety policies and programmes, the 
Supplier Code process and our sustainability 
programme ‘Brewing a Better World’. 

In order to better understand the Human 
Rights risks in our own operations and across 
our value chains, we began in 2016 developing 
a Human Rights Due Diligence process with 
expert support from Shift, the leading centre 
of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on 
Business and Human Rights. We conducted 
a global gap analysis, reviewed if and how 
our existing internal policies and processes 
adequately manage Human Rights risks 
and initiated Human Rights due diligence 
workshops in Mexico, Myanmar and Nigeria. 

Our salient Human Rights risks
Based on our work with Shift, we have 
identified seven salient Human Rights risks for 
our business in our own operations and/or our 
value chains: discrimination; trade union rights; 
fair wages and income; child labour in our 
supply chain; working hours; access to water; 
and health and safety. Most of the issues 
identified are especially a risk for our operating 
companies in emerging economies. 

We will further test these salient risks internally 
and externally, without losing sight of other 
relevant Human Rights. We will also engage 
relevant stakeholders for feedback and advice 
on these risks.

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Sustainability Review (continued)

Action plan
We have developed a Human Rights 
programme, which includes the following 
actions for 2018-2020:

 – Building internal understanding – through 
training and communication – about how 
respecting Human Rights is relevant to our 
business, and what it means for our daily 
work. We need to bring that understanding 
to many colleagues, from global functions to 
our operating companies;

 – Update the HEINEKEN Human Rights policy 
and strengthen compliance through the 
Code of Business Conduct framework;

 – Leveraging our Supplier Code process to 

help better manage Human Rights risks with 
suppliers, and also look at ways to assess and 
manage our risks beyond first tier suppliers; 

 – Focusing our efforts on our identified salient 
Human Rights risks and on relatively high 
risk operating companies with support 
for risk assessment, action planning 
and implementation.

At the same time we will continuously review 
and assess all Human Rights related risks of our 
business activities. 

We will continue our risk assessment with the 
expert support of Shift by organising Human 
Rights workshops in 10 more markets across 
all regions in 2018–2020. These workshops 
will focus on practical and impactful action 
planning to address identified Human 
Rights risks. 

Based on input from stakeholder roundtables 
with NGOs and academic experts, we set up 
an internal cross-functional platform gathering 
HEINEKEN experts for the Africa and Middle 
East Region addressing Human Rights related 
issues relevant for the region. We also started 
to develop operational guidance, with support 
from Shift, on how to conduct business and 
operate in challenging social, political, and 
economic contexts. 

Inclusion and diversity
As the most international brewer, it is the 
diversity of our workforce that sets us apart. 
Cultural diversity remains our strong point. 
In 2017, we had 64 different nationalities 
amongst our senior managers (2016: 53). 
Female representation at senior levels grew 
to 19% (2016: 17%). However, we know that 
we need to do more to increase our gender 
diversity. To leverage the true potential of our 
diversity, we need to provide an inclusive work 
environment within which every employee has 
equal opportunity to contribute and develop. 
This requires inclusive leaders who develop the 
business, their teams and themselves.

In 2017, we rolled out a renewed guide to 
Leadership Expectations and a new Inclusion 
and Diversity action plan to help us better 
leverage our global talent pool. We focus our 
efforts on four areas:

1 

2 

3 

4 

 Building inclusive leadership capability 
to create awareness and understanding 
of what being an inclusive leader means 
at HEINEKEN;

 Developing a global ambassador 
community to support and engage people 
in our overall inclusion and diversity agenda;

 Developing a female mentoring 
programme that supports women in their 
personal development journey across 
the organisation;

 Embedding inclusion and diversity principles 
throughout our people processes, including 
external recruitment, promotions and 
working practices.

Representation by gender  
in % (2017)

Supervisory Board

Executive Board

Executive Team

Senior Management

Male

Female

70

50

80

81

30

50

20

19

 Nigeria: Human Rights Workshop

A workshop with Nigerian Breweries  
and Shift aimed to build a better  
understanding of human rights issues.

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators

As we continue our journey of integrated reporting, this is the second year we have disclosed our financial 
and Brewing a Better World performance together in one report. We believe it is important to provide 
independent confirmation that the information in this report is reliable and accurate, so we have asked 
Deloitte to provide limited assurance on 31 of the most important non-financial indicators29. More 
information about our actions and progress in 2017, remaining non-financial KPIs, and background 
information, can be found online. This includes datasheets and the GRI Standards table30.

Brewing a Better World Governance
Our governance model for Brewing a Better World ensures we deliver on our priorities both globally and locally. Brewing a Better World progress is one 
of the key priority topics of the HEINEKEN Executive Team discussions, chaired by our CEO. In 2017, progress on our achievements was presented to 
the Supervisory Board. Supported by expert input from subject specialists, this ensures an effective implementation of Brewing a Better World 
initiatives across our business. 

Focus on sustainability is embedded throughout our business, for example driven by Supply Chain (Water and CO₂), Procurement (Sustainable 
Sourcing), HR (Health and Safety) and Commerce (Responsible Consumption). On a day-to-day basis, Brewing a Better World is managed by the 
Global Sustainable Development team which is supported by the functions. 

Around the world, each operating company has its own sustainability coordinator and a team engaged in delivering Brewing a Better World. Further, 
we form alliances (tribes) throughout the organisation and with our suppliers to develop new solutions. For example, following the Paris Agreement 
COP21, we will redouble our efforts to reduce emissions through our platform, which ensures it connects everyone in the company.

Operating companies in scope
The non-financial indicators in this report cover the performance of all our consolidated operating companies from 1 January 2017 up to and including 
31 December 2017, unless stated otherwise. A different reporting period is applied to the accident frequency indicator (December 2016 – November 
2017) as the current reporting cycle does not allow for reporting within the timelines required for the Annual Report. Newly acquired production units 
are required to start reporting directly after the first calendar year following the date of acquisition.

For the first time, we included our greenfield brewery in Ivory Coast in this report. Ownership of our businesses in Belarus and Mongolia changed in 
2017, which means that the key performance indicators have been included up to the sale date. We also acquired or gained a majority interest in the 
following businesses during 2017: Brasil Kirin in Brazil, Tuatara craft brewery in New Zealand, Stellenbrau in South Africa, Punch Securisation A in the UK 
(comprising around 1,900 pubs) and Lagunitas in the USA. These businesses will be included in the 2018 Annual Report. We opened a new brewery in 
East Timor and started to build a greenfield brewery in Mozambique in December 2017, these two breweries will come into the scope of Annual Reporting 
the moment it has been in operation for a full year. The term ‘production unit’ means breweries, cider plants, soft drink plants, malteries, water plants 
and combinations of these, at which malt, beer, cider, soft drinks and water are produced. Two packaging material plants are also in the scope of production 
units, covering the manufacture of bottles and crates. Other plants have been included too, such as a winery, distillery and ice production facilities.

Indicators in scope
The content of the report is based on the material aspects for both our Company and our stakeholders and is directly linked to the Brewing a Better 
World strategy, our four focus areas and our 2020 commitments. We have selected the non-financial KPIs that are most material, based on the 
following criteria:

 – The KPI is a Brewing a Better World commitment

 – The KPI is a new target we publicly disclosed in our 2016 report

 – The KPI is not related to a target but part of one of the Brewing a Better World focus areas and seen as important by our stakeholders

 – The combination of KPIs should give a balanced, high level overview of our progress in 2017.

Scope and materiality of indicators are approved on an annual basis by the Disclosure Committee, and may be adjusted once a year with effect as of 
the following year.

Reporting systems
The main systems used for collection, validation and analysis of reported data:

 – Safety data is reported quarterly via a global system named ARISO (Accident Reporting & Investigation Software system)

 – The collection and validation of environmental data have been integrated in Business Comparison System (BCS). Production units submit 

environmental data on a monthly basis in BCS

 – The Green Gauge reporting system allows us to monitor and report quarterly progress against 17 key areas, related to our commitments

 – Other reporting systems include the HEINEKEN Sourcing database, the Spend Analysis Tool (SAT) and the EcoVadis Platform for Supplier Code 

and performance information, and Ethics Point for ‘Speak Up’ data

 – The Annual Sustainability Survey is the source of information for all other data that is not covered by the previously mentioned data sources

29 27 of these indicators are included in this report, the remaining ones are published online by the end of March 2018.
30 End of March 2018.

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

Reliability and accuracy of data
We have processes governing the collection, review and validation of the non-financial data included in this reporting, at both local operating company 
and global level. Subject matter experts are involved at various levels to validate and challenge the data and process.

We are continuously formulating and applying uniform definitions and instructions for reporting purposes, in order to improve the accuracy and 
comparability of data. Where possible, standard calculations are built into our systems to minimise errors. Despite the continuous strengthening 
of our data collection processes and the fact that our operating companies and data owners have reported to the best of their knowledge, in good 
faith and in accordance with agreed procedures, it is not possible to ascertain 100% completeness of data contained in our report. Our operating 
companies are at differing maturity levels with regards to implementing the various data collection processes. Where we have concerns, we highlight 
them in the report.

HEINEKEN Global Audit is involved in the annual review of the non-financial indicator reporting process, including reviewing the quality of control 
processes at various levels, data ownership and clarity of definitions. For 2017, Global Audit reviewed the text statements in this report.

Deloitte provides limited assurance on the selected indicators as described in detail in the Assurance report of the independent auditor.

Definitions and governance per indicator
We gather data in accordance with guidelines and definitions based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards) Guidelines, unless stated 
otherwise. Overall, we aim to align with international standards, and, if not available, we work with industry partners such as the Beverage Industry 
and Environmental Roundtable (BIER) to develop common practices. For some of our responsible consumption measures, we track implementation 
in accordance with industry agreements (for example, labels on our packaging). 

The table below provides more information on definitions and how we manage and govern the reported indicators. Additional information can be 
found in the sustainability section of the Company website and the document ‘Basis of Preparation Non-Financial Indicators’ accompanying 
this report.

‘Every drop’: protecting water resources

Specific water consumption

Total water withdrawal

Hectolitre water intake per hectolitre volume produced of beer, cider, soft drinks and water. Water intake minus 
water exported. We make detailed action plans for reducing water use in our breweries, embedded within the Total 
Productive Management (TPM) framework. Examples of actions are reducing water losses in the pasteuriser and 
solving leakages. We focus our water efforts on breweries in water-stressed areas, which is the reason why we have 
a separate water consumption target for these breweries

The total volume of water withdrawn from the following sources:
 – Surface water, including water from wetlands, rivers, lakes, and oceans
 – Groundwater
 – Rainwater collected directly and stored by the organisation
 – Municipal water supplies or other water utilities

Wastewater treated

The volume of wastewater treated expressed in m3. It is our policy to ensure all of our wastewater volumes are 
treated – by us or by a third party – before being discharged into surface water. Those breweries currently lacking 
wastewater treatment infrastructure are part of our future investment planning

Wastewater quantity31

All wastewater coming from the brewery (m3)

Wastewater treatment plant

Plant removing contaminants from the brewery’s wastewater and producing environmentally safe treated 
wastewater before releasing it into the environment. 
Third party plant: an external party (most often a municipal plant) taking care of the treatment of brewery 
wastewater and subsequent discharge into surface water

Effluent organic load to 
surface water (kg COD)32

This indicator relates to the pollution load of the effluent that is discharged into surface water from our breweries. 
This excludes the wastewater which is treated by third parties. COD stands for Chemical Oxygen Demand, which is 
a measure for the pollution of water with organic material

Water stress

Refers to the ability, or lack thereof, to meet human and ecological demand for water. Compared to scarcity, ‘water stress’ 
is a more inclusive and broader concept. It considers several physical aspects related to water resources, including water 
scarcity, but also water quality, environmental flows, and the accessibility of water. Every five years, we assess current and 
future risks arising from the watersheds in which our breweries are located. In 2015 we undertook a water risk assessment 
with WWF International across our total operational footprint – fully consolidated as well as Joint Ventures – and on our 
barley-sourcing areas. Production sites identified as potentially located in a water-stressed area need to complete a Source 
Vulnerability Assessment (SVA). This enables us to obtain a clear picture of the local water situation, identify relevant 
stakeholders and explore the need for activities that increase water retention or promote the health of ecosystems. The 
outcomes serve as a basis for local Source Water Protection Plans, which includes the plans for water balancing. The 
outcome of the assessment can also indicate that water risks are negligible and that no further actions are required

31 This specific indicator will be disclosed by end of March 2018 in the sustainability section of the Company website.
32 HEINEKEN Energy Efficiency Index is the energy consumption of the fridge divided by the average energy consumption of similar HEINEKEN fridges on the market in 2010, multiplied by 100.

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

Water balancing

Water balancing projects

Redressing the balance in water-stressed areas between the amount of water we source from the watershed and 
the amount that is not returned because it is used in our products, and through evaporation. One of the challenges 
is mobilising stakeholders, particularly at a government level. To help us, in February 2015, we entered into a 
partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). HEINEKEN and UNIDO are 
jointly organising three-day stakeholder engagement workshops to develop a shared vision on the most important 
water issues and on collective efforts needed to redress them in priority locations

Projects that aim to conserve or restore water quantity or quality in the local watershed; and/or improve access 
to clean water for the local communities. We consider a balancing project started once a Memorandum of 
Understanding has been signed with one or more partners. This is a change of definition compared to 2016, where 
we considered a project already started once a feasibility study was finalised. Since a study is not always followed 
by a concrete project, we think the new definition is more robust. This is the reason why the number of breweries 
compliant to this definition went down in 2017 from 13 to 12

‘Drop the C’: reducing CO2 emissions

% of electrical 
energy coming from 
renewable sources

Quantity of renewable electrical energy use (kWh) divided by total electrical energy use (kWh). Sources can be:
 – Own renewable production = all electricity generated from renewable resources on-site (wind, solar, biogas)
 – Imported electricity under green certificates = all electricity streams for which certified green electricity is purchased

% of thermal energy coming  
from renewable sources

Quantity of renewable thermal energy use (MJ) divided by total thermal energy use (MJ). Sources are: biomass, 
biogas, solar thermal and imported heat (with 100% renewable % and 0 g CO2/MJ)

CO2 emissions in 
production (Scope 1  
and 2, GHG Protocol)

CO2 emissions in distribution 
(Scope 3, GHG protocol)

This indicator includes CO2-eq emissions caused by:
 – direct emissions from combustion of fuels
 – indirect emissions from imported heat and electricity
 – emissions from refrigerant losses
The reduction in CO2 emissions is being achieved by improving our energy efficiency for both thermal and electrical 
energy (as part of our TPM framework), and by using more renewables and replacing high CO2 fuels such as fuel oil
with lower-emission fuels such as natural gas

This indicator refers to CO2-eq emissions from outbound distribution of finished goods and returns of empty 
packaging material. It includes domestic and export transport by road, rail and sea. Excluded is inbound transport. 
We focus our actions on reducing the distance we drive, improving fuel efficiency with our transport partners, 
switching from road to rail and water, and using more carbon-efficient vehicles. As the majority of our transport is 
outsourced, we work in collaboration with our transport service providers and also with peer companies, customers, 
fuel providers, industry groups and other key stakeholders

CO2 emissions from fridges  
(Scope 3, GHG protocol)

This indicator refers to CO2-eq emissions as a result of the electricity used by beverage fridges (branded and  
non-branded) invoiced to HEINEKEN in the reporting year

Green fridges

Waste destination per %  
and absolute value33

HEINEKEN buys and supplies fridges used to store and display our beer products in supermarkets, bars and restaurants. 
This allows us to control the quality of the beer by setting the correct temperature, as well as the appearance of 
the fridge and our brands within it. To reduce our emissions, we focus on installing more energy-efficient fridges in 
conjunction with our suppliers. We ask our suppliers to test new fridges to determine the HEINEKEN Energy Efficiency 
Index (HEEI)28. In case our suppliers have not (yet) provided us with the HEEI, we calculate the HEEI based on the energy 
saving features of the fridge model. We judge our fridges as ‘green’ if they have one or more of the following green 
features: use of hydrocarbon refrigerant, LED illumination, an energy management system and energy-efficient fans. 
We further enhanced our data gathering method, and decreased our reliance on self-declared numbers by the 
operating companies to using our centralised procurement tool where possible

Destination of residual products from the brewing process: either recycled into feed, material loops, compost or 
energy, or – when not recycled – incinerated or sent to landfill. Brewer’s grains and yeast, for example, have a high 
nutrition value and are recycled for animal or human consumption.
It is our ambition to achieve zero waste to landfill in our production facilities, and this is part of our mandatory 
TPM framework

33 This specific indicator will be disclosed by end of March 2018 in the sustainability section of the Company website.

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

Sourcing sustainably

Sustainable agriculture

% of our main agricultural
raw materials from
sustainable sources

% of agricultural raw 
materials locally sourced 
in Africa

Estimated number of
smallholder farms involved

Number of different local
sourcing initiatives

HEINEKEN Supplier Code

Supplier

By sourcing raw materials sustainably, we help improve farming practices and enable farmers all over the world 
to adopt better environmental and social standards. Our procedures for sourcing sustainably cultivated crops are 
based on the principles of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI), an organisation of multinational food 
companies working towards a more sustainable food chain. Suppliers allocating sustainably cultivated crops to us are 
required to follow our procedures and we encourage them to work with farmers who grow their crops sustainably.
We follow the definition of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI): The efficient production of safe, high quality 
agricultural products, in a way that protects and improves the natural environment, the social and economic conditions 
of farmers, their employees and local communities, and safeguards the health and welfare of all farmed species.
Our sustainable sourcing reporting is based on the concept of ‘mass balance’. This tracks what percentage of a 
suppliers’ materials are produced sustainably and is fully auditable, from farm to brewery

Contracted sustainable volumes (tonnes)/Total contracted volumes (tonnes).
Sustainable volume = any agricultural product in scope of the Sustainable Agriculture programme, that has been:
1. cultivated in accordance with an approved Code of Practice and
2. allocated to HEINEKEN by our supplier in accordance with the mass balance approach
Volumes contracted in 2017 for delivery in 2018 are reported in the 2017 Annual Report

Quantity (in tons) of agricultural ‘extract’ producing raw materials (plus hops) that are cultivated in the Africa and 
Middle East region and that are purchased for use in the production of beers, soft drinks, cider, wine and spirits at 
our own production facilities in that region

Calculation based on the total quantity of agricultural raw materials purchased (tons), divided by the average farm 
size (hectares) and the average yield per crop produced (tons per hectare). This gives the estimated number of 
smallholder farms involved

HEINEKEN operating companies sourcing any agricultural raw material within the AME Region. Each value chain 
is counted individually and some involve working with smallholder farmers, while others work with larger scale 
commercial farmers.
As a large buyer of crops, we can have a significant economic impact on local agricultural communities. Our local sourcing 
PPP projects work with smallholder farmers and aim to help them raise yields and compete against imported crops. They 
empower farmers and their communities by helping to alleviate poverty and improve local food security. At the same 
time, HEINEKEN benefits by reducing import-related duties and securing a sustainable supply of raw materials.
To achieve more, faster, we support a number of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in which HEINEKEN and a 
public sector donor (e.g. the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the German GIZ development agency) jointly 
fund agricultural development projects. Other partners include the European Cooperative for Rural Development 
(EUCORD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), and Dutch 
NGOs ICCO and FairMatch Support

Much of our impact lies indirectly with our suppliers, so we work with them to embed the right practices. Every supplier 
is asked to abide by our Supplier Code, which sets out clear guidelines for how we expect them to act in the areas of 
Integrity and Business Conduct, Human Rights, and the Environment. The Supplier Code procedure is implemented 
among first tier suppliers, and we expect our suppliers to ensure that their suppliers adhere to the same standards

A supplier is an entity: 
 – that delivers goods and/or services on a regular basis, more than once a calendar year, and
 – is registered in the vendor master database as an active supplier, and of which invoices are registered in the 

central systems for payment on behalf of Heineken N.V. or one of its affiliates, and

 – with which there has been spend in the 18 months preceding the assessment of the status of the supplier
The definition excludes: tax authorities, charities, sponsorships, customer refunds and intercompany suppliers

Supplier Code
four-step procedure 

We safeguard compliance through a risk-based step-by-step process:
1.  By signing the HEINEKEN Supplier Code, suppliers agree to comply with our principles of integrity, environmental 

care and human rights.

2.  The intensity with which we monitor compliance against our Supplier Code depends on the risk profile of 

a supplier. Our supplier risk analysis (SRA) tool assesses suppliers based on their type of business and level of 
supplier-specific risk. All potentially high-risk suppliers are required to go through step three of the programme.

3.  We use the EcoVadis34 sustainability monitoring and scorecard to assess the strength of potentially high-

risk suppliers’ management systems for ensuring compliance with our Code. Suppliers complete an online 
questionnaire and provide supporting evidence, which EcoVadis analyses alongside a 360° scan which looks at 
whether a supplier has been mentioned positively or negatively in the media, by NGOs or trade unions. They then
create a supplier scorecard. Suppliers that are still considered high-risk go on to Step 4 and undergo a site audit. 
4.  The final step is a site audit by a third party using our Supplier Code as the basic assessment criteria. We use the SMETA35 
four-pillar protocol. It enables us to contribute to and use the global database of audits held by AIM-Progress, the 
responsible-sourcing platform used by over 40 of the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies.
We strive for continuous improvement to ensure ongoing compliance with our Supplier Code. If a case of non-compliance 
is found, we discuss corrective actions with the supplier and allow for commitment to correct the non-compliance within 
a given timeline. If commitment and action is not forthcoming, HEINEKEN will cease to do business with the supplier

34  EcoVadis is a sustainability rating and collaborative platform enabling companies to monitor the sustainability performance of their suppliers, across 150 sectors and 110 countries. The evaluation covers 21 Corporate 

Social Responsibility (CSR) criteria and is used today by 120 global multinationals. EcoVadis engages approximately 20,000 suppliers a year whereby 70% of suppliers are SMEs (less than 1000 employees).

35 SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) describes an audit procedure which is a compilation of good practice in ethical audit technique.

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

Average level of compliance 
(%) of all operating 
companies with four-step 
Supplier Code Procedure

This KPI measures the overall performance over the four steps of our Supplier Code Procedure, per operating 
company. Depending on the availability of the data, we calculate the operating company’s overall performance 
based on the average performance over the four steps or based on the percentage of suppliers compliant with all 
applicable steps. The reported % compliance reflects the simple average of all operating companies in scope

Number of
contract terminations

Number of suppliers with which any commercial relationship ended, because:
a) they were unwilling to sign our Supplier Code
b) or refused to subscribe to EcoVadis
c) or refused to undergo a site audit

Advocating responsible consumption

% of operating companies
spending % of media spend
for Heineken® in supporting
dedicated responsible
consumption campaigns

Number of operating 
companies have an active 
and relevant partnership 
aimed at addressing
alcohol-related harm

All expenses incurred for placing and broadcasting Heineken® brand dedicated responsible consumption campaigns 
(either supporting ‘Enjoy Heineken® Responsibly’ or ‘When You Drive, Never Drink’) amounting to a minimum of 10% 
of their actual Heineken® media spend, per market. Scope: In 2017, we raised our ambition, going from 14 markets in 
scope to all operating companies selling Heineken® and investing media spend. Exceptions are companies operating 
in ‘dark markets’ where above-the-line communication is not allowed according to regulations

Working closely with third parties like local governments, NGOs and specialists, these partnerships address  
alcohol-related harm on issues like underage drinking, drinking and driving, or excessive drinking. In scope are all 
HEINEKEN operating companies with the exemption of those in Islamic countries, export markets, markets where 
we have a Joint Venture and one minimal-volume market (Laos) where allocating resource is unrealistic. South Africa 
is included as of 2017. Compared to last year’s report, we have simplified and clarified definition and guidance of this 
commitment for our operating companies. Active partnerships means: meaningful, substantive engagement over a 
year or years, with each side benefiting and being challenged by the other. An active partnership should have a regular 
cadence of communication and a regular schedule for collaborations or joint executions. A relevant alcohol partnership 
is one that is responsive to the needs of the local community as identified by critical stakeholders and/or local trends

Low- and no-alcohol

All beer, cider, hop and/or malt based drinks with an ABV of 3.5% or less. This does not include soft drinks

Low- and no-alcohol as
% of our global volume

Ingredients and nutrition
information on pack and 
online for all our beer brands 
in the EU

Beer, Wine and Spirits  
Producers’ Commitments to 
Reduce Harmful Drinking

Responsible Marketing Code

Total low- and no-alcohol volume/Total consolidated beer and cider volume

This involves beer brands produced and sold by HEINEKEN operating companies in the European Union. 
Commitment is only applicable to consumer-facing products (bottles, cans). We committed to include ingredients 
and energy values (kcal) per 100ml on pack, and additional information on fat, sugars, protein and salt online. Out 
of scope are minimal volume brands (less than 1,000 hectolitres). We have expanded our target to our cider brands 
and other beer brands around the world, for completion by 2018

HEINEKEN is a signatory to the Producers’ Commitments to Reduce Harmful Drinking. This is managed by the 
International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD). The aim of the Producers’ commitments, which run from 
2013–2017, is to contribute as an industry to the global target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of “at least 
a 10% relative reduction in the harmful use of alcohol” by 2025. We take action in five key areas: under-age drinking, 
marketing codes of practice, consumer information and product innovation, drinking and driving, and retailer support

In 2015, we launched our renewed Responsible Marketing Code. This Code, which is fully in line with the Producers’ 
commitments, guides us in the way we market our products. These rules help everyone at HEINEKEN who is 
involved in marketing and the sales of our products to ensure we do not contribute to excessive consumption or 
misuse. The Code covers all communications channels, the most common being: packaging, point of sale, signage, 
trade promotions, sponsorships, advertising, digital and social media

Promoting health & safety

% of Life Saving Rules action  
plans implemented

Fatal accidents

Accidents

Lost days

Our ‘Safety First’ approach is focused on improving safety across the whole company. Our global strategy is 
systematically addressing safety across the whole of the Company, with a particular focus on road safety. The 12 
Life Saving Rules set out clear and simple ‘do’s and don’ts’ for our highest-risk activities. All operating companies are 
required to assess their safety performance and close any gaps through action plans. In 2016 an operating company 
was compliant when an action plan was in place. In 2017 compliance is based on the number of actions implemented

All work-related fatal accidents of permanent, fixed-term or temporary personnel (own staff and contractor personnel)

An accident which resulted in permanent disability or which requires hospitalisation for more than 24 hours or 
resulting in more than one lost day

Lost days are counted from the first day after the case until the day the person returns to normal duties at work.  
All calendar days are counted

Accident frequency

Number of accidents resulting in absence from work per 100 FTE.
This is an indicator of the state of health and safety at the workplace

Accident severity

Number of days lost from work as a result of disabling injuries per 100 FTE

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

Growing with communities

Our approach to tax

Total Tax Contribution  
per category

In support of HEINEKEN’s business priorities we pursue a tax strategy that is sustainable and transparent. This 
strategy is annually reviewed and approved both by the Executive Board and the Audit Committee. 
Our tax strategy is based on a number of key principles:
 – Our commitment to comply with relevant tax laws and international regulations goes beyond legal compliance:

• Our way of working conforms with the HEINEKEN Code of Conduct;
• We expect to pay tax on our activities in the country where they take place; and
• We do not use tax havens for tax avoidance purposes.

 – We pursue an open and constructive dialogue with tax authorities that is based on respect, transparency 

and trust. We have developed co-operative compliance relationships with tax authorities in several countries 
including, amongst others, the Netherlands and in the United Kingdom.

 – We fully support and follow the OECD transfer pricing guidelines. Transactions between HEINEKEN companies 

are conducted at ‘arm’s length’.

For more information on our tax strategy, governance and organisation, visit our website

The tax payments made by the fully consolidated HEINEKEN companies during the calendar year. The total 
tax contribution includes a limited degree of estimation. The scope of total tax contribution is limited to the 
consolidated reporting entities (not JVs and associates). The categories are: corporate income tax paid, excise 
duties paid, net VAT paid, employee taxes paid (incl. social security contributions, but excluding pension 
contributions), other taxes paid

Corporate income tax paid

Cash flows arising from taxes on income, reported by the fully consolidated Heineken companies

Effective income  
tax rate (beia)

Beia

Total direct contributions

HEINEKEN Africa 
Foundation

Income tax expense expressed as a percentage of the profit before income tax, adjusted for share of profit of 
associates and joint ventures and impairments thereof (net of income tax)

Before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets

Voluntary contributions (in cash, knowledge, employee time, products and equipment) that help local communities 
and broader societies address their development priorities and increase the quality of life. The operating 
companies are free to establish which issues are relevant to both the community and the business. We provide 
guidelines how to prioritise projects within the focus areas of Brewing a Better World, for example on water 
stewardship and addressing alcohol related harm. In certain markets, community investments are coordinated 
through local foundations, like in Spain and Singapore.
We encourage our employees to volunteer their time with local community organisations. Volunteerism enables 
employees to give their time and professional expertise to organisations in need of human resources, and it makes 
Brewing a Better World personal, relevant and a source of pride and ownership for our employees

Donations as a voluntary engagement in collaboration with (non) governmental charitable organisations that 
extends beyond our core business activities, to help improve the health of the communities where we do business. 
The HEINEKEN Africa Foundation supports projects that improve health for the people who need it most. Over 
the years, the Foundation has developed strong expertise in Mother & Child Care and Water, Sanitation and 
Hygiene (WASH). The Foundation works closely together with the HEINEKEN breweries in Sub-Saharan Africa 
and (N)GOs. Underpinning HEINEKEN’s longstanding commitment to Africa, projects are only carried out in the 
Sub-Saharan African countries in which HEINEKEN is operating. For each project a partnership is created between 
the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, the local HEINEKEN brewery and a local or international (N)GO. The Foundation 
provides funding and administrative assistance. The local brewery supports through means of manpower, 
expertise and monitoring. The (N)GO is responsible for the implementation and continuation of the project. 
Visit the Foundation’s website for more information

Values and behaviours

Speak Up policy (number
of reports + breakdown) 

Training Code of Business
Conduct (number 
of employees)

The number of Speak Up reports is the total number of reports received via our Speak Up channels in which 
reporters raised a concern about a (possible) breach of the HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct. A break-down 
per topic is presented to give insight into the main topics of said Speak Up reports. The Speak Up policy is available 
at the HEINEKEN Speak Up website (http://speakup.heineken.com)

The Code of Business Conduct training has to be completed by all HEINEKEN employees. It is expected to be 
completed as part of the induction for new joiners. Thereafter it is expected to be completed regularly (preferably 
on an annual basis). The training is facilitated by an e-learning module, which can be completed online, as well as 
during a classroom session for those employees without access to their own workstation. A training completion is 
counted if (i) an employee has completed the e-learning (this is automatically registered in a database), or (ii) if an 
employee has attended a classroom training and signed off an attendance form

Training anti-bribery
(number of employees) 

In 2015, we launched a three-year anti-bribery e-learning programme for key employees to ensure that they recognise 
and resist bribery. The anti-bribery training is mandatory for a selected audience (those above a certain job grade and 
those considered to be risk groups). A training completion is counted if an employee has completed the e-learning

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Reporting basis and governance of non-financial indicators (continued)

List of operating companies in scope for non-financial indicators36

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe
Country

Operating Company/Business Unit

Algeria
Belarus37
Burundi
Democratic Republic of Congo
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ivory Coast
Kenya 

La Réunion
Lebanon
Nigeria
Russia
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
South Africa 
Tunisia

Americas
Bahamas
Brazil
Brazil
Canada
Haiti
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
St. Lucia
Surinam
USA

Asia Pacific
Cambodia
China
China
China
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Japan
Laos
Malaysia
Mongolia38
Myanmar
New Caledonia

Tango
Heineken Breweries
Brarudi
Bralima
Al Ahram Beverages Company
Heineken Breweries
Harar Brewery
Bedele Brewery
Brassivoire
Heineken East Africa 
Import Company
Brasseries de Bourbon
Almaza
Nigerian Breweries
Heineken Breweries
Bralirwa
Sierra Leone Brewery
Heineken South Africa
Nouvelle de Brasserie ‘Sonobra’

Commonwealth Brewery
Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil
Bavaria
Heineken Canada
Brasserie Nationale d’Haiti
Desnoes & Geddes
Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma
Cerveceria Panama
Windward & Leeward Brewery
Surinaamse Brouwerij
Heineken USA

Cambodia Brewery
Heineken (Shanghai)
Heineken Brewery Guangzhou
Heineken Brewery Hainan
Heineken Hong Kong
PT Multi Bintang Indonesia
Heineken Japan
Lao Asia Pacific Breweries
Heineken Malaysia Berhad
MCS Asia Pacific Brewery
APB Alliance Brewery
Grande Brasserie de  
Nouvelle Caledonie

36  Scope can vary per non-financial indicator. When not all operating companies are in scope, this is being 
indicated in the specific section, the Reporting Basis chapter and/or the appendix ‘Basis of preparation 
non-financial indicators’ which can be found on the Company website.

37  Divested in September 2017; disclosures have been included up to the divestment date and only for 

applicable indicators.

38  Divested in November 2017 while maintaining a minority stake; disclosures have been included up to 

the divestment date and only for applicable indicators.

Asia Pacific
Country

New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Vietnam
Vietnam

Europe
Austria
Belgium
Belgium
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands

Poland
Portugal

Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
UK

Global
Various

Export

Operating Company/Business Unit

DB Breweries
South Pacific Brewery
AB Heineken Philippines
Heineken Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore)
Heineken Asia Pacific Export
Solomon Breweries
Heineken Korea
Heineken Lanka
Heineken Taiwan
Heineken Hanoi Brewery
Heineken Vietnam Brewery

Brau Union Österreich
Brouwerijen Alken-Maes
Mouterij Albert
Stassen
Zagorka
Heineken Hrvatska
Heineken Ceská Republika
Heineken France
Heineken Deutschland
Athenian Brewery
Heineken Hungaria
Heineken Ireland
Heineken Italia
Heineken Nederland  
(including Vrumona)
Grupa Żywiec
Sociedade Central de  
Cervejas e Bebidas
Heineken Romania
Heineken Serbia
Heineken Slovensko
Pivovarna Lasko Union
Heineken España
Heineken Switzerland
Heineken UK

Head Office, Regional Offices 
including export offices and  
Global Duty Free, HEINEKEN 
Financial Shared Services  
centre (Kraków, Poland)
Other export markets

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Appropriation of Profit

Article 12, paragraph 7, of the Articles of Association stipulates:

“Of the profits, payment shall first be made, if possible, of a dividend of 6% of the issued part of the authorised share capital.  
The amount remaining shall be at the disposal of the General Meeting of Shareholders.”

Civil Code
Heineken N.V. is not a ‘structuurvennootschap’ within the meaning of Section 2: 152-164 of the Dutch Civil Code. Heineken Holding N.V.,  
a company listed on Euronext Amsterdam, holds 50.005% of the issued shares of Heineken N.V.

Authorised capital
The Company’s authorised capital amounts to €2,500 million.

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Independent Auditor’s Report

To: The Annual General Meeting of Heineken N.V.

Report on the audit of the financial statements 2017 included in the Annual Report 2017

Our opinion 
We have audited the accompanying financial statements 2017 of Heineken N.V. (‘the Company’), based in Amsterdam. The financial statements 
include the consolidated financial statements and the Company financial statements. 

In our opinion: 

 – The accompanying consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Heineken N.V. as at 31 December 2017 
and of its result and its cash flows for 2017 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(‘EU-IFRS’) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

 – The accompanying Company financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Heineken N.V. as at 31 December 2017 and 

of its result for the year 2017 in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

The consolidated financial statements comprise: 

 – The consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017. 

 – The following consolidated statements for 2017: the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of cash flows and 

the statement of changes in equity. 

 – The notes comprising a summary of the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

The Company financial statements comprise: 

 – The Company balance sheet as at 31 December 2017. 

 – The Company income statement for 2017.

 – The notes comprising a summary of the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Basis for our opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are 
further described in the section “Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements” of our report. 

We are independent of Heineken N.V. in accordance with the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public-interest 
entities, the Wet toezicht accountantsorganisaties (Wta, Audit firms supervision act), the Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij 
assurance-opdrachten (ViO, Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence) and other relevant independence 
regulations in the Netherlands. Furthermore we have complied with the Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants (VGBA, Dutch Code 
of Ethics). 

We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Materiality 
Based on our professional judgement we determined the materiality for the financial statements as a whole at €150 million. The materiality is based 
on consolidated profit before taxation (5.2%). We have also taken into account misstatements and/or possible misstatements that in our opinion are 
material for the users of the financial statements for qualitative reasons. 

Audits of Group entities (components) were performed using materiality levels determined by the judgement of the Group audit team, having regard 
to the materiality of the consolidated financial statements as a whole. Component materiality did not exceed €60 million and for the majority of the 
components, materiality is significantly less than this amount. 

We agreed with the Supervisory Board that misstatements in excess of €7.5 million, which are identified during the audit, would be reported to them, 
as well as smaller misstatements that, in our view, must be reported on qualitative grounds. 

Scope of the Group audit 
Heineken N.V. is at the head of a group of entities. The financial information of this group is included in the consolidated financial statements of 
Heineken N.V. 

Because we are ultimately responsible for the opinion, we are also responsible for directing, supervising and performing the Group audit. In this respect 
we have determined the nature and extent of the audit procedures to be carried out for the Group entities (components). Decisive were size and/or risk 
profile of the components. On this basis, we selected components for which an audit or review had to be carried out on the complete set of financial 
information or specific items.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Our Group audit mainly concentrated on significant components in terms of size and financial interest or where significant risks or complex activities 
were present, leading to full scope audits performed for 25 components.

We have performed audit procedures ourselves at corporate entities and the operations in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we performed audit 
procedures at Group level on areas such as consolidation, disclosures, goodwill, intangible assets, joint ventures, financial instruments, acquisitions and 
divestments. Specialists were involved amongst others in the areas of treasury, information technology, tax, accounting, pensions and valuation.

For selected component audit teams, the Group audit team provided detailed written instructions, which, in addition to communicating the 
requirements of component audit teams, detailed significant audit areas and information obtained centrally relevant to the audit of individual 
components including awareness for risk related to management override. Furthermore, we developed a plan for overseeing each component audit 
team based on its relative significance to the Company and certain other risk characteristics. This included procedures such as visiting components 
(Mexico, D.R.Congo, Brazil, Cambodia, Singapore, Belgium, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, Nigeria, South Africa, Ireland and Ivory Coast) during the 
year, performing file reviews, holding conference calls, attending meetings and reviewing component audit team deliverables to gain sufficient 
understanding of the work performed. For smaller components we have performed review procedures or specific audit procedures. 

By performing the procedures mentioned above we have been able to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence on the Group’s financial 
information to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. 

Our key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements. We have 
communicated the key audit matters to the Supervisory Board. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive reflection of all matters discussed. 

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion thereon and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Acquisition accounting: identification and valuation of intangible assets and valuation of liabilities

Risk

How the scope of our  
audit responded to  
the risk

As set out in note 6, the Company concluded acquisitions throughout the year most notably the acquisition of Brasil Kirin 
on 31 May and Punch Taverns on 29 August 2017. Accounting for these acquisitions in accordance with IFRS 3 requires 
management to apply estimates to determine the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities, and any 
resulting goodwill,

The valuation of intangible assets of €399 million and the valuation of property, plant and equipment of €1.948 million 
arising from the acquisitions were considered to be a key risk as the valuation is based on a number of assumptions such 
as discount rate and growth rate which are subject to significant judgement. 

We further considered there to be a risk in determining the fair value of acquired provisions and contingent liabilities 
within the Kirin acquisition of €1.761 million due to the estimates required in valuing liabilities of inherently uncertain 
outcome, such as the outcome of civil, labour and tax claims against the acquired company.

We have obtained management’s calculations for the accounting of the acquisition and evaluated management’s 
determination of the fair value of the net assets acquired, focusing on the valuation of intangible assets, property, 
plant and equipment and provisions recognised. We evaluated the fair value of the acquired assets, focusing on 
the valuation methodologies and key assumptions applied. We further challenged management’s methodology 
and assumptions underlying the valuation of provisions and contingent liabilities assumed. We evaluated the 
competence of specialists involved by management and involved internal valuation and real estate specialists to 
assist in our assessment of the fair value of the noncurrent assets acquired. We considered whether adjustments to 
the original valuations were appropriate in light of additional facts and circumstances that have become available in 
the measurement period to date. Further, we have evaluated the appropriateness of the related disclosures in note 6 
of the financial statements.

Revenue recognition – Accruals for promotional allowances and volume rebates

Risk

Auditing standards require a presumed risk related to revenue recognition. Accounting for promotional allowances and 
volume rebates impacts the amounts of revenue recognised during the period. The revenue accounting policies are 
specified in note 3 to the financial statements. Management estimates the values of promotional allowances and volume 
rebates and this estimate is considered to be a key audit matter relevant to our audit of the financial statements.

How the scope of our  
audit responded to  
the risk

Our audit procedures included, amongst others, evaluating controls relating to management’s process for determining 
the value of promotional allowances and the volume rebates. In addition we performed substantive testing and 
analytical procedures to test the accuracy and completeness of the underlying calculation of the accruals. 
These procedures included challenging the appropriateness of management’s assumptions and estimates and agreeing 
input data, including pricing and allowance data to underlying agreements with customers.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Intangible assets (including goodwill) and property, plant and equipment impairment test – Management assessment of recoverability

Risk

How the scope of our  
audit responded to  
the risk

Intangible assets (including goodwill) and property, plant and equipment represent 70% of the Statement of Financial 
Position. Procedures over management’s annual impairment test were significant to our audit because the assessment 
process is complex and the test relies on estimates and assumptions.

Intangibles and property, plant and equipment are allocated to Cash Generating Units (CGUs) and groups of CGUs. 
The Company uses assumptions in respect of future market and economic conditions such as economic growth, 
expected inflation rates, demographic developments, expected market share, revenue and margin development. 
The details on the accounting for intangibles and property, plant and equipment and disclosure requirements under IAS 
36 Impairment of assets are included in notes 3, 14 and 15 to the financial statements. For our audit we assessed and 
tested the assumptions, the discount rates, methodologies and data used by the Company, for example by comparing 
them to external data such as expected inflation rates, external market growth expectations and by analysing 
sensitivities in the Company’s valuation model. We included valuation specialists in our team to assist us. We specifically 
focused on the sensitivity in the available headroom of CGUs and whether a reasonably possible change in assumptions 
could cause the carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount. We also assessed the historical accuracy of 
management’s estimates. We assessed the adequacy of the Company’s disclosure notes 14 and 15 in the financial 
statements about those assumptions to which the outcome of the impairment test is most sensitive.

Taxes – provisions for uncertain tax positions and valuation of deferred tax assets

Risk

How the scope of our  
audit responded to  
the risk

The Company operates across a number of different tax jurisdictions and is subject to periodic challenges by local tax 
authorities during the normal course of business, including transaction-related taxes and transfer pricing arrangements. 
In those cases where the amount of tax payable or recoverable is uncertain, the Company establishes provisions based 
on its judgement of the probable amount of the liability or recovery. Deferred tax assets for tax losses carried forward are 
recognised by the Company to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which 
unused tax losses can be utilised. The income tax related accounting policies are specified in note 3 to the 
financial statements.

We focused on these areas because of the level of judgement that is applied in quantifying appropriate provisions for 
uncertain tax positions and in determining assumptions about future market and economic conditions, as it relates to 
the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Using our own tax specialists, we obtained a detailed understanding of the 
Company’s tax strategy including current transfer pricing arrangements. We assessed tax risks, legislative developments 
and the status of ongoing local tax authority audits. We evaluated and challenged the Company’s judgements in 
respect of estimates of tax exposures, recoverable amounts and contingencies. We considered correspondence with tax 
authorities and relevant historical and recent judgements, and also assessed legal opinions from third party tax advisors. 
With regard to recorded deferred tax assets, we evaluated the Company’s assumptions and estimates in relation to the 
likelihood of generating sufficient future taxable income based on budgets and business plans.
Finally we considered the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures in notes 13, 18, 24 and 32 regarding uncertain tax 
positions and recognised deferred tax assets.

Internal controls over financial reporting

Risk

How the scope of our  
audit responded to  
the risk

The Company operates various processes and procedures that are important for reliable financial reporting. 
These processes are operated both centrally as well as locally.
We identified the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as an area of focus as we consider internal controls 
over financial reporting as a basis for designing our procedures for the audit. In those instances where accounting 
procedures, associated IT and process level controls are not designed and/or operating effectively, there are risks 
associated with financial reporting to which we need to tailor our audit procedures.

We have performed audit procedures on both the centrally and locally established process level controls of the Company, 
including the diverse information technology landscape. We performed walkthroughs to gain an understanding of the 
entity and to identify relevant controls. We have tested the design of those controls and, where effective for the audit, 
we also tested their operating effectiveness. In cases of deficiencies, we have evaluated the compensating controls and 
measures of the Company and/or tailored procedures our procedures to address the risk. 
We are however not required nor engaged to perform an audit of internal controls over financial reporting. Accordingly, 
we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Report on the other information included in the Annual Report 
In addition to the financial statements and our Independent auditor’s report, the Annual Report contains other information that consists of: 

 – Report of the Executive Board; 

 – Report of the Supervisory Board; 

 – Other Information pursuant to Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; and

 – Other information included in the Annual Report.

Based on the following procedures performed, we conclude that the other information: 

 – is consistent with the financial statements and does not contain material misstatements; and 

 – contains the information as required by Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge and understanding obtained through our audit of the financial statements or otherwise, 
we have considered whether the other information contains material misstatements. 

By performing these procedures, we comply with the requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and the Dutch Standard 720. The scope 
of the procedures performed is less than the scope of those performed in our audit of the financial statements. 

Management is responsible for the preparation of other information, including the Report of the Executive Board in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 
of the Dutch Civil Code and other information pursuant to Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

Engagement 
We were appointed by the Annual General Meeting as auditor of Heineken N.V. on 24 April 2014. The audit for year 2017 was our third year audit. 

No prohibited non-audit services 
We have not provided prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory 
audit of public-interest entities. 

Description of responsibilities regarding the financial statements 

Responsibilities of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board for the Financial Statements 
The Executive Board is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with EU-IFRS and Part 9 of Book 
2 of the Dutch Civil Code, and for the preparation of the Report of the Executive Board in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. 
Furthermore, the Executive Board is responsible for such internal control as the Executive Board determines is necessary to enable the preparation of 
the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

As part of the preparation of the financial statements, the Executive Board is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. Based on the financial reporting frameworks mentioned, the Executive Board should prepare the financial statements using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to 
do so. The Executive Board should disclose events and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern in the financial statements. 

The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process. 

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objective is to plan and perform the audit assignment in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence for our opinion. 

Our audit has been performed with a high, but not absolute, level of assurance, which means we may not have detected all errors and fraud during 
our audit. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our 
audit procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements on our opinion. 

For an overview of our responsibilities we refer to NBA’s website www.nba.nl (Standard texts auditor’s report). 

Amsterdam, 9 February 2018

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
J. Dalhuisen

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

160

Assurance Report of the Independent Auditor

To: the Annual General Meeting and other stakeholders of Heineken N.V. 

Our conclusion
We have reviewed a selection of sustainability data included in the accompanying Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017 (“the 
sustainability data”) of Heineken N.V (“the Company”), based in Amsterdam.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the sustainability data of the Company is not prepared in all 
material respects, in accordance with the internally applied Reporting Criteria.

The objective of the review was to provide limited assurance on the following sustainability data (“KPIs”):

‘Every drop’: protecting water resources

 – Average water consumption in Breweries (hl/hl)

 – No. of production units in water-stressed areas that started to 

 – Average water consumption in water-stressed areas (hl/hl)

 – Total water withdrawal per source (m m3) 

implement their action plan for Water Balancing

 – No. of sites without water treatment plant 

‘Drop the C’: reducing CO2 emissions

 – % reduction in relative CO2 emissions from production

 – % of new fridges bought in reporting year that have one or more 

 – % of electrical energy coming from renewable sources

 – % of thermal energy coming from renewable sources

 – % reduction CO2 emissions in distribution across Europe and Americas

green features

 – % reduction CO2 emissions of purchased fridges in 2017 compared 

to 2010

Sourcing sustainably

 – % of our main raw materials from sustainable sources

 – % operating companies compliant with four-step Supplier 

 – % of agricultural raw materials locally sourced in Africa

Code Procedure

Advocating responsible consumption

 – % of operating companies who achieved 10% target for annual 

 – % of beer brands in the EU that disclose Ingredients and nutrition 

EHR investment

information on packaging and online

 – % of operating companies that have an active and relevant partnership 

aimed at addressing alcohol-related harm

Promoting health & safety

 – % of Life Saving Rules action plans carried out

 – Lost days of company personnel

 – Total number of fatalities (personnel and contractors)

 – Accident frequency 

 – Total number of accidents (personnel and contractors)

 – Accident severity

Growing with communities

 – Corporate income tax per region (Euro)

 – Total tax contribution per category (Euro)

Values and behaviours

 – % Gender representation at Senior Management levels

 – Total number of different nationalities at Senior Management

The information in scope of this engagement needs to be read and understood in conjunction with the Reporting Basis and Criteria non-financial 
indicators as included in the Annual Report 2017 on page 148. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

161

Assurance Report of the Independent Auditor (continued)

Basis for our conclusion
We have performed our assurance engagement on the sustainability data in accordance with Dutch law, including Dutch Standard 3000A ‘Assurance 
engagements other than audits or reviews of historical financial information’. This assurance engagement is aimed at obtaining limited assurance. 
Our responsibilities under this standard are further described in the ‘Our responsibilities for the assurance engagement of the sustainability data’ 
section of our report.

We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ‘Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assuranceopdrachten’ 
(ViO) and other relevant independence requirements in The Netherlands. Furthermore we have complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- en 
beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA).

We believe that the assurance evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our conclusion.

Responsibilities of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board
The Executive Board of the Company is responsible for the preparation of the sustainability data in accordance with the internally applied Reporting 
Criteria, including the identification of the intended users and the criteria being applicable for the purposes of the intended users.

The Executive Board is also responsible for such internal control as it determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the sustainability data that is 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or errors. 

The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s reporting process. 

Our responsibilities for the assurance engagement of the sustainability data
Our responsibility is to plan and perform the assurance assignment in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate review evidence for 
our conclusion.

We apply the ‘Nadere voorschriften accountantskantoren ter zake van assurance opdrachten (RA/AA)’ and accordingly maintain a comprehensive 
system of quality control including documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards and 
applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or errors and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the sustainability data. The materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our 
review procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements on our conclusion.

This assurance engagement is aimed at obtaining limited assurance. The procedures performed in order to obtain a limited level of assurance are 
aimed at determining the plausibility of information and are less extensive than those aimed at obtaining reasonable assurance in an 
assurance engagement.

The performed procedures in this context consisted mainly of gathering information from officers of the Company and applying analytical procedures 
set out in relation to the sustainability data. 

The assurance obtained in assurance engagements aimed at obtaining limited assurance is therefore significantly lower than the assurance obtained 
in assurance engagements aimed at obtaining reasonable assurance.

We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained professional scepticism throughout the assurance engagement, in accordance with 
the Dutch Standard 3000A.

Our assurance engagement included amongst others:

 – gaining knowledge and obtaining an understanding of the sustainability data and other circumstances regarding the engagement including 

gaining knowledge regarding internal controls;

 – an analytical review of the data and trends submitted;

 – assessing the suitability of the Reporting Criteria.

Amsterdam, 9 February 2018

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
J. Dalhuisen

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

162

Shareholder Information

Investor Relations
HEINEKEN takes a proactive role in maintaining an open dialogue with shareholders and bondholders, providing accurate and complete information 
in a timely and consistent way. The Company does this through media releases, the Annual Report, presentations, webcasts, investor conferences and 
regular briefings with analysts, fund managers and shareholders.

Ownership structure
Heading the HEINEKEN Group, Heineken Holding N.V. is no ordinary holding company. Since its formation in 1952, the objective of Heineken Holding 
N.V., pursuant to its Articles of Association, has been to manage and/or supervise the HEINEKEN Group and to provide services for Heineken N.V. 
The role Heineken Holding N.V. has performed for the HEINEKEN Group since 1952 has been to safeguard its continuity, independence and stability 
and create conditions for controlled and steady growth of the activities of the HEINEKEN Group. The stability provided by this structure has enabled 
the HEINEKEN Group to remain independent and to rise to its present position as the brewer with the broadest international presence and one of the 
world’s largest brewing groups.

Every Heineken N.V. share held by Heineken Holding N.V. is matched by one share issued by Heineken Holding N.V. The dividend payable on the two 
shares is identical. Historically, however, Heineken Holding N.V. shares have traded at a lower price due to technical factors that are market-specific. 
Heineken Holding N.V. holds 50.005% of the Heineken N.V. issued shares. L’Arche Green N.V. holds 52.599% of the Heineken Holding N.V. shares. 
The Heineken family holds 88.86% of L’Arche Green N.V. The remaining 11.14% of L’Arche Green N.V. is held by the Hoyer family. Mrs. de Carvalho-
Heineken also owns a direct 0.03% stake in Heineken Holding N.V.

Heineken N.V. shares and options
Heineken N.V. shares are traded on Euronext Amsterdam, where the Company is included in the main AEX Index. The shares are listed under ISIN 
code NL0000009165. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbol HEIA.NA and on the Reuters Equities 2000 
Service under HEIA.AS. Options on Heineken N.V. shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

In 2017, the average daily trading volume of Heineken N.V. shares was 654,537 shares.

Market capitalisation Heineken N.V.
On 31 December 2017, there were 570,194,195 shares of €1.60 nominal value outstanding (excluding own shares held by the company).

At a year-end price of €86.93 on 29 December 2017, the market capitalisation of Heineken N.V. on the balance sheet date was €49.6 billion. 

Year-end price
Highest closing price
Lowest closing price

€86.93
€89.20
€69.23

Share distribution comparison year-on-year 
Heineken N.V. shares*
Based on free float (excluding the holding of Heineken Holding N.V. 
and FEMSA in Heineken N.V.). Based on 238.3 million shares in free float.

26.3%

Heineken N.V. share price
In €, Euronext Amsterdam

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

29 December 2017
27 July 2017
31 January 2017

86.93

71.26

78.77

58.95

49.08

50.47

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Share price range

Year-end price Average trade in 2017: 654,537  shares per day

2.1%

3.8%

5.0%

14.7%

Americas 
32.8%
UK/Ireland 
15.3%
Rest of Europe  14.7%
5.0%
Rest of World 

15.3%

3.8%
Netherlands 
Retail 
2.1%
Unidentified  26.3%

32.8%

Dividend per share
In €

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

1.47

1.34

1.30

1.10

0.89
0.89

* Source: CMi2i estimate based on available information December 2017.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

163

Shareholder Information (continued)

Heineken Holding N.V. shares
The ordinary shares of Heineken Holding N.V. are traded on Euronext Amsterdam. The shares are listed under ISIN code NL0000008977. Prices for the 
ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbol HEIO.NA and on the Reuters Equities 2000 Service under HEIO.AS.

In 2017, the average daily trading volume of Heineken Holding N.V. shares was 97,774 shares.

Market capitalisation Heineken Holding N.V.
On 31 December 2017, there were 288,030,168 ordinary shares of €1.60 nominal value in issue and 250 priority shares of €2.00 nominal value in issue.

At a year-end price of €82.49 on 29 December 2017, the market capitalisation of Heineken Holding N.V. on balance sheet date was €23.8 billion.

Year-end price
Highest closing price
Lowest closing price

€82.49
€83.90
€64.98

Share distribution comparison year-on-year 
Heineken Holding N.V. shares*
Based on free float (excluding the holding of L’Arche Green N.V. and FEMSA 
in Heineken Holding N.V.). Based on 101.2 million shares in free float. 

14.9%

0.9%

4.5%

3.4%

8.5%

27.6%

40.2%

40.2%
Americas 
UK/Ireland 
27.6%
Rest of Europe  8.5%
3.4%
Rest of World 

0.9%
Netherlands 
Retail 
4.5%
Unidentified  14.9%

* Source: CMi2i estimate based on available information December 2017.

Heineken Holding N.V. 
In €, Euronext Amsterdam

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

29 December 2017
27 July 2017
31 January 2017

82.49

66.14

71.00

51.93

45.99

41.44

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Share price range

Year-end price Average trade in 2017: 97,774  shares per day

Dividend per share
In €

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012

1.47

1.34

1.30

1.10

0.89
0.89

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
HEINEKEN’s shares are trading Over-the-Counter (OTC) in the US as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). There are two separate Heineken ADR 
programmes representing ownership respectively in: 1) Heineken N.V. and 2) Heineken Holding N.V. For both programmes, the ratio between 
HEINEKEN ADRs and the ordinary Dutch (€ denominated) shares is 2:1, i.e. two ADRs represent one HEINEKEN ordinary share. Deutsche Bank Trust 
Company Americas acts as depositary bank for HEINEKEN’s ADR programmes.

Heineken N.V. 
Ticker: HEINY 
ISIN: US4230123014 
CUSIP: 423012301 
Structure: Sponsored Level I ADR 
Exchange: OTCQX 
Ratio (DR:ORD): 2:1 

Heineken Holding N.V.
Ticker: HKHHY
ISIN: US4230081014
CUSIP: 423008101
Structure: Sponsored Level I ADR 
Exchange: OTCQX
Ratio (DR:ORD): 2:1

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

164

Shareholder Information (continued)

ADR contact information
Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services
c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA
E-mail: DB@amstock.com

Shareholder Service (toll-free) Tel. +1 866 249 2593

Shareholder Service (international) Tel. +1 718 921 8137

www.amstock.com

Contact details for ADR brokers and institutional investors
US Tel: +1 212 250 9100

UK Tel: +44 207 547 6500

The Company ADR programmes are sponsored by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank). As the depositary bank, Deutsche Bank 
performs the following roles for ADR holders as further detailed in the Deposit Agreement:

Records and maintains the register of ADR holders

Is the stock transfer agent

Distributes dividends in US dollars

Facilitates the voting process and the exercise of the voting rights of ADR holders at any General Meeting of Shareholders if permitted by the 
Company and the Deposit Agreement

Issues and cancels HEINEKEN American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

Can distribute circulars and documentation in connection with any General Meeting of Shareholders if applicable.

For those holders who are not registered because their ADRs are held through a ‘Street name’ (nominee account), your nominee will receive Company 
documents from time to time from Deutsche Bank to distribute to ADR holders. You need to make arrangements with your nominee if you wish to 
receive such documents and to be able to exercise your vote through the depositary bank at General Meetings (if applicable).

Financial calendar in 2018 for both Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V.

Announcement of 2017 results  

Publication of Annual Report 

Trading update first quarter 2018 

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders    

Quotation ex-final dividend 2017 

Final dividend 2017 payable 

Announcement of half-year results 2018 

Quotation ex-interim dividend 2018 

Interim dividend 2018 payable   

12 February

19 February

18 April 

19 April 

23 April

2 May 

30 July 

1 August

9 August

Trading update third quarter 2018 

24 October

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

165

Shareholder Information (continued)

Dividend policy
The dividend policy of Heineken N.V. intends to preserve the independence of the Company, to maintain a healthy financial structure and to retain 
sufficient earnings in order to grow the business both organically and through acquisitions.

The dividend payments which translates in a pay-out of 30% to 40% of full-year net profit (beia) are related to the annual development of the net 
profit before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets (net profit beia).

Dividends are paid in the form of an interim dividend and a final dividend. The interim dividend is fixed at 40% of the total dividend of the previous 
year. Annual dividend proposals will remain subject to shareholder approval.

Contact Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V.
Further information on Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. is available from the Investor Relations department, telephone + 31 20 523 95 90  
or by email: investors@heineken.com.

Further shareholder information is available on the Company’s website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com/investors.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

166

Bondholder Information

In 2008, HEINEKEN established a Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme which was last updated in March 2017. The programme allows 
Heineken N.V. to issue Notes for a total amount of up to €15 billion. Currently approximately €8.7 billion is outstanding under the programme.

Heineken N.V. was assigned solid investment grade credit ratings by Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s in 2012. The ratings from both 
agencies, Baa1/P-2 and BBB+/A-2 respectively, have ‘stable’ outlooks as per the date of the 2017 Annual Report.

In 2017 the following notes were placed under HEINEKEN’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme:

SGD 150 million 5-year Notes with a floating rate coupon (February 2017)

EUR 500 million 15-year Notes with a coupon of 2.02% (May 2017)

EUR 800 million 12-year Notes with a coupon of 1.50% (October 2017)

On 29 March 2017, HEINEKEN placed USD 1.1 billion of long 10-year 144A/RegS US Notes with a coupon of 3.50%, and USD 650 million of 30-year 
144A/RegS US Notes with a coupon of 4.35%.

In 2015, HEINEKEN has launched a €1.0 billion Euro Commercial Paper (ECP) programme to facilitate its cash management operations and to further 
diversify its funding sources. There was no ECP in issue per 31 December 2017.

Issue date

Total face value

Interest rate

Maturity

ISIN code

Traded  
Heineken N.V. Notes

EUR EMTN 2018

EUR EMTN 2019

EUR EMTN 2020

EUR EMTN 2021

18 April 2013

19 March 2012

2 August 2012

4 April 2013

EUR EMTN 2021

10 September 2015

144A/RegS 2022

144A/RegS 2023

EUR EMTN 2023

EUR EMTN 2024

3 April 2012

10 October 2012

23 October 2015

19 March 2012

EUR EMTN 2024

7 December 2015

EUR EMTN 2025

EUR EMTN 2025

EUR EMTN 2026

2 August 2012

20 October 2015

4 May 2016

EUR EMTN 2027

29 November 2016

EUR 100 million 

EUR 850 million 

EUR 1,000 million 

EUR 500 million 

EUR 500 million 

USD 750 million 

USD 1,000 million 

EUR 140 million 

EUR 500 million 

EUR 460 million 

EUR 750 million 

EUR 225 million 

EUR 800 million 

EUR 500 million 

144A/RegS 2028

EUR EMTN 2029

EUR EMTN 2029

EUR EMTN 2032

EUR EMTN 2033

EUR EMTN 2033

144A/RegS 2042

144A/RegS 2047

29 March 2017

USD 1,100 million 

30 January 2014

3 October 2017

12 May 2017

15 April 2013

19 April 2013

10 October 2012

29 March 2017

EUR 200 million 

EUR 800 million 

EUR 500 million 

EUR 180 million 

EUR 100 million 

USD 500 million 

USD 650 million 

1.250%

2.500%

2.125%

2.000%

1.250%

3.400%

2.750%

1.700%

3.500%

1.500%

2.875%

2.000%

1.000%

1.375%

3.500%

3.500%

1.500%

2.020%

3.250%

2.562%

4.000%

4.350%

18 April 2018

19 March 2019

4 August 2020

6 April 2021

10 September 2021

1 April 2022

1 April 2023

23 October 2023

19 March 2024

7 December 2024

4 August 2025

20 October 2025

4 May 2026

29 January 2027

XS0918766550

XS0758419658

XS0811554962

XS0911691003

XS1288852939

US423012AA16

US423012AD54

XS1310154536

XS0758420748

XS1330434389

XS0811555183

XS1309072020

XS1401174633

XS1527192485

29 January 2028

US423012AF03 

30 July 2029

3 October 2029

12 May 2032

15 April 2033

19 April 2033

XS1024136282

XS1691781865

XS1611855237

XS0916345621

XS0920838371

1 October 2042

US423012AE38

29 March 2047

US423012AG85

The EMTN programme and the above Heineken N.V. Notes issued thereunder are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Traded Heineken Asia 
Pacific Pte. Ltd.* Notes

SGD MTN 2020

SGD MTN 2022

Issue date

Total face value

Interest rate

Maturity

ISIN code

March 3, 2009

SGD 21.75 million 

January 7, 2010

SGD 16.25 million 

3.780%

4.000%

March 3, 2020

SG7V34954621

January 7, 2022

SG7U93952517

The above Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.* Notes are listed on the Singapore Exchange. 

* After a name change Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd is currently registered as Heineken Asia MTN Pte. Ltd.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

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Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

167

Historical Summary

Revenue and profit

In millions of €
Revenue
Operating profit
Operating profit (beia)
as % of revenue
as % of total assets

Net profit
Net profit (beia)
as % of equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Dividend (proposed)
as % of net profit (beia)

Per share 

In €
Cash flow from operating activities
Net profit (beia) basic
Net profit (beia) diluted
Dividend (proposed)
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Cash flow statement

In millions of €
Cash flow from operations
Cash flow related to interest, dividend and income tax
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow (used in)/from operational investing activities
Free operating cash flow
Cash flow (used in)/from acquisitions and disposals
Dividends paid
Cash flow (used in)/from financing activities, 
excluding dividend
Net cash flow

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

21,888
3,352
3,759
17.2
9.2

1,935
2,247
16.9
838
37.3

6.81
3.94
3.94
1.47
23.37

4,924
(1,042)
3,882
(1,851)
2,031
(1,114)
(1,011)

45
(49)

20,792
2,755
3,540
17.0
9.0

1,540
2,098
15.8
763
36.4

6.53
3.68
3.68
1.34
23.24

4,720
(1,002)
3,718
(1,945)
1,773
(62)
(1,031)

359
1,039

20,511
3,075
3,381
16.5
8.42

1,892
2,048
15.1
741
36.2

6.10
3.58
3.57
1.30
23.65

4,486
(997)
3,489
(1,797)
1,692
(267)
(909)

(264)
252

19,257
2,780
3,129
16.2
9.0

1,516
1,758
14.2
632
35.9

5.32
3.06
3.05
1.10
21.58

4,140
(1,082)
3,058
(1,484)
1,574
(189)
(723)

(1,730)
(1,068)

19,203
2,554
2,941
15.3
8.8

1,364
1,585
13.9
512
32.3

5.07
2.76
2.75
0.89
19.83

3,983
(1,069)
2,914
(1,396)
1,518
555
(710)

(1,042)
321

Cash conversion rate

Financing ratios
Net debt/EBITDA (beia)

81.1%

75.0%

73.3%

78.9%

84.0%

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.51

2.6

1 Revised for the change in definition of net debt in 2015. 

2  Comparative figure for 2015 has been revised to reflect the change in accounting policy on netting cash and overdraft balances in cash pooling arrangements with legally enforceable 
rights to offset.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

Historical Summary (continued)

Operating profit (beia)/net interest expense (beia)
Free operating cash flow/net debt
Net debt/total equity

Financing

In millions of €
Share capital
Reserves and retained earnings
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Total equity
Employee benefits
Provisions (including deferred tax liabilities)
Non-current loans and borrowings
Other liabilities (excluding provisions)
Liabilities (excluding provisions and employee benefits)
Total equity and liabilities

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company/ 
(employee benefits, provisions and liabilities)

Employment of capital

In millions of €
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets

Inventories
Trade and other current assets
Cash, cash equivalents and current other investments
Total current assets
Total assets

Total equity/total non-current assets
Current assets/current liabilities (excluding provisions)

1 Revised for the change in definition of net debt in 2015. 

168

2013
5.5
14%
0.9

922
10,480
11,402
954
12,356
1,202
1,982
9,853
7,944
17,797
33,337

2017
10.1
16%
0.89

922
12,399
13,321
1,200
14,521
1,289
2,643
12,301
10,280
22,581
41,034

2016
10.0
16%
0.77

922
12,316
13,238
1,335
14,573
1,420
2,128
10,954
10,246
21,200
39,321

20152
9.6
15%
0.76

2014
7.7
14%1
0.82

922
12,613
13,535
1,535
15,070
1,289
2,332
10,658
10,773
21,431
40,122

922
11,487
12,409
1,043
13,452
1,443
2,066
9,499
8,370
17,869
34,830

0.50

0.53

0.54

0.58

0.58

11,117
17,670
3,999
32,786

1,814
3,992
2,442
8,248
41,034

0.44
0.80

9,232
17,424
4,528
31,184

1,618
3,484
3,035
8,137
39,321

0.47
0.79

9,552
18,183
4,065
31,800

1,702
3,372
3,248
8,322
40,122

0.47
0.77

8,718
16,341
3,685
28,744

1,634
3,771
681
6,086
34,830

0.47
0.73

8,454
15,934
3,454
27,842

1,512
2,693
1,290
5,495
33,337

0.44
0.70

2  Comparative figures for 2015 have been revised to reflect the change in accounting policy on netting cash and overdraft balances in cash pooling arrangements with legally 
enforceable rights to offset.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

169

Glossary

Acquisition-related intangible assets
Acquisition-related intangible assets are assets that HEINEKEN only 
recognises as part of a purchase price allocation following an acquisition. 
This includes, among others, brands, customer-related and certain 
contract-based intangibles.

Beia
Before exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related 
intangible assets.

Cash conversion ratio
Free operating cash flow/net profit (beia) before deduction of  
non-controlling interests.

Cash flow (used in)/from operational investing activities
This represents the total of cash flow from sale and purchase of property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets, proceeds and receipts of 
loans to customers and other investments.

Consolidation changes
Changes as a result of business combinations or disposals.

Depletions
Sales by distributors to the retail trade.

Dividend payout
Proposed dividend as percentage of net profit (beia).

Earnings per share

Basic
Net profit divided by the weighted average number of shares – basic – 
during the year.

Net debt
Non-current and current interest-bearing loans and borrowings, bank 
overdrafts and commercial papers and market value of cross-currency 
interest rate swaps less investments held for trading and cash.

Net profit
Profit after deduction of non-controlling interests (profit attributable to 
equity holders of the Company).

Organic growth
Growth excluding the effect of foreign currency translational effects, 
consolidation changes, exceptional items and amortisation of 
acquisition-related intangible assets.

Organic volume growth
Growth in volume, excluding the effect of consolidation changes.

Profit
Total profit of HEINEKEN before deduction of non-controlling interests.

®
All brand names mentioned in this report, including those brand 
names not marked by an ®, represent registered trademarks and 
are legally protected.

Region
A region is defined as HEINEKEN’s managerial classification of countries 
into geographical units.

Volume

(Consolidated) beer volume
100% of beer volume produced and sold by consolidated companies.

Diluted
Net profit divided by the weighted average number of shares – diluted – 
during the year.

Group beer volume
Consolidated beer volume plus attributable share of beer volume from 
joint ventures and associates.

EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, net finance expenses, depreciation and 
amortisation. EBITDA includes HEINEKEN’s share in net profit of joint 
ventures and associates.

Licensed & non-beer volume
HEINEKEN’s brands produced and sold under licence by third parties 
as well as cider, soft drinks and other non-beer volume sold in 
consolidated companies.

Effective tax rate
Income tax expense expressed as a percentage of the profit before 
income tax, adjusted for share of profit of associates and joint ventures 
and impairments thereof (net of income tax).

Eia
Exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related 
intangible assets.

Third party products volume
Volume of third party products sold through consolidated companies.

Total volume
100% of volume produced and sold by consolidated companies 
(including beer, cider, soft drinks and other beverages), volume of third 
party products and volume of HEINEKEN’s brands produced and sold 
under licence by third parties.

Exceptional items
Items of income and expense of such size, nature or incidence, that 
in the view of management their disclosure is relevant to explain the 
performance of HEINEKEN for the period.

Weighted average number of shares

Basic
Weighted average number of outstanding shares.

Free operating cash flow
This represents the total of cash flow from operating activities and cash 
flow from operational investing activities.

Diluted
Weighted average number of outstanding shares and the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion 
of the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares as a result 
of HEINEKEN’s share-based payment plans.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Introduction

Report of the  
Executive Board

Report of the  
Supervisory Board

Financial  
Statements

Sustainability  
Review

Other  
Information

170

Disclaimer

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements with regard to the financial position and results of HEINEKEN’s activities. These forward-
looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-
looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond HEINEKEN’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such 
as future market and economic conditions, the behaviour of other market participants, changes in consumer preferences, the ability to successfully 
integrate acquired businesses and achieve anticipated synergies, costs of raw materials, interest-rate and exchange-rate fluctuations, changes in tax 
rates, changes in law, changes in pension costs, the actions of government regulators and weather conditions. These and other risk factors are detailed 
in this Annual Report. 

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. 

HEINEKEN does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Market share estimates 
contained in this Annual Report are based on outside sources, such as specialised research institutes, in combination with management estimates.

Reference Information

A Heineken N.V. publication
Heineken N.V. 
P.O. Box 28 1000 AA Amsterdam 
The Netherlands

Telephone: +31 20 523 92 39 
Fax: +31 20 626 35 03

The full Annual Report can  
be downloaded as a PDF at:  
www.theHEINEKENcompany.com

More information from HEINEKEN online at: 
www.theHEINEKENcompany.com

Production and editing
Heineken N.V. Global Corporate Affairs

Text
HEINEKEN

Photography
Áron Süveg (page 8)

Graphic design and electronic publishing
Radley Yeldar: www.ry.com

Paper
Circle offset 300 gsm inner cover
Circle offset 140 gsm inside pages
Bierpapier Lager 135 gsm Sustainability review

Circle offset is produced by an ISO 140001 
accredited manufacturer and is certified 
as an FSC® recycled product. It is produced 
with 100% recycled post-consumer fibre 
in a chlorine-free process PCF (Process 
Chlorine Free). 

Printing and binding
Boom + Verweij grafiservices, the Netherlands

Bierpapier is made out of hop, malt and 
cellulose. FSC® certified.

Distribution
Hexspoor, the Netherlands

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2017Annual Report 2017

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