Quarterlytics / Industrials / Auto - Parts / Heineken N.V. / FY2018 Annual Report

Heineken N.V.
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Heineken N.V.
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Heineken N.V.
Annual Report 2018

0101

155

156

161

163

166

167

169

171

171

Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

03–45

Report of the  
Executive Board
Chief Executive’s Statement 

Performance highlights 

Key figures 

03

04

05

HEINEKEN as part of society – creating 
shared value, from Barley to Bar 

06

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 

07

08

09

16

17

19

21

22

23

24

25

26

32

37

Highlights

In this year’s report

02

Introduction 

We are HEINEKEN 

02

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:  
@HEINEKENCorp

46–60

Report of the  
Supervisory Board
To the Shareholders 

Remuneration Report 

61–118

Financial  
Statements
Contents 

Consolidated Income Statement 

46

52

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. Income Statement 

Heineken N.V. Balance Sheet 

119–154

Sustainability  
Review
Our sustainable development  
focus areas 

Focus area commitments  
– measuring our progress 

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 

61

62

62

63

64

65

66

112

113

Heineken N.V. Shareholders’ equity  114

Respecting Human Rights 

Notes to the Heineken N.V.  
Financial Statements 

Reporting basis and governance  
of non-financial indicators 

115

Footnotes 

155–171

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 

119

121

122

125

131

134

138

140

142

144

145

154

Regional Review 
Page 21

Brewing a  
Better World: 
Our sustainability  
performance 
Page 119

Our business priorities 
Page 08

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Introduction

0202

Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Report of the Executive Board

0303

Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Chief Executive’s Statement

In 2018, we delivered another year of strong 
top line growth. The Heineken® brand grew 
7.7%, its best performance in a decade. 
Our new brand extension, Heineken® 0.0 has 
been very well received and is now available in 
38 markets worldwide. 

In addition to Heineken® 0.0, we introduced 
innovations in our low- and no-alcohol portfolio 
which reached 13.1 million hectolitres. In Ethiopia 
we introduced Sofi Buna, a dark malt drink with 
local coffee, while worldwide, our Radler portfolio 
continued to expand.

The rest of our premium portfolio also grew 
double digit, led by our international beer brands 
such as Tiger, Desperados, Birra Moretti and 
Krušovice, craft and variety beers, and ciders. 

In the UK and South Africa, Strongbow flavour 
variants drove our cider sales growth. We also 
strongly developed outside traditional markets. 
In Vietnam, we are establishing the cider category 
with Strongbow while in Spain our recently 
introduced Ladrón de Manzanas is off to a 
promising start. 

Craft and variety beers like the low alcohol variant 
of Affligem and Birra Moretti Regionale performed 
very strongly. Meanwhile, Lagunitas outperformed 
the craft segment in the US and continued its 
international expansion. Originally brewed in 
Petaluma and Chicago, Lagunitas is now also 
brewed in the Netherlands in our craft brewery 
in Wijlre.

All regions contributed to our strong performance. 
Brazil deserves a special mention for strong growth 
following the integration of our two businesses. 
An important milestone for the year was the 
announcement of our strategic partnership with 
CRE in China, the largest beer market in the world, 
where Heineken® has strong brand equity and 
where CRE is market leader by volume. 

The first time consolidation of our Brazil 
business, rising input costs and adverse currency 
developments slightly impacted our operating 
profit margin.

We have progressed with our Brewing a Better 
World commitments. Already at the end of 2017 
we surpassed our 2020 carbon emissions targets. 
In 2018 emissions further reduced to 5.5 kg 
CO2 equivalent per hectolitre, which represents 
a 47% decrease since 2008. In February 2018, 
we announced our new Drop the C programme. 
Our ambition is that 70% of all our electric and 
thermal energy needs in production will be covered 
by renewable sources by 2030. During the year, we 
embarked on the first 13 renewable projects of this 
programme. Today, 15% of our electric and thermal 
energy sources are renewable. 

Because we have also already reached our 
2020 water commitments, later this year we will 
announce Every Drop, our 2030 water vision. 
Our average water consumption at the end of 
2018 was 3.5 hectolitres of water per hectolitre of 
beer, a reduction of 32% compared to 2008 and 
3.2 hectolitres of water per hectolitre of beer for 
water-stressed areas. At the end of 2018, 96% of 
our effluents were treated worldwide.

In 2018, our ‘When You Drive, Never Drink’ 
campaigns continued to receive significant 
exposure through the Formula 1™ partnership. 
In 69 markets around the world, we dedicated at 
least 10% of Heineken® media spend to Responsible 
Drinking campaigns. 

We regularly review our codes and policies and in 
2018 we refreshed the Code of Business Conduct, 
including our Human Rights Policy and Responsible 
Marketing Code. The Code and underlying policies 
were rolled-out in all operating companies and in 38 
languages. Since 2016, we have worked with human 
rights experts Shift to identify and address human 
rights-related risks in our operations in line with UN 
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

In 2018, we also renewed our Brand Promoters 
Policy. We implemented this policy between June 
and December, incorporating the feedback and 
recommendations made by brand promoters, 
NGOs and three independent assessors. 

Looking ahead to 2019, we will continue to strive 
for superior top-line growth driven by volume 
growth, price increases and premiumisation. 
We expect volatility in economic conditions will 
continue and plan to partially mitigate input 
and logistics cost increases through productivity 
measures and prudent spend. Consequently, 
excluding any major unforeseen macro-economic 
and political developments, we now expect 
operating profit (beia) to grow by mid-single digit 
on an organic basis.

Our strategic priority is biased towards growth. 
This can only be achieved through continued focus 
on innovation, operational excellence and social 
and environmental sustainability, so consumers 
can enjoy our brands, our customers’ expectations 
are exceeded and we continue to enjoy the trust 
of the communities in which we operate.

Already in full speed in 2019, I want to express 
my gratitude to my colleagues, customers and 
suppliers for a great 2018.

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

Amsterdam, 12 February 2019

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

0404

Performance highlights

181.3

188.3

200.1

218.0

233.8

33.2

34.4

32.1

36.0

38.7

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Financial summary highlights

Net revenue (beia)1
(in millions of €)

€22,471m

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

Operating profit (beia)
(in millions of €)

€3,868m

Sustainability summary highlights

Carbon emissions

47%

22,471

21,629

20,792

20,511

19,257

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

3,868
3,759

3,540

3,381

3,129

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

Operating profit (beia) margin2
(in percentages)

 17.2%

Net profit (beia)
(in millions of €)

€2,424m

Safety

 18%

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

17.2
17.4

17.0

16.5

16.2

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

2,424

2,247

2,098

2,048

1,758

reduction in  
accident frequency  
since 2015  
(1.13 accidents per  
100 FTE in 2018)

1  Figures shown before 2017 are ‘Revenue’. As of 2017 ‘Net revenue’ is shown due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).
2  As of 2017 restated due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).

Water consumption

32%

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

Responsible consumption

96%

of markets where we sell  
Heineken® allocated 10%,  
or more, of Heineken®  
media spend to responsible  
consumption campaigns

Consolidated beer volume(in millions of hectolitres)233.8mhlHeineken® volume(in millions of hectolitres)38.7mhlHeineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

0505

Key figures1

Consolidated results
In millions of €

Revenue2

Revenue (beia)2

Net Revenue3

Net Revenue (beia)3

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

Shareholders’ equity

Net debt position

Market capitalisation

2018

26,811

26,811

22,471

22,471

3,137

3,868

1,903

2,424

5,040

5,235

912

2,246

2018

41,956

14,358

12,081

44,055

2017

Change in %

2018

2017

Change in %

Per share

Weighted average number of shares – basic

570,146,069

570,074,335

Net profit

Net profit (beia)

Dividend (proposed)

(6.4)%

Free operating cash flow

2.9%

Shareholders’ equity

(1.6)%

Share price

25,843

25,863

21,609

21,629

3,352

3,759

1,935

2,247

4,949

5,115

838

2,031

3.7%

3.7%

4.0%

3.9%

7.9%

1.8%

2.3%

8.8%

10.6%

3.34

4.25

1.60

3.94

25.18

77.20

3.39

3.94

1.47

3.56

23.37

86.93

0%

(1.5)%

7.9%

8.8%

10.7%

7.7%

(11.2)%

0%

7.8%

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

570,663,632

570,652,111

Net profit (beia) – diluted

4.25

3.94

Employees

Average number of employees (FTE)

2018

85,610

2017

Change in %

80,425

6.4%

2017

Change in %

Ratios

41,034

13,321

12,879

49,607

2.2%

7.8%

(6.2)%

(11.2)%

Operating profit (beia) as a % of net revenue3

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

Net debt/EBITDA (beia)

Dividend % payout

Cash conversion ratio

2018

17.2%

13.8%

2.3

37.6%

84.2%

2017

Change in %

17.4%

-17 bps

14.6%

2.5

37.3%

81.1%

(5.5)%

(8.3)%

0.9%

3.7%

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.
2 2017 revenue has been restated due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).
3 Net revenue was introduced in 2017 due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

0606

HEINEKEN as part of society –  
Creating shared value, from Barley to Bar

Our ambition is to Brew a Better World across our entire value chain, 
creating shared value for our stakeholders and us, and contributing 
to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Packaging
Packaging enables our 
brands to stand out. We aim 
to offer consumers a unique 
experience while innovating 
to reduce the environmental 
impacts of our packaging. 

Distribution
The majority of our products 
are consumed in the countries 
where they are produced. 
We work hard to optimise our 
distribution network and limit 
its environmental impacts.

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

Agriculture
Our beer and cider are made 
from natural ingredients 
which we source with care. 
We work with farmers 
worldwide to support the 
sustainable cultivation 
of raw materials to brew 
our products. 

Brewing
Brewing beer and making cider 
is a craft. We operate more 
than 170 breweries, malteries, 
cider plants and other facilities. 
We work constantly to reduce 
our CO2 emissions and water 
consumption and increase 
the share of renewable energy 
we use.

Our Brewing a Better World approach  
supports the following SDGs:

Every Drop:  
Protecting water resources

Consumers
Every day, millions of 
consumers enjoy one of our 
more than 300 brands, from 
premium beers to ciders and 
low- and no-alcohol products. 
We want to make sure they  
do so responsibly.

Drop the C:  
Reducing CO2 emissions

Sourcing sustainably

Advocating responsible 
consumption

Promoting health and safety

Growing with communities

Employees
Our Barley to Bar journey is supported by over 85,000  
employees in more than 70 countries. We strive to provide  
safe and fair working conditions and increase our diversity.

Suppliers
Throughout our value chain, we develop long-term 
partnerships with our suppliers to build a sustainable 
future and grow together.

Communities
We aim to make a positive contribution to the 
communities where we source, live, work and sell 
our products – both through our core business and  
our initiatives.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

0707

Executive Team

4

5

2

6

8

9

7

1

Photo taken at the Heritage Quarter (newly opened in 2018) at the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam.

10

3

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 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

 Jean-François van Boxmeer 
Chairman Executive Board and CEO

 Laurence Debroux 
Member Executive Board and CFO

 Marc Busain 
President Americas

 Dolf van den Brink 
President Asia Pacific

 Stefan Orlowski 
President Europe

 Roland Pirmez 
President Africa Middle East and 
Eastern Europe

 Jan Derck van Karnebeek 
Chief Commercial Officer

 Marc Gross 
Chief Supply Chain Officer

 Chris Van Steenbergen 
Chief Human Resources Officer

10   Blanca Juti 

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Further information online at: 
theHEINEKENcompany.com

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board
Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board
Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Sustainability Review
Sustainability Review

Other Information
Other Information

0808

Our business priorities

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 delivering 
growth and shareholder value.

Engage  
and develop  
our people 

Further information: 
Page 19

Deliver top  
line growth 

Further information: 
Page 09

Our four  
business  
priorities

Brew a  
Better World 

Further information: 
Page 17

Drive  
end2end  
performance 

Further information: 
Page 16

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

0909

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth

Our strategy remains the same: to lead the premium segment in beer 
and cider across the world and leverage the strength of Heineken®, 
supported by a strong portfolio of international premium and local 
brands. Our goal is to be the number one, or a strong number two, 
in the markets where we compete with a full brand portfolio.

Our brands and e-commerce are the drivers of our top line growth…
HEINEKEN has more than 300 brands around the  
world. Over the following pages we take a closer  
look at just some of the brands which are continuing  
to deliver top line growth for the business.

Heineken® and international 
brands growth
In 2018, the Heineken® brand continued to 
outperform. Volumes grew strongly by 7.7%,  
which is the best performance in over a decade.

Our international brands portfolio is comprised of a 
strong group of premium brands that complements 
Heineken® and taps into consumer appetite for 
diversity, new taste and brand experiences, and unique 
stories. These brands are Amstel, Desperados, Sol, 
Tiger, Tecate, Red Stripe, KruŠovice and Birra Moretti. 
They continue to be a strong driver of premium 
revenue growth with double digit growth outside 
their home markets.

Consumer trends and behaviours
Consumer tastes and preferences continue to 
evolve and shape our industry. The most noticeable 
change has originated from the popularity of craft 
beer, but more gradual changes have emerged from 
changing demographics and a growing awareness 
of health and wellbeing.

Craft and variety is an important category for  
us that complements the growing international 
premium beer segment. It has put beer at the centre 
of the conversation among a broader group of 
discerning consumers. Around the world, consumers 
are seeking more variety and our consumer-oriented 
approach has increased our understanding and 
accelerated the international growth of our craft and 
variety range. This is led by iconic international craft 
brands such as Affligem, Mort Subite and Lagunitas, 
and supported by craft line extensions such as Brand 
IPA in the Netherlands, and Birra Moretti Regionale 

in Italy, strong local craft brands such as Beavertown 
in the UK and La Cibeles in Spain. 

Our global brand –  
Heineken®

Our international  
brands portfolio

The relatively recent trend towards health and wellness 
in the developed world is driving growth in low- and 
no-alcohol drinks. Consumers are demanding more 
variety and we continue to innovate with low- and 
no-alcohol beers, Radlers, dark and clear malts and 
malt-based energy drinks. Volumes in our low- and no-
alcohol portfolio increased mid-single digit, delivering 
13.1 million hectolitres in 2018 (2017: 12.5 million 
hectolitres). In Europe, volumes grew high single digit.

Continue to shape the cider category
The trend towards variety in flavours and tastes 
means cider is the fastest growing category in alcohol. 
Albeit still small in size, we are shaping the category 
in many markets where modern cider is new, such as 
in Spain, Vietnam and Mexico. We are strengthening 
our position in more developed cider markets 
such as South Africa and Ireland with our global 
brands Strongbow and Orchard Thieves. Active in 
over 40 markets, our consolidated cider volume 
increased double digit, including the UK, to reach 
5.6 million hectolitres (2017: 4.9 million hectolitres), 
with more than 2 million hectolitres outside the UK.

E-commerce and digital marketing
E-commerce and innovation are important for 
us. As new developments affect the shape of the 
beer industry’s route to market, being close to 
the consumer and to customers is critical. We are 
creating new opportunities through our B2C and 
B2B e-commerce platforms (see page 15) and other 
digital commerce initiatives.

Our low- and no-  
alcohol brands

Our international craft and  
variety brands

Our global  
cider portfolio

Our e-commerce and  
digital marketing

Further information about our brands at: 
theHEINEKENcompany.com/Brands

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board
Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board
Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Sustainability Review
Sustainability Review

Other Information
Other Information

1010

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – Global brand

Heineken® 
The world’s most international 
beer brand

In 2018, Heineken® posted an exceptional 7.7% volume growth. This is our  
best performance in over a decade, driven by our operating companies around  
the world – from the smallest to the largest. 

Heineken® global  
sponsorships
Heineken® expanded its portfolio 
of world-class sponsorships, 
adding electric street racing 
series, Formula E, to a list that 
already includes UEFA Champions 
League, Formula One™, Rugby 
World Cup and James Bond. 

Heineken® packaging design
We redesigned the iconic Heineken® 
packaging to dial up our brewing 
credentials and on-shelf visibility.

New Heineken® 
communication strategy
We evolved our marketing strategy, 
aiming to be more relevant to the 
millennial generation. We want 
to provide a fresh point of view 
through inspirational, light-hearted 
and universal messaging that will 
encourage consumers to enjoy life 
to its fullest.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board
Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board
Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Sustainability Review
Sustainability Review

Other Information
Other Information

1111

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – International brands

Amstel 
Growing regional beers into  
celebrated international brands

Amstel is The World’s Local Beer. As our second most international beer 
brand after Heineken®, available in over 110 markets, Amstel has reached 
a volume of over 12.5 million hectolitres per year. In 2018, Amstel grew 
double digit in Brazil, Russia and the UK.

Amstel Ultra in Mexico 
In July 2018, Amstel Ultra was 
successfully launched in Mexico 
with a focus on the Northern 
region. The proposition caters 
to those who want to maintain 
an active lifestyle and still enjoy 
a great tasting beer (85 calories 
and 2.4g of carbs).

Amstel sponsorships:  
UEL and Copa Libertadores
Amstel is the sponsor of the UEFA 
Europa League and the Conmebol 
Libertadores Bridgestone Cup in Latin 
America, growing Amstel successfully 
in Brazil.

Our international 
brands portfolio
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.

Amstel lands in Asia!
We launched Amstel as an accessible 
premium brand in India and Vietnam, 
leveraging Amstel’s international 
stature and brewing credentials.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board
Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board
Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Sustainability Review
Sustainability Review

Other Information
Other Information

1212

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – Low- and no-alcohol

Heineken® 0.0 
Championing changing lifestyles 
and consumption habits with 
a brand that doesn’t compromise

The growth of the low- and no-alcohol segment is expected to continue  
and our ambition is to be the leader in this space. We aim to do so by being 
at the forefront of taste innovation and leveraging the cultural shift towards 
a healthy, balanced lifestyle. 

Consumer demand for 
variety and choice 
To meet growing consumer 
demand, we innovated within the 
low- and no-alcohol category to 
offer our customers an expanding 
variety of brands and choices. 
Heineken® 0.0 is now available 
in 38 markets around the world. 
We discovered that the market for 
great tasting alcohol-free beer is 
very strong, and further expansion 
of Heineken® 0.0 is planned for 2019 
and beyond.

When You Drive, Never Drink 
Heineken® 0.0 plays an important 
role in our ‘When You Drive, Never 
Drink’ campaign, and our sponsorship 
of Formula 1™ provides a unique 
platform for sharing our responsible 
consumption message.

Innovatively growing  
our low- and no-alcohol 
portfolio
Our low- and no-alcohol category 
is benefiting from consumer trends 
towards alcohol moderation and 
natural, health-conscious lifestyles. 
Our distinct portfolio in this category 
is growing, ranging from non-alcoholic 
beers and radlers to malt beers, with 
an innovative focus on malt-based 
energy beverages. We now offer 
approximately 325 low- and no-
alcohol products across 125 brands.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board
Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board
Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements
Financial Statements

Sustainability Review
Sustainability Review

Other Information
Other Information

1313

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – Craft and variety

Lagunitas 
Meeting consumers’ growing 
preference for choice and taste 
variety in beer

Lagunitas was founded in California in 1993 by beer-lovers with a vision to spread their 
enthusiasm for craft beer. We have accelerated our international roll-out of Lagunitas, 
doubling its international volume. Lagunitas IPA is now available in over 25 markets.

Our international craft 
and variety brands
Consumers around the world 
are seeking more choice 
and taste variety, and it is 
important we have the right 
brands available:

Lagunitas TapRoom goes international
Lagunitas’ first ever TapRoom outside of the US opened in Amsterdam, 
called TapKabinet. In the TapRoom, consumers step out of the daily 
hustle and bustle and into Lagunitas’ fuss-free, friendly routine to 
experience great Lagunitas beer.

Lagunitas Beer Circus
The Lagunitas Beer Circus 
is the ultimate Lagunitas 
celebration of beer and the 
freedom to be yourself! It is 
an immersive beer festival full 
of circus performances and 
the hottest live music in town. 
The Lagunitas Beer Circus 
travelled to London in August 
2018 to a sell-out crowd.

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1414

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – Cider

Orchard Thieves 
Revitalising the cider market with 
new brands that speak locally

HEINEKEN is the word’s biggest cider producer, answering the demand 
of a growing number of consumers who are discovering the appeal of cider. 
Not only are we leading the way, we are shaping the cider category with the 
expansion of our global and local brands.

Consumer appeal of cider
Tapping into many of the macro 
consumer trends that drive 
consumption, such as varied taste 
preferences and wide demographic 
appeal, cider will continue to grow. 
Cider is perceived as a natural, light, 
and refreshing alternative to other 
drinks categories. It appeals to 
20% of alcohol consumers globally 
who do not like beer – making it 
well placed to source volume from 
ready-to-drink beverages, wine 
and spirits.

Our global cider portfolio
A complementary portfolio of  
cider brands including: 

Strongbow Apple Cider

Orchard Thieves Cider

Stassen

Bulmers

Old Mout

A Strongbow future
Strongbow Apple Cider is outperforming 
in solid markets such as South Africa 
and in new markets like Vietnam 
and Mexico. With new innovations 
like Rosé Apple, new packaging and 
impactful marketing campaigns, the 
future of Strongbow looks bright.

Conquering the world
Orchard Thieves was born in New 
Zealand, grew up in Ireland, and is quickly 
conquering the world. It is our ‘glocal’ 
brand, available in 21 markets. With 70% 
year-on-year growth, the brand is thieving 
sales and share wherever it goes.

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1515

Our business priorities (continued)
Deliver top line growth – E-commerce and digital marketing

E-commerce and 
digital marketing 
To win, it is vital we get close 
to customers and consumers

As digital innovation reshapes the beer industry’s route to market,  
being close to the consumer is paramount. The marketing mix must 
include digital, but attention can be lost with the swipe of a thumb; 
engaging and creative content is essential. Our B2B and B2C e-commerce 
platforms allow us to get close to consumers and customers.

THE SUB®
The HEINEKEN SUB® is sold 
online and marries leading 
industrial design with our 
premium and craft beers in 
Europe and the US, enabling 
consumers to dispense the 
perfect draught pint in their 
home. It is driving growth 
in the at-home market in all 
four of our regions, helping 
to build direct relationships 
with consumers.

Heineken® digital marketing
Our Heineken® brand sponsorships of the UEFA Champions League and  
Formula 1™ provide the opportunity to connect directly with our consumers with 
specific digital assets before, during and after major sport events. This way we get 
closer to consumers. This digital marketing combines the offline and online world  
to mutually reinforce the strength of our leading brand. 

Beerwulf
Beerwulf is one of our 
e-commerce platforms and 
the largest online specialty 
and craft beer webshop in 
the Netherlands. Rolled out 
in Belgium, the UK, France 
and Germany, it is creating 
opportunities to reach new 
consumers and increase loyalty. 

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Our business priorities (continued)
Drive end2end performance

HEINEKEN is leveraging the global scale of its operations 
to deliver increased efficiencies across the business.

Consumers and customers in focus
End2end means embracing a consumer  
mindset across the entire value chain to quickly  
and flexibly adapt to their changing needs while 
striving for operational excellence. Exploring  
digital opportunities will form a key element.

Leveraging our global scale
In 2018, we continued to innovate to tap into 
consumer needs. By growing capabilities across our 
worldwide operating companies, we increased our 
speed to market. For instance, 18 of our brands are 
now available in the Blade, our countertop draught 
system designed for retail without full fledged 
draught equipment. We also accelerated the 
availability of Heineken® 0.0 in new markets.

Our Worldwide Centres of Excellence involve 
approximately 500 experts who support best-in-
class standards by sharing knowledge, best practice 
and innovation. We simplified our continuous 
improvement process management (TPM),  
bringing it more in line with our business needs,  
and prioritised customer service excellence with 
Global Commerce and our operating companies.

Investments to fuel growth
End2end supports our organic growth by optimising 
our brewery footprint. We are deploying new 
technologies to increase capacity and integrate 
newly acquired companies. In 2018, we continued 
to invest in developing markets. In Mozambique, 
we broke our construction record by building a new 
brewery within one year. 

We used digital applications to pioneer real time 
performance management and to focus on 
energy saving. We extended our Kilinto brewery 
in Ethiopia and increased capacity to three 
million hectolitres in Cambodia. In Mexico, we 
completed our new Meoqui brewery and adopted 
circular economy principles to meet the latest 
sustainability requirements.

We continued to build strategic partnerships with 
our customers. A focus on our local supplier base  
is helping us develop local networks by identifying 
and differentiating the right service providers.

We made further progress on our BASE programme. 
Standardising core business processes in Finance, 
Procurement, Production, Logistics and Sales, 
supported by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 
systems, is making HEINEKEN more agile and 
efficient. The first eight operations (including a 
greenfield site) went live in 2018 without business 
interruption and we plan to have deployed BASE  
in Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe 
and the Caribbean by 2020.

Driving end2end transactional services 
As part of our SHARPER Transformation programme, 
we saw an improvement in our performance and 
productivity of our finance processes in 2018. 

Through our end2end approach, we have improved 
collaboration and internal processes between 
operating companies, HEINEKEN Global Shared 
Services and Global Functions. This has also resulted 
in better cooperation with customers and suppliers.

Delivering our business priorities

Environmental sustainability has been 
central to the design of our new brewery 
in Meoqui, Mexico 
In February 2018, we opened our new brewery in Meoqui, 
Chihuahua, which is HEINEKEN’s seventh in Mexico. 
It has a production capacity of 6 million hectolitres per 
year and produces leading brands such as Tecate, Dos 
Equis and Heineken® for the Mexican market as well as 
for export markets. With a US$500 million investment, 
the new brewery is the largest greenfield project in 
HEINEKEN’s history. 

The Meoqui brewery operates following circular 
economy principles. It uses 100% renewable electricity; 
the windows contain photovoltaic cells that create 
approximately 12% of the electricity for the site and the 
remainder comes from wind power. The brewery has 
a wastewater treatment plant, which allows the use of 
biogas in boilers and reuses treated water for the cleaning 
of shared facilities and the irrigation of green spaces. 
The Meoqui brewery is HEINEKEN’s most water efficient 
brewery globally and is aiming to use just two litres of 
water for every litre of beer produced by 2020.

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1717

Our business priorities (continued)
Brew a Better World

Doing business around the world comes with a responsibility  
that reaches beyond running an efficient and profitable business. 
That is why we have made sustainable development part of  
our overall business strategy and why we want to contribute  
to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To develop successful brands that people trust,  
we aim to make a positive contribution to the 
environment, local communities and wider society. 
In 2018, we made steady progress towards reaching 
our 2020 Brewing a Better World targets. We also 
began to look beyond 2020 and started shaping  
our sustainable development strategy for 2030.

Drop the C
We launched our Drop the C programme in 2018  
with the aim of reducing our CO2 emissions by 80%* 
and using 70% of renewable energy in production 
by 2030. We have started a number of projects to 
drive us towards these targets looking into biomass 
and biogas, wind and solar energy. Meanwhile, we 
are ahead of our 2020 carbon reduction targets in 
production and cooling. Emissions in distribution 
also continue to decrease, although we need to do 
more to achieve our 2020 ambition.

Every Drop
In 2018, we continued to decrease our water 
consumption and reached our 2020 target. By the 
end of the year, 96% of wastewater was treated and 
we expanded our water balancing initiatives. Now, 
we are raising our ambition; in 2019, we will launch 
our new water strategy, Every Drop, and increase 
efforts towards supporting watershed health in the 
areas where we operate, particularly those which are 
water-stressed.

Advocating responsible consumption
Making moderation cool is core to our strategy. 
We use our marketing power, sponsorships and 
partnerships to address consumers directly and  

*Baseline 2008

we conduct behavioural research on drink driving  
to develop effective messages and campaigns. 

We believe that consumers should have access to 
ingredient and nutrition information for our products. 
Ahead of industry and regulation, we made this 
information available for 95% of our beers and ciders 
worldwide in 2018. Our expanding offer of over 325 
low- and no-alcohol products across 125 brands 
allows consumers to make right choices when they 
should not, or do not want to, drink alcohol.

Safety
Safety is a top priority for us. Our accident frequency 
rate has decreased since 2015 but we have more 
to do while serious accidents and fatalities still 
happen. We proactively identify safety risks across 
our business and develop actions to address them. 
We also understand that providing a safe working 
environment goes beyond implementing tools and 
programmes. Adopting the right safety behaviours 
among employees and contractors is an equally 
important part of our work in this area. 

Human rights
In 2018, we revised our global Human Rights Policy 
and researched the challenges and salient risks our 
business faces. As a result, we have set clear guiding 
principles for our employees and suppliers and we 
are taking action to address the risks. Respecting and 
protecting the human rights of everyone who directly 
or indirectly works for HEINEKEN requires ongoing 
attention and we will continue to work with external 
experts, such as Shift, to monitor our progress.

For more on our Brewing a Better World commitments and 
performance, please turn to the Sustainability Review on page 119. 
More in-depth information can be found in the sustainability section 
of our Company website.

Brewing a Better World in action

Supporting local sourcing 
37% of agricultural raw materials used in Africa and the 
Middle East were sourced within the region in 2018. 
This was below our expectations and we continue to face 
challenges sourcing the local ingredients in the format our 
breweries need. Our local sourcing initiatives continued 
to support thousands of smallholder farmers to increase 
productivity, improve food security and to sell their surplus 
production in local markets. We remain fully committed to 
developing sustainable agricultural value chains in Africa 
(see more on page 132).

Restoration of wetland lagoons
Water balancing in Spain continues with the restoration 
of four lagoons and surrounding ecosystems in the 
Doñana wetlands, the largest biodiversity area of Europe 
and an important resting place for migrating birds and 
other animals. According to a study by the University of 
Granada, the project will return more than 1 million m3 
water to the environment.

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1818

Our business priorities (continued)
Brew a Better World – Drop the C

Drop the C

In 2018, we reached our 2020 carbon emissions target for production ahead 
of time, reducing relative emissions1 by 47%. However, climate change remains 
one of the most critical issues facing society and greenhouse gas emissions  
are still on the rise. 

We feel strongly that we must all take responsibility for our share in the effort 
to cut greenhouse gas emissions and commitments set by the COP 21 Paris 
Agreement. Through our Drop the C programme, we aim to reduce emissions 
across our entire value chain. In 2018, we set ambitious targets for production 
(see inset). We are now turning our attention to logistics, packaging and cooling. 

These are challenging areas because a lot of our emissions come indirectly 
through our suppliers’ and sub-contractors’ activities. By working together,  
with a clear shared goal in mind, we can go further than by working alone.  
It is through cooperation and partnerships that we will continue to reduce  
our carbon emissions, from Barley to Bar.

HEINEKEN’s 2017 carbon footprint
In 2018, we reassessed* our carbon footprint, last published in 2015.  
It shows our carbon emissions across the whole value chain. 

The new figures show an increase in our carbon footprint from  
64.1kg CO2-e per hl in 2014 to 68.1kg CO2-e per hl2. This is due to changes  
in calculation methodologies3 and our use of direct data to calculate  
Scope 3 emissions. 

Most importantly, it shows a decrease in emissions in the areas where we  
have reduction policies in place: production (-15%), logistics (-22%) and cooling 
(-13%). This proves that, when we consistently implement targeted programmes, 
we achieve meaningful results.

20%

17%

9%

15.4m
 tonnes C02  **
68.1 kg
C02/hl

36%

7%

11%

Agriculture
Malting and adjuncts
Beverage production
Packaging materials
Logistics
Cooling

  * Based on 2017 data.
** Extrapolated to 100% of companies. 12.9t CO2 for 84% of companies in scope.

Drop the C – 70% Renewable 
Energy in production by 2030
In February 2018, we committed to 
reducing our CO2 emissions in production 
by 80% vs 2008. Through our global 
Renewable Energy programme, we will 
increase the share of electric and thermal 
renewable energy in production to 70% 
by 2030. Teams around the world have 
been working to develop projects that will 
deliver our ambition. Many projects have 
been identified – from using biogas from 
wastewater treatment plants in Nigeria 
to generating energy from biomass in 
Indonesia. The first projects started in 2018.

Other footnotes for sustainable development focus areas are presented on page 154.

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1919

Our business priorities (continued)
Engage and develop our people

In a world that is changing rapidly, our people and our culture 
remain our two most critical differentiators. How we engage and 
develop our people will enable us to achieve our ambition of being 
a proud and independent global brewer, committed to long-term 
value creation.

People are at the heart of our Company. 
Their engagement, capability and diversity drives 
our continued performance and success. We are 
progressing on the four key elements of our people 
agenda across all our regions, operating companies 
and functions. These are: 

Last year, 88 of our leaders from across the world 
attended the two week on-campus programme 
exploring our key strategic and leadership 
challenges. Executive Team members continue 
to play an active part in the delivery of this 
important programme.

Develop great business driven leaders

Grow our talent pipeline at all levels

Build critical capabilities and strengthen 
functional excellence

Leverage diversity and our culture

Develop great business driven leaders
The demands placed on our leaders are evolving 
because times are changing. How we continue to 
develop leaders for the future remains a priority 
for our business and our culture. Our Leadership 
Expectations, which simply explain what it takes 
to lead HEINEKEN into the future, have now been 
deployed to all our people leaders globally and are 
embedded in our key people processes. Over 3,000 
leaders have completed 360° feedback against this 
framework. Leadership development is supported 
by the deployment of our General Manager and 
Management Team member Profiles of Success 
to better shape capability development and 
succession planning for these key roles.

We continued to work with INSEAD Business  
School on our flagship development programme  
for senior high potential leaders. 

We are working on the design of our next senior 
leadership campus which will focus on the demands 
of an increasingly complex and fast changing 
world, including our response to digital disruption, 
engaging a multi-generational workforce and 
changing societal expectations.

Grow our talent pipeline at all levels
We are making good progress in developing our 
talent pipeline. The number of top talents increases 
each year throughout the organisation and among 
the Senior Manager population as a result of 
improved calibration and potential identification.

We pay special attention to building talent and 
leadership capability in emerging market regions 
like Asia and Africa. For example, in our Africa region 
we conducted a Talent Management Maturity 
Assessment across all of our operating companies to 
help identify and drive the right talent management 
approach for their business in a disciplined way, 
with supporting action plans in place.

Finally, we continue to evolve our approach to 
attract great external talent through our refreshed 
external employer brand campaign, Go Places! 

Delivering our business priorities

Female role models in HEINEKEN Supply Chain

Women Like Us is a monthly global webcast aimed  
at inspiring listeners by showcasing the personal stories 
of female role models across HEINEKEN’s supply chain 
organisation. Together with our other initiatives on 
inclusion and diversity, these events have been very 
well received by our female leaders – 95% of those who 
attended recommend the webcasts to other colleagues.

As one of our leaders commented: 

“It is good to know about the experience of other  
women in HEINEKEN’s Supply Chain department;  
it helps us to believe in ourselves and see that we can  
also do it”. 

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2020

Our business priorities (continued)
Engage and develop our people (continued)

Delivering our business priorities

ACCELERATE
ACCELERATE is HEINEKEN’s new global leadership 
development programme, rolled out across all regions.  
It is designed to equip high-potential leaders with the skills 
and insights they need to shape and drive the future of 
our business in a fast changing, complex and increasingly 
competitive world. Over a nine-month learning period, 
participants experience a range of delivery methods 
including: a kick-off by the Regional President; experiential 
digital activities; a three day, face-to-face programme; 
a work-based stretch assignment; peer challenge; and 
personal one-to-one professional coaching support. 

Build critical capabilities and 
strengthen functional excellence
We continue to operate in a very competitive 
and fast moving environment where developing 
key strategic capabilities and driving functional 
excellence in a disciplined way is becoming part 
of how we do business. Operating companies and 
functions have defined their critical capabilities  
to win as part of their People Plans and significant 
investment is underway. We continue to focus  
our efforts on digital, end-to-end management  
in supply chain and revenue management.

At the same time, we maintain our focus on 
developing strong functional excellence and  
getting the basics right across all our disciplines.

Leverage diversity and our culture
We understand the importance of having a diverse 
workforce as a key driver of innovation, creativity 
and business performance. Starting with inclusion 
as the key to unlocking our diverse workforce will 
ensure we create an environment that appreciates 
and values the different contributions a diverse 
workforce can bring. 

To this end, we have deployed inclusive leadership 
workshops to our top leaders, we are building 
an ambassador community to support our local 
markets with their Inclusion & Diversity action 
plans, and we will continue to address our plans 
to increase the number of women in senior 
leadership positions. Finally, we have incorporated 
an inclusion index as part of our annual climate 
and engagement survey, which is a key barometer 
for how we are doing across our culture. For 2018, 
our employee engagement scores continue to rank 
us in the top quartile of companies against the 
external benchmark.

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Regional Review
Our balanced geographical 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
Consolidated beer volume
41.7mhl

Further information: 
Page 22

Asia Pacific
Consolidated beer volume
29.0mhl

Further information: 
Page 24

Americas
Consolidated beer volume
83.3mhl

Further information: 
Page 23

Europe
Consolidated beer volume
79.8mhl

Further information: 
Page 25

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Regional Review (continued)
Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

Our volume growth was positive, despite a continued 
challenging trading environment across the region. 
Growth was particularly strong in Russia, South Africa 
and Ethiopia.

Key brands: Heineken®, Primus, Amstel, Walia, Soweto

In 2018, macro economic challenges continued in 
the region, albeit more stable compared to last year. 
However, increased inflation and currency pressure 
weighed on performance, particularly in Nigeria. 
In Egypt, we saw a return to volume growth driven 
by a relatively stable macro-economic environment 
and increased tourism. 

Heineken® performed well in Africa, Middle East and 
Eastern Europe, in particular in South Africa, Nigeria 
and Russia. Our business in South Africa delivered 
strong growth for Heineken®, as the brand leads the 
premium segment and provides consumers with 
refreshing moments. In Rwanda, we started the 
local production of Heineken® in our brewery.

Heineken® continues to see strong growth in Russia, 
which is also one of our largest markets globally for 
Heineken® 0.0.

In Nigeria, our business embarked on a 
transformation exercise and a review of its operations, 
with emphasis on improving our route-to-market, 
streamlining the portfolio of brands, cutting costs 
and building an agile organisation that can more 
effectively respond to changing market dynamics. 

In Ethiopia, our Walia brand continued to 
perform, delivering double digit volume growth. 
We successfully completed the extension of our 
Kilinto brewery, adding additional capacity.

In South Africa, our Strongbow cider brand showed 
continued momentum and performed very well, 
out-pacing our expectations and growing the overall 
cider category with the Red Berry flavour variant. 

Our cider brands benefited from new local 
production capacity, greatly improving the 
profitability of the category. Our South African 
Soweto brand saw strong performance as it 
resonates well with local consumers. 

In Russia, both Affligem and Krušovice performed 
very well. We successfully launched our local Russian 
version of Orchard Thieves. In the third quarter 
of 2018, we announced a long-term partnership 
agreement with Molson Coors for the distribution 
of Miller Genuine Draft and Staropramen in 
Russia. The deal gives us the exclusive rights for the 
manufacture, sales and distribution of Miller Genuine 
Draft and Staropramen from January 2019.

Our balanced portfolio of premium, mainstream  
and economy brands is a key part of our success  
in the region. We continued to invest in our existing 
brands and in product innovation. We increased 
our footprint in Africa and completed our brewery 
in Mozambique.

Our low- and no-alcohol category continues to 
perform well in the region with our established 
malt based beers, but also our innovations such as 
Star Radler in Nigeria, Walia Radler and Sofi Buna, 
a coffee-flavoured malt beer in Ethiopia.

41.7mhl (2017: 40.1mhl)

Consolidated beer volume

17.8% (2017: 18.4%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total

6.5mhl (2017: 5.2mhl)

Heineken® volume

€3,051m (2017: €3,028m)

Net revenue (beia)

€411m (2017: €388m)

Operating profit (beia)

10.3% (2017: 9.9%)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total

Extending our  
footprint with a  
brewery in Mozambique
Our Mozambique greenfield 
brewery has been completed,  
enabling us to offer consumers 
locally brewed beers made by 
Mozambicans for Mozambicans.

Providing solar powered 
lighting to local communities 
in Rwanda
Bralirwa, our business in Rwanda, 
invested in and collaborated with the 
Ministry of Local Governance and 
Rwanda Energy Group to provide 
solar energy to 283 families living 
near the Bramin farm, where Bralirwa 
grows the agricultural raw materials it 
needs to produce its products.

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Regional Review (continued)
Americas

We delivered strong revenue and profit growth in the Americas, 
driven by our focus on top line growth, maintained cost initiatives 
and Excellent Outlet Execution. The Heineken® brand performed 
particularly well, most notably in Brazil and Mexico, more than 
offsetting the decline in the US.

Key brands: Heineken®, Tecate Light, Lagunitas, Schin, Red Stripe

Brazil, Mexico and Haiti delivered strong results. 
The region successfully expanded volumes, revenue 
and profit in 2018.

In Mexico, we continued to deliver robust volume 
growth with excellent growth from Tecate and  
Dos Equis, and double digit growth of Heineken®.

Our acquisition of Brasil Kirin in 2017 broadened 
our reach across Brazil and the performance of 
our extended premium beer portfolio – led by 
Heineken® and including Sol, Eisenbahn and Baden 
Baden – grew strongly. Our mainstream brands, 
Amstel and Devassa, also continued to deliver 
strong double digit growth. The ongoing arbitration 
between Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil S.A. and the 
Coke Distribution System in Brazil is still pending. 

The US beer market continued to be challenging 
and declined in 2018, weighing on our portfolio 
of brands. We launched an integrated US-led 
Heineken® marketing campaign in the summer  
of 2018 with a series of television commercials, 
digital spots and outdoor branding. In addition,  
new US campaigns have been activated for  
our Tecate and Dos Equis brands. Despite this,  
our volumes declined in 2018.

Lagunitas continues to gain share in the  
competitive US craft segment. Outside the US, 
Lagunitas continues to grow double digit, with 
local production outside the US for the first time. 
The brand is now sold in over 25 markets,  
with more planned for 2019.

In May 2018, we acquired a minority stake in  
Belize Brewing Company Ltd., Belize’s market  
leader in beer. It has been an importer and 
distributor of HEINEKEN brands in Belize (including 
Heineken®, Amstel and Red Stripe) since 2016. 

In February 2018, we officially opened our 
new brewery in Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico. 
The brewery, our seventh in Mexico, has a 
production capacity of 6 million hectolitres per  
year and produces brands such as Tecate, Dos Equis 
and Heineken® for the Mexican market as well  
as for export markets. The Meoqui brewery is the 
largest greenfield project in HEINEKEN’s history. 
It has been constructed following circular economy 
principles, focusing on renewable energy and 
efficient water usage (see page 16).

83.3mhl (2017: 72.1mhl)

Consolidated beer volume

35.6% (2017: 33.1%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total

11.5mhl (2017: 10.7mhl)

Heineken® volume

€6,781m (2017: €6,312m)

€1,178m (2017: €1,188m)

29.6% (2017: 30.4%)

Net revenue (beia)

Operating profit (beia)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total

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

“Con el alcohol…  
No Te Pases” responsible 
alcohol consumption 
campaign in Mexico
We launched a new campaign about 
intelligent alcohol consumption. 
The goal of this campaign is to create 
awareness about responsible alcohol 
consumption, whenever alcohol 
is being consumed or purchased. 
The campaign will be communicated 
during music festivals, sport events 
and on digital media platforms. 
The American actor, Danny Trejo,  
is our ambassador who will bring  
the campaign messages to life  
and promote moderate drinking.

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2424

Regional Review (continued)
Asia Pacific

In 2018, we signed an agreement with the largest 
brewer in China to accelerate Heineken® brand volumes. 
The Tiger brand – born in Singapore – is now firmly 
established as the No.1 Premium Asian Beer.

29.0mhl (2017: 27.0mhl)

Consolidated beer volume

12.4% (2017: 12.4%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total

6.2mhl (2017: 6.3mhl)

Heineken® volume

€2,919m (2017: €2,922m)

€943m (2017: €962m)

23.7% (2017: 24.6%)

Net revenue (beia)

Operating profit (beia)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total

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

This year, our volume growth performance in the 
Asia Pacific region was led by Vietnam, Cambodia, 
Myanmar and Indonesia. In Vietnam, the double 
digit growth of Tiger and Larue was driven by our 
execution and distribution expansion strategy 
to secondary cities and rural areas. In Indonesia, 
the iconic Bintang brand grew steadily while the 
no-alcohol portfolio volume increased double 
digit. In Cambodia, beer volume grew double digit 
for the full year led by Heineken® and Tiger which 
continued to grow strong double digit.

During the year we announced an agreement  
with China Resources Enterprise, limited (CRE) 
and China Resources Beer (CR Beer) to join forces 
in China. Our long-term strategic partnership 
will significantly expand the availability of the 
Heineken® brand, and will strengthen CR Beer’s 
offering in the rapidly growing premium beer 
segment in China. 

In Vietnam, we announced our plan to integrate 
our two operations – HEINEKEN Vietnam Brewery 
and HEINEKEN Hanoi – into one combined 
HEINEKEN Vietnam company. By integrating the 
two operations, we will be better placed to serve 
the total Vietnamese market with a full portfolio 
of brands and an established distribution network. 
We also extended the capacity of four of our 
breweries and started the new brewery build in 
Vung Tau. We were recognised for the second 
year running as the most sustainable business 
in Vietnam. 

We invested for future growth in Cambodia by 
adding a new canning line and started the next 
extension to our brewery.

In New Caledonia, we completed the acquisition  
of a local water business to add to our beer and  
soft drinks portfolio. 

The decline of Heineken® in Asia Pacific slowed 
thanks to a return to growth in China, the successful 
introduction of Blade for Heineken® in South Korea 
and Taiwan and the launch of Heineken® 0.0  
in New Zealand, Singapore, New Caledonia 
and Tahiti.

Tiger’s double digit growth continued, with the 
brand selling more than 13 million hectolitres of 
beer in 2018, supported by the Tiger Crystal launch 
in the Philippines and New Zealand.

Our first global talent showcase, Tiger Roar event  
in Seoul, kicked off the Tiger Roar Collective –  
an incubator and community for every type of 
emerging artist with different passion points. 

We successfully launched Amstel in India and 
Vietnam to strengthen our local offering. 

We continue to prioritise the development of local 
talent from Asia as we recruit a wide base of Asia 
Pacific graduates across our markets and functions 
to build the talent pipeline for our future success. 

HEINEKEN and China 
Resources to join forces
In November 2018, we signed 
definitive agreements with China 
Resources Enterprise, Limited 
(CRE) and China Resources Beer 
(Holdings) Co. Ltd. (CR Beer) to create 
a long-term strategic partnership 
for Mainland China, Hong Kong 
and Macau. In the context of this 
partnership, HEINEKEN will become 
CRE’s 40% minority partner in holding 
company CRH (Beer) Limited (CBL), 
which controls CR Beer, the market 
leader in China – the world’s largest 
beer market.

We believe that our strong Heineken® 
brand and marketing capabilities, 
combined with CR Beer’s deep 
understanding of the local market, 
its scale and best-in-class distribution 
network, will create a winning 
combination in the growing premium 
beer segment in China. We look 
forward to growing together and 
leveraging HEINEKEN’s global reach 
to help accelerate the international 
development of CR Beer’s Chinese 
beer brands worldwide. Completion of 
the strategic partnership is subject to 
customary and applicable (including 
regulatory) approvals. 

Read more about the strategic 
rationale of this partnership on 
our website. 

Community Waste Bank programme in Indonesia
In an effort to tackle one of the 
country’s most pressing issues –  
river pollution, mainly from domestic 
waste – our Multi Bintang Indonesia 
business launched the Community 
Waste Bank programme, which 
rewards community groups for 
reducing,  reusing and recycling waste. 

By July 2018, the units sorted  
and reduced 184 tonnes of waste,  
of which 30% was plastic.

Two tributaries have shown significant 
improvement and the programme has 
benefited around 3,000 households.

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2525

Regional Review (continued)
Europe

The region delivered another positive year. Our focus on 
operational excellence, premium and innovation enabled  
us to offset headwinds and increase strategic investments. 
This translated into revenue and profit growth.

Key brands: Heineken®, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, Desperados, Strongbow Apple Cider

Our focus on premium and innovation continued  
to pay off in the region.

Heineken® grew ahead of the market while we 
continued the successful roll-out of Heineken® 0.0 
across Europe.

Beer volumes across Europe grew moderately,  
with key markets including France, the Netherlands, 
Italy, Germany and Ireland delivering particularly 
strong performances. Our strategy of focusing on 
premiumisation and innovation, together with 
continuous cost management, helped to offset the 
transport cost increases in France and the negative 
financial impact of the CO2 shortage in the UK 
during the summer of 2018.

In 2018, the weather was unusually good in 
Northern and Eastern Europe and unusually mild  
in Southern Europe, boosting seasonal sales in  
some markets and negatively affecting others.

Our diverse local footprint combined with our  
global scale provides unique opportunities to  
meet fast changing consumer preferences.

Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia led the development 
of the premium segment through Heineken® 
and Lasko, while volumes of Krušovice saw strong 
growth in Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Birra Moretti continued to go from strength to 
strength in Italy and successfully travelled to the 
UK, where it continues to deliver very strong double 
digit growth. 

After the integration of Punch Taverns in the UK, 
our Star Pubs & Bars business is a key foundation 
of our business strategy in UK, providing unique 
consumer touchpoints.

Strongbow Dark Fruit gained strong momentum in 
the UK, while Orchard Thieves has been successfully 
introduced in 16 European markets. Our strategy of 
developing the cider category outside its traditional 
home markets is developing well, in particular in 
Spain where cider is becoming popular. 

Our focus on the craft and variety category gained 
momentum in 2018, with Lagunitas growing in 
the Netherlands, France and the UK while line 
extensions of our brands such as Soproni, Żywiec 
and Ichnusa captured opportunities through local 
relevance. This strategy is being complemented 
by selective acquisitions in the craft and variety 
segment. In 2018, we acquired a minority stake 
in Beavertown, a London based craft brewery. 
In Spain, we acquired a 51% majority stake in 
Spanish craft brewer, La Cibeles.

The Blade, a countertop draught system with eight 
litre kegs, is now available in 12 European markets.

We increasingly provide our on-trade customers 
a greater service and experience through 
digitalisation. Our e-commerce platform, which we 
operate in a number of markets, meets customer 
needs 24/7 to check and order stock availability. 
Beerwulf.com expanded its direct-to-consumer 
e-commerce platform of craft and variety across 
five markets in Europe, offering craft and specialty 
beers to beer lovers.

79.8mhl (2017: 78.8mhl)

Consolidated beer volume

34.1% (2017: 36.1%)

Consolidated beer  
volume as % of total

14.5mhl (2017: 13.8mhl)

Heineken® volume

€10,348m (2017: €9,990m)

€1,451m (2017: €1,371m)

36.4% (2017: 35.1%)

Net revenue (beia)

Operating profit (beia)

Operating profit (beia) as % of total

Brand seasons and Brand IPA
Brand is a Dutch beer brewed in 
the Netherlands which is all about 
smell, colour and taste with a focus 
on two segments: seasonal beers 
and IPA. It targets consumers that 
want to discover a variety of tastes 
through our local craft line extensions 
with a well-established brand. 
We launched a successful campaign 
which encourages consumers ‘to 
taste’ the various Brand seasonal 
beers and limited editions such as 
Brand Herfstbier and Brand Premier 
Bock. In 2018, Brand also launched 
innovations including Brand Session 
IPA and Brand Weizen 0.0.

Olivo pilot project in Spain
In Spain, we grow and cultivate 
barley among olive trees in order to 
save water, minimise erosion and 
improve biodiversity. This agricultural 
innovation project demonstrates 
that diversification and intercropping 
allows the improvement of water 
infiltration. It is a research project 
which will take place over four years 
and three crop cycles, but the initial 
results are promising. Through this 
project, we are able to compensate 
our water intake, conserve the 
environment and boost the local 
economy by using the barley in 
our brewing process. We brewed 
‘Cruzcampo Bock Olivarera’ with 
barley from this project in our craft 
brewery in Málaga.

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2626

Risk Management

A business integrated approach to managing our risks – HEINEKEN manages  
the main opportunities and risks arising from its strategy and its daily operations.

Integrated approach
At HEINEKEN, risk management is an integral 
part of doing business and is supported by clear 
governance. Risks are an essential element when 
opportunities are assessed and strategies set. 
Management decisions are made in line with 
HEINEKEN’s risk appetite. Risks are identified, 
mitigated and monitored on an ongoing basis, 
as part of business routines. 

HEINEKEN has established risk management 
as the system of managing the risks that the 
Company inevitably faces in achieving its strategy. 
Through managing our risks in a conscious manner, 
we increase the likelihood that our strategy and 
business objectives are achieved. 

Our proactive approach ensures risk management is 
part of our executive conversations and is embedded 
in our processes. It benefits our decision-making and 
is essential to create and preserve long-term value.

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 
originating 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
HEINEKEN’s risk appetite is the result of its 
wide geographical spread, prudent financial 
management and commitment to long-term value 
creation. Risks are taken consciously, assessing their 
impact on HEINEKEN’s objectives. 

The level of risk HEINEKEN is willing to take depends 
on the type of objective it impacts.

Reputational
HEINEKEN invests in building and protecting the 
value of the Company.

We aim to reduce the risks that could impact our 
reputation to the furthest extent possible, accepting 
that this may come at a cost.

Financial
HEINEKEN is keen on pursuing commercial 
opportunities to deliver top line growth, accepting 
uncertainties linked to its strategic choices and the 
context of the individual markets in which it operates. 

Business continuity
HEINEKEN makes the availability of its brands a 
priority, accepting only minimal disruptions to its 
operations. In addition, HEINEKEN is continuously 
investing to make the organisation future-proof and 
ensure the sustainability of the business. 

HEINEKEN business framework
The HEINEKEN business framework articulates 
the key elements that the Company relies on to 
operate effectively and deliver long-term value 
creation while protecting the Company’s people, 
assets and reputation. 

HEINEKEN’s vision, purpose and values, ‘We are 
HEINEKEN’, underpin the Company’s strategic 
objectives, enabled by our organisational structure 
and Governance. 

Behaviours provide clear guidance to all 
employees on how to act and foster a culture 
of achievement, collaboration and growth, 
underpinned by the Behaviours framework 
that reflects the expected attitudes in decision-
making. Risk Management is an ongoing 
activity supporting achievement of our business 
objectives, based on our Risk Assessment Cycle, 
the HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct and the 
HEINEKEN Rules. 

As part of the Risk Assessment Cycle, operating 
companies and their Management Teams 
review and update their risks on a continuous 
basis throughout the year. The HEINEKEN Rules 
articulate how we work and the standards to 
which we commit. They are a key element for 
managing the risks faced by our Company and 
translate our objectives into clear instructions 
on how to conduct our daily business. Our Code 
of Business Conduct and its underlying policies 
set out HEINEKEN’s commitment to conducting 
business with fairness, integrity and respect for the 
law and our values.

HEINEKEN’s systems of risk management and 
internal control, which are based on the COSO 
Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control 
Reference model, form a fundamental part of the 
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

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2727

Risk Management (continued)

Internal control
HEINEKEN’s internal control activities aim to provide 
reasonable assurance as to the accuracy of financial 
information, non-financial disclosures, 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. Deviations from the defined standards 
are included in the global monitoring and follow-up 
processes, supporting management in addressing 
these deviations. Management is responsible for 
definition and timely implementation of action 
plans to remediate any deficiency identified as part 
of these assessments. The results are reported to 
the Executive Board. 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 assessment outcomes are aggregated at 
a global level and serve as basis for determining 
HEINEKEN’s risk exposure and risk management 
priorities by the Risk Committee. Accountability for 
mitigating, monitoring and reporting on the most 
significant risks is assigned to functional directors 
who report on progress and residual risk levels three 
times per year to the Risk Committee.

HEINEKEN continues to invest in the further 
improvement of risk management in the Company. 
Built on the basis of the existing risk and controls 
mechanisms, we have implemented several 
improvements. These are aimed at driving business 
ownership of risks, further increasing business 
involvement in risk management and expanding 
the integrated view of risks and controls.

Risk committee
The Executive Board of HEINEKEN is accountable for 
risk management, risk oversight and the protection 
of HEINEKENs reputation, value of assets and 
brands. The Board is assisted by the Risk Committee, 
chaired by the CFO, in regular reviews of the 
Group risk assessment cycle that summarises the 
Company’s key risks, associated mitigating actions 
and monitoring activities. These reviews consider the 
level of risk that Heineken is willing to take and the 
type of HEINEKEN’s objectives it impacts.

The Risk Committee identifies changes to the 
Company’s risk exposure and proposes interventions 
if required. 

Organisation
For the organisation of risk management activities, 
HEINEKEN applies a ‘three lines of defence’ 
model. First and most important is the quality and 
behaviour of operational management, the first line 
of defence. They have the ownership, responsibility 
and accountability for assessing and mitigating 
risks. Operational management is supported by 
the second line of defence functions that oversee 
compliance with HEINEKEN’s policies, processes 
and controls, facilitate the implementation of 
risk management practices and drive continuous 
improvements of internal controls. As third line of 
defence, the 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 process 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. 

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.

Processes
HEINEKEN’s risk management activities seek to 
identify and appropriately address any significant 
threat to the achievement of the Company’s 
strategy and business objectives, its reputation 
and the continuity of its operations. 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 part 
of HEINEKEN’s planning, performance and 
risk management cycles. Risk assessments are 
performed by every subsidiary and global function. 
The implementation of responses and progress 
of risk mitigating measures is monitored on a 
quarterly basis. 

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2828

Risk Management (continued)
Main risks

The following risk overview highlights the main 
risks that could hinder HEINEKEN in achieving its 
strategy and business objectives. We recognise that 
this is not a full overview of all risks and uncertainties 
that may affect the Company. As new risks emerge 
and existing immaterial risks evolve, timely discovery 
and accurate evaluation of risks are at the core of 
HEINEKEN’s risk management system.

The financial risks are reported separately in note 
11.5 to the Financial Statements on page 99. 
The Statement of the Executive Board is included 
in the Corporate Governance Statement 45.

The way we manage our Business Conduct and 
Human Rights risks are further detailed out in the 
Sustainability Review section of our annual report 
on pages 119-154.

Regulatory changes  
related to alcohol

Economic and  
political environment

Distribution  
channel transformation

What could happen
The topic of alcohol and health is 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 or the imposition of minimum unit pricing. 
These could lead to lower overall consumption 
or to consumers switching to different 
product categories.

Recent developments
Restrictive measures on alcohol consumption 
and sales continue to be taken by governments 
across all four regions. Continued focus by WHO, 
OECD, UN and the 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. We are 
expanding consumer choice by providing low- and 
no-alcohol brands.

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.

What could happen
In order to maintain position and profitability, 
our customers are consolidating, either through 
acquisition or through buying alliances. 
This concentrates increased buying power into 
fewer hands. Next to this, digital disruption is 
creating new routes to consumers, increasing 
the value and power of owning customer and 
consumer data.

Recent developments
Political risk has expanded beyond emerging 
markets to become a permanent element of the 
economic landscape. The changed US attitude 
towards international free trade and Brexit have 
created significant uncertainties. Agility has 
become a priority to enable businesses to navigate 
subsequent changes in laws, currency movements, 
import restrictions, scarcity of hard currencies, 
commodity pricing 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. We have monitoring mechanisms in place 
globally and locally, to allow us to monitor, report 
and engage proactively on political risks. For events 
which could threaten the continuity of the business, 
contingency plans are in place.

Recent developments
New buying alliances are being negotiated, and 
cross border acquisitions continue. The major on-line 
retailers are moving to an omni-channel strategy, 
owning on-and-offline retail. The race to bring voice 
assistants into every home is on. Electronic point of 
sales systems are increasingly used to collect and 
leverage customer and consumer data.

What are we doing to manage this risk
HEINEKEN will continue to invest strongly in building 
brands, and the importance of strong brands only 
increases in the face of retail disruption. We are also 
implementing a comprehensive set of commercial 
digital initiatives to strengthen our connection 
with consumers and customers, and ownership 
of key data. Lastly, we are investing in capabilities 
for servicing sophisticated and increasingly 
digital customers.

Explore Further: 
–  Advocating responsible consumption, pages 120, 134-137.

Explore Further: 
–  Deliver top line growth, pages 9-15.

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2929

Risk Management (continued)

Changing  
consumer preferences

Management  
capabilities

Industry  
consolidation

Health  
and Safety

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 in recent 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
HEINEKEN has further strengthened its commercial 
organisation, innovation programme and 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
By embedding the HEINEKEN Leadership 
Expectations in our people processes, we continue 
to grow leaders who are focused on developing 
the business, their teams and themselves and who 
are true role models. We pay special attention 
to how we build talent and leadership capability 
in emerging market regions like Asia and Africa 
alongside further evolving our approach to 
attracting great external talent through our 
refreshed employer brand campaign, Go Places!

What we are doing to manage this risk
The development of quality People Plans in our 
Operating Companies and Functions is focused 
on leadership, talent, functional competencies 
and critical capabilities, and inclusion and diversity 
across the organisation. We continue to focus our 
efforts on digital, end-to-end management and 
revenue management. We also ensure that we 
have robust talent identification and development 
programmes in place, alongside the critical 
leadership development interventions that are 
required to lead in a competitive, complex and 
increasingly digital world. 

What could happen
Consolidation of the alcoholic beverage industry 
may affect existing market dynamics 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 we are 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 along the route-to-market, leading 
to physical injuries or fatalities to employees, 
contractors or members of the public.

Recent developments
Given our growing presence in emerging markets, 
safety is an ongoing challenge and a permanent 
focus area. 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 
priority of its Brewing a Better World programme. 
The global safety programme aims to enhance 
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. Extra focus is placed 
on high risk operating companies and activities 
for which special programmes are developed.

Explore Further: 
–  Deliver top line growth, pages 9-15.
–  Advocating responsible consumption, pages 120, 134-137.

Explore Further: 
–  Engage and develop our people, pages 19-20.
–  Values and behaviours, pages 142-143.

Explore Further: 
–  Deliver top line growth, pages 9-15.
–  Drive end2end performance, page 16.
–  Main changes in consolidation, page 32.

Explore Further: 
–  Promoting Health and Safety, pages 120, 138-139.

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3030

Risk Management (continued)

Product safety  
and integrity

Supply chain  
continuity

Information  
security

Digital  
media

What could happen
Poor quality or contamination of 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 controls on 
ingredients, recipe governance and production 
processes to maintain food safety and high quality 
standards. Changes to the environment, such 
as increased knowledge of the potential food 
contaminants previously unheard of, growing 
consumers’ concern on food safety and a more 
complex legal environment in certain jurisdictions, 
makes control of food safety more challenging.

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 and production material 
risks. HEINEKEN anticipates on new legislation 
and emerging risks aided by our partners, suppliers 
and external scientific institutions and assures 
implementation of measures to avoid such risks.

Should a risk materialise, global recall and crisis 
procedures are in place to mitigate the impact.

What could happen
Disruptions in the supply chain could 
lead to 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.

What could happen
HEINEKEN’s business increasingly relies on IT, 
both in the office environment as well as in 
the industrial control domain of our breweries. 
Failure of systems or security incidents may 
lead to business disruption, loss of confidential 
information, breach of data privacy, financial 
and reputational damage.

Recent developments
Political instability, terrorism, climate change and, 
in particular, growing water scarcity (and its effects 
on crop yield and grain prices and interruption in 
production), require the market and governments to 
take measures which may result in additional costs 
to the business.

What we are 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 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 long-term approach, 
HEINEKEN has included water stewardship to 
protect water resources and sustainable sourcing 
in the priorities of its Brewing a Better World 
sustainability programme.

Recent developments
To drive innovation, HEINEKEN’s business functions 
are pursuing digital transformation, delivering new 
business models, integrating into the digital world 
and increasing overall interconnectivity. At the 
same time, online threats grow more sophisticated 
and potential consequences are more punitive 
and destructive in nature. In light of the increasing 
exposure to cybercrime and changing regulations 
that place stricter security requirements on data 
processing, we frequently re-assess our security 
exposure and posture.

What we are doing to manage this risk
HEINEKEN regularly updates its information 
security strategy to ensure proportional adaptation 
of capabilities in response to evolving risks. 

Security Operations and Information Security 
Risk Management departments maintain a 
global cybersecurity framework to address 
continuity, integrity and confidentiality risks, and 
perform global monitoring of HEINEKEN’s IT 
landscape, focusing on enhancing the resilience 
of the IT infrastructure and increasing employee 
security awareness.

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 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 key 
social media platforms, in several languages, along 
with employee training in digital communication. 
Our incident response system includes a digital 
dashboard and a dedicated crisis communication 
team. Learnings from media crises are shared in the 
organisation to drive continuous improvement.

Explore Further: 
–  Protecting water resources, pages 120, 122-124.
–  Reducing CO2 emissions, pages 120, 125-130.
–  Sourcing sustainably, pages 120, 131-133.

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3131

Risk Management (continued)

Execution and  
change management

Reporting  

Non-compliance  

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

What could happen
Historically HEINEKEN has grown its footprint 
organically and through mergers and 
acquisitions, leading 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
The Group portfolio of global programmes now 
contains around 40 programmes. It has supported 
implementation of new capabilities in the area of 
commerce, finance, supply chain, legal, procurement 
and human resources, thereby serving HEINEKEN’s 
top line growth and efficiency targets.

What are we doing to manage this risk
Via our portfolio management approach, applying 
a consistent project and programme methodology 
and governance, and placing ownership of 
the whole portfolio at top management level, 
HEINEKEN is able to prioritise and optimise resource 
allocation across its major programmes to ensure 
they deliver on their objectives and mitigate 
their risks.

Recent developments
HEINEKEN continues to invest in programmes 
to further process standardisation and IT 
simplification, which will drive efficient, fast and 
robust financial reporting and strengthening of its 
control environment.

What we are doing to manage this risk
HEINEKEN has implemented a common Risk 
and Control Framework across its operating 
companies. It 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. 
HEINEKEN continues to strengthen the 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 
with 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 allegations of violations of laws and regulations. 
HEINEKEN is constantly looking to enhance its 
internal compliance system and resilience to adapt 
to changes in the legal environment.

What we are 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 the 
HEINEKEN Code of Business Conduct.

Explore Further: 
–  Reporting basis governance of non-financial indicators,  

pages 145-146.

Explore Further: 
–  Values and behaviours, pages 142-143.

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3232

Financial Review

Key figures1

In millions of €

Revenue
Eia

Revenue (beia)2
Excise tax expense

Net revenue (beia)2
Total other 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

1 Due to rounding, this table will not always cast.
2 Restated to reflect the impact of adopting IFRS 15.

Currency
translation

Consolidation
impact

Organic growth

(1,131)

123

(1,008)

832

(176)

9

3

(9)

43

14

(116)

 500

14

514

(470)

43

(42)

(5)

5

8

4

14

1,579

(242)

1,337

(1,096)

241

2

82

13

(54)

(3)

280

20172

25,843

20

25,863

(4,234)

21,629

(17,869)

3,759

(374)

(136)

153

(897)

(258)

2,247

(312)

1,935

Organic growth
%

5.9

(4.8)

6.1

(6.0)

6.4

0.4

59.9

8.2

(6.0)

(1.2)

12.5

2018

26,811

–

26,811

(4,340)

22,471

(18,603)

3,868

(405)

(57)

161

(900)

(244)

2,424

(521)

1,903

Main changes in consolidation
 – 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. from Kirin Holdings 

Revenue and revenue (beia)
Revenue (beia) increased organically 5.9% to €26,811 million (2017: €25,863 million). Reported revenue was 
€26,811 million (2017: €25,843 million).

Company Limited.

 – On 29 August 2017 HEINEKEN completed, through HEINEKEN UK, a back-to-back deal to acquire Punch 

Securitisation A (‘Punch’).

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

Net revenue (beia)
Net revenue (beia) increased by 6.1% organically to €22,471 million, with total consolidated volume growth 
of 4.0% and a 2.0% increase in net revenue (beia) per hectolitre. Currency developments had a negative 
translational impact of €1,008 million, mainly driven by the adverse development versus the Euro of the 
Brazilian Real, the Mexican Peso, the Nigerian Naira and the Vietnamese Dong. The positive impact of 
consolidation changes was €514 million mainly related to Brazil.

Total other expenses (beia)
Total other expenses (beia) were €18,603 million, up by 6.0% on an organic basis. Input costs increased 
organically by 8.1% and by 3.6% on a per hectolitre basis, mainly in packaging materials (commodities 
inflation and adverse transactional currency impact). Marketing and selling (beia) expenses increased 
organically by 1.5% to €2,494 million, representing 11.1% of net revenues (2017 restated: 11.6%).

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3333

Financial Review (continued)

Operating profit (beia)
Operating profit (beia) was €3,868 million, up 6.4% organically, excluding €176 million negative foreign 
currency impact and €43 million increase from consolidation changes. Growth was driven by higher revenue 
and cost efficiencies which more than offset higher input and logistics costs.

Share of net profit of associates and joint ventures (beia)
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures (beia) increased €13 million organically to €161 million, 
reflecting higher net profit from joint venture operations in India, Germany and Chile.

Net finance expenses (beia)
Net interest expenses (beia) increased by €31 million to €405 million. The average interest rate (beia) in 
2018 was 3.2% (2017: 3.0%). Other net finance expenses (beia), which includes the impact of currency 
revaluation on outstanding payables in foreign currencies, the interest expense on the net pension liability 
and financing expenses related to discounted provisions, decreased by €79 million to €57 million. 

Income tax expense (beia)
The effective tax rate (beia) was 26.4%, lower than last year (2017: 27.6%) including some one-off tax benefits.

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 shareholders 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)

2018

1,903

311

420

34

(50)

(142)

(52)

2,424

2017

1,935

302

105

8

78

(142)

(39)

2,247

Net profit and net profit (beia)
Net profit (beia) grew by €280 million organically to €2,424 million, an organic increase of 12.5%. The impact 
of currency was negative by €116 million and consolidation changes had a positive impact of €14 million. 
Reported net profit for 2018 was €1,903 million.

The 2018 exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles on net profit amount to 
€521 million (2017: €312 million). This amount consists of: 

 – €311 million (2017: €302 million) of amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles recorded in 

operating profit. 

Earnings per share – diluted
Earnings per share – diluted decreased to €3.34 (2017: €3.39). Earnings per share – diluted (beia) increased 
by 8% from €3.94 to €4.25.

Exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles (eia)
The table below presents the reconciliation of operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation 
of acquisition-related intangibles (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

Net finance expenses

Profit before income tax

2018

3,868

(731)

210

(495)

2,852

2017

3,759

(407)

75

(519)

2,908

 – €420 million (2017: €105 million) of exceptional items recorded in operating profit, of which nil in revenue 
(2017: €20 million), €122 million of restructuring expenses (2017: €93 million), €183 million of impairments mainly 
in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (2017: €19 million gain from reversal of impairments), €24 million 
of acquisition and integration costs (2017: €72 million), €4 million net gain on disposals (2017: €71 million 
net gain mainly from the sale of non-beer and cider wholesale operations in the Netherlands) and €95 million 
of other exceptional expenses (2017: €10 million which included exceptional benefits of €58 million).

 – €34 million (2017: €8 million) of exceptional items in net finance expenses, mainly related to interest over 

tax liabilities and interest expenses of the pre-financing of acquisitions.

 – €50 million of exceptional net benefits and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles included in share 
of profit of associates and joint ventures, mainly related to the early termination of a brand licence by CCU 
S.A. in exchange for cash and a portfolio of brands in Argentina (2017: €78 million expense, which included 
loss on previously-held equity interests and the recycling of foreign exchange from equity to profit and loss).

 – €142 million (2017: €142 million) in income tax expense, which includes the tax impact on exceptional 

items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets of €115 million (2017: €97 million) and an 
exceptional income tax benefit of €27 million (2017: €45 million, mainly for 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 €52 million (2017: €39 million). 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Financial Review (continued)

Reported to beia1

In millions of €

Revenue
Excise tax expense

Net revenue

Other income

Total other expenses

Operating profit
Share of net profit of association/JVs

Net interest income/(expenses)

Other net finance income/(expenses)

Income tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Net profit

1 Due to rounding, this table will not always cast.
2 Restated to reflect the impact of adopting IFRS 15.

Capital expenditure and cash flow

In millions of €

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

Change in provisions and post-retirement obligations

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

Reported
2018

26,811

(4,340)

22,471

75

(19,409)

3,137

210

(431)

(64)

(757)

(192)

1,903

Eia
2018

–

–

–

(75)

806

731

(50)

27

7

(142)

(52)

521

Beia
2018

26,811

(4,340)

22,471

–

(18,603)

3,868

161

(405)

(57)

(899)

(244)

2,424

Reported2
2017

25,843

(4,234)

21,609

141

(18,398)

3,352

75

(396)

(123)

(755)

(218)

1,935

Eia
2017

20

–

20

(141)

529

407

78

22

(13)

(142)

(40)

312

3434

Beia2
2017

25,863

(4,234)

21,629

–

(17,869)

3,759

153

(374)

(136)

(897)

(258)

2,247

Capital expenditure related to property, plant and equipment amounted to €1,888 million in 2018 
(2017: €1,696 million) representing 8.4% of net revenues. The investments include additional capacity in 
Mexico, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Brazil, Cambodia, Haiti and South Africa, and the construction of a new brewery 
in Mozambique.

Free operating cash flow amounted to €2,246 million (2017: €2,031 million), increasing by €215 million or 
10.6% driven by improvements in working capital related to payables.

2018

2017

4,980

69

(125)

4,924

(1,042)

3,882

4,852

713

(25)

5,540

(1,152)

4,388

(2,142)

2,246

(213)

(967)

1,066

Financial structure and liquidity

In millions of €

(1,851)

Total equity

2,031

Deferred tax liabilities

(1,114)

Post-retirement obligations

(966)

Provisions

(49)

Gross debt

Other liabilities

84%

81%

Total equity and liabilities

2018

15,540

1,370

954

1,010

14,986

8,096

41,956

%

37

3

2

2

37

19

100

2017

14,521

1,495

1,289

1,148

15,378

7,203

41,034

%

35

4

3

3

38

17

100

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Financial Review (continued)

Total equity
as a percentage of total assets

Net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

37.0

35.4

37.1

37.6

38.6

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

Shareholders’ equity increased by €1,037 million to €14,358 million, mainly driven by net profit of 
€1,903 million, partly offset by dividends paid out of €866 million.

The table below presents the reconciliation from operating profit to EBITDA (beia).

In millions of €

Operating profit

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Depreciation and impairments of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

2.3

2.3

2.5

2.4

2.5

EBITDA
Exceptional items

EBITDA (beia)

2018
3,137

210

1,288

405

5,040

195

5,235

3535

2017

3,352

75

1,153

369

4,949

166

5,115

Total gross debt amounts to €14,986 million (2017: €15,378 million). Net debt decreased to €12,081 million 
(2017: €12,879 million) as the positive free operating cash flow exceeded the cash outflow for acquisitions, 
dividends and the negative foreign currency impact on debt. 

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 2018 Annual Report.

The pro forma net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio was 2.3x on 31 December 2018 (2017: 2.5x) in line with the 
long-term target ratio of below 2.5x net debt/EBITDA (beia).

In September 2018 the following notes were issued under HEINEKEN’s Euro Medium Term 
Note Programme:

€600 million of 8.5-year Notes with a coupon of 1.25%

€650 million of 12.5-year Notes with a coupon of 1.75% 

The Notes have been issued under the Company’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme and are listed 
on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The proceeds from the Notes issuance are to be used for general 
corporate purposes, which may include repayment of debt and/or acquisitions.

In March 2018, HEINEKEN utilised its first one-year extension option under the €3.5 billion revolving credit 
facility by extending the maturity to May 2023. The facility is committed by a group of 19 banks and has 
another one-year extension option in 2019. 

In March 2018, the European Commercial Paper Programme has been updated and increased to €2 billion 
from €1 billion.

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Financial Review (continued)

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, 52% is denominated in Euro, 
26% in US dollar and US dollar proxy currencies and 14% in British Pound. This is including the effect of cross-
currency interest rate swaps. The fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps form part of net debt.

Currency split of net debt

Obligatory long-term debt repayments
in millions of €

8%

52%

14%

26%

EUR
USD + USD proxy
GBP
Other

2019
2020

2021

2022

2023
2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

>2032

984

1,036

1,096

1,107

1,061

991

1,012

855

1,101

961

986

650

500

1,372

Average number of shares
HEINEKEN has 576,002,613 shares in issue. For the calculation of 2018 basic EPS, the weighted impact of 
the treasury shares including shares purchased for the employee incentive programme reduced the number 
of weighted average shares outstanding to 570,146,069 (570,074,335 in 2017). For the calculation of 2018 
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 570,663,632 (570,652,111 in 2017).

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 2018, 
payment of a total cash dividend of €1.60 per share (2017: €1.47) will be proposed to the Annual General 
Meeting of Shareholders on 25 April 2019 (“2019 AGM”). This represents an increase of 8.8% versus 2017, 
translating into a 37.6% payout. If approved, a final dividend of €1.01 per share will be paid on 8 May 2019, 
as an interim dividend of €0.59 per share was paid on 9 August 2018. The payment will be subject to a 15% 
Dutch withholding tax. The ex-final dividend date for Heineken N.V. shares will be 29 April 2019.

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3737

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 of Shareholders (AGM). 

The Company is required to comply with, among 
other regulations, the Dutch Corporate Governance 
Code of 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. This means, among other things, 
that it is responsible for setting and achieving 
the operational and financial objectives of the 
Company, the strategy to achieve these 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 Chief Executive’s Statement, 
Performance highlights, HEINEKEN as part of 
society – Creating shared value: 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 and the four Presidents together with four 
functional Chief Officers (i.e. 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. 

A non-binding nomination for re-appointment of 
Mrs. Laurence Debroux as member of the Executive 
Board for a four-year term shall be submitted to the 
2019 AGM by the Supervisory Board.

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

Profession:
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
French nationality
1969

Female

Initial appointment in 2015; Four-year term ends in 2019

Profession:
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.

*** 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

3838

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

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. 
The Company 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 balance and pursuant to Dutch law, 
executive boards of large Dutch public companies, 
such as the Company, 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 of 
the Executive Board 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 decision 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 2018, 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 6.5 and 13.3 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. 

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 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, 
Christophe Navarre, Javier Astaburuaga Sanjinés, 
Jean-Marc Huët, Pamela Mars Wright, Yonca 
Dervişoğlu (previously: Brunini) and Marion Helmes.

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 affinity in the direct line descent 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 who 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 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

3939

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

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 are affiliated with Heineken 
Holding N.V. and/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. 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 affinity in the direct line descent 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 , 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, is not 
applied to Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Das and Mr. 
Fernández Carbajal. A non-binding nomination for 
reappointment of Mr. de Carvalho as member of the 
Supervisory Board for a period of four years shall be 
submitted to the 2019 AGM. A reappointment of Mr. 
de Carvalho for a period of four years is a deviation 
of the maximum appointment term of best practice 
provision 2.2.2 of the Code. In the interest of 
preserving the core values and the structure of the 
Heineken Group, the Company does not apply the 

maximum appointment period to members who are 
related by blood or affinity in the direct line descent 
to Mr. A.H. Heineken or who are members of the 
Board of Directors of Heineken Holding N.V.

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. 

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. 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.

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 the Company, 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 

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. 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. 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, paragraph 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 an introduction to 
brewing technology at 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4040

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

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 decision 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 13.3 of the 2018 Financial Statements sets 
out related party transactions in 2018.

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. 

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 
13.3 to the 2018 Financial Statements. 

Delegated Member
The AGM may appoint one of the Supervisory Board 
members as Delegated Member. Mr. 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 a 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 2018, 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 & 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4141

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

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. 

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 after the end of the 
financial year, the AGM shall be held, in which, 
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 issued. 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, 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 an AGM 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 AGM 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 AGM 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. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4242

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

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.

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

Cancellation of shares and reduction of 
share capital 

Appointment of Executive Board members

The remuneration policy for Executive 
Board members

Suspension and dismissal of Executive 
Board members

Appointment of Supervisory Board members

The remuneration of Supervisory Board members

Suspension and dismissal of Supervisory 
Board members

Appointment of the Delegated Member of the 
Supervisory Board

Adoption of the financial statements

Granting discharge to Executive and Supervisory 
Board members

Dividend distributions

A material change in the corporate 
governance structure

Appointment of the external auditor

Amendment of the Articles of Association, and 

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 Incentive Plan (LTIP) 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 25 April 2019 
is 28 days before the AGM, i.e. on 28 March 2019.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4343

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:

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%). 

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 Incentive Plan 
(‘LTIP’) for both the Executive Board members and 
senior management. Eligibility for participation 
in the LTIP 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 LTIP 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 Incentive Plan (STIP) 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 STIP 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 STIP 
payout (at their discretion).

The investment shares (which are acquired by the 
Executive Board members in the year after the 
year over which the STIP 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 LTIP, the STIP 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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4444

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Provision 3.2.3 
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 long-standing 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.

The authorisation may be used in connection 
with the LTIP and the STIP for the members 
of the Executive Board and the LTIP for senior 
management, but may also serve other purposes, 
such as acquisitions. A new authorisation will 
be submitted for approval at the next AGM on 
25 April 2019.

Issue of shares
On 19 April 2018, 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 LTIP and the STIP for 
the members of the Executive Board and the LTIP 
for senior management, but may also serve other 
purposes, such as acquisitions. A new authorisation 
will be submitted for approval to the AGM at 
25 April 2019.

Compliance with the Code
On 8 December 2016, the current 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 provisions 2.1.7 through 2.1.9 have 
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.

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 19 April 2018, 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4545

Corporate Governance Statement (continued)

Statement of the Executive Board
This Report of the Executive Board, together with 
pages 119–154 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:

this report 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;

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

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

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.

In respect of transactions with related parties as 
disclosed in note 13.3, best practice provisions 2.7.3, 
2.7.4 and 2.7.5 of the Code have been observed.

It should be noted that the foregoing does not 
imply that these systems 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 
2018 give a true and fair view of our assets and 
liabilities, our financial position at 31 December 
2018, and the results of our consolidated 
operations for the financial year 2018; and

the Report of the Executive Board includes a 
fair review of the position at 31 December 2018 
and the development and performance during 
the financial year 2018 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, 12 February 2019

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Report of the Supervisory Board

To the Shareholders
Report of the Supervisory Board

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. 

Supervisory Board composition, 
independence and remuneration

Composition
The Supervisory Board consists of 10 members:

Hans Wijers (Chairman)

Supervisory Board composition
Nationality

  Dutch 

  Mexican 

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 2018, as prepared by the Executive Board 
and approved by the Supervisory Board in its 
meeting of 12 February 2019. Deloitte Accountants 
B.V. audited the financial statements. Its report 
can be found on pages 156-160 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 €912 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 €1.60 per share 
of €1.60 nominal value, of which €0.59 was paid as 
an interim dividend on 9 August 2018.

José Antonio Fernández Carbajal (Vice-Chairman)

  British 

Maarten Das

Michel de Carvalho

Christophe Navarre

Javier Astaburuaga Sanjinés

Jean-Marc Huët

Pamela Mars Wright

  American 

  Belgian 

  German 

Yonca Dervişoğlu (previously: Brunini)

Marion Helmes 

The General Meeting at the Annual General 
Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on 19 April 
2018 (re-)appointed Mr. Fernández Carbajal, Mr. 
Astaburuaga Sanjinés, Mr. Huët and Mrs. Helmes for 
a period of four years. Mrs. Fentener van Vlissingen 
stepped down as member of the Supervisory Board 
after the 2018 AGM. 

Supervisory Board composition
Gender

  Male 

  Female 

Supervisory Board composition
Tenure

0–4 years 

4–8 years 

8–12 years 

>12 years 

4646

30%

20%

20%

10%

10%

10%

70%

30%

30%

20%

30%

20%

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4747

To the Shareholders (continued)

Information on the Supervisory Board members is provided below:

Hans (G.J.)  
Wijers
1951

Dutch nationality

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

Male

Maarten (M.)  
Das
1948

Dutch nationality

Male

Michel (M.R.)  
de Carvalho
1944

British nationality

Male

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

Belgian nationality

Male

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. (Chairman)

Other positions***:
HAL Holding N.V.; Natuurmonumenten 
(Chairman); Concertgebouw N.V. (Chairman); 
member of the Temasek European Advisory 
Panel of Temasek Holdings Private Limited

Appointed in 2010; latest reappointment 
in 2018* 
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

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); L’Arche Holding 
B.V.; Greenfee B.V. (Chairman Supervisory Board)

Appointed in 1996; latest reappointment 
in 2015*

Appointed in 2009; latest reappointment 
in 2017*

Profession:
Private Banker, Chairman Capital 
Generation Partners

No supervisory board seats (or non-executive 
board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**

Other positions***:
Heineken Holding N.V. (Executive Director); 
L’Arche Green N.V.

Profession:
Chairman of Neptune International

No supervisory board seats (or non-executive 
board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**

No other positions***

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

Male

Jean-Marc (J.M.)  
Huët
1969

Dutch nationality

Pamela (P.)  
Mars Wright
1960

American nationality

Female

Male

Appointed in 2010; latest reappointment in 2018*

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); Coca-
Cola Femsa S.A.B. de C.V.; Fundación Femsa

Appointed in 2014; latest reappointment 
in 2018*

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.; 
Bridgepoint

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.)  
Dervişoğlu
1969

British nationality

Appointed in 2016*

Profession:
VP Marketing EMEA at Google

Marion (M.)  
Helmes
1965

German nationality

Female

Female

Appointed in 2018*

Profession:
Company Director

No supervisory board seats (or non-executive 
board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**

No supervisory board seats (or non-executive 
board memberships) in Large Dutch Entities**

No other positions***

Other positions***:
UNIPER; British American Tobacco; 
Prosiebensat.1 Media; Siemens Healthineers AG

* 
** 

*** 

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) 
(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.

 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;

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4848

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 seven 
out of 10 members are non-Dutch. There are six 
nationalities (American, Belgian, British, Dutch, 
German and Mexican) and age ranges between 
49 and 74. 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 Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code of 8 December 2016 (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 the Supervisory Board 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. 
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. de Carvalho will have completed his four-
year appointment term per the end of the AGM 
on 25 April 2019. A non-binding nomination for 
reappointment of Mr. de Carvalho as member of 
the Supervisory Board shall be submitted to the 
2019 AGM. Pursuant to best practice provision 2.1.8 
of the Code, Mr. de Carvalho, married to Mrs. C.L. 
de Carvalho-Heineken, who holds indirectly more 
than 10% of the shares in the Company, and also 
an executive director of Heineken Holding N.V., does 
not qualify as “independent”. A reappointment 
of Mr. de Carvalho for a period of four years is a 
deviation of the maximum appointment term of 
best practice provision 2.2.2 of the Code. In the 
interest of preserving the core values and the 
structure of the Heineken Group, the Company does 
not apply the maximum appointment period to 
members who are related by blood or affinity in the 
direct line of descent to Mr. A.H. Heineken or who 
are members of the Board of Directors of Heineken 
Holding N.V. 

Mr. Wijers shall resign as Chairman and member 
of the Supervisory Board at the 2019 AGM after 
being member of the Supervisory Board for 
seven years, six of which as its Chairman. He has 
been actively involved in the continued growth 
and success of the Company over these years, 
during which his dedication, significant business 
experience and wise counsel have been of great 
importance to the Company. The Supervisory 
Board expresses gratitude and appreciation to Mr. 
Wijers for his valuable contribution to the Company. 
The Supervisory Board has resolved to appoint Mr. 
Huët, member of the Supervisory Board since 2014 
and until 31 December 2018 Chairman of the Audit 
Committee, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 
effective upon conclusion of the 2019 AGM. 

Ms. Dervişoğlu (previously: Brunini) shall also resign 
as a member of the Supervisory Board at the 2019 
AGM as her increased executive responsibilities 
will make it difficult to dedicate sufficient time 
to her Supervisory Board responsibilities going 
forward. The Supervisory Board is grateful for the 
commitment of Ms. Dervişoğlu over the past years 
and for the way she contributed to the Supervisory 
Board, as well as its Remuneration Committee.

A non-binding nomination will be submitted to the 
2019 AGM to appoint Mrs. R.L. Ripley and Mrs. I.H. 
Arnold as members of the Supervisory Board as of 
25 April 2019 for a period of four years.

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 affinity in the direct line of descent 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 who 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 who also is 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 also is a 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 note 13.3 to the 
2018 Financial Statements.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

4949

To the Shareholders (continued)

Meetings and activities of the 
Supervisory Board
During 2018 the Supervisory Board held seven 
meetings with the Executive Board. The agenda 
regularly included subjects such as the development 
of the Company’s strategy aimed at long-term 
value creation as well as the manner in which 
the Executive Board implements the Company’s 
strategy, the Company’s culture to ensure 
proper monitoring by the Supervisory Board, the 
Company’s financial position, the results of the 
Regions and operating companies, acquisitions, 
large investment proposals, the yearly budget, 
management changes and the internal risk 
management and control system. The external 
auditor attended the meeting in which the annual 
results were discussed. In 2018, 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 Addis Ababa, 
Ethiopia, where the Management Team of 
Heineken Ethiopia, the Managing Directors of 
Bralirwa (Rwanda) and Heineken South-Africa and 
the Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe Region 
presented an update on business performance. 
In addition, external guest speakers provided an 
overview of macro-economic and general business 
developments in Ethiopia.

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

In 2018, the following subjects were presented in 
more detail:

Sustainability (Brewing a Better World)

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 individual interviews of 
the Supervisory Board members with the Company  
Secretary. The conversations 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. 

An induction programme was set up for Mrs. Helmes. 
As part of the programme, Mrs. Helmes had 
meetings with several senior executives and visited 
the brewery in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board met 
frequently with the CEO, among others, to 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. The Chairman of 
the Executive Board also attends the Preparatory 
Committee meetings.

Audit Committee
Composition: Mr. Huët (Chairman until 
31 December 2018), Mrs. Helmes (Chair as of 
1 January 2019) and Mr. Astaburuaga Sanjinés. 
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 the Company. 

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. 

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 2018 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

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Other Information

5050

To the Shareholders (continued)

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 Standard: 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. Mars Wright. The Selection & Appointment 
Committee met five times.

In 2018, the following subjects were on the agenda: 

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.

Remuneration Committee
Composition: Mr. Das (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, 
Mr. Wijers and Ms. Dervişoğlu. The Remuneration 
Committee met three times in 2018.

The Remuneration Committee discussed the 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 2018 target setting and 
2017 payout levels for the Short-Term Incentive 
pay and Long-Term Incentive 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 Code and the 
European Shareholders Rights Directive. 

Americas Committee
Composition: Mr. Fernández Carbajal (Chairman), Mr. de Carvalho, Mr. Navarre, and Mrs. 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 2018 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 2018, the attendance rate was 96% for 
the Supervisory Board meetings and also 96% if 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

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

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. Dervişoğlu

Mrs. Helmes 

7/7

7/7

6/7

7/7

1/1

7/7

7/7

7/7

6/7

6/7

6/6

1/1

4/4

4/4

3/3

5/5

5/5

4/5

5/5

0/1

4/4

3/3

3/3

3/3

2/3

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

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Remuneration
The AGM approved the current remuneration policy 
for the Executive Board in 2011 and approved 
amendments in 2014 and 2017. 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 2018.

Supervisory Board Heineken N.V.

Wijers 
Fernández Carbajal 
Das 
de Carvalho 
Navarre 

Astaburuaga Sanjinés  
Huët  
Mars Wright 
Dervişoğlu 
Helmes 

Amsterdam, 12 February 2019

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018

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. At the 2019 
AGM, the Supervisory Board shall nominate Mrs. 
Laurence Debroux for re-appointment as member 
of the Executive Board for a four-year term.

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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

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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 2018, 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 2019 Annual General Meeting 
of Shareholders (AGM). With regard to implementation, the Supervisory Board decided to increase the 
base salary of the CFO to align it with the aspired policy level of the labour market peer group median, 
subject to the approval by the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to re-appoint the CFO as 
member of the Executive Board.

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 2018 and will be implemented in 2019.

Part II
Provides details of the Executive Board actual remuneration for performance ending in, or at year-end, 2018.

Part III
Outlines adjustments to the Executive Board remuneration policy and implementation for 2019.

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 and long-term incentive 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.

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

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

Remuneration 
element 

Base salary

Description 

Involves fixed cash compensation

Aims for the median of the labour market peer group

Short-term  
incentive 

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 before-tax Short-term incentive amount, 
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 Short-
term incentive amount)

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

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

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Remuneration Report (continued)

Remuneration 
element 

Long-term  
incentive

Description 

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

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

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

Strategic role

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

Aligns Executive Board and 
shareholder interests

Supports Executive Board 
retention

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 2018 (and 2017), 
the peer group consisted of the following companies: 

Anheuser-Busch InBev (BE)

Diageo (UK)

Carlsberg (DK)

Coca-Cola (US)

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)

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 2018 were €1,250,000 
for the CEO, and €735,000 for the CFO. For 2019 the base salary for the CFO will be increased to 
€850,000 to align it with the aspired policy level of the labour market peer group median, subject to the 
approval by the 2019 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to re-appoint the CFO as member of the 
Executive Board.

Short-term incentive
The Short-term incentive (STI) 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 STI opportunities for both 2018 and 2019 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 STI 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 STI 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 STI payout for 2018 is subject to four performance measures: Organic 
Net Revenue Growth (weight: 35%), Organic Net Profit beia Growth (weight: 15%), Free Operating Cash 
Flow (weight: 25%) and Individual leadership measures (weight: 25%). For 2019 the same performance 
measures and weights will apply.

For each performance measure, a threshold, target and maximum performance level is set with the 
following STI 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.

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Remuneration Report (continued)

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 STI 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 STI 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 STI 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 STI payout to an appropriate amount if the STI 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 STI 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.

Long-term incentive
The Long-term incentive (LTI) 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 LTI opportunities 
for both 2018 and 2019 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 LTI 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 Net 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 
LTI 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Remuneration Report (continued)

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 AGM on 20 April 2017. For the LTI 
grants for the performance period 2015-2017 and the performance period 2016-2018 the original EBIT 
targets remained in place.

Pay mix
The mix between fixed pay and variable pay for various levels of performance is illustrated below. In these 
charts, fixed pay refers to base salary only, excluding pensions and other emoluments, and variable pay 
consists of the aforementioned Short-term and Long-term incentive 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.

CEO target pay mix 2018-2019

100%

36%

64%

22%

78%

12%

88%

Below threshold performance

At threshold performance

At target performance

At/beyond max performance

CFO target pay mix 2018-2019

100%

42%

58%

27%

73%

15%

85%

Below threshold performance

At threshold performance

At target performance

At/beyond max performance

  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 part of the impact of the aforementioned pension reforms. The contribution to the CEO therefore 
remains an age-dependent percentage of base salary and STI 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 or one year of base salary, depending on whether such termination occurs during 
or upon expiry of Mrs. Debroux’s first four-year term (ending on 25 April 2019), or any subsequent term 
respectively. At the time, 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. If on 25 April 2019 the AGM approves 
the proposal by the Supervisory Board to nominate Mrs. Debroux for re-appointment as member of the 
Executive Board then the Company will comply with the 2016 Code requirements henceforth.

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

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Remuneration Report (continued)

Part II – The Executive Board actual remuneration for performance ending in, or at year-end, 2018

The following table provides an overview of the Executive Board actual remuneration that became unconditional in, or at year-end, 2018. For disclosures in line with IFRS reporting requirements, which are ‘accrual-based’ 
over earning/performance periods and partly depend on estimations/assumptions, see note 13.3 ‘Related parties’ on page 109. The Supervisory Board conducted a scenario analysis with respect to possible outcomes 
of the variable remuneration disclosed in this section.

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

2016-2018 Long-term incentive

Matching entitlements

Extraordinary Share Grants

(1) Base salary  
in € 

(2) 2018  
Short-term  
incentive  
in €

1,250,000

2,730,000

735,000

1,146,600

(3) No. of 
performance 
shares vesting

41,820

20,910

(4) Value of 
performance 
shares vesting  
in €

3,228,504

1,614,252

(5) No. of  
matching 
entitlements 
vesting

(6) Value of 
matching 
entitlements 
vesting  
in €

11,910

919,452

–

–

(7) Pension cost 
in €

872,781

144,850

(8) No. of 
extraordinary 
shares vesting

(9) Value of 
extraordinary 
shares vesting  
in €

–

–

–

–

(10) Other 
emoluments  
in €

48,919

161,970

ad (1) – Base salary
These base salaries have been paid to the members of the Executive Board for 2018.

ad (2) – 2018 Short-term incentive 
The 2018 Short-term incentive (STI) relates to the performance year 2018, and becomes payable in 2019. The STI for 2018 was subject to four performance measures: Organic Net Revenue Growth (weight: 35%), 
Organic Net Profit beia Growth (weight: 15%), Free Operating Cash Flow (weight: 25%) and Individual leadership measures (weight: 25%). The Supervisory Board determined the results against the pre-set targets on these 
measures as follows:

Organic Net 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 threshold and target performance

The resulting STI payout for 2018 is 156% of payout at target level for both members of the Executive Board. In line with policy, 25% of the STI payout is paid out in investment shares against the closing share price of 
13 February 2019, the publication date of these financial statements. In addition, the Executive Board members have had the opportunity to indicate before the end of the 2018 performance year whether they wished to 
receive up to another 25% of their STI payout in additional investment shares; for 2018 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 Short-Term Incentive, including the related 
matching share entitlement. The table overleaf provides an overview of the investment shares at year-end that were awarded as part of STI 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.

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

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5757

Remuneration Report (continued)

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

STI payout for 

% of STI payout 
invested in shares

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2018

2017

2016

2015

25%

25%

25%

50%

25%

25%

25%

25%

50%

Award date 

14.02.2019

13.02.2018

16.02.2017

11.02.2016

12.02.2015

14.02.2019

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 31.12.20182
in €

t.b.d.

8,326

11,106

20,105

10,427

t.b.d.

3,568

4,760

5,713

ca. 682,500

683,898

839,947

1,465,051

692,249

ca. 286,650

293,076

359,999

416,306

31.12.2023

31.12.2022

31.12.2021

31.12.2020

31.12.2019

31.12.2023

31.12.2022

31.12.2021

31.12.2020

n.a.

642,767

857,383

1,552,106

804,964

n.a.

275,450

367,472

441,044

1  The number of investment shares awarded in relation to the STI payout for 2013 and beyond is determined by dividing the part of the STI 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 2018 is €77.20.

ad (3) – 2016-2018 Long-term incentive: number of performance shares vesting
The 2016-2018 Long-term incentive (LTI) relates to the performance period 2016-2018 and vests shortly after 13 February 2019, the publication date of these financial statements. The vesting of the LTI award for 
performance period 2016-2018 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 Net Revenue Growth
at maximum performance

Organic EBIT beia Growth
at maximum performance

Earnings Per Share (EPS) beia Growth
between target and maximum performance

Free Operating Cash Flow
at maximum performance

As a result, the vesting of the LTI grant for performance period 2016-2018 will be equal to 183% of the vesting at target level. For the CEO this plan performance implies that 41,820 shares will vest shortly after 13 February 
2019, as a result of the 22,852 conditional performance shares granted to him in 2016. For the CFO this plan performance implies that 20,910 shares will vest shortly after 13 February 2019, as a result of the 11,426 
conditional performance shares granted to her in 2016. 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 11 February 2021, also in case of resignation during that period. Revision and clawback provisions apply to this award. The table below provides an overview 
of outstanding LTI awards (awards granted but not yet vested, or awards vested but still blocked) as of 31 December 2018. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

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5858

Remuneration Report (continued)

Van Boxmeer

Debroux

No. of shares
conditionally
granted at
target level1

21,570

25,260

22,852

29,263

35,147

10,569

12,630

11,426

11,857

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

1,771,760

1,910,414

1,665,225

1,942,771

1,662,805

868,138

955,207

832,613

787,186

Grant date

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2018

2017

2016

2015

Vesting date2

02.2021

02.2020

14.02.2019

13.02.2018

16.02.2017

02.2021

02.2020

14.02.2019

13.02.2018

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

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

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

41,820

47,699

61,508

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

20,910

19,327

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

21,279

24,175

31,143

t.b.d.

t.b.d.

13,836

12,762

End of
blocking period

13.02.2023

16.02.2022

11.02.2021

12.02.2020

13.02.2019

13.02.2023

16.02.2022

11.02.2021

24.04.2020

Value of unvested
or blocked shares
as of 31.12.20185
in €

847,270

992,252

1,642,739

1,866,310

2,404,240

539,860

645,160

1,068,139

985,226

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 2014, 2015 and 2016 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 2017 and 2018 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 2018 is €77.20. 

ad (4) – 2016-2018 Long-term incentive: value of performance shares vesting
The value of performance shares vesting is based on the share price as of 31 December 2018 of €77.20.

ad (5) – Matching entitlements: number of matching entitlements vesting
These entries refer to the number of matching share entitlements that vested after year-end 2018, as a result of the investment in shares of part of the STI payout for performance year 2013, and holding on to these 
investment shares until year-end 2018. For the CEO this number of matching shares is the result of a 50% investment of this STI 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) – Matching entitlements: value of matching entitlements vesting
The value of matching share entitlements vesting is based on the share price as of 31 December 2018 of €77.20.

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.

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

5959

Remuneration Report (continued)

ad (8) – Extraordinary share grants: number of shares vesting
The table below provides an overview of the Extraordinary share grants that have vested prior to 2018 but are still blocked as of 31 December 2018; there are no such grants to members of the Executive Board that are 
still unvested or that vested in, or at year-end, 2018. The Extraordinary share grants 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.

Debroux

Grant date

24.04.2015

24.04.2015

No. of shares of the
granted1
in €

1,000

1,000

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

73,640

Vesting date

24.04.2015

73,640

24.04.2016

No. of shares
vesting on the

vesting date2
(after-tax)

681

675

End of
blocking period

24.04.2020

24.04.2020

Value of
unvested or
blocked shares
as of 31.12.20183
in €

52,573

52,110

Award

Extraordinary  
share award

Extraordinary  
share award

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.
3 The value of the share awards is based on the ‘Number of shares vesting on the vesting date (after-tax)’ against the share price as of 31 December 2018 of €77.02.

ad (9) – Extraordinary share grants: value of shares vesting
There are no such grants to members of the Executive Board that vested in, or at year-end, 2018.

ad (10) – Other emoluments
The amounts mainly involve car benefits-in-kind, and for Mrs. Debroux also housing allowance (grossed-up) and schooling costs.

Actual remuneration paid to former members of the Executive Board
There has not been any remuneration for 2018 paid to former members of the Executive Board, nor is any such remuneration outstanding for later years.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

6060

Remuneration Report (continued)

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 2018 pay ratios for HEINEKEN are 198 for the CEO and 91 for the CFO, versus 215 and 100 in 2017 
respectively. These ratios are obtained by dividing the 2018 total remuneration for the CEO and CFO 
by the 2018 average total remuneration of all other employees worldwide. The common denominator 
of these ratios is derived from note 6.4 on page 75 by dividing the 2018 total personnel expense (after 
subtracting the expense for contractors and for the Executive Board), by the reported FTE (minus two; 
excluding contractors), leading to an amount of €41,689 versus €42,074 in 2017. The total remuneration 
for the CEO and CFO is retrieved from note 13.3 on page 109. The reason why the Executive Board’s 
remuneration is obtained from note 13.3 rather than from this Remuneration Report is explained by the 
fact that the personnel expense in note 6.4 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.

The pay ratio decrease of ca. 8.5% over 2018 results from a decrease in the remuneration of the CEO 
and CFO over 2018 by ca. 9.5% and a decrease of the average total remuneration of all other employees 
worldwide by ca. 1%.

The decrease in the CEO and CFO remuneration is predominantly caused by a decrease in the Long-term 
incentive plans, which clearly exceeds the increase in salaries (cf. note 13.3).

The decrease in the average total remuneration of all other employees worldwide follows from exchange 
rate effects and changes in the distribution of employees over geographies, which exceed the regular 
pay increases in 2018 in local currencies worldwide.

Part III – Adjustments to the Executive Board remuneration policy and 
implementation for 2019

Policy changes
The Supervisory Board reviewed the remuneration policy and decided not to submit any changes for 
approval to the 2019 AGM.

Implementation changes
The Supervisory Board also reviewed the remuneration policy versus its implementation and decided to 
increase the base salary of the CFO, from €735,000 to €850,000, to align it with the aspired policy level 
of the labour market peer group median, subject to the approval by the 2019 Annual General Meeting of 
Shareholders to re-appoint the CFO as member of the Executive Board for a second term of four years. 
As part of this nomination and related new service agreement the severance amount in case of dismissal 
will be reduced from two years of base salary to one year of base salary, which was already indicated in 
the service agreement for the first term (from April 2015 until April 2019).

Supervisory Board Heineken N.V. 
Amsterdam, 12 February 2019

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Financial Statements

Contents

61-118

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 

1 Reporting entity 

2 Basis of preparation 

3 Significant accounting estimates and judgements 

4 Changes in accounting policies 

5 General accounting policies 

6 Operating activities 

6.1 Operating segments 

6.2 Other income 

6.3 Raw materials, consumables and services 

6.4 Personnel expenses 

6.5 Share-based payments 

6.6 Amortisation, depreciation and impairments 

6.7 Earnings per share 

7 Working Capital 

7.1 Inventories 

7.2 Trade and other receivables 

7.3 Trade and other payables 

7.4 Returnable packaging materials 

8 Non-current assets 

8.1 Intangible assets 

8.2 Property, plant and equipment 

8.3 Loans and advances to customers 

8.4 Other non-current assets 

9 Provisions and contingent liabilities 

9.1 Post-retirement obligations 

9.2 Provisions 

9.3 Contingencies 

62

62

63

64

65

66

66

66

66

67

69

71

71

75

75

75

76

77

78

78

78

10 Acquisitions, disposals and investments 

10.1 Acquisitions and disposals 

10.2 Assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale 

10.3 Investments in associates and joint ventures 

11 Financing and capital structure 

11.1 Net finance income and expense 

11.2 Cash and cash equivalents 

11.3 Borrowings 

11.4 Capital and reserves 

11.5 Credit, liquidity and market risk 

11.6 Derivative financial instruments 

12 Tax 

12.1 Income tax expense 

12.2 Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

12.3 Income tax on other comprehensive income 

13 Other 

13.1 Fair value 

13.2 Off-balance sheet commitments 

13.3 Related parties 

13.4 HEINEKEN entities 

13.5 Subsequent events 

79 

Heineken N.V. Income Statement 

80

80

81

81

84

85

86

87

87

92

93

Heineken N.V. Balance Sheet 

Heineken N.V. Shareholders’ equity 

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements 

  A Company disclosures 

A.1 Investments 

A.2 Borrowings 

B Other 

B.1 Auditor fees 

B.2 Off-balance sheet commitments 

B.3 Subsequent events 

B.4 Other disclosures 

6161

94

94

94

94

95

95

95

96

97

99

103

104

104

105

107

107

107

109

109

111

111

112

113

114

115

115

115

116

117

117

118

118

118

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Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

6262

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Revenue
Excise tax expense

Net revenue

Other income
Raw materials, consumables and services

Personnel expenses

Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Total other expenses

Operating profit
Interest income

Interest expenses

Other net finance income/(expenses)

Net finance expenses
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit 
Attributable to:

Shareholders 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 (€)

For the year ended 31 December

2017*

In millions of €

Profit

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of post-retirement obligations

Net change in fair value through OCI investments*

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

Reclassification of currency translation differences to profit 
or loss

Change in fair value of net investment hedges

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss

Net change in fair value through OCI investments*

Share of other comprehensive income of associates/ 
joint ventures

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income

* In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

Note

2018

2,095

2017

2,153

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

12.3

221

11

64

–

(100)

(1,485)

–

(3)

(67)

(77)

–

(36)

(51)

2,044

1,848

196

2,044

59

26

109

(3)

68

(7)

(1,169)

984

881

103

984

Note

6.1

6.1

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.6

11.1

11.1

11.1

10.3

12.1

2018

26,811

(4,340)

22,471

75

(13,967)

(3,749)

(1,693)

(19,409)

3,137

62

(493)

(64)

(495)

210

2,852

(757)

2,095

1,903

192

2,095

25,843

(4,234)

21,609

141

(13,261)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,398)

3,352

72

(468)

(123)

(519)

75

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

2,153

6.7

6.7

6.7

6.7

570,146,069

570,074,335

570,663,632

570,652,111

3.34

3.34

3.39

3.39

*  Restated to reflect the change in accounting policy on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15). Refer to note 4 for 
further details.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

As at 31 December

In millions of €

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Loans and advances to customers

Deferred tax assets

Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Current tax assets

Derivative assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Note

8.1

8.2

10.3

8.3

12.2

8.4

7.1

7.2

11.6

11.2

10.2

2018

17,459

11,359

2,021

341

622

1,084

32,886

1,920

3,740

71

35

2,903

401

9,070

2017

17,670

11,117

1,841

331

768

1,059

32,786

1,814

3,676

64

219

2,442

33

8,248

Shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Borrowings

Post-retirement obligations

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Trade and other payables

Returnable packaging deposits

Provisions

Current tax liabilities

Derivative liabilities

Total assets

41,956

41,034

Total equity and liabilities

Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Note

11.4

11.4

11.3

9.1

9.2

12.2

11.6

11.2/11.3

7.3

7.4

9.2

11.6

10.2

2018

14,358

1,182

15,540

12,628

954

846

1,370

168

15,966

2,358

6,891

569

164

266

70

132

10,450

10,458

41,956

41,034

6363

2017

13,321

1,200

14,521

12,166

1,289

970

1,495

135

16,055

3,212

6,128

607

178

310

21

2

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

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Other Information

6464

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

Other income

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures and dividend 
income on fair value through OCI 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 
and returnable packaging deposits

Total change in working capital
Change in provisions and post-retirement obligations

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

Note

2018

2017

In millions of €

Note

2018

2017

2,095

2,153

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

6.6

11.1

6.2

12.1

1,693

431

(75)

(228)

757

179

4,852

(129)

(66)

908

713

(25)

5,540

(555)

118

109

(824)

(1,152)

4,388

1,587

396

(141)

(84)

755

314

4,980

(185)

(241)

495

69

(125)

4,924

(463)

98

109

(786)

(1,042)

3,882

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

Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of 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

11.2

111

(1,888)

(167)

(239)

41

(2,142)

2,246

(70)

(159)

15

1

(213)

(2,355)

1,694

(1,545)

(1,090)

(20)

(2)

(4)

(967)

1,066

1,177

5

2,248

187

(1,696)

(137)

(259)

54

(1,851)

2,031

(1,047)

(93)

10

16

(1,114)

(2,965)

3,268

(3,205)

(1,011)

–

(18)

–

(966)

(49)

1,366

(140)

1,177

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

6565

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2017
Profit

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Transfer to 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

Note

12.3

11.4

Share  
capital

922

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserves

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Shareholders 
of the 
Company

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total equity

2,701

(1,829)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,295)

(1,295)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

106

106

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

262

–

69

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

838

153

–

153

(29)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(443)

10,788

13,238

1,335

14,573

–

–

–

–

–

–

33

–

–

–

1,782

66

1,848

29

(775)

–

(33)

22

(45)

(7)

1,935

(1,054)

881

–

(775)

–

–

22

(45)

–

218

(115)

103

–

2,153

(1,169)

984

–

(245)

(1,020)

–

–

–

28

(21)

–

–

22

(17)

(21)

922

2,701

(3,124)

112

331

962

(410)

11,827

13,321

1,200

14,521

Note

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserves

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Shareholders 
of the 
Company

Non-
controlling 

interests Total equity

In millions of €

Balance as at 31 December 2017
Changes in accounting policy (IFRS 9)

Balance as at 1 January 2018
Profit

Other comprehensive income

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

12.3

11.4

922

–

922

2,701

(3,124)

–

(2)

2,701

(3,126)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(143)

(143)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2018

922

2,701

(3,269)

–

3

3

–

6

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

112

–

112

–

(150)

(150)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

331

–

331

–

11

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

962

–

962

214

–

214

(80)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(410)

11,827

13,321

1,200

14,521

–

(3)

(2)

(410)

11,824

–

–

–

–

–

(38)

33

–

–

–

1,689

221

1,910

80

(866)

–

(33)

26

26

43

13,319

1,903

(55)

1,848

–

(866)

(38)

–

26

26

43

–

1,200

192

4

196

–

(2)

14,519

2,095

(51)

2,044

–

(212)

(1,078)

20

–

–

(30)

8

(18)

–

26

(4)

51

(38)

342

1,096

(415)

13,010

14,358

1,182

15,540

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

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Other Information

6666

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 

Reporting entity 

Heineken N.V. (the ‘Company’) is a company domiciled in the Netherlands, with its head office in 
Amsterdam. The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at 31 December 2018 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 

The consolidated financial statements are: 

 – prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted 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 2018 have been adopted by the EU. Consequently, the accounting policies applied by 
the Company also comply fully with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

 – Bank overdrafts and commercial paper are included in ‘Borrowings’ (current).

 – Returnable packaging deposits are no longer part of ‘Trade and other payables’, but presented as a 

separate line item.

In the notes to the consolidated financial statements this new presentation format is reflected, also for the 
comparative information. 

3 

Significant accounting estimates and judgements 

In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management needs to make estimates and 
judgements that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities, income and expenses.

The application of accounting policies requires judgements that impacts the amounts recognised. Next to 
this, the recognised amounts are based on factors which by default are associated with uncertainties. 
Therefore actual results may differ from estimates. Within the consolidated financial statements the 
estimates and judgements are described per note (if applicable). The notes dealing with the most 
significant estimates and judgements are:

Note

Particular area involving significant estimates and judgements

 – prepared by the Executive Board of the Company and authorised for issue on 12 February 2019 and will 

6.1 Operating segments

be submitted for adoption to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 25 April 2019. 

8.1 Intangible assets and  
8.2 property, plant and equipment

9.1 Post-retirement obligations

9.2 Provisions and 9.3 Contingencies

Judgement on acting as principal versus agent with respect to 
excise tax expense

Assumptions used in impairment testing

Assumptions for discount rates, future pension increases and life 
expectancy to calculate the defined benefit obligation

Estimating the likelihood and timing of potential cash outflows 
relating to claims and litigations

12.2 Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Assessment of the recoverability of past tax losses

 – prepared on the historical cost basis unless otherwise indicated. 

 – presented in Euro, which is the Company’s functional currency. 

 – rounded to the nearest million unless stated otherwise.

The presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been revamped in 2018 to further 
improve the readability. The revamping has no impact on the accounting policies nor on amounts 
recognised, only the presentation format (aggregation/disaggregation) is affected. The following 
has changed in the statement of financial position as a result of the revamping:

 – Loans and advances to customers are presented together as one separate line item.

 – The former ‘Other investments and receivables’ are renamed into ‘Other non-current assets’ and exclude 

loans to customers.

 – Prepayments are included in ‘Trade and other receivables’.

 – Current derivative assets and liabilities are no longer included in ‘Trade and other receivables’ and ‘Trade 

and other payables’ respectively, but presented as separate line items.

 – Non-current non-interest-bearing liabilities and non-current derivative liabilities are excluded from 

‘Borrowings’ and presented as ‘Other non-current liabilities’. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
Introduction

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6767

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

4 

Changes in accounting policies 

(a) Changed accounting policies in 2018

The following new standards have been adopted in 2018 and reflected in the consolidated 
financial statements: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on classification and measurement of financial instruments, including 
a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment of financial assets, and new general hedge 
accounting requirements. The standard replaces existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement. HEINEKEN has implemented IFRS 9 per 1 January 2018 using the 
modified retrospective approach, meaning that the 2017 comparative financial information is not 
restated. Any impact of IFRS 9 as of 1 January 2018 is 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’ (FVOCI) 
and ‘fair value through profit and loss’ (FVPL). 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 FVOCI which 
constitutes no significant change, except for the accounting for cumulative gains or losses when equity 
securities measured at FVOCI are disposed of. These cumulative gains or losses are not 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 
continue to qualify as hedging relationships upon application of IFRS 9. For existing hedges HEINEKEN 
excludes the foreign currency basis spread from the hedge relation only when this improves hedge 
effectiveness by applying the cost of hedging approach. HEINEKEN has applied cost of hedging for these 
hedges using the modified retrospective approach and has recognised the initial impact directly in equity 
in the cost of hedging reserve. 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

HEINEKEN adopted IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ as per 1 January 2018. 
For implementation the full retrospective method is applied, meaning that the 2017 comparative financial 
information has been restated. HEINEKEN concluded that IFRS 15 did not impact the timing of revenue 
recognition. However, the amount of recognised revenue is impacted by payments to customers and 
excise taxes as explained below. 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 have therefore not been applied.

The adoption of IFRS 15 has changed the accounting for certain payments to customers, such as listing 
fees and marketing support expenses. Most of these payments were recorded as operating expenses, but 
are now considered to be a reduction of revenue. Only when these payments relate to a distinct service the 
amounts continue to be recorded as operating expenses.

IFRS 15 has also changed the accounting for excise tax. Based on IAS 18 different policies were applied by 
peers in our industry. Some companies included all excises in revenue, some recorded excise only for specific 
countries and some, like HEINEKEN, excluded all excise from revenue. The clarifications to IFRS 15 describe 
that an ‘all or nothing’ approach is no longer possible and an assessment of the excise tax needs to be 
performed on a country by country basis.

Excise taxes are very common in the beverage industry, but levied differently amongst the countries 
HEINEKEN operates in. HEINEKEN performed a country by country analysis to assess whether the excise 
taxes are sales-related or effectively a production tax. In most countries excise taxes are effectively a 
production tax as excise becomes payable when goods are moved from bonded warehouses and are 
not based on the sales value. In these countries, increases in excise tax are not always (fully) passed on 
to customers and HEINEKEN cannot, or can only partly, reclaim the excise tax in the case products are 
eventually not sold to customers. Excise tax is borne by HEINEKEN for these countries and included in 
revenue. Only for those countries where excise is levied at the moment of the sales transaction and excise 
is based on the sales value, the excise taxes are collected on behalf of a tax authority and consequently 
excluded from revenue.

Due to the complexity and variety in tax legislations, significant judgement is applied in the assessment 
whether taxes are borne by HEINEKEN or collected on behalf of a third party.

To provide full transparency on the impact of the accounting for excise, HEINEKEN presents the excise tax 
expense on a separate line below revenue in the consolidated income statement. A new subtotal called 
‘Net revenue’ is added. This ‘Net revenue’ subtotal is ‘revenue’ as defined in IFRS 15 (after discounts) minus 
the excise tax expense for those countries where the excise is borne by HEINEKEN. HEINEKEN furthermore 
discloses the excise collected on behalf of third parties, which is excluded from revenue, in note 6.1 
Operating segments. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6868

The IFRS 15 changes have no impact on operating profit, net profit and EPS. In below table the impact 
of IFRS 15 on the 2017 figures is reflected:

Transition options and practical expedients

HEINEKEN will apply the following practical expedients upon transition to the new standard: 

For the year ended 31 December 

Recognition (permanent):

2017 Reported

Impact IFRS 15

2017 Restated

 – Apply the short-term lease exemption, meaning that leases with a duration of less than a year will be 

In millions of €

Revenue
Excise tax expense

Net revenue

Other income
Raw materials, consumables and services

Personnel expenses

Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Total other expenses

Operating profit

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit
Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

Other new standards and amendments

21,888

141

(13,540)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,677)

3,352

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

3,955

(4,234)

(279)

279

279

25,843

(4,234)

21,609

141

(13,261)

(3,550)

(1,587)

(18,398)

3,352

2,908

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

Other changes effective in 2018 had no significant impact on the disclosures or amounts recognised 
in HEINEKEN’s consolidated financial statements.

(b) Upcoming changes in accounting policies for 2019 

The following change in standards and amendments to standards will be effective in 2019 and will have 
a significant impact on HEINEKEN’s consolidated financial statements:

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 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. Under the new standard, all operating lease 
contracts will be recognised on HEINEKEN’s balance sheet, except for short-term and low value leases. 
Lease expenses currently recorded in the income statement will be replaced by depreciation and interest 
expenses for all lease contracts in scope of the standard.

expensed in the income statement on a straight-line basis

 – Apply the low value lease exemption, meaning that leased assets with an individual value of €5 
thousand or less if bought new will be expensed in the income statement on a straight-line basis

 – Apply the option to include non-lease components in the lease liability for equipment leases

Transition:

 – Use the option to grandfather the lease classification for existing contracts

 – Use the transition option for leases with a remaining contract period of less than one year, meaning that 
these leases will not be recorded on balance and the payments will be expensed in the income statement 
on a straight-line basis

 – Measure the Right-of-Use Asset based on the Lease Liability recognised

Accounting policy on the lease term applied as per 1 January 2019

The lease term shall be determined as the non-cancellable period of a lease, together with: 

 – Periods covered by an option to extend the lease if HEINEKEN is reasonably certain to make use of 

that option

 – Periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if HEINEKEN is reasonably certain not to make use 

of that option

Estimated impact on the financial statements:

HEINEKEN has around 30,000 operating leases mainly relating to offices, warehouses, pubs, stores, cars 
and (forklift) trucks. Based on the contracts that will be capitalised as per 1 January 2019, the estimated 
impact on the balance sheet on that date, amounts to €1.2 billion increase in total assets and total 
liabilities. The increase in assets consist of Right-of-use Assets for €0.9 billion and lease receivables for 
€0.3 billion. The increase in liabilities consists of €1.2 billion of lease liabilities. 

In some countries, HEINEKEN is operating both as a lessee and a lessor for pubs. HEINEKEN analysed the 
contracts where HEINEKEN acts as a lessor (subleases) and concluded that under the new standard these 
sublease contracts are to be treated as a finance lease, where under the previous standard these same 
leases were treated as an operating lease. This change results in a decrease of revenue, primarily impacting 
The Netherlands and Belgium.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6969

For the contracts that will be capitalised as per 1 January 2019, the estimated impact on the income 
statement will be as follows:

It is expected that the actual impact on the financial statements in 2019 will be different as a result of:

 – The finalisation of the validation of completeness and accuracy of the identified contracts

Income statement

Revenue

Excise tax expense

Net revenue

Other income
Raw materials, consumables and services

Personnel expenses

Amortisation, depreciation and 
impairments

Total other expenses

Operating profit

Net finance expenses

Share of profit of associates and joint 
ventures

Profit before income tax
Income tax expense

Profit

Estimated  
IFRS16 
 impact

(52)

–

(52)

–

259

–

Remarks

The decrease in revenue (income from 
subleases) is fully offset by a decrease 
in expenses on the head leases (relates 
primarily to The Netherlands  
and Belgium).

 – The finalisation of the identification of embedded leases

 – New lease contracts to be entered into in 2019 

Reconciliation of the off-balance sheet commitments with the estimated impact

As at 31 December 2018, HEINEKEN reports a total off-balance sheet commitment for leases of 
€2.0 billion. The difference between the estimated opening balance sheet impact of €1.2 billion (lease 
liabilities) and the off balance sheet commitments is primarily due to low value and short-term lease 
commitments, which are not included in the lease liability, and the impact of discounting of future lease 
payments. Refer to note 13.2 for more information of the off balance sheet commitments.

A decrease in raw materials, consumables 
and services, as a result of the shift  
of operating lease expenses to  
depreciation and interest.

5  General accounting policies 

General 

(186) An increase in depreciation, amortisation 
and impairments, as a result of 
depreciation of the Right-of-Use Assets.

An increase in net finance expenses  
as a result of the unwinding of the  
discount on lease liabilities and accretion  
of interest on lease receivables.

73

21

(40)

–

(19)

5

(14)

The accounting policies described in these consolidated financial statements have been applied 
consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. 

(a) Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared as a consolidation of the financial statements of 
the Company and its 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 that entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 
Control is generally obtained by ownership of more than 50% of the voting rights.

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.

On consolidation, intra-HEINEKEN balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains and losses or 
income and expenses arising from intra-HEINEKEN transactions, are eliminated. Unrealised gains arising 
from transactions with associates and JVs (refer note 10.3) 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. 

For the contracts that will be capitalised as per 1 January 2019, the impact on the cash flow statement is 
estimated to be:

 – An increase of €0.2 billion on cash flows from operating activities (and free operating cash flow) and a 

corresponding decrease in cash flow from financing

 – The impact on net cash flow will be neutral

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Financial Statements

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Other Information

7070

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(b) Foreign currency 

Foreign currency transactions 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of HEINEKEN 
entities using the exchange rates at transaction date. Receivables, payables and other monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency using the 
exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Resulting foreign currency differences are recognised in the 
income statement, except for foreign currency differences arising on retranslation of Fair Value through 
Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) investments and financial liabilities designated as a hedge of 
a net investment, which are recognised in other comprehensive income. 

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 at the exchange rate at transaction date.

Foreign operations 

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on 
acquisition, and of intercompany loans with a permanent nature (quasi-equity) are translated to Euro at 
exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to 
Euro at exchange rates approximating to the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions, except 
for foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies. In 2018 HEINEKEN did not have any significant 
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. 
The cumulative amount in the translation reserve is (either fully or partly) reclassified to the income 
statement upon disposal (either fully or partly) or liquidation. 

Exchange rates of key currencies

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)

(c) Cash flow statement 

Year-end  
2018

Year-end  
2017

Average 
2018

Average 
2017

%

0.2250

1.1179

0.0446

0.0024

0.2327

0.0125

0.6414

0.8734

0.0376

0.2517

1.1271

0.0425

0.0025

0.2398

0.0144

0.6241

0.8338

0.0367

(10.6)

0.2322

(0.8)

4.9

(4.0)

(3.0)

(13.2)

2.8

4.7

2.5

1.1303

0.0440

0.0024

0.2347

0.0135

0.6279

0.8466

0.0368

0.2774

1.1410

0.0469

0.0027

0.2349

0.0152

0.6417

0.8854

0.0389

%

(16.3)

(0.9)

(6.2)

(11.1)

(0.1)

(11.2)

(2.2)

(4.4)

(5.4)

The cash flow statement is prepared using the indirect method. Assets and liabilities acquired as part of a 
business combination are included in investing activities (net of cash acquired). Dividends paid to shareholders 
are included in financing activities. Dividends received are classified as operating activities, as well as interest paid. 

(d) Offsetting financial instruments

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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7171

6  Operating activities 

6.1  Operating segments 

HEINEKEN distinguishes five reportable segments: Europe, Americas, Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific and Head Office & Other/eliminations. In below table information is provided about these 
reportable segments:

Note

6.2

11.1

10.3

12.1

In millions of €

Net revenue (beia)1
Third party revenue2

Interregional revenue

Revenue
Excise tax expense3

Net revenue
Other income

Operating profit

Net finance expenses

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Income tax expense

Profit
Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company (net profit)

Non-controlling interests

Operating profit reconciliation
Operating profit

Eia1

Operating profit (beia)1

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East & 
Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office &
Other/eliminations

2018

10,348

12,351

702

2017*

9,991

11,869

687

13,053

12,556

(2,705)

(2,595)

10,348

28

9,961

134

2018

6,781

6,928

27

6,955

(174)

6,781

19

2017*

6,312

6,486

28

6,514

(202)

6,312

5

2018

3,051

3,724

–

3,724

(673)

3,051

2

2017*

3,028

3,666

1

3,667

(639)

3,028

2

2018

2,919

3,701

3

3,704

(785)

2,919

4

2017*

2,922

3,726

2

3,728

(797)

2,931

–

2018

(628)

107

(732)

(625)

(3)

(628)

22

Consolidated

2018

22,471

26,811

–

2017*

21,629

25,843

–

26,811

25,843

2017*

(624)

96

(718)

(622)

(1)

(4,340)

(4,234)

(623)

22,471

21,609

–

75

141

1,235

1,338

1,009

1,003

211

326

779

844

(97)

(159)

3,137

3,352

15

(11)

124

20

37

44

38

22

(4)

–

(495)

210

(757)

2,095

1,903

192

(519)

75

(755)

2,153

1,935

218

1,235

217

1,452

1,338

33

1,371

1,009

169

1,178

1,003

185

1,188

211

200

411

326

62

388

779

164

943

844

118

962

(97)

(19)

(116)

(159)

9

(150)

3,137

731

3,868

3,352

407

3,759

* Restated to reflect the change in accounting policy on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15). Refer to note 4 for further details.

1 Note that this is a non-GAAP measure.

2 Includes other revenue of €389 million in 2018 and €361 million in 2017.

3 Next to the €4,340 million of excise tax expense included in revenue (2017: €4,234 million), €1,568 million of excise tax expense is collected on behalf of third parties and excluded from revenue (2017: €1,415 million).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7272

In millions of €

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

Note

Europe

Americas

2018

2,816

2017

2,793

11,382

11,364

296

217

2018

2,371

7,981

909

2017

2,331

7,787

829

14,494

14,374

11,261

10,947

Africa, Middle East & 
Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office &
Other/eliminations

Consolidated

2018

1,356

2,299

213

3,868

2017

1,146

2,316

219

3,681

2018

1,487

7,368

590

9,445

2017

1,226

7,525

575

9,326

2018

1,359

894

13

2017

1,000

935

1

2018

9,389

29,924

2,021

2017

8,496

29,927

1,841

2,266

1,936

41,334

40,264

4,760

4,814

2,542

2,483

1,386

1,088

1,093

900

1,116

1,790

8.2

8.1

8.1

8.2

8.2

8.1

8.1

590

10

47

(510)

–

(56)

537

2

42

(496)

1

(57)

546

(23)

31

(273)

–

(131)

615

907

20

(266)

–

(116)

434

29

8

(237)

(133)

(8)

–

–

–

–

(21)

361

253

1

8

7

9

(261)

(122)

–

(159)

4

(8)

–

163

9

2

(134)

14

(174)

13

–

72

(13)

–

(30)

–

20

–

66

(15)

–

(25)

–

11

–

(21)

11

622

770

41,956

41,034

10,897

15,519

15,540

41,956

1,836

23

167

11,075

15,438

14,521

41,034

1,696

919

138

(1,155)

(1,172)

(133)

(384)

19

(380)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7373

Reconciliation of segment profit or loss

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

  Accounting policies 

Segment reporting 

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 

Net finance expenses

Profit before income tax

2018

3,868

(311)

(420)

210

(495)

2017

3,759

(302)

(105)

75

(519)

2,852

2,908

The 2018 exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles in operating profit 
amounts to €731 million (2017: €407 million). This amount consists of:

 – €311 million (2017: €302 million) of amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles recorded in 

operating profit. 

 – €420 million (2017: €105 million) of exceptional items recorded in operating profit, of which nil in 

revenue (2017: €20 million), €122 million of restructuring expenses (2017: €93 million), €183 million of 
impairments mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (2017: €19 million gain from reversal of 
impairments), €24 million of acquisition and integration costs (2017: €72 million), €4 million net gain on 
disposals (2017: €71 million net gain mainly from the sale of non-beer and cider wholesale operations 
in the Netherlands) and €95 million of other exceptional expenses (2017: €10 million which included 
exceptional benefits of €58 million).

  Accounting estimates and judgements

Due to the complexity and variety in tax legislations, significant judgement is applied in the assessment 
whether excise tax expenses are borne by HEINEKEN or collected on behalf of a third party. 

HEINEKEN makes estimates when determining discount accruals in revenue at year-end, specifically for 
conditional discounts. Refer to note 7.3 for more explanation on how discount accruals are estimated. 

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. 

The first four reportable segments as presented in the segmentation tables are HEINEKEN’s business 
regions. These business regions are each managed separately by a Regional President, who reports to 
the Executive Board, and is directly accountable for the functioning of the segment’s assets, liabilities and 
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.

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 mainly comprise 
deferred tax assets. 

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

Performance is measured based on operating profit (beia), as included in the internal management reports 
that are reviewed by the Executive Board. Beia stands for ‘before exceptional items and amortisation of 
acquisition-related intangibles’. 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. Exceptional items include, amongst others, impairments (and reversal of 
impairments) of goodwill and fixed assets, gains and losses from acquisitions and disposals, redundancy 
costs following a restructuring, past service costs and curtailments, the tax impact on exceptional items 
and tax rate changes (the one-off impact on deferred tax positions). 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. 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

7474

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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 transfers or transactions are 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. 

Revenue 
The majority of HEINEKEN’s revenue is generated by the sale and delivery of products to customers. 
The product portfolio of HEINEKEN mainly consists of beer, soft drinks and cider. Products are mostly 
own-produced finished goods from HEINEKEN’s brewing activities, but also contain purchased goods for 
resale from HEINEKEN’s wholesale activities. HEINEKEN’s customer group can be split between on-trade 
customers like cafés, bars and restaurants and off-trade customers like retailers and wholesalers. Due to 
HEINEKEN’s global footprint its revenue is exposed to strategic and financial risks that differs per region.

Revenue is recognised when control over products has transferred and HEINEKEN fulfilled its performance 
obligation to the customer. For the majority of the sales, control is transferred either at delivery of the 
products or upon pickup by the customer from HEINEKEN’s premises.

Revenue recognised is based on the price specified in the contract, net of returns, discounts, sales taxes 
and excise taxes collected on behalf of third parties. 

Other revenues include rental income from pubs & bars, royalties, income from wholesale activities, pub 
management services and technical services to third parties. Royalties are sales-based and recognised 
in profit or loss (consolidated income statement) on an accrual basis in accordance with the relevant 
agreement. Rental income, income from wholesale activities, pub management services and technical 
services are recognised in profit or loss when the services have been delivered.

Discounts 
HEINEKEN uses different types of discounts depending on the nature of the customer. Some discounts 
are unconditional, like cash discounts, early payment discounts and temporary promotional discounts. 
Unconditional discounts are recognised at the same moment of the related sales transaction. 

HEINEKEN also provides conditional discounts to customers. These contractually agreed conditions 
include volume and promotional rebates. Conditional discounts are recognised based on estimated target 
realisation. The estimation is based on accumulated experience supported by historical and current sales 
information. A discount accrual is recognised at each reporting date for discounts payable to customers 
based on their expected or actual volume up to that date. 

Other discounts include listing and shelving visibility fees charged by the customer whereby the 
payments to customers are closely related to the volumes sold. HEINEKEN assesses the substance of 
contracts with customers to determine the classification of payments to customers as either discounts 
or marketing expenses. 

Discounts are accounted for as a reduction of revenue. Only when these payments to customers relate to 
a distinct service, the amount is classified as operating expense. 

Excise tax expense 
Local tax authorities impose multiple taxes, duties and fees. These include excise on sale or production of 
alcoholic beverages, environmental taxes on the use of certain raw materials or packaging materials, or the 
energy consumption in the production process. Excise duties are very common in the beverage industry, 
but levied differently amongst the countries HEINEKEN operates in. HEINEKEN performs a country by 
country analysis to assess whether the excise duty are sales-related or effectively a production tax. In most 
countries excise duties are effectively a production tax as excise duties become payable when goods are 
moved from bonded warehouses and is not based on the sales value. In these countries, increases in excise 
duty are not always (fully) passed on to customers and HEINEKEN cannot, or can only partly, reclaim the 
excise duty in the case products are eventually not sold to customers. Excise tax is borne by HEINEKEN 
for these countries and shown as expenses. Only for those countries where excise is levied at the moment 
of the sales transaction and excise is based on the sales value, the excise duties are collected on behalf 
of a tax authority and consequently deducted from revenue. Due to the complexity and variety in tax 
legislations, significant judgement is applied in the assessment whether taxes are borne by HEINEKEN 
or collected on behalf of a third party. 

To provide full transparency on the impact of the accounting for excise, HEINEKEN presents the excise tax 
expense on a separate line below revenue in the consolidated income statement. A new subtotal called 
‘Net revenue’ is added. This ‘Net revenue’ subtotal is ‘revenue’ as defined in IFRS 15 (after discounts) minus 
the excise tax expense for those countries where the excise is borne by HEINEKEN.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7575

6.2  Other income 

Other income includes the gain from sale of P,P&E and intangible assets. It also includes gains from the 
sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. These transactions do not arise from contracts with 
customers and are therefore presented separately from revenue.

Other expenses mainly include rentals of €321 million (2017: €308 million), consultant expenses of 
€192 million (2017: €169 million), telecom and office automation of €239 million (2017: €227 million), 
warehousing expenses of €187 million (2017: €172 million), travel expenses of €158 million 
(2017: €162 million) and other taxes of €56 million (2017: €33 million).

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

2018

31

2

42

75

2017

20

87

34

141

  Accounting policies 

Expenses are recognised based on accrual accounting. This means that expenses are recognised when the 
product is received or the service is provided regardless of when cash outflow takes place. 

6.4  Personnel expenses 

The average number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, excluding contractors, in 2018 was 85,610 
(2017: 80,425 FTE), divided per region as follows:

  Accounting policies

Other income is recognised in profit or loss when control over the sold asset is transferred to the buyer. 
The amount recognised as other income equals the proceeds obtained from the buyer minus the carrying 
value of the sold asset. 

6.3  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

2018

1,897

3,624

1,533

(43)

2,494

1,266

529

527

2,140

13,967

2017*

1,817

3,375

1,592

(130)

2,533

1,177

513

509

1,875

13,261

*  Restated to reflect the change in accounting policy on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15). Refer to note 4 for 
further details.

Average number of FTE per region

40,000

30,000

28,345 27,871

27,818

33,081

E
T
F
f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

20,000

10,000

13,974 14,475

10,210 10,261

2018

2017

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East  
and Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

The increase in the Americas is mainly due to the full year inclusion of Brasil Kirin FTEs. Within Europe 
4,027 FTEs are based in the Netherlands (2017: 3,998 FTEs).

HEINEKEN employees are granted compensations such as salaries and wages, pensions (see note 
9.1) and share-based payments (see note 6.5). Other personnel expenses include expenses for 
contractors of €168 million (2017: €153 million) and restructuring costs for an amount of €111 million 
(2017: €82 million). Restructuring provisions are disclosed in note 9.2.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

7676

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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

9.1

6.5

2018

2,444

386

51

105

(9)

48

724

3,749

2017

2,339

364

47

59

3

55

683

3,550

  Accounting policies 

Personnel expenses are recognised when the related service is provided, for more details on accounting 
policies related to post-retirements obligations and share-based payments refer to note 9.1 and 
6.5 respectively. 

6.5 

Share-based payments 

HEINEKEN has the following share-based compensation plans: Long-term incentive plan, Matching share 
plan (as part of the Short term incentive plan) and Extraordinary share plan. 

Long term incentive plan (LTIP) 
HEINEKEN has a performance-based Long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for the Executive Board and senior 
management. Under this LTIP, share rights are conditionally awarded to participants 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 calendar year period by the employee.

The performance conditions for LTIP are Organic Net Revenue growth, Organic EBIT beia growth, Earnings 
Per Share beia growth and Free Operating Cash Flow for LTIP 2016-2018. As per LTIP 2017-2019 Organic 
EBIT beia growth changed into Organic Operating Profit beia growth.

At target performance, 100% of the awarded share rights vest. At threshold performance, 50% of the 
awarded share rights vest and 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 from LTIP 2017-2019 the maximum performance is set at 200% for 
all senior managers. 

The grant date, fair market value (FMV) at grant date, service period and vesting date for the 
aforementioned plans are visualised below:

Overview LTIP

LTI Plan

31-12-2015

31-12-2016

31-12-2017

31-12-2018

31-12-2019

31-12-2020

2016-2018

grant date 
FMV €75.20

performance period

vesting date

2017-2019

2018-2020

grant date 
FMV €66.88

performance period

vesting date

grant date 
FMV €82.46

Total LTIP expenses  
recognised in 2018

performance period

vesting  
date

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

7777

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Ownership of the vested LTIP 2016-2018 shares will transfer to the Executive Board members shortly 
after publication of the annual results in 2019 and to senior management on 1 April 2019. The number 
of outstanding share rights and the movement over the year under the LTIP of senior management and 
Executive Board are as follows:

Outstanding as at 1 January
Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Vested previous year

Performance adjustment

Outstanding as at 31 December

Share price as at 31 December

Number of share 
rights 2018

Number of share 
rights 2017

2,266,642

1,873,347

444,556

(124,039)

(699,032)

159,753

510,006

(55,103)

(802,381)

740,773

2,047,880

2,266,642

77.20

86.93

As HEINEKEN will withhold the payroll tax related to vesting on behalf of the individual employees, 
the number of Heineken N.V. shares to be received will be an after-tax number. The share rights are not 
dividend-bearing during the performance period. 

Other share-based compensation plans 
Under the extraordinary share plans for senior management there were no shares granted in 2018 and 
8,383 (gross) shares were vested in 2018. 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 2018 are €0.4 million (2017: €1.0 million).

Matching shares granted to the Executive Board are disclosed in note 13.3.

  Accounting estimates 

The grant date fair value is calculated by adjusting the share price at grant date for estimated foregone 
dividends during the performance period, as the participants are not entitled to receive dividends during 
that period. The foregone dividends are estimated by applying HEINEKEN’s dividend policy on the latest 
forecasts of net profit (beia).

At each balance sheet date, HEINEKEN uses its latest forecasts to calculate the expected realisation on 
the performance targets per plan. The number of shares are adjusted to the new target realisation and 
HEINEKEN increases/decreases the total plan cost. The cumulative effect is recorded in the profit or loss, 
with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

Expenses related to employees that voluntarily leave HEINEKEN are reversed as they will not receive any 
shares from the LTIP. The expense calculation includes the estimated future forfeiture. HEINEKEN uses 
historical information to estimate this forfeiture rate. 

  Accounting policies 

HEINEKEN’s share-based compensation plans are equity-settled share rights granted to the Executive 
Board and senior management. 

The grant date fair value is calculated by deducting expected foregone dividends from the grant date 
during the performance period share price. The costs of the share plans are adjusted for expected 
performance and forfeiture and spread evenly over the service period. 

Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in the profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment 
to equity. 

6.6  Amortisation, depreciation and impairments

Personnel expenses 
The total share-based compensation expenses that are recognised in 2018 amount to €48 million 
(2017: €55 million).

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Note

2018

2017

Recycling of currency translation differences

In millions of €

Share rights granted in 2015

Share rights granted in 2016

Share rights granted in 2017

Share rights granted in 2018

Total expense recognised in personnel expenses

6.4

–

17

18

13

48

18

17

20

–

55

Note

8.2

8.1

2018

1,288

405

–

1,693

2017

1,153

369

65

1,587

In 2017 HEINEKEN recycled the negative currency translation reserves relating to disposed subsidiaries to 
the consolidated income statement. 

  Accounting policies 

Refer to note 8.1 for the accounting policy on impairments and amortisation and note 8.2 for the policy 
on depreciation.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6.7  Earnings per share 

The calculation of earnings per share for the period ended 31 December 2018 is based on the profit 
attributable to the shareholders of the Company (net profit) and a weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding (basic and diluted) during the year ended 31 December 2018.

In € per share (basic or diluted) for the period ended 31 December

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2018

3.34

3.34

2017

3.39

3.39

Refer to the table below for the information used in the calculation of the basic and diluted earnings 
per share. 

Weighted average number of shares – basic and diluted 

In millions of €

Raw materials

Work in progress

Finished products

Goods for resale

2018

2017

Other inventories and spare parts

Non-returnable packaging

7  Working Capital 

7.1 

Inventories

Inventory balances includes raw and packaging materials, work in progress, spare parts and 
finished products. 

7878

2017

316

234

412

311

204

337

2018

351

228

426

323

230

362

Total number of shares issued

Effect of own shares held

Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding  
for the year
Dilutive effect of share-based payment plan obligations

Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding  
for the year

576,002,613

576,002,613

(5,856,544)

(5,928,278)

570,146,069

570,074,335

517,563

577,776

570,663,632

570,652,111

  Accounting policies 

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 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 or held in the year. Diluted EPS is determined by dividing the profit or loss 
attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for 
the weighted average number of own shares purchased or held in the year and for the effects of all dilutive 
potential ordinary shares which comprise share rights granted to employees and the Executive Board. 

1,920

1,814

During 2018 inventories were written down by €25 million to net realisable value (2017: €(14) million).

  Accounting policies 

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is based 
on weighted average cost, 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. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7979

7.2  Trade and other receivables 

The movement in allowance for credit losses for trade and other receivables during the year was as follows: 

Trade and other receivables arise in the course of ordinary activities like the sale of inventory, proceeds for 
contract brewing or royalty fees. 

Allowance for credit losses 2018 – Trade and other receivables

In millions of €

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Trade receivables due from associates and joint ventures

Prepayments

2018

2,588

762

8

382

3,740

2017

2,582

672

23

399

3,676

Trade and other receivables contain a net impairment loss of €38 million (2017: €13 million) from 
contracts with customers, which is included in expenses for raw materials, consumables and services. 

The ageing of the trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments) as per reporting date 
can be shown as follows: 

600

€
f
o
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
n
I

400

200

453

1

1

42

(49)

(4)

(7)

437

Balance as 
at 1 January

Policy
change

Changes in 
consolidation

Addition to
allowance

Allowance 
used

Allowance 
released

Fx 
movements

Balance as at
31 December

In millions of €

Gross

Allowance

In millions of €

Gross

Allowance

2018

Total

3,795

(437)

3,358

2017

Total

3,730

(453)

(3,277)

Not past due

0-30 days

31-120 days

2,480

(38)

2,442

472

(5)

467

275

(44)

231

Not past due

0-30 days

31-120 days

2,477

(46)

2,431

487

(19)

468

255

(42)

213

Past due

> 120 days

568

(350)

218

Past due

> 120 days

511

(346)

165

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January
Policy change

Changes in consolidation

Impairment loss recognised

Allowance used

Allowance released

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December

  Accounting estimates

2018

453

1

1

42

(49)

(4)

(7)

437

2017

448

–

55

105

(45)

(92)

(18)

453

HEINEKEN determines on each reporting date the impairment of trade and other receivables using a 
model (e.g. flow rate method) which estimates the lifetime expected credit losses that will be incurred 
on these receivables. 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. For more information on HEINEKEN’s credit risk exposure refer to note 11.5.

  Accounting policies 

Trade and other receivables are held by HEINEKEN in order to collect the related cash flows. 
These receivables are measured at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost minus any impairment 
losses. Trade and other receivables are derecognised by HEINEKEN when substantially all risks and rewards 
are transferred or if HEINEKEN does not retain control over the receivables.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8080

7.3  Trade and other payables 

In the ordinary course of business, payable positions arise towards suppliers of goods and services, as well 
as to other parties. The schedule below shows the different types of trade and other payables. 

Returnable packaging deposit liability 
In certain markets, HEINEKEN has the legal or constructive obligation to take back the materials from the 
market. A deposit value is generally charged upon sale of the finished product, which is paid back when the 
empty returnable packaging material is returned. 

In millions of €

Trade payables

Accruals 

Taxation and social security contributions

Interest

Dividends

Other payables

2018

4,016

1,334

1,060

164

19

298

6,891

2017

3,430

1,344

924

168

30

232

6,128

  Accounting estimates 

HEINEKEN makes estimates in the determination of discount accruals, included in the accruals line. 
When discounts are provided to customers, these reduce the transaction price and consequently the 
revenue. The conditional discounts in revenue (refer to note 6.1) are estimated based on accumulated 
experience supported by historical and current sales information. Expected sales volumes are determined 
taking into account (historical) sales patterns and other relevant information. A discount accrual is 
recognised for expected volume and year-end discounts payable to customers in relation to sales made 
until the end of the reporting period. 

  Accounting policies 

Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. The trade 
payable is derecognised when the contractual obligation is either discharged, cancelled or expired.

7.4  Returnable packaging materials 

HEINEKEN uses returnable packaging materials such as glass bottles, crates and kegs in selling the finished 
products to the customer. 

Returnable packaging materials 
The majority of returnable packaging materials is classified as property, plant and equipment. 
The category other fixed assets in property, plant and equipment (refer to note 8.2) includes €882 million 
(2017: €816 million) of returnable packaging materials. 

In millions of €

Returnable packaging deposits

  Accounting estimates 

2018

569

569

2017

607

607

The main accounting estimate relating to returnable packaging materials is determining the returnable 
packaging materials in the market and the expected return thereof. This is based on circulation times and 
losses of returnable packaging materials in the market. 

  Accounting policies

Returnable packaging materials
Returnable packaging materials may be classified as property, plant and equipment or inventory. 
The classification mainly depends on whether the ownership gets transferred and whether HEINEKEN has 
the legal or constructive obligation to buy back the materials. 

Refer to note 8.2 for the general accounting policy on property, plant and equipment. Specifically for 
returnable packaging materials, the estimated useful lives depend on the loss of the materials in the 
market as well as on HEINEKEN site. 

Returnable packaging deposit liability
HEINEKEN recognises a deposit liability when a legal or constructive obligation exists to reimburse the 
customer for returnable packaging materials that are returned. The returnable packaging deposit liability is 
based on the estimated returnable packaging materials in the market, the expected return thereof and the 
deposit value. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 20188181

2017

Total

Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8  Non-current assets 

8.1  Intangible assets 

Intangible assets within HEINEKEN are mainly goodwill, brands and customer-related intangibles such as customer lists. The majority of intangible assets has been recognised by HEINEKEN as part of acquisitions. 
The table below shows the historical cost per asset class and the movements during the year which includes amortisation. 

Transfer (to)/from assets classified as held for sale

10.2

In millions of €

Cost

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

Purchased/internally developed

Disposals

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance as at 31 December

Amortisation and impairment losses

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

Amortisation 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

Carrying amount

As at 1 January

As at 31 December

Note

Goodwill

Brands

Customer- 
related 
intangibles

Contract-
based 
intangibles

Software, 
research and 
development 
and other

Total

Goodwill

Brands

Customer- 
related 
intangibles

Contract-
based 
intangibles

Software, 
research and 
development 
and other

2018

11,612

4,689

2,334

1,095

23

–

(59)

–

45

43

4

(4)

(1)

44

6

–

(65)

(109)

38

6

7

(79)

(28)

9

11,621

4,775

2,204

1,010

782

24

156

(1)

(27)

(3)

931

20,512

11,436

102

167

(208)

(165)

133

919

–

–

(6)

(737)

20,541

11,612

4,391

656

3

(3)

(1)

(357)

4,689

2,443

112

10

–

(12)

(219)

2,334

1,122

86

–

–

–

(113)

1,095

676

9

125

–

(7)

(21)

20,068

1,782

138

(3)

(26)

(1,447)

782

20,512

6.6

6.6

6.6

10.2

(407)

(738)

(959)

–

–

(20)

–

–

–

–

(427)

–

–

(127)

(140)

–

–

4

–

(4)

(865)

–

–

20

109

(22)

(992)

(270)

(9)

(50)

–

–

32

27

1

(468)

(2,842)

(407)

(656)

(908)

(264)

(409)

(2,644)

(23)

(67)

(1)

–

1

27

2

(32)

(384)

(21)

–

57

163

(23)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(124)

3

(144)

–

–

–

–

42

(738)

–

11

–

–

79

(959)

4

(52)

–

–

–

–

42

(270)

(20)

(60)

–

–

–

6

15

(13)

(380)

–

11

–

6

178

(468)

(2,842)

(269)

(529)

(3,082)

(407)

11,205

11,194

3,951

3,910

1,375

1,212

825

741

314

402

17,670

17,459

11,029

11,205

3,735

3,951

1,535

1,375

858

825

267

314

17,424

17,670

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

8282

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Goodwill impairment testing
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 & Eastern Europe and Head Office, goodwill is allocated and monitored on an individual country basis. 
The total amount of goodwill of €11,194 million (2017: €11,205 million) is allocated to each (group of) 
Cash Generating Unit (CGU) as follows:

Goodwill per (group of) CGU

6,000

5,000

4,721

4,720

 –  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 are 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:

2,877

2,882

In %

Europe

The Americas (excluding Brazil)

Brazil

Expected
annual
long-term
inflation
2022-2028

1.9

3.0

3.8

Expected
volume
growth rates
2022-2028

1.0

3.2

0.2

Pre-tax WACC

9.5

12.4

18.1

335

346

Africa, Middle East 
& Eastern Europe

480

480

Asia Pacific

Head Office

Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

19.2–33.8

3.7–11.1

(4.8)–1.7

Asia Pacific

Head Office

15.1

9.1

4.0

1.9

3.1

1.0

The carrying amount is compared to the recoverable amount. 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. For CGUs 
representing more than 95% of goodwill the recoverable amount is based on a value in use model. Value in 
use is 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 are 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.

CGUs for which the recoverable amount is based on a FVLCD model represent less than 5% of goodwill.

The outcome of these goodwill impairment tests in 2018 did not result in a material impairment loss 
(2017: nil). 

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. 

Brands, customer-related and contract-based intangibles 
The main brands capitalised are the brands acquired in various acquisitions. The main customer-related 
and contract-based intangibles relate to customer relationships (constituted either by way of a contractual 
agreement or by way of non-contractual relations) and re-acquired rights. 

¤
f
o
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
n
I

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

2,201

2,109

580

668

Europe

Americas

Brazil

2018

2017

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8383

  Accounting estimates and judgements 

The cash flow projections used in the value in use calculations for goodwill impairment testing contains 
various judgements and estimations as described in the key assumptions for the value in use calculations. 

For intangible assets, other than goodwill, estimates are required to determine the (remaining) useful lives. 
Useful lives are determined based on the market position (for brands), estimated remaining useful life of 
the customer relationships or the period of the contractual arrangements, or estimates on technical and 
commercial developments (for software/development expenditure). 

Amortisation is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. 
HEINEKEN believes that straight-line depreciation most closely reflects the expected pattern of 
consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the intangible asset. 

  Accounting policies 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the fair value of the net assets acquired and the transaction 
price of the acquisition. 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. Goodwill is allocated to individual 
or groups of 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. An impairment loss in respect 
of goodwill can not be reversed. 

Brands, customer-related and contract-based intangibles

Brands, customer-related and contract-based intangibles acquired as part of a business combination are 
recognised at fair value. Otherwise they are recognised at cost and amortised over the estimated useful 
life of the individual brand, respectively over the remaining useful life of the customer relationships or the 
period of the contractual arrangements. 

Strategic brands are well-known international/local brands with a strong market position and an 
established brand name. 

Software, research and development and other intangible assets

Purchased software is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation. 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, 
is recognised in profit or loss when incurred. 

Amortisation

Amortisation is calculated over the cost of the asset 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. The estimated useful lives are as follows: 

 – Strategic brands  

 – Other brands  

 – Customer-related and contract-based intangibles  

 – Re-acquired rights  

 – Software  

 – Capitalised development costs  

40–50 years 

15–25 years 

5–30 years 

3–12 years 

3–7 years 

3 years 

The amortisation method, useful lives and residual values are reassessed annually. Changes in useful lives 
or residual value are recognised prospectively. 

Derecognition of intangible assets

Intangible assets are derecognised when disposed or sold. Gain on sale of intangibles are presented 
in profit or loss as other income (refer note 6.2); losses on sale are included in depreciation. Goodwill is 
derecognised when the related CGU is sold. 

Impairment of non-financial assets

Each reporting date HEINEKEN reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets (except for 
inventories and deferred tax assets) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any 
such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. 

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that 
generates cash inflows from continuing use. The cash-generating unit for other non-financial assets is 
often the operating company on country level. 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 risks specific to the asset or CGU. 

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 are first allocated to goodwill and then to the other assets 
in the unit on a pro rata basis. 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. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8484

8.2  Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment (P,P&E) are fixed assets that are owned by HEINEKEN, as well as the leased assets under a finance lease agreement. These assets are held for use in HEINEKEN’s operating activities. 
The assets are split into the asset classes of land & buildings, plant & machinery, other fixed assets and assets under constructions. The table below shows the historical cost per asset class and the movements during 
the year. 

In millions of €

Cost

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

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

Depreciation and impairment losses

Balance as at 1 January
Changes in consolidation and other transfers

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

Carrying amount

As at 1 January

As at 31 December

Note

Land and
buildings

Plant and
equipment

Other  
fixed assets

Under
construction

6,911

8,393

5,166

5

36

314

(89)

(132)

(67)

74

74

615

(108)

(105)

(71)

12

396

315

(31)

(517)

3

902

2

1,330

(1,244)

–

(1)

9

2018

Total

21,372

93

1,836

–

(228)

(755)

(126)

Land and
buildings

Plant and
equipment

Other  
fixed assets

Under
construction

5,435

1,611

73

197

(17)

(145)

(243)

8,394

5,043

257

119

425

(9)

(185)

(608)

150

372

284

(6)

(386)

(291)

5,166

6,978

8,872

5,344

998

22,192

6,911

8,393

6.6

6.6

6.6

(2,089)

(4,706)

(3,460)

–

(161)

(29)

–

10

82

9

(64)

(416)

(89)

–

33

100

26

(6)

(578)

(15)

–

24

505

(9)

(2,178)

(5,116)

(3,539)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(10,255)

(2,170)

(4,733)

(3,403)

(70)

(1,155)

(133)

–

67

687

26

33

(163)

–

11

6

112

82

(15)

(438)

–

6

4

197

273

(28)

(571)

–

2

2

362

176

(10,833)

(2,089)

(4,706)

(3,460)

2017

Total

19,538

2,110

1,696

–

(32)

(732)

(1,208)

21,372

(10,306)

(10)

(1,172)

–

19

12

671

531

(10,255)

666

92

1,132

(906)

–

(16)

(66)

902

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,822

4,800

3,687

3,756

1,706

1,805

902

998

11,117

11,359

3,265

4,822

3,661

3,687

1,640

1,706

666

902

9,232

11,117

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

8585

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Land and buildings include the breweries and offices of HEINEKEN as well as stores, pubs and bars. 
The plant and machinery asset class contains all the assets needed in HEINEKEN’s brewing, packaging 
and filling activities. Other fixed assets mainly consists of returnable packaging materials, commercial fixed 
assets and furniture, fixtures and fittings. Refer to note 7.4 for further information on returnable packaging 
materials that are included in this category. 

Impairment losses 
In 2018 an impairment of property, plant and equipment of €133 million was charged to profit or loss 
(2017: nil), mainly relating to The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is part of the Africa, 
Middle East and Eastern Europe segment. A decrease of the expected market volume growth in the DRC 
resulted in an impairment of assets. The determination of the recoverable amount of these assets is based 
on a value in use (VIU) valuation, which is based on a discounted 10-year cash flow forecast. 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:

in %

Sales volume growth (CAGR)

Inflation

Discount rate – pre tax

2019-2028

After that

(1.7)

10.1

20.1

–

10.1

20.1

  Accounting estimates and judgements 

Estimates are required to determine the (remaining) useful lives of fixed assets. Useful lives are determined 
based on an asset’s age, the frequency of its use, repair and maintenance policy, technology changes in 
production and expected restructurings. 

HEINEKEN estimates the expected residual value per asset item. The residual value is the higher of the 
expected sales prices or the scrap value. The residual value is estimated based on recent market transaction 
of similar sold items or on its material scrap value. 

Depreciation is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items 
of P,P&E. HEINEKEN believes that straight-line depreciation most closely reflects the expected pattern of 
consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. 

  Accounting policies 

A fixed asset is recognised when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the P,P&E item 
will flow to HEINEKEN and when the cost of the P,P&E can be reliably measured. The majority of the P,P&E 
of HEINEKEN are owned assets, rather than leased assets. 

P,P&E are recognised at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Historical cost 
include all cost directly attributable to the purchase of an asset. The cost of self-constructed assets include 
all directly attributable costs to make the asset ready for its intended use. Spare parts that meet the 

definition of P,P&E are capitalised as such and accounted for accordingly. If spare parts do not meet the 
recognition criteria of P,P&E, they are either carried in inventory or consumed and recorded in profit or loss. 

Subsequent costs are capitalised only when it is probable that the expenses will lead to future economic 
benefits and can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a 
separate asset is derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or 
loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred. 

For the contractual commitments on ordered P,P&E refer to note 13.2.

Depreciation and impairments 
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful life of the asset 
class. The estimated useful lives of the main asset classes are as follows: 

 – Buildings 

 – Plant and equipment 

 – Other fixed assets 

30 – 40 years 

10 – 30 years 

3 – 10 years 

Land and assets under construction are not depreciated. When assets under construction are ready for 
its intended use, they are transferred to the relevant category and depreciation starts. All other P,P&E items 
are depreciated over their estimated useful live to the asset’s residual value. 

The depreciation method, residual value and useful lives are reassessed annually. Changes in useful lives 
or residual value are recognised prospectively. 

HEINEKEN reviews whether impairment triggers exist on cash generating unit (CGU) level. When a 
triggering event exists, assets are tested for impairment, refer to note 8.1. 

Derecognition 
P,P&E is derecognised when it is scrapped or sold. Gains on sale of P,P&E are presented in profit or loss 
as other income (refer note 6.2); losses on sale are included in depreciation. 

8.3  Loans and advances to customers 

Loans and advances to customers are inherent to HEINEKEN’s business model. Loans to customers are 
repaid in cash on fixed dates while the settlement of advances to customers are linked to the sales volume 
of the customer. Loans and advances to customers are usually backed by a collateral such as properties.

In millions of €

Loans to customers

Advances to customers

Loans and advances to customers

2018

52

289

341

2017

54

277

331

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8686

The movement in allowance for impairment losses for loans and advances to customers during the year 
was as follows:

  Accounting policies 

Allowance for credit losses 2018 – Loans and advances to customers

Loans and advances to customers are measured at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost minus 
any impairment losses. 

8.4  Other non-current assets 

Other non-current assets mainly consist of Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) 
investments, prepayments and other receivables with a duration longer than 12 months.

5

145

(2)

(11)

–

1

135

In millions of €

Balance as 
at 1 January

Policy
change

Addition to
allowance

Allowance 
used

Allowance 
released

Fx 
movements

Other

Balance as at
31 December

(3)

Fair value through OCI investments*

Non-current derivatives

Loans to joint ventures and associates

Long-term prepayments

Other receivables

Other non-current assets

Note

11.6

2018

501

35

9

330

209

2017

481

36

3

346

193

1,084

1,059

160

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
n
i
(
¤

140

120

* In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

The FVOCI investments primarily consist of equity securities. HEINEKEN designates these investments 
as FVOCI as these are not held for trading purposes. As per 31 December 2018 the investment of 
¤331 million (2017: €300 million) in the Saigon Alcohol Beer and Beverages Corporation (‘SABECO’, 
Vietnam), is the main FVOCI equity investment. 

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 receivables qualifies for indemnification towards FEMSA which are provided for.

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January
Policy changes

Impairment loss recognised

Allowance used

Allowance released

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Other

Balance as at 31 December

  Accounting estimates 

2018

145

(2)

5

(11)

–

1

(3)

135

2017

132

–

8

(2)

(8)

(1)

16

145

HEINEKEN determines on each reporting date the impairment of loans and advances to customers 
using an expected credit loss model which estimates the credit losses over 12 months. Only in case a 
significant increase in credit risk occurs (e.g. more than 30 days overdue, change in credit rating, payment 
delays in other receivables from the customer) the credit losses over the lifetime of the asset are incurred. 
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. For more 
information on HEINEKEN’s credit risk exposure refer to note 11.5.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8787

Sensitivity analysis – equity securities 
An increase or decrease of 1% in the share price of the equity securities at the reporting date would not 
have a material impact. 

9 

Provisions and contingent liabilities 

9.1  Post-retirement obligations 

  Accounting estimates

For other receivables HEINEKEN determines on each reporting date the impairment using an expected 
credit loss model which estimates the credit losses over 12 months. Only in case a significant increase 
in credit risk occurs (e.g. more than 30 days overdue, change in credit rating, payment delays in 
other receivables from the customer) the credit losses over the lifetime of the asset are incurred. 
Individually significant other receivables are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining 
financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. For more 
information on HEINEKEN’s credit risk exposure refer to note 11.5.

  Accounting policies 

Fair value through OCI investments 
HEINEKEN’s investments in equity securities are classified as fair value through other comprehensive 
income (OCI). These investments are interests in entities where HEINEKEN has less than significant 
influence. This is generally the case by ownership of less than 20% of the voting rights. 

Fair value through OCI investments are measured at fair value (refer to note 13.1). The fair value changes 
are recognised in OCI and presented within equity in the fair value reserve. Dividend income and foreign 
exchange gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss.

Non-current derivatives 
Please refer to the accounting policies on derivative financial instruments in note 11.6. 

Other 
The remaining non-current assets as presented in the table above are initially measured at fair value and 
subsequently at amortised cost minus any impairment losses.

HEINEKEN makes contributions to pension plans that provide pension benefits to (former) employees 
upon retirement, both via defined benefit as well as defined contribution plans. Other long-term employee 
benefits include long-term bonus plans, termination benefits, medical plans and jubilee benefits. Refer to 
note 6.4 for the contribution to defined contribution plans. This note will relate to HEINEKEN’s defined 
benefit pension plans. Refer to the table below for the present value of the defined benefit plans as at 
31 December.

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

2018

251

8,260

8,511

(7,682)

829

51

7

887

67

954

2017

296

8,792

9,088

(7,908)

1,180

19

10

1,209

80

1,289

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8888

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 fulfils 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. 

The defined benefit pension plans in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom 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 the split of these plans in the total present value of the net obligations of HEINEKEN.

In millions of €

Total present value 
of defined benefit 
obligations

Fair value of 
defined benefit 
plan assets

Present value of 
net obligations

2018
UK

2017
UK

2018
NL

2017
NL

2018
Other

2017
Other

2018
Total

2017
Total

3,611

4,002

3,587

3,729

1,313

1,357

8,511

9,088

(3,276)

(3,449)

(3,488)

(3,546)

(918)

(913)

(7,682)

(7,908)

335

553

99

183

395

444

829

1,180

Defined benefit plan in the Netherlands 
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 2018, 
HEINEKEN’s cash contribution to the Dutch pension plan was at the maximum level. The same level is 
expected to be paid in 2019. 

Defined benefit plan in the United Kingdom 
HEINEKEN’s UK plan (Scottish & Newcastle pension plan ‘SNPP’) was closed to future accrual in 2011 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 deficit 
reduction contribution of GBP39.2 million in 2018, thereafter increasing with GBP1.7 million per year. 
By the end of 2018 an agreement was reached with the UK pension fund Trustees on a more conservative 
longer-term funding approach toward 2030. This agreement will be formalised during 2019 and leads to a 
gradual decrease of investment risk. The current schedule of deficit recovery payments until May 2023 will 
remain in place. As of June 2023 deficit recovery payments will be conditional on the funding position of 
the pensions fund and will be capped on the current contribution level.

Defined benefit plans in other countries 
In a few other countries HEINEKEN offers defined benefit plans, which are individually not significant to 
HEINEKEN. The majority of these plans are closed for new participants.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Movement in net defined benefit obligation

The movement in the net defined benefit obligation over the year is as follows:

In millions of €

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

Note

6.4

11.1

Present value of  
defined benefit obligations

Fair value of defined  
benefit plan assets

2018

9,088

88

14

–

(1)

101

197

298

(177)

(329)

9

–

(10)

(507)

6

–

21

(395)

–

(368)

8,511

2017

9,170

85

5

–

(35)

55

196

251

79

190

(31)

–

(200)

38

42

–

23

(385)

(51)

(371)

9,088

2018

(7,908)

2017

(7,815)

–

–

4

–

4

(166)

(162)

–

–

–

174

9

183

17

(170)

(23)

381

–

205

–

–

4

–

4

(163)

(159)

–

–

–

(327)

165

(162)

(49)

(136)

(23)

385

51

228

(7,682)

(7,908)

Present value  
of net obligations

2018

1,180

88

14

4

(1)

105

31

136

(177)

(329)

9

174

(1)

(324)

23

(170)

(2)

(14)

–

(163)

829

8989

2017

1,355

85

5

4

(35)

59

33

92

79

190

(31)

(327)

(35)

(124)

(7)

(136)

–

–

–

(143)

1,180

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9090

Risks associated with defined benefit plans

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, 9.5% property and 
real estate and 12.5% 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. The ALM study has 
been performed in 2018 and a new strategy mix will be implemented in 2019.

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.

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

Quoted

Unquoted

Quoted

Unquoted

815

522

129

60

315

1,841

–

–

–

–

193

193

2018

Total

815

522

129

60

508

2,034

2,102

2017

Total

985

556

109

122

510

2,282

2,150

1,353

3,503

2,258

1,524

3,782

223

2,373

507

1,860

730

4,233

240

2,498

476

2,000

716

4,498

985

556

109

122

330

11

270

626

675

119

–

–

–

–

180

180

437

3

244

76

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 are detailed below.

Derivatives

Properties and real estate

Cash and cash equivalents

Investment funds

Other plan assets

Balance as at 31 December

33

256

196

523

104

1,112

5,326

(537)

501

(12)

239

112

303

2,356

(504)

757

184

762

216

1,415

7,682

(1,333)

(1,322)

Interest rate risk 

707

629

919

195

1,128

7,908

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 24.4% (2017: 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 34% of the interest rate sensitivity of the total liabilities 
(2017: 32%).

1,701

6,301

(573)

1,607

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9191

Inflation risk 

For the other defined benefit plans, the following actuarial assumptions apply at 31 December:

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 
37% of the inflation-linked liabilities (2017: 35%).

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 HEINEKEN UK’s pension plan implemented a longevity hedge to remove the risk of a higher 
increase in life expectancy than anticipated for the 2015 population of 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

UK*

2018

1.8

2.0

0.8

2017

1.7

2.0

0.9

2018

2.9

–

3.0

2017

2.5

–

2.9

* The UK plan closed for future accrual, leading to certain assumptions being equal to zero. 

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East 
& Eastern Europe

In %

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Discount rate as at 31 December

1.0–2.9

0.7–4.5

7.0–12.9

7.0–8.0

1.8–15.5

1.7–14.5

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

0.0–4.0

0.0–3.0

0.0–3.5

0.0–4.5

0.0–4.5

2.0–11.4

0.0–1.5

0.0–3.5

0.0–3.5

0.0–5.0

Medical cost trend rate

0.0–4.5

0.0–4.5

0.0–12.2

0.0–7.5

0.0–0.0

0.0–5.0

0.0–2.6

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 2018’, fully generational. For the 
UK, the future mortality rates are obtained by applying the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2017 
projection model. 

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period is 
17 years. 

HEINEKEN expects the 2019 contributions to be paid for the defined benefit plans to be in line with 2018.

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:

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Effect in millions of €

Increase in 
assumption

Decrease in 
assumption

Discount rate (0.5% movement)

(686)

Future salary growth 
(0.25% movement)

Future pension growth 
(0.25% movement)

Medical cost trend rate 
(0.5% movement)

Life expectancy (1 year)

48

341

4

339

781

(46)

(316)

(3)

(341)

Increase in 
assumption

(738)

15

355

5

305

Decrease in 
assumption

846

(15)

(302)

(5)

(302)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9292

  Accounting estimates 

To make the actuarial calculations for the defined benefit plans, HEINEKEN needs to make use of 
assumptions for discount rates, future pension increases and life expectancy as described in this note. 
The actuarial calculations are made by external actuaries based on inputs from observable market 
data, such as corporate bond returns and yield curves to determine the discount rates used, mortality 
tables to determine life expectancy and inflation numbers to determine future salary and pension 
growth assumptions. 

  Accounting policies 

Defined contribution plans 
A defined contribution plan is a post-retirement plan for which HEINEKEN pays fixed contributions to 
a separate entity. HEINEKEN has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the 
fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay out employees. 

Defined benefit plans 
A defined benefit plan is a post-retirement 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. 

HEINEKEN’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each 
plan by estimating the amount of future benefits that employees have earned in return for their service in 
the current and prior periods; those benefits are discounted to determine its present value. The fair value of 
any defined benefit plan assets are 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. 

9.2  Provisions 

Provisions within HEINEKEN mainly relate to claims and litigation, that arise in the ordinary course of 
business. The outcome depends on future events, which are by nature uncertain. 

In millions of €

Balance as at 
1 January 2018
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

Transfer

Balance as at 
31 December 2018
Non-current

Current

Claims and 
litigation

Taxes

Restruc-
turing

Onerous 
contracts

Other

Total

403

(9)

91

(3)

(87)

(42)

16

(1)

368

355

13

498

(26)

29

–

(31)

(34)

1

(62)

375

322

53

104

–

102

(64)

(12)

–

–

–

130

80

50

56

13

31

(28)

(20)

(3)

–

–

49

32

17

87

1

34

(13)

1,148

(21)

287

(108)

(23)

(173)

(1)

–

3

88

57

31

(80)

17

(60)

1,010

846

164

Claims and litigation 
The provision for claims and litigation of €368 million mainly relates to civil and labour claims in Brazil. 

Taxes 
The provisions for taxes mainly relate to Brazil. Tax legislation in Brazil is highly complex and subject 
to interpretation, therefore the timing of the cash outflows for these provisions is uncertain. 

Restructuring 
The provision for restructuring of €130 million (2017: €104 million) mainly relates to restructuring 
programmes in Spain and the Netherlands. 

Other provisions 
Included are, among others, surety and guarantees provided of €47 million (2017: €42 million).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9393

  Accounting estimates 

In determining the likelihood and timing of potential cash out flows, HEINEKEN needs to make estimates. 
For claims, litigation and tax provisions HEINEKEN bases its assessment on internal and external legal 
assistance and established precedents. For large restructurings, management assesses the timing of the 
costs to be incurred, which influences the classification as current or non-current liabilities. 

  Accounting policies 

A provision is a liability of uncertain timing or amount. A provision is recognised when HEINEKEN has a 
present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events that can be estimated reliably, and it is 
probable (> 50%) that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. In case 
of accounting for business combinations, provisions are also recognised when the likelihood is less than 
probable, but more than remote (> 5%). 

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 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. 

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. 

Onerous contracts 

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be received by HEINEKEN 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. The latter takes 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. 

9.3  Contingencies 

HEINEKEN’s contingencies are mainly in the area of tax, civil cases (part of other contingencies) 
and guarantees.

Tax 
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 possible. Assessing the amount of tax contingencies is highly 
judgemental, and the timing of possible outflows is uncertain. The best estimate of tax related contingent 
liabilities is €937 million (2017: €897 million), out of which €171 million (2017: €170 million) qualifies for 

indemnification. For several other tax contingencies that were part of acquisitions, an amount of €369 million 
(2017: €382 million) has been recognised as provisions and other non current liabilities in the balance sheet 
(refer to note 9.2).

Other contingencies 
The other contingencies relate to civil cases in Brazil. Management’s best estimate of the financial effect for 
these cases is €64 million (2017: €57 million). For the other contingencies that were part of acquisitions, an 
amount of €31 million (2017: €49 million) has been recognised as provisions in the balance sheet (refer to 
note 9.2).

Guarantees

In millions of €

Guarantees to 
banks for loans 
(to third parties)

Other guarantees

Guarantees

Total 2018

325

Less than  
1 year

46

1-5 years

268

More than  
5 years

11

Total 2017

307

959

1,284

472

518

213

481

274

285

978

1,285

Guarantees to banks for loans relate to loans and advances 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.

  Accounting estimates and judgements 

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. 

Also for the other contingencies, HEINEKEN is required to exercise significant judgement to determine 
whether 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. 

  Accounting policies 

A contingent liability is a liability of uncertain timing and amount. Contingencies are not recognised 
in the balance sheet because the existence can only be confirmed by occurrence or non-occurrence 
of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of HEINEKEN or because the risk 
of loss is estimated to be possible (>5%) but not probable (<50%) or because the amount cannot be 
measured reliably.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9494

10  Acquisitions, disposals and investments 

10.1  Acquisitions and disposals 

Acquisitions and disposals in 2018 
During 2018 no significant acquisitions or disposals took place. 

Prior year adjustments 
During 2018 all the provisional accounting periods of the 2017 acquisitions have been closed without 
material adjustments.

should be unlikely that the plan to sale will be withdrawn. This might be difficult to demonstrate in practice 
and involves judgement. 

  Accounting policies 

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.

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.

10.2  Assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale

10.3  Investments in associates and joint ventures 

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 within one year. 

HEINEKEN has interests in a number of joint ventures and associates. The total carrying amount of these 
associates and joint ventures was €2,021 million as per 31 December 2018 (€1,841 million in 2017) and 
the total share of profit was €174 million in 2018 (€68 million in 2017).

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

2018

34

183

153

31

401

(101)

(31)

(132)

2017

–

29

3

1

33

(2)

–

(2)

In 2018 the assets and liabilities held for sale mainly relate to HEINEKEN’s operating entities in China and 
Hong Kong. On 5 November 2018, HEINEKEN signed definitive agreements with China Resources Enterprise, 
Limited (‘CRE’) and China Resources Beer (Holdings) Co. Ltd. (‘CR Beer’) to create a strategic partnership. 
In the context of this partnership, the HEINEKEN operating entities in China and Hong Kong will be sold to CR 
Beer, for a total consideration of HK$2.4 billion, through a share sale transaction. The transaction is expected 
to close in 2019. The disposal group is included in reportable segment Asia Pacific in note 6.1.

  Accounting estimates and judgements 

HEINEKEN classifies assets or disposal groups as held for sale when they are available for immediate sale 
in its present condition and the sale is highly probable. HEINEKEN should be committed to the sale and it 

The investments in associates and joint ventures includes the interest of HEINEKEN in United Breweries 
Limited (UBL) in India. On 10 October 2018, officials from the Competition Commission of India visited 
UBL for their investigation in relation to allegations of price fixing and performed search of the premises 
and inquiries with certain officials of UBL at its registered office. As UBL has not received any demand order 
in respect of this matter and the investigation is ongoing, UBL deems it not practicable to estimate its 
potential financial effect, if any.

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 (net of income tax):

In millions of €

Carrying amount of interests
Share of:

Profit or loss from 
continuing operations

Other comprehensive income

  Accounting policies 

Joint ventures

2018

1,748

2017

1,612

Associates

2018

273

192

(37)

155

43

(13)

30

18

1

19

2017

229

32

6

38

Associates are those entities in which HEINEKEN has significant influence, but not control or joint control. 
Significant influence is generally obtained by ownership of more than 20% but less than 50% of the voting 
rights. Joint ventures (JVs) are the arrangements in which HEINEKEN has joint control.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

9595

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

HEINEKEN’s investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of 
accounting, meaning they are initially recognised at cost. The consolidated financial statements include 
HEINEKEN’s share of the net profit or loss of the associates and JVs whereby the result is determined using 
the accounting policies of HEINEKEN. 

When HEINEKEN’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture, 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. 

11  Financing and capital structure 

11.1  Net finance income and expense 

Interest expenses are mainly related to interest charges over the outstanding bonds and bank loans (refer 
to note 11.3). Other net finance income and expenses comprises dividend income, fair value changes of 
financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value, transactional foreign exchange gains and losses (on 
net basis), unwinding of discount on provisions and interest on the net defined benefit obligation.

In millions of €

Interest income

Interest expenses

Dividend income from fair value through OCI investments2

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)

Note

9.2

9.1

2018

62

(493)

16

71

(102)

(17)

(31)

(1)

(64)

2017

72

(468)

10

(149)

56

(14)

(33)

7

(123)

Net finance income/(expenses)

(495)

(519)

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.

2 In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

  Accounting policies 

Interest income and expenses are recognised as they accrue, using the effective interest method. 

Dividend income is recognised in the income statement on the date that HEINEKEN’s right to receive 
payment is established, which is the ex-dividend date in the case of quoted securities.

11.2  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts and commercial 
paper 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. 

In millions of €

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank overdrafts and commercial paper

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows

Note

2018

2,903

2017

2,442

11.3

(655)

(1,265)

2,248

1,177

The following table presents the recognised ‘Cash and cash equivalents’ and ‘Bank overdrafts and 
commercial paper’ 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 2018

Assets
Cash and cash 
equivalents

Liabilities
Bank overdrafts and 
commercial paper

Gross amounts 
offset in the 
statement 
of financial  
position

Net amounts 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial  
position

Gross  
amounts

Amounts 
subject to  
legal offset 
rights

Net  
amount

3,241

(338)

2,903

(260)

2,643

(993)

338

(655)

260

(395)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9696

Gross amounts 
offset in the 
statement 
of financial  
position

Net amounts 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial  
position

Gross  
amounts

Amounts 
subject to  
legal off 
set rights

Net  
amount

11.3  Borrowings 

HEINEKEN mainly uses bonds and bank loans to ensure sufficient financing to support its operations. 

Net interest-bearing debt is the key metric for HEINEKEN to measure its indebtness.

In millions of €

Balance as at 
31 December 2017

Assets
Cash and cash 
equivalents

Liabilities
Bank overdrafts and 
commercial paper

2,442

(1,265)

–

–

2,442

(1,062)

1,380

In millions of €

Unsecured bond issues

Unsecured bank loans

Secured bank loans

Other interest-bearing liabilities

(1,265)

1,062

(203)

Deposits from third parties1

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, ¤330 million (2017: 
¤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. 

  Accounting policies 

Cash and cash equivalents are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost.

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. 

Bank overdrafts and 
commercial paper

Total borrowings

Market value of cross-currency 
interest rate swaps

Cash and cash equivalents

11.5

11.2

Net interest-bearing 
debt position

1Mainly employee deposits.

Note

2018

Non-current

Current

Total Non-current

Current

12,179

971

13,150

11,789

215

94

140

–

–

13

4

37

678

228

98

177

678

655

655

109

105

163

–

–

2017

Total

11,948

251

109

1,156

649

159

142

4

993

649

1,265

1,265

12,628

2,358

14,986

12,166

3,212

15,378

(2)

(2,903)

12,081

(57)

(2,442)

12,879

Changes in borrowings 
Cash flows from financing activities are mainly generated by bonds, bank loans and other interest-bearing 
liabilities presented above. Additionally, HEINEKEN also uses derivatives for its financing, which can be 
assets and liabilities. The below table shows the reconciliation of the liabilities and assets arising from 
financing activities to the cash flow from financing activities. Bank overdrafts and commercial paper 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. For more information on derivatives refer to 
note 11.6.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9797

Unsecured 
bond  
issues

Unsecured 
bank  
loans

Secured 
bank  
loans

Other 
interest-
bearing 
liabilities

Deposits 
from  
third 
parties

Derivatives 
used for 
financing 
activities

Assets and 
liabilities 
used for 
financing 
activities

11,948

–

172

1,242

(225)

13

251

–

(18)

208

(235)

22

109

1,156

649

(57)

14,056

1

–

8

2

39

25

(12)

(8)

(1,046)

1

–

1

39

(11)

–

–

(114)

172

(4)

1

3

80

1,694

(1,533)

29

13,150

228

98

177

678

(2)

14,329

  Accounting policies 

Borrowings are initially measured at fair value less transaction costs. Subsequently the borrowings are 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Borrowings included in a fair value 
hedge are stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged.

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. For the accounting policy on 
derivatives and cash and cash equivalents refer to notes 11.6. and 11.2 respectively. 

11.4  Capital and reserves 

Share capital 
See the table below for the issued share capital as at 31 December 2018. All issued shares are fully paid.

94

1,076

1,259

538

622

–

(242)

12,659

191

1,806

Share capital

1 January
Changes

31 December

2018

2017

Ordinary shares 
of €1.60

Nominal value in 
millions of €

Ordinary shares 
of €1.60

Nominal value in 
millions of €

576,002,613

922

576,002,613

–

–

–

576,002,613

922

576,002,613

922

–

922

34

43

(177)

(1,139)

–

1

(166)

19

(509)

15

(3)

32

–

(2)

181

–

(506)

3,267

(191)

(3,198)

4

28

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 shareholder meetings of the Company. In respect of the treasury shares 
that are held by HEINEKEN, rights are suspended. 

243

1

(13)

197

10,683

–

(539)

2,976

(1,182)

10

In millions of €

Balance as at 
1 January 2018
Consolidation changes

Effect of movements 
in exchange rates

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at 
31 December 2018

Balance as at 
1 January 2017
Consolidation changes

Effect of movements in 
exchange rates

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at 
31 December 2017

11,948

251

109

1,156

649

(57)

14,056

Share premium 
As at 31 December 2018, the share premium amounted to €2,701 million (2017: €2,701 million). 

The interest rate on the net debt position as per 31 December 2018 was 3.2% (2017: 3.2%). The average 
maturity of the bonds as per 31 December 2018 was 8 years (2017: 8 years). 

Financing headroom 
The committed financing headroom at Group level was approximately €5.2 billion as at 31 December 
2018 and consisted of the undrawn revolving credit facility and centrally available cash. The financing 
headroom was higher than last year (2017: €4.0 billion) as HEINEKEN maintains higher cash balances 
in anticipation of the settlement of the transactions related to CR Beer in China. All financing facilities 
containing an incurrence covenant were settled in August 2018. 

Translation reserve 
The translation reserve comprises foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the assets and 
liabilities 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.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

9898

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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 FVOCI equity investments. 
Heineken transfers amounts from this reserve to retained earnings when the relevant equity securities are 
derecognised. 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 the share of profit of joint 
ventures and associates minus dividends received. For retained earnings of subsidiaries which cannot be 
freely distributed due to legal or other restrictions, a legal reserve is recognised. Furthermore, part of the 
reserve comprises a legal reserve for capitalised development costs. 

Reserve for own shares 
The reserve for own shares comprises the treasury shares held by HEINEKEN. Refer to the table below with 
the changes in 2018.

Reserve for own shares

1 January 2018
Changes

31 December 2018

Dividends 
The following dividends were declared and paid by HEINEKEN:

In millions of €

Final dividend previous year €0.93, respectively  
€0.82 per qualifying ordinary share

Interim dividend current year €0.59, respectively  
€0.54 per qualifying ordinary share

Total dividend declared and paid

Number of shares

5,808,418

14,608

5,823,026

2018

2017

531

335

866

468

307

775

For 2018, a payment of a total cash dividend of €1.60 per share (2017: €1.47) will be proposed at the 
AGM. If approved, a final dividend of €1.01 per share will be paid on 8 May 2019, as an interim dividend of 
€0.59 per share was paid on 9 August 2018. 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 €1.60 (2017: €1.47)

Addition to retained earnings

Net profit

2018

912

991

1,903

2017

838

1,097

1,935

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 2018 amounted to €1,182 million 
(2017: €1,200 million).

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. 

HEINEKEN is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements other than the legal reserves. 
Shares are purchased from time to time to meet the requirements of the share-based payment awards, 
as further explained in note 6.5. 

  Accounting policies 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 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. 

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

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Sustainability Review

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9999

11.5  Credit, liquidity and market risk

Loans and advances to customers

This note summarises the financial risks that HEINEKEN is exposed to, and HEINEKEN’s policies and 
processes that are in place for managing these risks. For more information on derivatives used in managing 
risk refer to note 11.6.

Risk management framework 
The Executive Board sets rules and monitors the adequacy of HEINEKEN’s risk management and 
control systems. These systems are regularly reviewed to reflect changes in market conditions and 
HEINEKEN’s activities.

Managing the financial risks and financial resources includes the use of derivatives, primarily spot and 
forward exchange contracts, options and interest rate swaps. It is HEINEKEN’s policy not to enter into 
speculative transactions. 

In the normal course of business HEINEKEN is exposed to the following financial risks:

 – Credit risk 

 – Liquidity risk 

 – Market risk 

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of a loss to HEINEKEN when a customer or counterparty fails to pay. 

All local operations are required to comply with 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 credit risk. 

Credit risk arises mainly from HEINEKEN’s receivables from customers like trade receivables, loans to 
customers and advances to customers. At the balance sheet date, there were no significant concentrations 
of credit risk. 

HEINEKEN’s loans and receivables include loans and advances to customers. Loans and advances to 
customers are secured by, among others, (bank) guarantees, rights on property or intangible assets, such 
as the right to take possession of the premises of the customer. HEINEKEN charges interest on loans to 
its customers.

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 these policies all customers requiring credit above 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. This review can include external ratings, where available, 
and in some cases bank references. Credit limits are determined for each customer and are reviewed 
regularly. Customers that fail to meet HEINEKEN’s credit requirements transact only with HEINEKEN on 
a prepayment basis or Cash on Delivery.

Customers are monitored, on a country basis, according to their credit risk characteristics, including whether 
they are an individual or legal entity, type of distribution channel, geographic location, ageing profile, 
maturity and existence of previous financial difficulties.

HEINEKEN has a policy in place in respect of compliance with Anti Money Laundering Laws. 
HEINEKEN considers it important to know with whom business is done and from whom payments 
are received. 

Allowances

HEINEKEN establishes allowances for impairment of loans and advances to customers, trade and other 
receivables using an expected credit losses model. These allowances cover specific loss components that 
relates to individual exposures, and a collective loss component established for groups of similar customers. 
The collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of payment statistics and updated 
periodically to incorporate forward looking information. The loans and advances to customers, trade 
and other receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. 

Investments 
HEINEKEN limits its exposure to credit risk by only investing available cash balances in deposits and 
liquid investments with counterparties that have strong credit ratings. HEINEKEN actively monitors these 
credit ratings. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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100100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Guarantees 
HEINEKEN’s policy is to avoid issuing guarantees unless this leads to substantial benefits for HEINEKEN. 
For some loans (to customers) HEINEKEN does issue guarantees. In these cases HEINEKEN aims to receive 
security from the customer to limit the credit risk exposure. 

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 A.1 of 
the Company financial statements. 

Exposure to credit risk 
Below the maximum exposure to credit risk as per reporting date is shown:

In millions of €

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments

Derivative assets

Fair value through OCI investments*

Loans and advances to customers

Other non-current receivables

Guarantees to banks for loans (to third parties)

* In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

Note

11.2

7.2

11.6

8.4

8.3

8.4

9.3

2018

2,903

3,358

70

501

341

218

325

2017

2,442

3,277

255

481

331

196

307

7,716

7,289

The exposure to credit risk by geographic region for trade and other receivables excluding prepayments is 
as follows:

Exposure to credit risk

€
f
o
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
n
I

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

180

395

450

870

1,463

2018

201

364

441

836

1,435

2017

Europe

Americas

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific

Head Office and Other/eliminations

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that HEINEKEN will have difficulties to meet payment obligations associated with 
its financial liabilities, like payment of financial debt or trade payables when they are due. HEINEKEN’s 
approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient funds to 
meet its liabilities when due without incurring unacceptable losses. 

HEINEKEN has a clear focus on ensuring sufficient access to capital markets to finance long-term growth 
and to refinance maturing debt obligations. HEINEKEN seeks to align the maturity profile of its long-term 
debts with its forecasted cash flow generation. More information about borrowing facilities is presented 
in note 11.3. Furthermore, strong cost and cash management and controls over investment proposals are 
in place. 

Contractual maturities 
The following table presents an overview of the expected timing of cash out and inflows of non-derivative 
financial liabilities and derivative financial assets and liabilities, including interest payments.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
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101101

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

In millions of €

Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities

Trade and other payables and returnable 
packaging deposits (excluding interest 
payable, dividends and including  
non-current part)

Derivative financial assets 
and (liabilities)
Cross currency interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

Commodity derivatives

Other derivatives

Total 2018

Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities

Trade and other payables and returnable 
packaging deposits (excluding interest 
payable, dividends and including  
non-current part)

Derivative financial assets 
and (liabilities)
Cross currency interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

Commodity derivatives

Other derivatives

Total 2017

Carrying 
amount

Contractual 
cash flows

Less than 
1 year

1-5 years

2018

More than 
5 years

(14,986)

(18,119)

(2,687)

(5,305)

(10,127)

(7,331)

(7,332)

(7,223)

(84)

(25)

2

(18)

(18)

1

(38)

(24)

(18)

1

–

(23)

(21)

1

(14)

(1)

3

–

(24)

–

–

–

(22,350)

(25,530)

(9,953)

(5,401)

(10,176)

2017

(15,378)

(18,549)

(3,580)

(5,274)

(9,695)

(6,577)

(6,577)

(6,505)

(38)

(34)

61

46

77

(7)

61

28

78

(7)

129

29

46

(7)

10

(1)

32

–

(78)

–

–

–

(21,778)

(24,966)

(9,888)

(5,271)

(9,807)

For more information on the derivative assets and liabilities refer to note 11.6.

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 financial 
instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures 
within acceptable boundaries. 

HEINEKEN enters into derivatives and other financial liabilities to manage market risks. Generally, 
HEINEKEN seeks to apply hedge accounting or establish natural hedges in order to minimise the impact 
of market risks in profit or loss. Foreign currency, interest rate and commodity hedging operations are 
governed by internal policies and rules.

Foreign currency risk 
HEINEKEN is exposed to: 

 – Transactional risk on (future) sales, working capital, (future) purchases, deposits, borrowings 
and dividends denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currencies of 
HEINEKEN entities.

 – Translational risk, which is the risk resulting from the translation of foreign operations into the reporting 

currency of HEINEKEN. 

The main currencies that give rise to this risk are the US dollar, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Nigerian naira, 
British pound, Vietnamese dong and Euro. In 2018, the transactional exchange risk was hedged in line with 
the hedging policy to the extent possible. The negative translational impact was more profound. 

In managing foreign currency risk, HEINEKEN aims to ensure the availability of 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 of sales and purchases. Material cash flows in other foreign currencies are also hedged on the 
basis of rolling cash flow forecasts. For this hedging HEINEKEN mainly uses forward exchange contracts. 
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. 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 hedging of translation risk, using net investment hedges is recognised in the 
translation reserve, as can be seen in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

HEINEKEN’s policy is to hedge material recognised transactional exposure like trade payables, receivables, 
borrowings and declared dividends. For material unrecognised transactional exposures like forecasted sales 
in foreign currencies, HEINEKEN hedges the exposure between agreed percentages according to the policy. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

102102

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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 pound, US dollar, Swiss 
franc 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 has financial liabilities in foreign currencies like US dollar and British pound to hedge local 
operations, which generate cash flows that have the same or closely correlated functional currencies. 
The corresponding interest on these liabilities 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, 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. 

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 of €

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

164

(1,969)

(1,805)

157

(1,924)

(3,572)

348

(3,224)

(121)

(10)

2018

USD

4,919

(5,422)

(503)

1,428

(2,479)

(1,554)

596

(958)

EUR

85

(2,284)

(2,199)

153

(1,578)

(3,624)

411

(3,213)

2017

USD

4,997

(6,657)

(1,660)

1,321

(2,011)

(2,350)

1,670

(680)

7

(1)

(149)

(13)

1

(9)

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 would have the above impact on equity and profit as at 31 December 2018. 
This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. In case of a 10% 
weakening, the effects are equal but with an opposite effect.

Interest rate risk 
Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates affect the fair value or cash flows of a 
financial instrument. The most significant interest rate risk for HEINEKEN relates to borrowings (note 11.3).

By 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 will have an impact on profit. 

HEINEKEN opts for a mix of fixed and variable interest rate financial instruments like bonds and bank loans, 
combined with the use of derivative interest rate instruments. Currently, HEINEKEN’s interest rate position 
is more weighted towards fixed than floating. Interest rate derivative 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 borrowings which have swap rates for the fixed leg 2.3% 
(2017: from 2.3 to 6.5%). 

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

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

Cross currency interest rate swaps

2018

2017

121

75

(13,214)

(13,002)

437

417

(12,656)

(12,510)

3,020

2,599

(1,771)

(2,376)

(463)

786

(463)

(240)

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

103103

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments 

11.6  Derivative financial 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 2017.

In millions of €

31 December 2018
Variable rate instruments

Cross currency interest rate swaps

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

31 December 2017
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

9

(3)

6

2

(3)

(1)

(9)

3

(6)

(2)

3

1

9

(3)

6

2

(3)

(1)

(9)

3

(6)

(2)

3

1

Commodity price risk 
Commodity price risk is the risk that changes in the prices of commodities will affect HEINEKEN’s income. 
The objective of commodity price risk management is to manage and control commodity risk exposures 
within acceptable parameters. The main commodity exposure relates to the purchase of aluminium cans, 
glass bottles, malt and utilities. Commodity price risk is in principle mitigated by negotiating fixed prices in 
supplier contracts with various contract durations. 

Another method to mitigate commodity price risk is by entering into commodity derivatives. 
HEINEKEN enters into commodity derivatives for aluminium hedging and to a certain extent gas, fuel 
and sugar hedging. HEINEKEN does not enter into commodity contracts other than to meet HEINEKEN’s 
expected usage and sale requirements. 

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 2018
Aluminium hedges

Equity

10%  
increase

10%  
decrease

43

(43)

HEINEKEN uses derivatives in order to manage market risks. The schedule below shows the fair value of the 
derivatives on the balance sheet of HEINEKEN as per reporting date:

In millions of €

Current

Non-current*

2018

Asset

Liability

35

35

70

(70)

(33)

(103)

2017

Liability

(21)

(57)

(78)

Asset

219

36

255

*Non-current derivative assets and liabilities are part of ‘Other non-current assets’ (note 8.4), respectively ‘Other non-current liabilities’.

Generally, HEINEKEN seeks to apply hedge accounting or make use of natural hedges in order to 
minimise profit and loss or cash flow volatility. The schedule below shows which derivatives are used in 
hedge accounting:

In millions of €

No hedge accounting – CCIRS

No hedge accounting – Other

Cash flow hedge – CCIRS

Cash flow hedge – Forwards

Cash flow hedge – Commodity forwards

Fair value hedge – CCIRS

Net investment hedge – CCIRS

Net investment hedge – Forwards

2018

2017

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

7

6

–

21

12

–

24

–

70

–

(3)

–

(38)

(30)

(29)

–

(3)

4

7

113

50

81

–

–

–

(103)

255

–

(14)

–

(4)

(4)

(48)

(8)

–

(78)

Cash flow hedges
HEINEKEN 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. In August 2018, the cross-currency interest rate swaps were settled and resulted in 
a cash receipt of €168 million. In connection with the transactions related to CR Beer in China, HEINEKEN 
entered into several forward exchange contracts which have been designated as cash flow hedges to 
hedge the foreign exchange rate risk on the net HKD consideration. The market value of these forward 
exchange contracts is not material as at 31 December 2018 and is included in the cash flow hedge 
forwards above.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

104104

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Fair value hedges 
HEINEKEN has entered into several cross-currency interest rate swaps (CCIRS) which have been designated 
as fair value hedges to hedge the foreign exchange rate risk on the principal amount and future interest 
payments of certain US dollar borrowings. The borrowings and the cross-currency interest rate swaps have 
the same critical terms. The accumulated loss arising on derivatives as designated hedging instruments in 
fair value hedges amounts to €34 million at 31 December 2018. The gain arising on the adjustment for 
the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk in a designated fair value hedge accounting relationship 
also amounts to €34 million at 31 December 2018.

Net investment hedges
HEINEKEN hedges its investments in certain subsidiaries by entering into local currency denominated 
borrowings, forward contracts and cross-currency interest rate swaps, which mitigate the foreign currency 
translation risk arising from the subsidiaries net assets. These borrowings, forward contracts and swaps 
are designated as net investment hedges and fully effective, as such there was no ineffectiveness 
recognised in profit and loss in 2018 (2017: nil). At 31 December 2018 the fair value of these borrowings 
was €453 million (2017: €475 million), the market value of forward contracts was €3 million negative 
(2017: nil) and the market value of these swaps was €24 million positive (2017: €8 million negative). 

Hedge effectiveness
Hedge effectiveness is determined at the start of the hedge relationship and periodically through a 
prospective effectiveness assessment to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged 
item and hedging instrument. This assessment is done qualitatively by comparing the critical terms, and if 
needed quantitative assessments are done using hypothetical derivatives. For the current hedges no hedge 
ineffectiveness is expected.

  Accounting policies 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent accounting for derivatives 
depends on whether or not the derivatives are designated as hedging instrument in a cash flow, fair value 
or net investment hedge. Derivatives with positive fair values are recorded as assets and negative fair 
values as liabilities. Refer to note 13.1 for fair value measurements.

Cash flow hedge
Changes in the fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the hedging 
reserve within equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. The ineffective part is recognised as other 
net finance income/(expense). When the hedged risk impacts the profit or loss, the amounts previously 
recognized in other comprehensive income are transferred to the same item in the profit or loss as 
the hedged item. When the hedged risk subsequently results in a non-financial asset or liability (e.g. 
inventory or P,P&E), the amount previously recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve is included in its 
carrying amount.

Fair value hedge
The fair value changes of derivatives used in fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss.

Net investment hedge
The fair value changes of derivatives used in net investment hedges are recognised in other comprehensive 
income and presented within equity in the translation reserve. Any ineffectiveness is recognised in profit 
or loss. 

12  Tax 

12.1  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 

Profit before income tax excluding share of profit 
of associates and joint ventures

2018

2017

831

(24)

807

(35)

–

(3)

(12)

(50)

757

815

(16)

799

(12)

11

(45)

2

(44)

755

2018

2,852

(210)

2017

2,908

(75)

2,642

2,833

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

105105

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

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

%

25.0

0.2

2.6

(3.2)

–

3.4

(0.1)

3.2

(1.4)

(1.0)

28.7

2018

660

5

69

(84)

–

89

(3)

84

(37)

(26)

757

%

25.0

0.6

2.6

(3.4)

0.4

1.7

(1.6)

2.3

(0.5)

(0.4)

2017

708

17

75

(98)

11

49

(45)

65

(14)

(13)

26.7

755

The 2018 effective tax rate is negatively impacted by non-deductible impairments, while 2017 included a 
one-off tax benefit as a result of the US tax reform.

For the income tax impact on items recognised in other comprehensive income, please refer to note 12.3.

12.2  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following items: 

Assets

Liabilities

In millions of €

P,P&E

Intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Borrowings

Post-retirement obligations

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Tax assets/(liabilities)
Set-off of tax

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

2018

2017

92

29

44

40

11

231

146

457

395

72

41

54

31

32

300

131

467

460

2018

(502)

2017

(521)

Net

2018

(410)

2017

(449)

(1,267)

(1,333)

(1,238)

(1,292)

(5)

(10)

–

(6)

(27)

(376)

–

(6)

(9)

(28)

(6)

(30)

(382)

–

39

30

11

225

119

81

395

48

22

4

294

101

85

460

1,445

1,588

(2,193)

(2,315)

(748)

(727)

(823)

622

(820)

768

823

820

–

–

(1,370)

(1,495)

(748)

(727)

Of the total net deferred tax assets of €622 million as at 31 December 2018 (2017: €768 million), 
€225 million (2017: €253 million) is recognised in respect of subsidiaries in various countries where there 
have been 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 an impact of €80 million (2017: €75 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 €3,494 million as at 31 December 2018 (2017: €3,593 million), out 
of which €356 million (2017: €137 million) expires in the following five years. €228 million (2017: €434 million) 
will expire after five years and €2,911 million (2017: €3,023 million) can be carried forward indefinitely. 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses carried forward of €1,664 million 
(2017: €1,619 million) as it is not probable that taxable profit will be available to offset these losses. €103 million 
(2017: €78 million) expires in the following five years. €40 million (2017: €57 million) will expire after five 
years and €1,521 million (2017: €1,484 million) can be carried forward indefinitely.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

106106

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Movement in deferred tax balances during the year

Balance 
1 January 
2018

(449)

(1,292)

48

22

4

294

101

85

460

Changes in 
accounting 
policy  
(IFRS 9)

Changes in 
consolidation

Effect of 
movements 
in foreign 
exchange

Recognised  
in income

Recognised  

in equity Transfers

Balance 
31 
December 
2018

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2)

–

(1)

(7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6

36

(22)

–

1

17

–

(3)

1

60

(10)

5

(25)

5

20

(7)

(19)

(34)

–

–

–

–

18

(75)

–

14

–

(2)

(410)

23

(1,238)

1

2

(3)

1

1

(10)

39

30

11

225

119

81

(727)

(2)

(8)

(19)

50

(43)

1

(748)

Effect of 
movements 
in foreign 
exchange

Changes in 
consolidation

Recognised  
in income

Recognised  
in equity

Transfers

Balance 
1 January 
2017

(476)

(1,346)

121

26

(30)

340

80

233

391

(15)

(201)

–

(3)

21

5

2

24

48

36

127

(8)

–

24

(8)

(4)

(81)

(16)

70

2

132

(65)

4

–

(33)

18

(51)

37

44

Balance 
31 December 
2017

(449)

(1,292)

48

22

4

294

101

85

460

–

–

–

–

(13)

(9)

–

(15)

–

4

(4)

–

(5)

2

(1)

5

(25)

–

(661)

(119)

(37)

(24)

(727)

In millions of €

P,P&E

Intangible 
assets

Investments

Inventories

Borrowings

Post-retirement 
obligations

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses 
carried forward

Net tax 
assets/
(liabilities)

In millions of €

P,P&E

Intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Borrowings

Post-retirement 
obligations

Provisions

Other items

Tax losses 
carried forward

Net tax assets/
(liabilities)

(12)

395

affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss 

  Accounting estimates and judgements 

The tax legislation in the countries in which HEINEKEN operates is often complex and subject to 
interpretation. In determining the current and deferred income tax position, judgement is required. 
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.

  Accounting policies 

Income tax comprises current and deferred 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. 

Deferred tax is a tax payable or receivable in the future and 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 on temporary differences related to: 

 – Initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that 

 – 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 (>50% chance) that they will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future 

 – Initial recognition of non-deductible goodwill

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of recovery or settlement of the 
carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates (substantively) enacted, at year-end. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which they can be utilised. 

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. 

Current and deferred tax are recognised in the income statement (refer to note 12.1), except when it 
relates to a business combination or for items directly recognised in equity or other comprehensive income 
(refer to note 12.3).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

107107

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

12.3  Income tax on other comprehensive income 

In millions of €

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 through 
OCI investments*

Share of other comprehensive 
income of associates/joint ventures

Other comprehensive income

Amount
 before-tax

296

(127)

–

(3)

(96)

(77)

8

(36)

(35)

2018

Amount
 net of tax

Amount
 before-tax

221

73

(100)

(1,440)

–

(3)

59

26

Tax

(75)

27

–

–

2017

Amount
net of tax

64

(1,485)

59

26

Tax

(9)

(45)

–

–

29

(67)

145

(36)

109

–

3

–

(16)

(77)

(13)

10

11

(36)

(51)

69

(7)

(1)

–

(3)

68

(7)

* In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

13  Other 

13.1  Fair value

In this note more information is disclosed regarding the fair value and the different methods of 
determining fair values.

Financial instruments – hierarchy
The financial instruments included on the HEINEKEN statement of financial position are measured at 
either fair value or amortised cost. To measure the fair value HEINEKEN generally uses external valuations 
with market inputs. In some cases however the measurement of this fair value can be subjective and is 
dependent on inputs used in the calculations. The different valuation methods are called ‘hierarchies’ and 
are described below. 

 – Level 1 – The fair value is determined using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 

assets or liabilities.

 – Level 2 – The fair value is calculated using 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 3 – The fair value is determined using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on 

(1,088)

(81)

(1,169)

observable market data (unobservable inputs).

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

108108

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities according 
to their fair value hierarchy.

  Accounting estimates

Fair value

The different methods applied by HEINEKEN to determine the fair value require the use of estimates.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

As at 31 December

In millions of €

Fair value through OCI investments*

Non-current derivative assets

Current derivative assets

Total 2018
Total 2017

Non-current derivative liabilities

Borrowings

Current derivative liabilities

Total 2018
Total 2017

Carrying 
amount

501

36

35

572

735

410

–

–

410

396

(33)

–

(13,653)

(13,470)

(70)

–

(13,756)

(13,470)

–

36

35

71

255

(33)

(503)

(70)

(606)

(13,542)

(12,660)

(1,613)

91

–

–

91

84

–

–

–

–

–

* In 2017 these investments were classified as available-for-sale investments.

During the period ended 31 December 2018 there were no significant transfers between the three levels of 
the fair value hierarchy. 

Details of the determination of level 3 fair value measurements as at 31 December 2018 are set 
out below:

In millions of €

2018

2017

Fair value through OCI investments based on level 3

Balance as at 1 January
Fair value adjustments recognised in other comprehensive income

Disposals

Transfer to associate

Balance as at 31 December

84

3

–

4

91

85

2

1

(4)

84

The fair values for the level 3 fair value through OCI investments are based on the financial performance of 
the investments and the market multiples of comparable equity securities. 

Investments in equity securities 

The fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and fair value through OCI is determined 
by reference to their quoted closing bid price at the reporting date or, if unquoted, determined using an 
appropriate valuation technique. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data 
where available. 

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. 
These calculations are tested for reasonableness by comparing the outcome of the internal valuation 
with the valuation received from the counterparty. 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. 

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. 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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

109109

13.2  Off-balance sheet commitments 

Raw materials purchase contracts 

HEINEKEN leases offices, warehouses, pubs, cars and other equipment in the ordinary course of business. 
The raw materials purchase contracts mainly relate to malt, bottles and cans which are used in the 
production and sale of finished products.

In millions of €

Operating 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  
2018

Less than  
1 year

1-5  
years

More than  
5 years

2,013

305

7,571

635

4,375

14,899

307

287

2,717

273

3,005

6,589

767

18

939

–

3,583

1,271

358

590

4

780

2017

1,704

329

6,153

647

2,092

5,316

2,994

10,925

Raw material contracts include long-term purchase contracts with suppliers in which prices are fixed or will 
be agreed based upon predefined price formulas. 

13.3  Related parties 

Identification of related parties 
The following parties are considered to be related to Heineken N.V.: 

 – Key management personnel: the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board 

 – Parent company Heineken Holding N.V. and ultimate controlling party Mrs. Carvalho-Heineken (refer to 

‘Shareholder Information’) 

 – Associates and Joint ventures of Heineken N.V. 

 – Shareholder with significant influence Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA) 

Undrawn committed bank facilities

3,845

166

3,679

–

3,929

 – HEINEKEN pension funds (refer to note 9.1) 

During the year ended 31 December 2018, €375 million (2017: €364 million) was recognised as an 
expense in profit or loss in respect of operating leases and rent. 

Other off-balance sheet obligations in 2018 include HKD24.3 billion (€2.7 billion as per 31 December 
2018) as the committed amount by HEINEKEN for acquiring a shareholding of 40% in CRH (Beer) Limited, 
which is expected to close in 2019. Other off-balance sheet obligations also 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. 

  Accounting policies 

Off-balance sheet commitments are not discounted. 

Operating lease commitments 

Operating leases 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. 

The lease commitments contain the lease payments for the non-cancellable period of a lease and the 
period for extension options that are reasonably certain to be exercised. 

 – Employees of HEINEKEN (refer to note 6.4) 

Key management remuneration

In millions of €

Executive Board

Supervisory Board

Total

2018

12.0

1.0

13.0

2017

13.3

1.0

14.3

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 Incentive (STI) and a Long-term 
Incentive (LTI). The STI is based on financial and operational measures (75%) and on individual leadership 
measures (25%) as set by the Supervisory Board at the beginning of the year. For the LTI we refer to 
note 6.5. The separate Remuneration Report is stated on pages 52–60. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

As at 31 December 2018, Mr. J.F.M.L. van Boxmeer held 259,149 Company shares and Mrs. L.M. Debroux held 
28,159 Company shares (2017: Mr. J.F.M.L. van Boxmeer 240,695 and Mrs. L.M. Debroux 11,829).

Supervisory Board 
The individual members of the Supervisory Board received the following remuneration:

In thousands of €

Fixed salary

Short-Term Incentive

Matching share entitlement

Long-Term Incentive

Pension contributions

Other emoluments

Total

J.F.M.L. van 
Boxmeer

L.M. 
Debroux

1,250

2,730

610

2,732

873

49

735

1,147

256

1,360

145

162

2018

Total

1,985

3,877

866

4,092

1,018

211

J.F.M.L. van 
Boxmeer

L.M.  
Debroux

1,200

2,736

622

3,623

858

21

720

1,173

266

1,739

142

163

Total

1,920

3,909

888

5,362

1,000

184

8,244

3,805

12,049

9,060

4,203

13,263

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 STI 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 2018 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 2017 the investment was 25% for both Executive Board members as well. From an 
accounting perspective the corresponding matching shares vest immediately and as such a fair value of 
€0.9 million was recognised in the 2018 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.

2017

In thousands of €

G.J. Wijers

J.A. Fernández Carbajal

M. Das

M.R. de Carvalho

A.M. Fentener van Vlissingen1

V.C.O.B.J. Navarre

J.G. Astaburuaga Sanjinés

H. Scheffers2

J.M. Huët

P. Mars-Wright

Y. Dervişoğlu

M Helmes3

1 Stepped down as at 19 April 2018.

2 Stepped down as at 20 April 2017.

3 Appointed as at 19 April 2018.

110110

2017

160

114

85

90

85

70

99

40

82

95

70

–

990

2018

163

109

85

96

43

74

104

–

86

103

70

62

995

Mr. Michel de Carvalho held 100,008 shares of Heineken N.V. as at 31 December 2018 (2017: 100,008 
shares). As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, the Supervisory Board members did not hold any of the 
Company’s bonds or option rights. Mr. Michel de Carvalho held 100,008 shares of Heineken Holding N.V. 
as at 31 December 2018 (2017: 100,008 ordinary shares).

Heineken Holding N.V. 
In 2018, an amount of €1,393,537 (2017: €714,412) 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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

Report of the Executive Board

Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

111111

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Other related party transactions 

In millions of €

Sales

Purchases

Accounts receivables

Accounts payables and 
other liabilities

Associates & Joint Ventures

FEMSA

Total

2018

467

271

93

40

2017

300

479

88

68

2018

1,235

144

274

43

2017

1,168

168

238

42

2018

1,702

415

367

83

2017

1,468

647

326

110

13.4  HEINEKEN entities 

Control of HEINEKEN 
The shares 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 and consolidates the financial information of the Company. 

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 2018 up to and including 
31 December 2018, 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 2018. 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 disclosed significant subsidiaries represent the largest subsidiaries 
and represent an approximate total revenue of €15 billion and total asset value of €22 billion and are 
structural contributors to the business.

There were no significant changes to the HEINEKEN structure and ownership interests.

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 Zywiec S.A.

LLC Heineken Breweries

Heineken Vietnam Brewery Limited Company

13.5  Subsequent events 

No material subsequent events occurred. 

Percentage of ownership

Country of incorporation

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Mexico

Brazil

Brazil

France

Nigeria

United States

United Kingdom

Spain

Italy

Austria

Poland

Russia

Vietnam

2018

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

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

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

112112

Heineken N.V. Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December

In millions of €

Personnel expenses

Total other 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

2018

(13)

(13)

17

(363)

(164)

(510)

2,304

1,781

122

1,903

2017

(14)

(14)

111

(355)

502

258

1,749

1,993

(58)

1,935

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

113113

Heineken N.V. Balance Sheet

Before appropriation of profit 

As at 31 December

In millions of €

Investments in participating interests

Other financial non-current assets

Deferred tax assets

Total financial fixed assets

Trade and other receivables

Tax receivable

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Note

A.1

2018

2017

In millions of €

27,631

26,276

Issued capital

29

–

3

74

Share premium

Translation reserve

27,660

26,353

Cost of hedging reserve

21

21

–

42

122

–

1

123

Hedging reserve

Fair value reserve

Other legal reserves

Reserve for own shares

Retained earnings

Net profit

Note

2018

922

2,701

(3,269)

9

(38)

342

1,096

(415)

11,107

1,903

2017

922

2,701

(3,124)

–

112

331

962

(410)

9,892

1,935

Total shareholders’ equity

14,358

13,321

Borrowings

Other non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liability

Total non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

A.2

12,135

11,743

29

43

56

–

12,207

11,799

A.2

1,025

112

–

1,137

13,344

1,126

228

2

1,356

13,155

Total assets

27,702

26,476

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities

27,702

26,476

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

114114

Heineken N.V. Shareholders’ equity

In millions of €

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

Balance as at 31 December 2017

In millions of €

Balance as at 31 December 2017
Changes in accounting policy (IFRS 9)

Balance as at 1 January 2018
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

Balance as at 31 December 2018

Share  
capital

922

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserve

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Net  
profit

Shareholders’ 
equity

2,701

(1,829)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,295)

(1,295)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

106

106

–

–

–

–

–

–

7

262

–

69

69

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

838

153

–

153

(29)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(443)

9,248

–

–

–

–

–

–

33

–

–

–

(153)

66

(87)

1,569

(775)

–

(33)

22

(45)

(7)

1,540

1,935

–

1,935

(1,540)

–

–

–

–

–

–

13,238

1,935

(1,054)

881

–

(775)

–

–

22

(45)

–

922

2,701

(3,124)

112

331

962

(410)

9,892

1,935

13,321

Share  
capital

Share 
premium

Translation 
reserve

922

–

922

2,701

(3,124)

–

(2)

2,701

(3,126)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(143)

(143)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

922

2,701

(3,269)

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve

Hedging 
reserve

Fair value 
reserve

Other legal 
reserve

Reserve for 
own shares

Retained 
earnings

Net  
profit

Shareholders’ 
equity

–

3

3

–

6

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

112

–

112

–

(150)

(150)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

331

–

331

–

11

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

962

–

962

214

–

214

(80)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(410)

9,892

1,935

13,321

–

(3)

(410)

9,889

–

–

–

–

–

(38)

33

–

–

–

(214)

221

7

2,015

(866)

–

(33)

26

26

43

–

1,935

1,903

–

1,903

(1,935)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2)

13,319

1,903

(55)

1,848

–

(866)

(38)

–

26

26

43

(38)

342

1,096

(415)

11,107

1,903

14,358

For more details on reserves, refer to note 11.4 of the consolidated financial statements.

For more details on share-based payments, refer to note 6.5 of the consolidated financial statements.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

115115

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. 

A  Company disclosures 

A.1  Investments 

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 IFRS as adopted by the EU as explained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

  Accounting policies 

Shareholders’ equity 
The translation reserve and other legal reserves were previously formed under, and are still recognised in 
accordance with, the Dutch Civil Code. 

The table below provides an overview of the movements of the investments during the year:

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2018
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

Participating 
interests

Loans to 
participating 
interests

Total

15,740

2,304

(688)

(167)

(144)

221

26

75

–

10,536

26,276

–

688

–

–

–

–

2,304

–

(167)

(144)

221

26

(960)

(885)

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2018

17,367

10,264

27,631

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

15,674

9,172

24,846

1,749

(616)

(1,297)

176

66

(50)

42

(4)

–

616

–

–

–

–

748

–

1,749

–

(1,297)

176

66

(50)

790

(4)

Balance as at 31 December 2017

15,740

10,536

26,276

For disclosures of significant direct and indirect participating interests, refer to notes 10.3 and 13.4 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: 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

Percentage of ownership

Percentage of ownership

116116

2017

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

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.

Online Drinks B.V.

Beerwulf B.V.

Heineken Belize B.V.

  Accounting policies 

Country of incorporation

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

2018

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Investments in other entities are measured on the basis of the equity method. The share of profit of these 
investments consists of the share of the Company in the results of these investments. Results on transfers 
of assets and liabilities between the Company and its participating interests are eliminated.

A.2  Borrowings

The borrowings of the Company comprise the following:

In millions of €

Unsecured bond issues

Other interest-bearing liabilities

Bank overdrafts and commercial papers

Total borrowings

2018

Total

2017

Total

13,160

11,902

–

–

966

1

13,160

12,869

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.

Heineken Brazil B.V.

B.V. Panden Exploitatie Maatschappij PEM

Heineken Exploitatie Maatschappij B.V.

Hotel De L’Europe 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

2018

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%

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%

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Other Information

117117

Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

During the year the movements in borrowings were as follows:

In millions of €

Balance as at 1 January 2018
Effects of movements of exchange rates

Transfers

Proceeds

Repayments

Other

Balance as at 31 December 2018

Other 
interest-
bearing 
liabilities

Bank 
overdrafts 
and 
commercial 
paper

966

47

–

–

(1,013)

–

–

1

(1)

–

550

(550)

–

–

Unsecured 
bond issues

11,902

174

–

1,233

(162)

13

13,160

Total

12,869

220

–

1,783

(1,725)

13

13,160

B  Other 

B.1  Auditor fees 

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 2018 €10.3 million of fees are recognised in the consolidated financial statements for services provided 
by Deloitte Accountants B.V. and its member firms and/or affiliates (2017: €10.1 million). In below overview 
the breakdown per type of service is provided:

Deloitte Accountants B.V.

Other Deloitte member firms  
and affiliates

Total

2018

2.7

0.4

–

0.1

3.2

2017

2.8

0.5

–

–

3.3

2018

6.6

0.2

0.1

0.2

7.1

2017

6.3

0.3

–

0.2

6.8

2018

9.3

0.6

0.1

0.3

10.3

2017

9.1

0.8

–

0.2

10.1

In millions of €

Audit of HEINEKEN 
and its subsidiaries

Other audit services

Tax services

Other non-audit services

Total

  Accounting policies 

Fees for audit services are included in the other expenses in the consolidated financial statements (refer to 
note 6.3). These fees are recognised when the service is provided.

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Notes to the Heineken N.V. Financial Statements (continued)

118118

B.2  Off-balance sheet commitments

B.4  Other disclosures 

In millions of €

Undrawn committed bank facility

Total 2018

3,500

Less than  
1 year

1 – 5 years

More than  
5 years

Total 2017

–

3,500

–

3,500

Remuneration 
Refer to note 13.3 of the consolidated financial statements for the remuneration and incentives of the 
Executive Board and Supervisory Board. 

2018

2017

Third  
parties

HEINEKEN 
companies

Third  
parties

HEINEKEN 
companies

Declarations of joint and several liability

–

2,413

–

3,288

The legal entities to which the declarations of joint and several liability relate, are listed in note A.1. 
The declarations 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 9.1 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. 

B.3  Subsequent events 

For subsequent events, refer to note 13.5.

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, 12 February 2019

Executive Board

Supervisory Board

Van Boxmeer

Wijers

Debroux

Fernández Carbajal

Das

de Carvalho

Navarre

Astaburuaga Sanjinés

Huët

Mars-Wright

Dervişoğlu

Helmes

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Sustainability Review
Our sustainable development focus areas

Doing business all over the world and 
developing successful brands comes 
with responsibilities that extend beyond 
running a profitable business. We 
always strive to have a positive impact 
in the markets in which we operate and 
have therefore embedded sustainability 
in our business strategy.

Achieving real and lasting positive change is only 
possible through the collective effort of everyone 
who works at HEINEKEN as well as our partners 
and suppliers, NGOs and governments, stakeholders 
and local communities.

Our sustainable development strategy, Brewing 
a Better World, includes 2020 targets in six key 
areas. Through this strategy, we are determined 
to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs). Our focus areas are linked with 
specific SDGs and their targets, ensuring that we 
make a meaningful contribution to the common 
global goal to end poverty, protect the planet and 
ensure prosperity.

As we continue to progress towards our 2020 
targets, we are on track to reach most of our 
commitments. In some areas, including water 
balancing, accident prevention and regional 
sourcing in Africa, we still have work to do.

Visit our website to discover more about our Brewing a Better World 
strategy, material issues, contribution to the UN SDGs, stakeholder 
engagement and performance – along with case studies from our 
businesses around the world.

From end of March 2019 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 
sustainably

P

r

o

s

p

e

rit
y

Growing with 
communities

Drop the C  
– reducing CO2 
emissions

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Our sustainable development focus areas

Every Drop  
– protecting 
water resources
Water is vital to meeting 
the needs of a growing 
global population and is 
a key ingredient of our 
products. Our operations 
depend on its constant 
supply and, in some areas, 
may be significantly 
impacted by the risks of 
water stress and scarcity. 
We decreased water 
consumption in our 
breweries by 32% since 
2008, treated most of the 
wastewater and continued 
water balancing activities 
in water-stressed areas. 
In early 2019, we launch 
our new 2030 water 
strategy to continue and 
expand our impact on the 
health of the watershed.

Drop the C  
– reducing CO2 
emissions
Climate change is one of 
the biggest challenges 
facing society. We feel 
responsible for our share in 
cutting CO2 emissions and 
limiting climate change. 
We are ahead of our 2020 
ambition for production 
(reduction of 47% in 2018 
vs. the baseline) and 
cooling (50%). We continue 
efforts to reach the target 
in distribution (13%). 
We reassessed our carbon 
footprint, last published 
in 2015, to show our 
emissions across the entire 
value chain. In 2018, we 
launched our CO2 reduction 
strategy for 2030, Drop 
the C. It focuses on energy 
efficiency, electricity and 
thermal renewable energy 
generation in production, 
distribution, packaging 
and cooling.

Sourcing  
sustainably 

With the global population 
predicted to reach nine 
billion by 2050, agricultural 
productivity must 
grow while protecting 
natural resources and 
biodiversity. We support the 
development of sustainable 
agricultural value chains. 
The share of crops we 
source from sustainable 
farms continues to grow. 
However, the proportion 
of raw materials regionally 
sourced in Africa and the 
Middle East reduced due 
to challenges in the supply 
of local ingredients in the 
format required by our 
breweries. We continue 
close cooperation with 
smallholder farmers to 
increase productivity and 
improve food security. 
We are pleased that our 
suppliers reached 95% 
compliance with the 
HEINEKEN Supplier Code.

Advocating 
responsible 
consumption
We encourage consumers 
to drink alcohol responsibly 
through our marketing 
activities, sponsorships 
and partnerships. 
Our global Formula 1™. 
partnership gives us 
a platform to deliver 
our ‘When You Drive, 
Never Drink’ campaign. 
Behavioural research 
dedicated to responsible 
consumption and drink 
driving supports us in 
targeting our campaigns 
and programmes. 
We are ahead of industry 
requirements by putting 
ingredients and nutrition 
information on our beer 
and cider brands, because 
we believe consumers need 
this information to make 
their choices. As consumers 
look for greater choice, 
we are expanding the 
variety of products and 
reach of our low- and no- 
alcohol category.

Promoting health 
and safety 

Growing with 
communities 

Nothing matters more 
than the safety of our 
people. That is why ‘Safety 
First’ is our number one 
Company behaviour and 
the name of our strategy to 
address safety risks. Our Life 
Saving Rules are a key 
tool for preventing serious 
accidents and everyone in 
the Company is required 
to comply with them. 
We still have more work 
to do to prevent fatalities 
and serious accidents in 
our operations. We identify 
high safety risk areas 
across our business and 
implement actions to tackle 
them, with a special focus 
on road safety in 2018.

We recognise our impact 
on and responsibilities 
towards the communities 
we operate in. Our biggest 
contribution is through 
our core business: in 2018, 
HEINEKEN provided 
over 85,000 direct jobs 
and paid €11.7 billion 
in taxes. We also aim to 
contribute to the social 
and economic wellbeing of 
communities by investing 
in and encouraging 
local entrepreneurship, 
education and community 
initiatives, giving donations 
and undertaking volunteer 
activities. The HEINEKEN 
Africa Foundation supports 
projects that improve 
health for people living 
in communities near 
our breweries in the 
Africa region.

Values and 
behaviours
Our values and 
behaviours reflect 
what we stand 
for – conducting 
business with integrity, 
development of 
inclusive work 
environment and 
respect for people and 
their human rights.

They apply to all areas 
of our business and 
are a key part of our 
Company manifesto 
‘We are HEINEKEN’, our 
recently revised Code of 
Business Conduct and 
Human Rights Policy.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Focus area commitments – measuring our progress

Every Drop – protecting water resources

Sourcing sustainably

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 result
We reduced average water 
consumption in our breweries 
by 32% to 3.46 hl/hl (3.2 hl/hl  
in water-stressed areas)

Significant water 
balancing in  
water-stressed areas

2020 commitment
Aim for significant water 
balancing by our production 
units in water-scarce and water-
stressed areas

2018 result
13 of 23 sites in scope have 
begun to implement water 
balancing projects

Wastewater 
management

2020 commitment
All of our wastewater volumes 
are treated – by us or by a third 
party – before being discharged 
into surface water

2018 result
96% of our wastewater is 
treated before discharge, but 
we had 11 sites still without 
a treatment plant

Our progress
On track 

Our progress
More to do 

Agricultural  
raw materials from 
sustainable sources

2020 commitment
Aim for at least 50% of our  
main raw materials to come 
from sustainable sources

2018 result
34% of our main agricultural 
raw materials came from 
sustainable sources 

Our progress
On track 

Source agricultural  
raw materials locally 
in Africa

2020 commitment
Deliver 60% of agricultural
raw materials in Africa via local
sourcing within the continent

2018 result
37% of agricultural raw materials 
used in Africa regionally sourced 
from within the continent

Our progress
Off track 

Our progress
More to do 

Compliance with  
our Supplier Code

2020 commitment
Ongoing compliance with our
Supplier Code Procedure

2018 result
95% compliance with four-step
Supplier Code Procedure

Our progress
On track 

Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions

Advocating responsible consumption

Lower emissions  
in production

2020 commitment
Reduce CO2 emissions 
from production by 40% 
to 6.4 kg CO2-eq/hl (vs. 2008)

2018 result
We reduced CO2 emissions 
from production by 47% to 
5.5 kg CO2-eq/hl

Reduce emissions from 
distribution in Europe 
and the Americas

2020 commitment
Reduce CO2 emissions from 
distribution by 20% in Europe 
and the Americas (vs. 2010/11)

2018 result
We reduced our emissions  
from distribution by 13%  
(27% in Americas and 12%  
in Europe, including Russia)

Our progress
On track 

Our progress
More to do 

Lower emissions  
of our fridges

2020 commitment
Reduce the CO2 emissions of our 
fridges by 50% (vs. 2010)

2018 result
Almost 100% green fridges 
purchased. We reduced CO2 
emissions of our fridges by 50%

Our progress
On track 

Promoting health and safety

Safety performance

2020 commitment
Reduce accident frequency by 
20% vs 2015 (1.38 per 100 FTE)

2018 result
Accident frequency reduced 
by 18% to 1.13 accidents per 
100 FTE

Compliance with  
Life Saving Rules

2020 commitment
Full compliance with Life 
Saving Rules

2018 result
82% in the breweries;
93% outside production

Our progress
On track 

Our progress
More to do 

10% of Heineken® media 
budget invested in 
responsible consumption 
programmes

2020 commitment
Invest 10% of Heineken® 
media budget in our responsible 
consumption programmes, in every 
market where we sell Heineken®

2018 result
96% of markets in scope invested 
at least 10% of Heineken® 
media spend in responsible 
consumption campaigns

Our progress
On track 

Building partnerships 
to address alcohol-
related harm

Increase transparency 
on ingredients  
and nutrition

2020 commitment
Every market in scope has a 
relevant and active partnership 
aimed at addressing alcohol-
related harm

2020 commitment
Provide ingredient and nutrition 
information per 100 ml on  
pack and online for all beer and 
cider brands produced and sold  
in the EU; on pack or online – 
outside the EU

2018 result
92% of companies in scope  
have a partnership

Our progress
More to do 

2018 result
95% of our beer and cider 
brands in scope had information 
on pack and/or online

Our progress
On track 

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Every Drop – protecting water resources

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/hl4

2018 milestone
Reduce average water 
consumption in our breweries 
to 3.6 hl/hl

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs: 
6.4
Substantially increase
water-use efficiency

We decreased average water consumption in 
our breweries to 3.46 hl/hl in 2018, meeting our 
2020 target.

In water-stressed areas, the average water 
consumption remained at 3.2 hl/hl, surpassing 
the 2020 target.

Water consumption still remains high at some sites. 
30 sites used above 5.0 hl/hl in 2018, representing 
5% of our volume (in 2017: 36 sites, 8%).

We continue to invest in technology to reclaim 
and recycle water in our production processes, 
especially at our sites in water-stressed areas. 
Effluent reclamation plants are now in operation at 
our breweries in Tangerang (Indonesia), Vialonga 
(Portugal), Singapore and are being planned in 
Meoqui and Tecate (Mexico), Sedibeng (South 
Africa), Kilinto (Ethiopia) and Vung Tau (Vietnam).

Looking ahead
As part of our new water strategy, Every Drop,  
we aim to further reduce water use of our breweries. 
The new strategy will be announced in the course 
of 2019.

For more on our water stewardship approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

Water consumption (global average)
(Hl/hl beer, cider, soft drinks and water)

3.5 hl/hl

Our 2020 target

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

2008

3.5
3.6

3.6

3.7

3.9

5.0

Water consumption –  
breweries in water-stressed areas
3.2 hl/hl

Our 2020 target

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

3.2
3.2

3.3

3.6

3.8

Brewing a Better World in action

Water Treatment Plant in Singapore
Our new €1.2 million water treatment plant will recycle 
11% of the water we use in Singapore brewery, saving 
66,750 m3 of water each year. The plant was built in 
a joint development project between our operating 
company in Singapore, Public Utilities Board (PUB) and 
National University of Singapore (NUS). 

32%

decrease in 
water consumption 
(hl/hl) compared 
with 2008

1,355

Olympic-sized pools – 
the equivalent volume 
of water we saved in 
2018 compared to 2017

€15m

saved through water 
efficiency since 2009

94.2m m3
Total water 
withdrawal, 
including sources

52%
Groundwater

15%
Surface water, 
including water 
from wetlands, 
rivers, lakes 
and oceans

33%
Municipal water 
supplies or other 
water utilities

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Brewing a Better World in action

Bringing the Colorado River Delta  
back to life 
HEINEKEN Mexico signed an agreement with 
Restauremos el Colorado – the first bi-national water 
trust, created for bringing the Colorado River Delta back 
to life in Mexico and the USA. We will donate 53 hectares 
of irrigation rights to the water trust which will be used to 
transform the dry riverbed into a flowing river.

Sustainability Review (continued)
Every Drop – protecting water resources (continued)

Significant water balancing in water-stressed areas

2020 commitment
Aim for significant water 
balancing by our production 
units in water-scarce and water-
stressed areas

2018 milestone
18 production units in water-
scarce and water-stressed areas 
have started to implement action 
plans for water balancing

Our progress
More to do 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
6.6
Protect and restore
water-related ecosystems

We have committed to balancing the water we take 
from the local watershed through water stewardship 
projects that compensate for the volume we don’t 
return at the end of our processes. This means that, 
for every litre we produce, we aim to return the same 
amount in the watershed (and a bit more, as water 
also evaporates during the brewing process). 

To do it, we develop a water balancing action plan 
for each site – based on the local water situation and 
the specific needs of the surrounding watershed.

13 of the 23 production units5 in scope have  
begun to implement water balancing projects.

The remaining sites6 have either completed the 
preparation phase or are at the project identification 
stage, where each project plan needs to fit the local 
environmental, social and political context.

In Egypt, we launched a partnership with the 
Beheira Water and Drainage Company to supply 
equipment to enable the Company to detect leaks 
in the water system.

In Mexico, we signed an agreement with 
Restauremos El Colorado, a collaboration of four 
NGOs from the U.S. and Mexico, to bring the river 
back to life and to restore wetland areas in the 
Colorado River delta. We also started preparations 
with other stakeholders to launch a Water Fund 
for the Guanajuato watershed, where a lot of food 
crops are grown. 

In Ethiopia, construction of three pilot sand dams 
has been completed in Harar. In Bedele, we have 
carried out several feasibility studies to identify  
the most effective water balancing intervention.

In Indonesia, we are working with the United Nations 
Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to 
explore how to scale up our water stewardship activities, 
together with our partners in the Water Alliance. 

In Tunisia, we completed the development of the 
source water protection plans including potential 
water balancing options.

Based on an initial global assessment by WWF 
International, we identified 13 additional sites where 
we investigated the water risks through in-depth 
local assessments. These studies confirm that three 
sites – Massafra (Italy), Petaling Jaya (Malaysia) 
and Sedibeng (South Africa) – are indeed water-
stressed. We will start integrating the three new  
sites in our water stewardship approach.

Three sites in Greece are under investigation. Studies  
of all other sites showed positive results, which means 
that no special action is needed at this moment.

Looking ahead
Water balancing will be an important element  
in our 2030 water strategy, Every Drop, and we 
will start developing plans to address it with all 
breweries in water-stressed areas.

For more on our water stewardship approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Every Drop – protecting water resources (continued)

Our progress
More to do 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
6.3
Improve water quality

Looking ahead
We will increasingly shift from simply wastewater 
treatment and disposal to recovery, reuse 
and recycling, with treated water used for 
production purposes, in local agriculture and 
for other industries. 

Especially for our breweries in water-stressed areas, 
we will start looking at wastewater through a circular 
economy lens, exploring solutions for water scarcity.

Brewing a Better World in action

Wastewater treatment in Rwanda
Our new €5.4 million wastewater treatment plant in 
Gisenyi uses a two-stage process: wastewater from 
the brewery is first treated under anaerobic conditions 
using bacteria to break down the organic matter in the 
wastewater into biogas. Biogas can be collected and 
used as a renewable energy source. The remaining 
effluent is then treated using aerobic bacteria before 
the treated wastewater is returned to surface water.

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 brewery processes generate wastewater which 
contains organic materials as well as cleaning 
agents. We have been investing in wastewater 
treatment plants at the majority of our operations 
since 1999, even in markets without effluent 
legislation. We are committed to treating all our 
wastewater before we return it to nature.

In 2018, a new wastewater treatment plant became 
operational in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Construction of 
another one started in Zajecar, Serbia. 

At the end of 2018, 96% of all our wastewater* was 
treated before discharge. However, we still have  
11 sites without a treatment plant: 10 beverage 
plants and one malting plant, representing 3% of 
production volume (2017: 12 sites, 4% volume).

Those sites currently lacking wastewater treatment 
infrastructure are part of our investment planning.

58.4

total wastewater 
volume in million m3

97%

beverage production 
volume* was treated 
before discharge

*  We use two ways of measuring wastewater treatment: by volumes of 
wastewater and by volumes of production.

For more on our water stewardship approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions

HEINEKEN’s carbon footprint 2017

Methodology: 

Our approach is aligned with the EU Beer Product 
Environmental Footprint pilot. We actively 
participated in this pilot, together with the 
Brewers of Europe, which has resulted in Product 
Environmental Footprint Category Rule for beer. 

We have updated our modelling in two areas 
in particular: 

–  Calculation methodology and data sets for 
cultivation of crops, which have enabled us 
to increase the scope of agricultural impacts 
included in our carbon footprint calculations

–  Applied the ‘Circular Footprint Formula’ for 

packaging materials, which defines how energy 
use, recycled content and recycling rates of 
packaging materials can be balanced. 

Data collection and automation: our carbon 
footprint includes the entire value chain – from our 
own operations to suppliers, subcontractors and 
customers, across activities such as manufacturing 
and recycling of packaging and cooling beverages 
at points of sale. We increasingly use actual primary 
performance data, for example provided by our 
suppliers, rather than estimates.

Our carbon footprint assessment is getting more 
accurate and we will continue to develop it in line 
with new methodologies and industry best practice.

Our carbon footprint is made up of the CO2 emitted 
by all the activities linked to making and selling our 
products, from barley to bar. 

On average, we emit 68.1 kgCO2-e* per hl of 
beverage (based on 2017 data). 

17%

9%

20%

15.4m
 tonnes C02*
68.1 kg
C02/hl

7%

11%

36%

Agriculture
Malting and adjuncts
Beverage production
Packaging materials
Logistics
Cooling

We began measuring our carbon footprint in 
2010, when only a few of our operating companies 
were included and specific methodology was not 
yet available. 

Since then, our scope and the methodologies we 
use have expanded and improved.

Scope: we have increased the scope of our 
carbon footprint calculation from 4 to 23 
operating companies, covering 84% of our 
beverage production.

*  Extrapolated to 100% of companies. 12.9t CO2 for 84% op companies 
in scope.

See our case studies online.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions (continued)

Lower emissions in production

2020 commitment
Reduce CO2 emissions 
from production by 40%  
to 6.4 kg CO2-eq/hl7

2018 milestone
Reduce CO2 emissions  
from production by 37%  
to 6.7 kg CO2-eq/hl

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
7.2
Share of renewable energy
7.3
Double the improvement 
of energy efficiency

We are ahead of our 2020 commitment, achieving 
a 47% reduction in CO2 emissions from production, 
compared with 2008 (2017: 41%).

Our emissions are decreasing in absolute terms as 
well – even though production volumes in 2018 
were 81% higher than in 2008, our emissions were 
4% lower. 27% of our electrical energy and 10% of 
our thermal energy come from renewable sources 
(2017: 29% and 7% respectively).

A new onsite biomass boiler now provides 100% 
of the thermal needs in our brewery in Sampang 
Agung, Indonesia.

Electricity mix 2018
for beverage production

26%

1%

24%

40%

9%

Imported renewable (green certificates)
Country electricity mix (renewable)
Own non-renewable production
Country electricity mix (non-renewable)
Own renewable production

For more on our Drop the C programme approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

We delivered three projects to capture and reuse 
biogas from wastewater treatment plants at our 
breweries in Guadalajara and Toluca in Mexico and 
Sango-Ota in Nigeria.

Looking ahead
We piloted an internal carbon price mechanism  
to inform our investment decisions and drive  
low-carbon solutions and innovations.

In 2019, we will use more renewable energy, as new 
projects will be delivered by our Renewable Energy 
programme across all regions. A significant volume 
of the power for our production in Mexico will be 
generated from wind and hydro sources. A number 
of our businesses in Asia Pacific will be supplied 
with electricity produced by Solar panels mounted 
on the roof of our production facilities. In Europe, 
Asia Pacific and Brazil, we are commissioning new 
biomass projects to supply renewable sources 
of heat.

CO2 emissions in production
(kg CO2-eq/hl beer, cider, soft drinks and water)

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

2008

Our 2020 target

5.5

6.1

6.5

6.7

7.2

10.4

Brewing a Better World in action

Wind power in Brazil
In 2018, HEINEKEN Brazil started up its own wind farm 
in Acaraú, Ceara. With a capacity of 112,000 MWh, it 
can cover 30% of the total electricity needed by our 
operations in Brazil.

Biomass and biogas
In Nigeria, we have started using renewable biogas 
generated from the treatment of wastewater to power 
our boilers. In June 2018, we launched our first biomass 
plant in Indonesia, at the brewery in Sampang Agung. 
It is the tenth biomass plant of HEINEKEN, which will 
produce 100% of Sampang Agung brewery’s heat 
requirements using rice husks as a fuel.

€84.6m

saved through energy 
efficiency since 2009

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions (continued)

Reduce emissions from distribution in Europe and the Americas

2020 commitment
Reduce CO2 emissions from 
distribution by 20% in Europe  
and the Americas8

2018 milestone
Reduce CO2 emissions from 
distribution by 16% in Europe  
and 16% in the Americas

Our progress
More to do 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
7.2
Share of renewable energy
7.3
Double the improvement of 
energy efficiency

We achieved a 13% decrease in our emissions 
from distribution against the baseline, down 3% 
compared to 2017 (10%).

In 10 out of 23 markets, we have exceeded our 20% 
reduction target and we continue to drive further 
improvements across all markets to achieve our 
global 2020 ambition.

Emissions in Americas9 are down 27% compared to 
the baseline, and 17% since 2017. This was mainly 
driven by the integration of the former Brasil Kirin 
breweries which means we are now physically closer 
to our customers. 

In Europe, including Russia, emissions are down 12% 
compared to the baseline. Improvements delivered 
in 2018 were counterbalanced by unfavourable 
network changes, resulting in a 1% increase 
from 2017.

We continue to explore innovative solutions such as 
electric trucks (e.g. in Portugal and France), driving 
down carbon emissions and reducing air pollution 
from city distribution. Furthermore we are piloting 
the use of sustainable biofuels (e.g. used cooking oil 
in Mexico).

We are working closely with our logistics service 
providers to find opportunities to reduce carbon 
emissions. We collaborate with our supply chain 
partners to stimulate sustainable improvements 
across the sector. One example is our Fuel 
Management Programme that we started with 
suppliers in 2018. Our common goal is to reduce  
fuel consumption through improved truck efficiency 
and driver behaviours.

We achieved significant progress by shifting 
distribution routes to more sustainable modes  
of transport – from road to sea or rail transport –  
and we see a lot of potential in modal shift to  
further reduce our carbon footprint.

Looking ahead
We are in the process of defining our new 2030 
targets for all our operations. For logistics, the new 
targets will be set for an extended operational 
scope, covering the full value chain, and an 
extended geographical scope, covering all countries 
we operate in. We are currently in the process of 
defining plans for our logistics operation that will 
allow us to deliver our new 2030 target.

For more on our Drop the C programme approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

1  Truck 
2  Ocean 
3  Rail 
4  Inland barge 

92.2%
6.5%
0.9%
0.3%

Brewing a Better World in action

Transport Manager Training
In 2018, we continued to search for new ideas around 
the globe to reduce our carbon emissions. A great 
example was HEINEKEN China, who collaborated 
closely with their suppliers and provided Smart 
Transport Manager Training for their Logistics Service 
Providers. All providers agreed to work together to  
Drop the C by improving fuel efficiency.

Sustainable initiatives in Mexico
All trucks from one of our biggest distribution centres 
in Mexico are now using biofuel, cutting CO2 emissions 
by 139 tonnes in 2018. We saved 295 tonnes of CO2 by 
implementing lightweight trailers in primary distribution 
in Mexico. We are exploring opportunities to expand all 
these projects. 

CO2 per Transport Mode
% of total tons CO2

3 4

1

2

CO2 emissions in distribution

3.3 kg CO2/hl sold

Our 2020 target

2018
2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

3.3
3.4

3.5

3.7

3.9

3.7

3.8

3.8

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Brewing a Better World in action

Connected fridges in Mexico
In Mexico, we now have more than 10,000 connected 
fridges and a dashboard which enables our teams to 
track the activity of our fridges, including actions that 
impact CO2 emissions.

Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions (continued)

Lower emissions in our fridges

2020 commitment
Reduce the CO2 emissions of our 
fridges by 50%10

2018 milestone
100% green fridges purchased

Our progress
On track 

Reduce the CO2 emissions of our 
fridges by 47%

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
7.3
Double the improvement 
of energy efficiency

Looking ahead
We aim to continue to decrease CO2 emissions  
in cooling and will be setting new 2030 targets.

We are optimising specifications for our fridges, 
ensuring that each asset is best-in-class for energy 
consumption and length of life.

We will focus on innovation and collaboration with 
our suppliers to collect and analyse information 
about performance of our cooling equipment. 
These insights will be used to develop a circular 
business model with the focus on efficient use 
of assets during their life cycle, and robust 
refurbishment and recycling.

In 2018, almost 100%* of our over 190,000 new 
fridges had one or more of the following features: 
use of hydrocarbon refrigerant, LED illumination, 
an energy management system and energy 
efficient fans.

We are ahead of our 2020 commitment; average 
CO2 emissions from our fridges are now 50% less 
than in 2010.

We continue to use technology to further improve 
the energy efficiency of our fridges. For example, 
variable speed compressors allow us to adjust the 
energy use depending on the load of a fridge.

We now have over 10,000 connected fridges,  
which enable us to understand how much energy 
they are consuming, how many times doors are 
being opened and other useful information related 
to their performance.

We aim to use our cooling equipment more 
efficiently and make sure we have the right 
equipment in the right place, which will help 
to improve both CO2 emissions and bring 
commercial benefits.

*  At the time of publication this indicator was not assured, however, final 
externally assured data will be published on the HEINEKEN website by the 
end of March 2019.

For more on our Drop the C programme approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions (continued)

Our progress
We are building a better understanding of our 
carbon emissions in packaging, which enables 
us to identify new projects and partnerships 
with suppliers. 

For example, by light-weighting our aluminium  
cans and aluminium, we have reduced their average 
weight by 11% over five years, thus reducing CO2 
emissions. In 2018, we joined the Aluminium 
Stewardship Initiative to follow best practice and 
support industry-wide improvements.

We are harmonising and light-weighting our bottle 
portfolio. In the past three years, we reduced the 
average weight of our bottles by 7%. In 2018, we 
completed programmes in Italy, Austria and Russia.

Looking ahead
We will continue working on our CO2 emissions 
reduction targets for 2030, in cooperation with our 
packaging suppliers, subcontractors, universities, 
expert NGOs and start-ups.

Lower emissions in packaging

Our contribution to the SDGs:
12.2 Sustainable use of natural resources 
12.5 Reduce waste generation

Packaging enables our brands to stand out and 
ensures our consumers can enjoy our beers and 
ciders wherever they are. Packaging is also the single 
largest contributor to our carbon footprint. In early 
2018, we announced that we would intensify work 
with our suppliers and partners and set a carbon 
reduction target for packaging within the next 
two years.

Innovation is at the heart of our work; we are 
looking for new ways to bring fresh beer and cider 
to consumers and we want these innovations to 
support our carbon reduction ambitions. 

For packaging, we are focused on four areas:

Renew: Supporting our suppliers to make the 
transition to using more renewable energy in the 
production of our packaging. 

Reduce: Finding the right balance between  
quality packaging that embodies our premium 
brands and customer experience, while developing 
solutions – such as light-weighting or substitution – 
to reduce emissions.

Recycle: Ensuring our packaging is recyclable and 
recycled, working with governments and other 
stakeholders, and increasing the recycled content 
of our packaging. 

Reuse: Working with our operating companies to 
expand returnable systems. Glass bottles that are 
reused through returnable systems emit six to seven 
times less CO2 than one-way glass bottles. 

For more on our Drop the C programme approach and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

Brewing a Better World in action

Recycling innovation in France
HEINEKEN France has partnered with start-up, 
Terradona®, to promote its innovative Cliiink® smart box. 
It encourages consumers to recycle by awarding points, 
which can be exchanged for vouchers to spend in local 
shops or donate to charity. 

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions (continued)

Aiming for Zero Waste

Our contribution to the SDGs:
12.2
Sustainable use of natural resources
12.5
Reduce waste generation

Zero Waste
We aim to fully recycle all residual products 
in our production facilities. In 2018, 102 of our  
163 production units sent Zero11 Waste to landfill 
(2017: 97). This means that for these sites waste was 
recycled into feed, material loops, compost or used 
for energy recovery. Brewer’s spent grains and yeast, 
for example, have a high nutrition value and are 
recycled for animal or human consumption. 
Another example is bio-sludge from wastewater, 
which can be used for compost and soil improvement. 

Plastic
Although plastic represents only a relatively small 
share of HEINEKEN’s packaging, we are working on 
a comprehensive strategy to manage the impacts 
of plastic packaging.

We are in a dialogue with the packaging industry  
to set clear design and production rules for recycling 
to create a circular system for plastic packaging.

We are increasing the recycled content of PET 
bottles, reducing our use of plastic in secondary 
packaging and increasing its recycled content.

Looking ahead
We will continue to roll out our Zero Waste 
programme to other sites.

We are working with stakeholders (local governments, 
recycling facilities, retailers, etc.) to help facilitate 
plastic collection systems and increase the recycling 
of plastic packaging.

See our case studies online.

Brewing a Better World in action

Recycling for planet and local cause  
in Bahamas
Commonwealth Brewery in Bahamas introduced 
a recycling programme to reuse and recycle waste 
materials. Glass bottles, scrap metal and cardboard  
are sent for recycling, wooden pallets are shredded 
for mulch, drum bins are donated to local community 
groups and spent grains are given to local farmers to 
feed livestock.

Brewing a Better World in action

PET recycling system in Rwanda
Bralirwa and Coca-Cola are working together  
to develop a sustainable PET recycling system in 
Rwanda with a local waste collection company  
to increase PET collection, reuse and recycling.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Sourcing sustainably

Source raw materials from sustainable sources

2020 commitment
Aim for at least 50% of our main 
raw materials12 to come from 
sustainable sources13

2018 milestone
Aim for at least 25% of our 
main raw materials to come 
from sustainable sources

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
2.4
Sustainable food  
production systems  
and resilient agriculture

Brewing a Better World in action

Sustainable bitter hops
Almost 100% of our bitter hops are now sustainably 
sourced in the USA. We worked with Yakima Chief Hops 
to develop a sustainability programme, which was rolled 
out for all hop suppliers.

In 2018, 34%* of our main agricultural raw 
materials came from sustainable sources14 
(2017: 28%, 2016: 17%)14. 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.

Almost 100% of our bitter hops are now sustainably 
sourced following successful programmes in 
Germany and the USA. In the USA, we have 
worked with Yakima Chief Hops to develop the 
Green Chief sustainability programme for over a 
decade. Based on its success, the programme was 
rolled out with an approved Code of Practice for all 
hop suppliers.

We launched a new project in Canada to enable 
farmers supplying the Lagunitas Brewing Company 
to become sustainable by 2021. Chinook Arch 
Grain has created a Sustainability group to lead 
and coordinate 15 farmers in the Alberta region. 
They will collaborate with the USA hop growers to 
share learning and best practices. 

*  Estimation. At the moment of the publication, contract negotiations were 
still in progress.

For more on our Sustainable Agriculture approach and progress, 
see our website and case studies.

In Mexico, we started a pilot project in the 
Guanajuato watershed, an important agricultural 
area under risk of decreasing water availability. 
We set up a strong cooperation between our 
specialists, farmers, the malting plant, breweries, 
and strategic suppliers. The team is working on 
improvement of yield, water use, CO2 emissions 
and farming practices. They also implemented 
a new code of practice with farmers, in line with 
the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) and 
set targets for water use, rotation, yields, and 
revenue increase.

Projects include drip irrigation, aerial monitoring 
of crops using drones and use of biological 
agrochemicals. Like many other countries, Mexico 
still faces challenges in convincing suppliers and 
farmers to practice sustainable agriculture or to 
use biofertilisers.

This pilot delivered water savings and increased the 
yield. We are planning to expand the project scope 
in the next two years.

Looking ahead
We developed an action plan to increase 
sustainable volume per agricultural material 
and reach our target by 2020.

We are increasing our focus on sugar, another key 
ingredient of our products, to grow its sustainable 
volume in our supply chain.

Brewing a Better World in action

Sustainable sourcing project in Mexico
A team of our specialists, farmers and strategic suppliers 
is working on improvement of yield, water and energy 
use and farming practices in Guanajuato watershed 
in Mexico.

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Brewing a Better World in action

Barley project in Ethiopia
Our Ethiopia barley project has been extended to the 
end of 2019 to reach new farmers in partnership with 
the International Finance Corporation, NGO partner 
EUCORD and the Dutch Government. The project has 
given farmers access to higher yielding barley varieties 
that have improved productivity, farmer incomes and 
food security.

Sustainability Review (continued)
Sourcing sustainably (continued)

Source agricultural raw materials locally in Africa

2020 commitment
Deliver 60% of agricultural raw 
materials in Africa via local 
sourcing within the continent15

2018 milestone
56% of agricultural raw 
materials used in Africa to be 
regionally sourced from within 
the continent15

Our progress
Off track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
2.3
Productivity and incomes  
of small scale farmers

We sourced 37%* of agricultural raw materials 
locally in Africa and the Middle East in 2018 
(2017: 42%). We are now sourcing locally in 13 
operating companies across 27 different value 
chains, including six Public-Private Partnerships 
(PPP). These projects support more than 150,000 
farmer households.

Our overall local sourcing percentage fell by 4%  
for the following reasons:

Rapid growth in Ethiopia and South Africa 
combined with a lack of local malting capacity 
resulted in higher malt barley imports. 
This situation will be resolved in 2020-21 when 
new malting plants will open in both countries. 

Severe weather conditions in North Africa 
destroyed part of the barley crop, resulting in a 
lack of malt barley in this part of the region.

Many local agricultural value chains are at an 
early stage of development and cannot yet 
generate sufficient quantities to supply wider 
markets after immediate household needs 
are met.

We continue to support smallholder farmers 
to improve agricultural practices and increase 
productivity and acknowledge that this will take 
time to deliver.

Looking ahead
We extended our Public-Private Partnerships in 
Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa 
to the end of 2019.

We started crop trials in Mozambique in advance  
of our new brewery opening in 2019.

We launched a programme aiming to analyse and 
optimise use of local raw materials across the region.

We launched a new Public-Private Partnership 
in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with NGO 
partner Agriterra, which specialises in strengthening 
agricultural cooperatives.

* Estimated.

For more on our Local Sourcing programme in Africa, progress and 
initiatives, see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Sourcing sustainably (continued)

Compliance with our Supplier Code Procedure

2020 commitment
Ongoing compliance with our 
Supplier Code Procedure

2018 milestone
95% compliance with four-step 
Supplier Code Procedure

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution to the SDGs:
8.7
Eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour

8.8 
Protect labour rights and promote safe working environments

Looking ahead
We will be implementing new tools to enhance 
our supplier screening process to identify high-
risk suppliers across key risk drivers – anti-bribery 
and anti-corruption, human rights, financial risk 
and information security. This will support us in 
strengthening our corrective action plans and thus 
maintaining sustainable supplier performance.

Following the update of our Supplier Code, we will 
begin to roll it out with all our suppliers in 2019.

In 2018, the milestone of 95% compliance with 
our four-step Supplier Code procedure among our 
operating companies was achieved. The result 
has significantly improved as compared to the 
previous years.

We continue to identify and carry out corrective 
actions where risks and procedure gaps are 
identified, and to optimise our supplier base.

We stopped working with 13 suppliers because 
they were unwilling to sign our supplier code (11), 
or refused to subscribe to EcoVadis (2).

We refined our compliance assessment 
methodology and tools to strengthen insights  
and transparency of supplier performance.16

In 2018, we have updated the HEINEKEN Code of 
Business Conduct, the Human Rights Policy and 
published a new Brand Promoters Policy. We also 
updated our Supplier Code, in particular to promote 
fair wage in our supply chain, and fully aligned it 
with the above policies.

For more details on our Supplier Code procedure and progress,  
see our website.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Advocating responsible consumption

Make responsible consumption cool

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
3.5
Strengthen the prevention of substance abuse

Looking ahead
In 2019, we will continue our campaigns dedicated 
to responsible consumption, and make sure 
all markets where we sell Heineken® support 
our commitment.

2020 commitment
Invest 10% of Heineken® media budget17 to  
support our responsible consumption programmes, 
in every market where we sell Heineken®

In 2018, 69 markets in scope (96%) invested 10% 
of media spend, or more, in dedicated responsible 
consumption campaigns (32 markets in 2017). 
We expanded the scope of the commitment and 
since 2018 it also includes our joint ventures and 
export markets (73 markets in total).

In 2017, we conducted a research to gain insights 
on drink driving behaviour. These insights were 
reflected in our new When You Drive, Never 
Drink communications campaign and helped 
shape a behavioural change programme that 
directly impacts drink driving behaviour. As an 
example, we created a bar that helps people stay 
alcohol-free when driving by using a collection of 
nudges, reminders and prompts developed for this 
programme to change the drink driving psychology. 
The programme ran in Brazil, Russia, New Zealand 
and the UK in 2018, with more markets planned 
for 2019.

Our global campaign includes a new TV 
commercial, ‘No Compromises’, featuring F1™ World 
Champion Nico Rosberg and a digital ‘Designated 
Drivers Pledge’ to help people publicly commit to 
staying alcohol-free when driving. All elements 
of the campaign focus on the social pressures 
surrounding drink driving and use social proof  
to empower people to make the right decisions.

For more details on our Responsible Consumption programme  
and progress, see our website and case studies.

Brewing a Better World in action

When You Drive, Never Drink
Nico Rosberg, 2016 FIA Formula 1™ Drivers’ 
World Champion starred in our new 
#WhenYouDriveNeverDrink film – No Compromises.

Drink driving behavioural research
We co-developed a unique social experiment across  
10 UK bars in drink driving hotspots. The results showed 
up to 50% reduction in drink driving and more people 
choosing Heineken® 0.0.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Advocating responsible consumption (continued)

Building partnerships to address alcohol-related harm

Our progress
More to do 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
3.5
Strengthen the prevention of substance abuse

Looking ahead
We will continue to engage in partnerships in the 
markets in scope for 2019. In addition, we will 
continue to invest a part of Heineken® media 
budget to support our responsible consumption 
programmes in every market where we sell 
Heineken® (for additional information please refer 
to page 134).

2020 commitment
Every market in scope has a relevant and active 
partnership aimed at addressing alcohol-
related harm

46 of 50 markets in scope have a partnership in 
place to address alcohol-related harm.

These partnerships address one of the following 
alcohol-related harms: drink driving, underage 
drinking, excessive consumption, drinking while 
pregnant, or alcohol addiction. 

The majority of partnerships in 2018 addressed 
drink driving, including a partnership in Vietnam 
where we are working with the National Traffic 
Safety Committee to implement workshops and 
trainings aimed at reducing drink driving among 
university students. In Rwanda, we worked in 
partnership with the Traffic Police and Road Safety 
Department on a road safety awareness campaign 
to educate drivers on the dangers of drinking 
and driving. 

In Croatia, we continued a long-running partnership 
to address underage drinking in collaboration 
with the Psychological Centre Tesa. Through this 
partnership, psychologists work with parents 
of children in high school to develop skills on 
communicating and setting boundaries related 
to alcohol consumption. In addition to in-person 
workshops, the psychologists also offer parents 
advice online and by phone.

For more details on our partnerships and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

Brewing a Better World in action

How to talk to a teenager about drinking? 
Guide for parents
Grupa Żywiec joined forces with a well-known parenting 
blogger, Nishka, to provide guidance to help parents 
communicate with teenagers about alcohol. The guide 
was informed by research and followed up with a 
debate among experts in the fields of sociology, 
psychology and youth workers.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Advocating responsible consumption (continued)

Deliver global industry commitments

Drive innovation on the low- and no-alcohol category

Our contribution to the SDGs:
3.5 Strengthen the prevention of substance abuse

Our contribution to the SDGs:
3.5 Strengthen the prevention of substance abuse

2018 milestone
Deliver the Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ industry 
commitments by end of 2017 and report in 2018, 
taking actions in five key areas: underage drinking, 
marketing codes of practice, consumer information 
and product innovation, drinking and driving, 
retailer support.

Our progress
In 2018, the fifth and final report on the Beer, Wine, 
and Spirits Producers’ Commitments to reduce 
harmful drinking was published, following assurance 
by KPMG. HEINEKEN contributed directly to the 
report, which details industry progress on reducing 
the harmful use of alcohol over five years. The full 
report has been published by the International 
Alliance for Responsible Drinking, the industry body 
that administers the commitments.

We also renewed our Responsible Marketing Code, 
which is a set of mandatory rules for marketing our 
products around the world.

To list some highlights of the IARD membership 
achievements between 2014 and 2017, it:

collectively delivered an average 300 drink-driving 
prevention programmes annually,

reached millions of underage individuals via 
face-to-face interactions with messages against 
underage drinking, 

promoted compliance with responsible 
alcohol advertising codes in contracts with 
advertising agencies,

increased the number of local responsible retailing 
initiatives (on average over 200 a year),

We are proud to have contributed to these 
achievements of the IARD membership in tackling 
the harmful use of alcohol.

Looking ahead
Although the five-year reporting period has ended, 
all members of the Producers’ Commitments 
have pledged to continue to adhere to the five 
commitment areas.

Brewing a Better World in action

0.0% in Slovakia
Slovakia remains at the forefront of low- and no-alcohol 
innovation with its latest contribution, Radler 0,0% Dark 
Lemon – a 100% natural, reduced sugar, more adult 
alternative to soft drinks.

There are some occasions when consumers 
appreciate the taste of an alcoholic drink, just 
without the alcohol. As the number of adults who 
do not drink alcohol or who wish to reduce their 
alcohol consumption continues to grow in markets 
around the world18, we are innovating in the area 
of low- and no-alcoholic (LNA) drinks to offer 
consumers a growing variety of brands. 

In 2018, we continued the successful launch of 
Heineken® 0.0. It is now available in 38 markets, an 
increase of 22 markets since last year. Our global 
LNA portfolio now includes more than 325 products 
over 125 brands.

By the end of 2018, LNA options made up 5.5% of 
HEINEKEN’s total global volume.

Looking ahead
In 2019, we will accelerate the geographical 
expansion of our categories and further expand 
the variety we offer in the LNA category.

For more information on our marketing code,  
see our website.

For more details on our low- and no-alcohol category,  
see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Advocating responsible consumption (continued)

Increase transparency on ingredients and nutrition

Our 2018 commitment
Provide ingredient and nutrition 
information per 100 ml on pack 
and online for all beer and cider 
brands produced and sold in 
the EU.19

Provide ingredient and nutrition 
information per 100 ml on pack 
or online for all beer and cider 
brands produced and sold outside 
the EU.19

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
12.8
Ensure that people have  
the relevant information  
and awareness

Looking ahead
We will carefully monitor trends and regulation 
around consumer transparency and will adjust 
our ambition and actions accordingly to ensure 
we continue to comply with our commitment 
and industry best practice.

We are ahead of the industry and regulations with 
our commitment to provide consumers across the 
world with the ingredients, nutrition, Alcohol By 
Volume (ABV) and allergens information for our 
beer and cider brands, on pack or online. In 2018, 
we expanded the scope of the commitment from 
operating companies in the EU to all regions where 
we operate.

By the end of 2018, 95%* of our beer and cider 
brands20 in scope had information on pack or online. 

Brands that were in the process of active 
recipe reformulation in 2018 have to meet the 
commitment by Q2 2019.

* Estimated.

For more details on our approach to transparency on ingredients  
and nutrition and progress, see our website and case studies.

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Promoting health and safety

Safety performance

2020 commitment
Reduction of accident frequency by 20% vs 2015 
(2015: 1.38; target: 1.1)

Our progress
On track 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
3.6
Reduce deaths and injuries from  
road traffic accidents
8.8
Protect labour rights and promote  
safe and secure working environments

Fatal Accidents
In 2018, 17 people lost their lives while working 
for HEINEKEN (2017: 14)21. This is unacceptable 
and it clearly does not reflect our Company values. 
Three people were HEINEKEN employees and 
14 were employed by contractors or suppliers. 
Nine fatalities were the result of crime-related 
security incidents and eight were road accidents. 
An increase of crime-related events in Mexico 
contributed to the number of fatal accidents. 
All fatal accidents are fully investigated and lead 
to actions to prevent re-occurrence. 

Accident Frequency
Our accident frequency in 2018 was 1.13, up 
from 1.04 in 2017 (a reduction of 18% vs. 2015). 
There were 1,000 accidents among HEINEKEN 
employees: 543 in logistics and distribution; 266 
in commerce; 171 in production and 20 in other 
functions. The acquisition of Brasil Kirin contributed 
to the increase of accident frequency in 2018 and 
we are working to bring safety standards at the 
brewery in line with our global standards.

Our operating companies continue to drive 
improvements in safety performance; in 2018 we 
achieved zero fatalities in our production and global 
construction projects for the first time. 

We continue to implement the HEINEKEN Life 
Saving Rules, introduced in 2016, to address 
our highest safety risks. We have a global set of 
rules, principles and programmes dedicated to 
process safety in production. To further accelerate 
safety performance, in 2018 we introduced two 
centres of expertise and developed virtual reality 
experiences for working at height and forklift safety. 
The virtual reality module is designed to embed safe 
behaviours by allowing people to experience the 
consequences of their actions.

However, a large majority of work-related injuries 
occur outside our premises. In 2018, 49% of severe 
injuries happened in secondary distribution – of 
which 32% were related to manual handling and 
19% to slips, trips and falls. We explore new methods 
to address those risks, as their prevention is even 
more challenging than in a controlled environment 
of our breweries. For example, we piloted a project 
to reduce severe injuries by using exoskeletons.

For more detailed information on our health and  
safety performance, see our website and case studies.

Fatalities and permanent disabilities*
Fatalities of Company personnel

Fatalities of Contractor personnel

Permanent disabilities of Company personnel

Accidents (Absolute Values)
Accidents of Company personnel

Accidents of Contractor personnel

Lost days of Company personnel

Total Workforce (FTE)

Company wide

2016

2017

2018**

3

12

3

6

8

1

3***

14

1

894

171

806

272

1,000

404

27,240

77,215

28,628 33,566

77,792 88,134

Accidents (Relative values)
Accident severity (lost calendar days per 100 FTE Company personnel)

Accident frequency (accidents per 100 FTE Company personnel)

35

1.16

37

1.04

39

1.13

*  Company personnel fatalities: one in Mexico, one in Spain, one in France. 

Contractor personnel fatalities: five in Mexico, four in Nigeria, two in Myanmar, one in Romania, one in Vietnam and one 
in Ethiopia.

**  The reporting period of the safety data presented in this chapter is December 2017 – November 2018 with the exception 

of fatal accident data which reflects the 2018 full year period.

*** One fatal accident in France, included in this number, is currently still being investigated by the local authorities to 

determine whether this was a work-related accident.

Accident frequency
accidents per 100 FTE

1.13

2018
2017
2016
2015

Our 2020 target

1.13

1.04

1.16

1.38

Accident severity
lost calendar days per 100 FTE

39

2018
2017
2016

39

37

35

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Promoting health and safety (continued)

Safety performance (continued)

Brewing a Better World in action

Safer driving using telematics
Road accidents are the most common reason for 
work-related fatal accidents at HEINEKEN, and the 
second most common cause of severe accidents in 
global society. Operating companies are in the process 
of ensuring all owned, rented or leased vehicles have 
telematics devices installed, like in this example from 
Malaysia. This provides the drivers and us with valuable 
insights into driving behaviours, such as speeding and 
harsh breaking, enhancing coaching and training of our 
drivers which contributes to the increase of road safety.

Compliance with Life Saving Rules

2020 commitment
Full compliance with Life 
Saving Rules.22

Our progress
More to do 

Our contribution  
to the SDGs:
3.6
Reduce deaths and injuries  
from road traffic accidents
8.8
Protect labour rights and  
promote safe and secure 
working environments

At the end of 2018, as reported by our operating companies, the 
compliance level was:

82% in the breweries

93% in projects, commerce, distribution and other areas 
outside production

Looking ahead
We will continue to drive implementation of the HEINEKEN Life Saving 
Rules. Life Saving Rules are a key tool for preventing serious and fatal 
accidents across our business and all our companies are required to 
fully comply with them. The HEINEKEN Executive Board brought 
forward the 2020 deadline for implementation to 2019. We increased 
investment to accelerate the implementation of the Life Saving 
Rules globally. 

In 2019, we will increase our efforts to reduce safety risks associated 
with road transport, distribution, sales and customer support.

For more details on our Life Saving Rules and progress,  
see our website and case studies.

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Brewing a Better World in action

Solar powered water wells in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, we are installing solar powered water 
wells. Three were completed in 2018, with four more in 
the pipeline for 2019.

Clean water for households in DRC
We are supporting the construction of an 80m deep 
borehole connected to a 2km distribution network, 
public latrines and an incinerator for a hospital in a 
poor suburb of Kinshasa. It will provide clean water for 
9,755 households and reduce illness and deaths due to 
waterborne diseases. 

Sustainability Review (continued)
Growing with communities

Investing in our communities

Our contribution to the SDGs:
3.1 Reduce the global maternal mortality
3.2 End preventable deaths of newborns and children under five
6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe drinking water

Direct contributions 
In 2018, more than 3,600 employees in 
31 markets spent over 21,000 hours volunteering. 
HEINEKEN operating companies contributed 
almost €22 million to local communities, including 
cash donations, time, in-kind donations and 
management costs.

Total direct contributions by  
our operating companies

€22m

2018
2017
2016

22.0

24.0

22.9

Shared value projects
Our regional sourcing projects in Africa aim to create 
jobs, strengthen the agricultural sector and improve 
the lives of rural households. 

Since 2009, we have invested €4.8 million in cash 
and €13.5 million in equipment and people through 
our Public-Private Partnership projects in Burundi, 
DRC, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra 
Leone, and South Africa. This excludes additional 
third party funding leveraged by our contribution. 
Our regional sourcing projects provide work to more 
than 150,000 farmer households.

For more detailed information on our support to the  
communities, see our website and case studies.

The HEINEKEN Africa Foundation
Many communities in the Sub-Saharan African 
countries where HEINEKEN operates do not have 
access to basic healthcare and clean water. 

Therefore the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation 
supports projects that improve health for those 
people that need it most.

Since it was established in 2007, the Foundation has 
committed €9.9 million to 111 projects, of which 38 
projects were still running in 2018.

In 2018, the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation approved 
seven new projects totalling an investment of 
almost €700,000. 

They include the construction of two maternal 
and neonatal wings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and 
Bukavu, DRC, and three projects bringing drinking 
water to communities in Burundi and Ethiopia.

Over the years the Foundation has developed 
strong expertise in Mother & Child Healthcare and 
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). These two 
areas are crucial for the earliest beginning of life 
and are highly interdependent. Small improvements 
can have a big positive effect for communities now 
and in the future. 

€18.3m 

invested in local 
sourcing projects 
since 2009

€9.9m

committed to 111 
health and water 
projects since 2007

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Sustainability Review (continued)
Growing with communities (continued)

Creating economic and social impact

Brewing a Better World in action

Local sourcing of packaging materials 
in Africa
With operations in over 70 countries, our main 
contribution to local economies and communities 
is through our core business: creating jobs, paying 
taxes and generating business in the supply chain. 
For example in Africa, now more than 90% of our 
packaging materials are sourced through local suppliers 
instead of being imported.

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.

26.4%

effective income tax rate (beia)

For more on our approach to tax, see our website.

Corporate income tax  
paid by geographical regions

35%

11%

€824m

26%

28%

Europe
Asia Pacific
Americas
Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe

Total tax contribution  
per category

3%

51%

7%

9%

€11.7bn

30%

Excise duties paid
Net VAT paid
Employee taxes paid (including social security contributions)
Corporate income tax paid
Other tax paid

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Values and behaviours

At HEINEKEN we stand by our values: passion for quality, enjoyment of life and 
respect for people and for our planet. Our values are part of ‘We are HEINEKEN’, 
our Code of Business Conduct and its policies.

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 (the ‘Code’) and 
its underlying policies communicate the basic 
principles that every employee must observe when 
acting for, or on behalf of, HEINEKEN. 

To make sure that our Code accurately captures 
and reflects our changing world and business, we 
reviewed and updated the Code and underlying 
policies in 2018. The updated Code and policies 
were launched in September 2018 in our operating 
companies, in 38 languages.

We provide ongoing communication and 
training to employees worldwide to raise 
awareness of the Code and its underlying policies. 
Mandatory e-learning exposes employees to 
practical business conduct dilemmas. By the end 
of 2018, more than 78,546 employees (92%) had 
completed the training, either online or in the 
classroom (2017: 75,000). 

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.

For more detailed information on our Code of Business Conduct,  
see our website.

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, 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 bribery risks. 

Our anti-bribery e-learning programme helps 
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. By the end of 2018, 
19,560 employees had completed one or more 
modules of this training programme. We keep 
reasonable and proportionate oversight on activities 
related to the implementation and effectiveness of 
the training 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 
through which people can raise questions and 
concerns. They include 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. Speak Up is 
available to anyone who wishes to raise a concern 
about possible misconduct within our Company, 
both HEINEKEN employees and external parties.

We received 1,293 reports of suspected misconduct 
through Speak Up in 2018 (2017: 661). This increase 
results from ongoing awareness initiatives as well 
as the successful launch of Speak Up in newly 
acquired operations and the rising maturity of our 
Speak Up programme. Speak Up reports concerned 
allegations of fraud (32%), discrimination and 
harassment (24%), conflicts of interest (8%) and 
other issues (36%).

49% of reports were substantiated and corrective 
and preventative actions were taken where relevant 
and possible. Actions included process and control 
improvements, reimbursement of financial loss and 
disciplinary measures.

Inclusion and Diversity
As a global enterprise, HEINEKEN is inherently 
multi-cultural and this diversity remains our 
strong point. We focus on developing an inclusive 
work environment where the nationalities, ages, 
capabilities, experiences and working styles of all our 
employees are valued and embraced. In 2018, there 
were 66 different nationalities among our senior 
managers (2017: 64). Female representation at 
senior levels stands at 20% (2016: 17%, 2017: 19%). 
However, we still need to do more to increase our 
gender balance.

Representation by gender in % (2018)

Male

Female

Supervisory Board

Executive Board

Executive Team

Senior Management

70

50

80

80

30

50

20

20

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Values and behaviours (continued)

We recognise that changing the working conditions 
of Brand Promoters globally will take time and we 
are committed to playing an active role in this. 
To bring this change, we need to involve other 
parties, including civil society as a whole as well as 
the stakeholders involved. Most Brand Promoters 
work through agencies and work for multiple brands 
in venues and events that are run by third parties. 
This poses dilemmas and challenges. We have 
nonetheless decided to take a leadership role to 
foster this change and we are actively engaging 
with our industry peers, NGOs, third party agencies, 
bar owners and Brand Promoters themselves to 
make this change possible.

In 2018, we focused on four key areas:

We launched a new workshop to build inclusive 
leadership which will be attended by all General 
Managers and the Global Functional Leadership 
Teams in 2019.

We are developing a global ambassador 
community to help management teams 
understand and respond to local challenges 
and requirements and meet our global diversity 
aspirations. The ambassadors will join a dedicated 
development programme in early 2019.

We have designed a programme that supports 
talented female employees in their development 
and career progression across the organisation – 
to be launched in early 2019. 

We continue to support operating companies 
and global functions in integrating inclusion 
and diversity in their Annual People Plans, 
talent management strategies and everyday 
business practices. 

In November 2018, our CEO, Jean-Francois van 
Boxmeer, signed the European Round Table of 
Industrialists (ERT) Inclusion & Diversity pledge, 
the first pan-European commitment of its kind to 
promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

All in all, the assessments found that all Brand 
Promoters were paid at, or above, the national 
minimum wage. No allegations of consensual 
or forced prostitution were made by any of the 
promoters interviewed, but instances of harassment 
were reported. The single biggest issue found 
was that policies and management systems 
were lacking in many of the agencies. Therefore, 
improvements were made in the areas of tendering, 
procurement and contracting agency services, 
including background checks, due diligence and 
ensuring commitment and adherence to the 
HEINEKEN Supplier Code.

From the outset, we committed to stop deploying 
Brand Promoters in markets, channels or outlets 
where we could not apply these principles. In few 
markets, we stopped working with Brand Promoters. 
In some markets, we temporarily paused working 
with them. In others, we significantly reduced the 
number of agencies we work with and/or stopped 
working with specific outlets. As we know that 
creating and ensuring safe working conditions is 
not a one-off action, we are taking multiple actions 
and embedding Brand Promoters’ safety in our 
commercial execution processes. This means 
both internal and external compliance audits will 
continue to be conducted on an ongoing basis.

Brand Promoters
Brand Promoters play an important role as 
ambassadors of our products, helping us to 
communicate the value of our products directly to 
consumers. In March 2018, allegations came to our 
attention with respect to the working conditions 
of Brand Promoters employed in Africa, specifically 
related to harassment. We took these allegations 
seriously. Our ambition is that Brand Promoters 
feel proud of their work with us. We see it as our 
responsibility to aim to provide safe working 
environments for them.

With the help of Brand Promoters, NGOs, partners 
and our operating companies, we defined a set of 
seven guiding principles and created a new Brand 
Promoters Policy.

This policy became effective in June 2018. 
It covers agency contracts and working conditions, 
availability of support, mandatory training and 
guidelines on uniforms and places Brand Promoter 
safety at the core.

To better understand market realities, we 
commissioned a series of independent, third 
party external assessments through three 
leading pioneers in the field of ethical and socially 
responsible business practice. In Africa, a 17-country 
assessment was carried out by Partner Africa , 
and a follow-up assessment was carried out in 
four countries. In Asia, Impactt conducted an 
assessment of 11 countries, while in the Americas 
we worked with Arche Advisors in 14 countries. 
As a consequence, 815 Brand Promoters were 
interviewed globally, 103 agencies were assessed, 
and 169 incognito assessments were carried out.

For more details on our Brand Promoters policy and the third party 
assessments in the regions, see our website.

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Respecting Human Rights

We use our Human Rights Policy as a guide in order to understand, avoid and 
address human rights related risks. Our human rights due diligence is the process 
by which we embed our policy in our way of working.

Human rights workshops
Since 2016, we have been conducting human rights 
risks assessments and action planning workshops 
in nine of the countries in which we operate across 
all regions: Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, South 
Africa, Haiti, Ethiopia, Cambodia, UK and Hungary. 
We conducted these assessments with the centre of 
expertise Shift, the global leading expert on the UN 
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 
As a result, we have a better understanding of the 
salient human rights risks we face as a company. 
The above-listed operating companies have 
developed practical and relevant action plans to 
address the identified potential human rights risks 
for their business.

In 2019, we will hold human rights workshops 
in five more markets: Brazil, Jamaica, Indonesia, 
East Timor and DRC.

Renewed Human Rights Policy
Based on the human rights risks identified with the 
centre of expertise Shift, we revised and sharpened 
our Human Rights policy, and made it available in 
September 2018 to all our operating companies 
as part of our refreshed Code of Business Conduct. 
Our policy aligns with international standards 
including: the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights; the Declaration on Fundamental Principles 
and Rights at Work of the International Labour 
Organisation (ILO); the Guidelines for Multinational 
Enterprises of the Organisation for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD) 2010; and 
the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business 
and Human Rights.

The 10 standards for human rights set out in our 
renewed policy relate to:

1.  Health and safety

2.  Non-discrimination

3.  No harassment and violence

4.  Child protection

5.  Freedom of association and the right to 

collective bargaining

6.  No forced labour

7.  Rest and leisure

8.  Fair wages and income

9.  Access to water

10. Respect for human rights in high risk contexts

In 2019, we will roll out training and a practical 
implementation guide of the policy to all our 
operating companies. We expect all individuals 
working for HEINEKEN (whether directly or through 
a third party), suppliers and business partners to 
respect human rights in line with our Human Rights 
Policy or our Supplier Code.

Human rights due diligence
To strengthen our human rights due diligence 
process, we assess and prioritise our human rights 
risks, integrate our Human Rights Policy into our 
way of working, track implementation of our policy 
and report on our progress internally and externally. 
To get an outside view, we engage with stakeholders 
to gather their feedback and observations.

We are working with the Fair Labor Association 
to assess the risk of child labour in the agricultural 
value chain in the Korhogo area of Ivory Coast. 
The assessment report and recommendations are 
expected in 2019.

The HEINEKEN risk control framework helps further 
embed respect for human rights in our operations. 
Each operating company must check their own 
policies and practices against the Human Rights 
Policy and implementation guidelines.

Good Governance Platform
In 2017, with input from external stakeholders, we 
established an internal cross-functional platform 
to address human rights related issues relevant for 
the Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe region. 
The outcomes of this platform so far include:

A new guidance for operating companies on 
how to conduct business and operate in volatile 
environments, with the support of Shift, will be 
rolled out in 2019;

Independent audits of our outsourcing practices 
across Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe 
were performed by not-for-profit social enterprise, 
Partner Africa. The outcomes will enable us to 
address areas for improvement and strengthen our 
guidelines for outsourcing decisions.

An independent study of sorghum sourcing in 
Nigeria was conducted by the African Studies 
Centre at Leiden University to better understand its 
positive and potential negative impacts. Results are 
expected in the first half of 2019.

Two external stakeholder roundtables engaging 
with NGOs and academics to review and improve 
our Economic Assessment methodology took place.

For more details on our Human Rights Policy, actions and governance, 
see our website.

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We continue to disclose our financial and Brewing a Better World performance 
combined 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 32 of the most important 
non-financial indicators23. More information about our actions and progress in 
2018, remaining non-financial KPIs, and background information, can be found 
online. This includes datasheets and the GRI Standards table24.

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. Being one of four HEINEKEN Strategic priorities, progress on Brewing a 
Better World achievement and key highlights are reported to the Executive Team, the Executive Board and 
the Supervisory Board. Material strategy and targets per focus area are subject to approval by the Executive 
Board and the Executive Team. Significant changes in definitions are subject to approval by the Executive 
Board/Executive Team. As of 2018, Brewing a Better World focus areas are formally included in HEINEKEN 
strategic and annual planning process. 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). 
As per the Brewing a Better World governance, accountability for driving our ambition lies with the HEINEKEN 
Executive Team globally and with the general manager of each HEINEKEN operating company locally.

Functions (at Global and at operating company level) have the responsibility to define ambition and targets, 
implement, deliver, monitor progress and report on their respective indicators.

Global Sustainable Development team and Corporate Affairs management at operating company level oversee 
Brewing a Better World strategy and drive collaboration and coordination of activities between involved functions.

Each operating company has a sustainability coordinator and a team engaged in delivering Brewing a 
Better World.

Operating companies included in the scope of our reporting are listed in the sustainability section of the 
report, unless stated otherwise. The reporting scope depends to a significant extent on the nature of each 
indicator and hence exceptions and limitations are explained per each indicator in the document ‘Basis 
of Preparation – Non-Financial Indicators’. Units (countries, sites, suppliers, brands etc.), which for specific 
reasons received formal derogations for compliance with commitments, are excluded from the indicator 
scope in consolidation.

Consolidated operating companies include companies fully owned by HEINEKEN, or where HEINEKEN holds 
a majority share. Minority joint ventures, associates, licensed partners, export markets are not consolidated, 
unless stated otherwise (in a number of indicators). Export markets refer to countries outside the custom 
borders of countries where operating companies are residing. 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 consolidated plants include a winery, distillery and ice 
production facilities.

New acquisitions and greenfield breweries are included in the consolidated reporting after the first full 
calendar year of their operation.

For the first time, we included our greenfield breweries in Philippines and East Timor in this report. In 2018, 
we started reporting on eight new sites in Brazil, following the Brasil Kirin activities acquisition, and a new 
soft drinks production site in St. Lucia. Seven sites have been excluded from sustainability reporting in 2018, 
following changes in ownership and operations.

We opened a new brewery in Meoqui, Mexico and started operations in our greenfield brewery in 
Mozambique in 2018 (the official launch will take place in 2019), which will come into the scope of Annual 
Reporting the moment they have been in operation for a full year. Craft brewer Lagunitas data will be 
consolidated as of 2019, as the company continues its transition to the HEINEKEN procedures and systems. 

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:

Global Sustainable Development team consolidates, analyses and further communicates data reported by 
operating companies and global functions on a quarterly basis and in the Annual Report.

The KPI is a Brewing a Better World commitment

The KPI is a new target we publicly disclosed

Further, we form alliances (tribes) throughout the organisation and with our suppliers to develop new 
solutions in the focus areas.

Reporting period and operating companies in scope
The non-financial indicators in this report cover the performance of all our consolidated operating companies 
from 1 January 2018 up to and including 31 December 2018, unless stated otherwise. A different reporting 
period is applied to the accident frequency indicator (December 2017 – November 2018) as the current 
reporting cycle does not allow for reporting within the timelines required for the Annual 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 2018.

Scope and materiality of indicators are reviewed by the Disclosure Committee, and may be adjusted once 
a year with effect as of the following year.

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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

Other reporting systems include the HEINEKEN Sourcing database, the Spend Analysis Tool (SAT), and the 
EcoVadis Platform for Supplier Code and performance information, Ethics Point for ‘Speak Up’ data, CiL for 
low- and no-alcohol indicator

The Annual Sustainability Survey is the source of information for all other data that is not covered by the 
previously mentioned data sources

In 2018, we introduced a new reporting tool based on Sharepoint and Power BI, which allow us to 
consolidate data for all indicators and monitor progress in targets achievements at all levels of the 
organisation. A number of indicators are still reported in our previous reporting tool Green Gauge, 
which will be phased out in 2019.

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. 

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 or automated calculations 
and validity checks are built into our systems to minimise errors. Subject matter experts are involved at various 
levels to validate and challenge the data and process. 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 in 
implementing data collection and reporting 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. 

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. 

The table below provides more information on definitions and how we manage and govern the reported 
indicators. Additional information on definitions, scope, measurement criteria and reporting assumptions 
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

Wastewater treated

Hectolitre (hl) 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

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 quantity*

All wastewater coming from all production facilities (m3)

Wastewater treatment plant

Effluent organic load to  
surface water (kg COD)*

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

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

* This specific indicator will be disclosed by end of March 2019 in the sustainability section of the Company website.

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Water stress

Water balancing

Water balancing projects

Refers to the ability, or lack thereof, to meet human and ecological 
demand for water. Compared to ‘water 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

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

Drop the C: reducing CO2 emissions

Carbon footprint

Our carbon footprint includes CO2 emissions by all the activities linked 
to making and selling our products, through the entire value chain. 
Our model incorporates six phases in the life cycle of a beverage: 
agriculture, malting and adjuncts, beverage production, packaging, 
logistics, cooling. This enables scope 1,2 and 3 emissions to be included  
in the calculation of our carbon footprint

% 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

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Green fridges

Waste destination per %  
and absolute value*

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)25. 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

Sourcing sustainably

Sustainable agriculture

% of our main agricultural  
raw materials from  
sustainable sources

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 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 2018 for delivery in 2019 are reported in the 
2018 Annual Report

% of agricultural raw  
materials locally sourced 
in Africa

Quantity (in tonnes) 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

Number of farmers and 
families impacted

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)

Number of different local 
sourcing initiatives

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

*This specific indicator will be disclosed by end of March 2019 in the sustainability section of the Company website.

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Local sourcing approach

HEINEKEN Supplier Code

As a large buyer of crops, we can have a significant economic impact on 
local agricultural communities. Our local sourcing Public-Private Partners 
(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 PPPs 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 
all our suppliers, and we expect our suppliers to ensure that their suppliers 
adhere to the same standards

Supplier

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 EcoVadis26 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 SMETA27 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

Average level of compliance  
(%) of all operating companies 
with four-step Supplier Code 
Procedure

We calculate compliance as the number of suppliers compliant with all 
applicable four-steps of the Supplier Code Procedure divided by the total 
number of our suppliers. The calculation method has changed in 2018 as 
compared to the previous years

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

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150150

Advocating responsible consumption

% of operating companies 
spending >10% of media spend 
for Heineken® in supporting 
dedicated responsible 
consumption campaigns

Heineken® media spend includes all expenses incurred for placing and 
broadcasting Heineken® brand dedicated responsible consumption 
campaigns (‘Enjoy Heineken® Responsibly’ or ‘When You Drive, Never 
Drink’) amounting to a minimum of 10% of their actual Heineken® 
media spend, per market. In 2018, we continued to raise our ambition, 
to all operating companies, joint ventures and export markets selling 
Heineken® and investing media spend. Exceptions are companies 
operating in ‘dark markets’ where above-the-line communication is not 
allowed according to regulations

Beer, Wine and Spirits  
Producers’ Commitments to 
Reduce Harmful Drinking

Responsible Marketing Code

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: 
underage drinking, marketing codes of practice, consumer information 
and product innovation, drinking and driving, and retailer support

In 2018, we renewed our 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

Number of operating 
companies have an active 
and relevant partnership 
aimed at addressing  
alcohol-related harm

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. We 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

Total low- and no-alcohol volume/Total consolidated beer and 
cider volume

Ingredients and  
nutrition information

This involves beer and cider brands produced and sold by HEINEKEN 
operating companies. In 2018, we have expanded our target to our cider 
brands and other beer brands around the world (in 2017, the scope of 
the commitment only included beer brands and operating companies 
in the EU). Commitment is only applicable to consumer facing products 
(bottles, cans). Scope includes brands (line extensions) sold in volumes 
above a threshold of 6,000 hl per year (based on 2017 volume data). 
We committed to include nutrition information and ingredients on pack 
and online in our operating companies in EU, and on pack or online in the 
operating companies outside EU. 

Promoting health & safety

% of compliance with Life 
Saving Rules

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 2018, 
we aligned our external commitment with the internal target, and will be 
monitoring Life Saving Rules compliance. This is a change to the previous 
definition where we reported on % of Life Saving Rules actions carried out. 
The monitoring based on compliance provides a more insightful picture 
and a better focus, being result-oriented rather than process oriented

Fatal accidents

All work-related fatal accidents of permanent, fixed-term or temporary 
personnel (own staff and contractor personnel)

Accidents

Lost days

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

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151151

Growing with communities

Total direct contributions

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

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

HEINEKEN Africa  
Foundation

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

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152152

Values and behaviours

Speak Up policy  
(number of reports  
+ breakdown) 

Training Code of  
Business Conduct  
(number of employees)

Training anti-bribery 
(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 (suspected) violation of the HEINEKEN Code of Business 
Conduct or its underlying policies. A breakdown 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

In 2015, we launched an 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

List of operating companies in scope for non-financial indicators28

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe
Country

Algeria
Belarus29
Burundi
Democratic Republic of Congo
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ivory Coast
Kenya
La Réunion
Lebanon
Mozambique
Nigeria
Russia
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
South Africa 
Tunisia
Americas
Bahamas
Brazil
Brazil
Canada
Haiti
Jamaica
Mexico
Panama
St. Lucia
Surinam
USA
USA

Operating Company/Business Unit

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
Heineken Mozambique
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
Lagunitas Brewing Company

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Asia Pacific
Country

Cambodia
China
China
China
East Timor
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Japan
Laos
Malaysia
Mongolia30
Myanmar
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Vietnam
Vietnam

Operating Company/Business Unit

Cambodia Brewery
Heineken (Shanghai)
Heineken Brewery Guangzhou
Heineken Brewery Hainan
Heineken Timor L’Este
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
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

Europe
Country

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

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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Sustainability Review (continued)
Footnotes

Drop the C
1  Baseline 2008 – our 2020 commitment was to reduce by 40% our carbon 

emissions in relative terms vs 2008.

2  Data based on 84% of the HEINEKEN volume in 2017. The HEINEKEN 
product carbon footprint is based on a life cycle approach including  
GHG scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from agriculture, malting, brewing, 
packaging materials, distribution and cooling. 

3  The 2018 carbon footprint calculations use the latest calculation 

methodologies from the EU Product Environmental Footprint Pilot (PEF)  
for the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER).

Sustainability
4  Reporting baseline 2008.

5  23 production units in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, 

Spain and Tunisia. Production units include beverage production and 
malting plant.

6  Bedele, Madrid, Lagos, Ibadan, Sango-Ota, Ijebu-Ode, Rouiba. Grombalia, 

Grombalia SOFT and Ksar Lemsa.

7  Baseline 2008.

8  Baseline year 2010 for Mexico and Netherlands, 2011 for all other 

HEINEKEN operating companies.

9  Mexico, USA and Brazil.

10 Baseline 2010.

11 Less than 2% of total co-products and waste sent to landfill.

12 In scope are barley, hops, apples, sugar beet, sugar cane, rice, sorghum, 
wheat and maize. The scope also covers joint ventures supplied via our 
global purchase organisation (HEINEKEN Global Procurement).

13 We follow the definition for sustainable agriculture set out by the 

Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI).

14 Our external auditor, SGS, conducted 12 compliance audits of our suppliers 

in 2018 and confirmed the sustainable volumes they reported in 2018.

15 We refer to sourcing within the region of Africa and the Middle East: 86.7% 

domestic and 13.3% regional sourcing. Based upon volume (in tons).

16 In 2018 with third party support, we changed our calculation 

26 EcoVadis is a sustainability rating and collaborative platform enabling 

methodology to ensure consistent compliance calculation across 
operating companies. The methodology still follows the 4-step process, 
however we do not calculate compliance as average supplier performance 
across all steps, but rather the number of compliant suppliers versus total 
number of suppliers.

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).

27 SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) describes an audit procedure 

which is a compilation of good practice in ethical audit technique.

28 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.

29 Divested in September 2017; disclosures have been included up to the 

divestment date and only for applicable indicators.

30 Divested in November 2017 while maintaining a minority stake; 

disclosures have been included up to the divestment date and only for 
applicable indicators.

17 Investments dedicated to responsible consumption messaging with 
regards to Heineken® brand communication. This includes our Enjoy 
Heineken® Responsibly (When You Drive Never Drink) campaigns but 
also having other activities on Responsible Consumption that are not 
only media related.

18 According to WHO 2018 Global Status Report on Alcohol & Health, in 

2010, 55% of the global population abstained from alcohol in the previous 
12 months, and in 2016 57% were abstainers.

19 Based on 2017 sales data. This commitment excludes brands under 

6,000HL and licensed brands.

20 Assessment is made by line extension, which means additional items 

introduced in the same product category under the same brand name 
such as new flavours, forms, added ingredients, low-alcohol versions etc.

21 Externally we report fatal accidents in line with the definitions from 
Global Reporting Initiative standard on occupational health and 
safety. Internally we also report and investigate all non-work related 
fatal accidents happening in relation to our activities, including those 
happening to members of the public.

22 Previously LSR implementation was reported using a completion rate 
of action plans defined in 2016. In 2018, we began reporting progress 
using a compliance level which we believe provides better insight and 
a clearer and more objective picture of our progress.

23 28 of these indicators are included in this report, the remaining ones are 

published online by the end of March 2019.

24 To be published end of March 2019.

25 This specific indicator will be disclosed by end of March 2019 in the 
sustainability section of the Company website. 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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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 six % 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 2018 included  
in the Annual Report 2018

Our opinion
We have audited the accompanying financial statements for 2018 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 2018, and of its result and its cash flows for 2018 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 2018, and of its result for the year 2018 in accordance with Part 9 of 
Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

The consolidated financial statements comprise:

 – The statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018.

 – The following statements for 2018: the income statement, the statements of comprehensive income, 

changes in equity and cash flows.

 – 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 2018.

 – The Company income statement for 2018.

 – 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 ‘Our responsibilities for the audit of 
the financial statements’ section of our report.

We are independent of Heineken N.V. in accordance with the EU Regulation on specific requirements 
regarding statutory audits 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 €200 million. The materiality is based on 7.0% of consolidated profit before taxation. 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. Based on our professional judgement we 
consider an income-based measure as the most appropriate basis to determine materiality. We increased 
the group materiality as a percentage of profit before taxation compared to the prior year, primarily based 
on our understanding of the Company and its components and the audit results of our prior year audits. 
We kept the component materiality levels consistent with the prior year.

Audits of group entities (components) were performed using materiality levels determined in accordance 
with the judgement of the group audit team, having regard to the materiality of the consolidated financial 
statements. Component materiality did not exceed €60 million and for the majority of the components, 
materiality is significantly less than this amount. Component materialities remained consistent with the 
component materialities applied in prior year audit.

We agreed with the Supervisory Board that any misstatements in excess of €10 million identified during 
the audit, would be reported to them. The same applied to 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 our 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). The components’ size and/or risk profiles 
were decisive. On this basis, we selected components for which an audit or review had to be carried out, 
either on the complete set of financial information or on specific items.

Our group audit mainly focused on significant group entities in terms of size and financial interest or on 
significant risks or complex activities. This led to full scope audits being performed for 25 components.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

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 of controls. 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 (The Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, 
United Kingdom, Spain, France, Russia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Poland, Switzerland, Malaysia, Belgium, Ethiopia 
and Romania) 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 at group entities, together with additional procedures 
at group level, we have been able to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence about the group’s 
financial information to provide an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenues

PBT

Assets

82%

78%

18%

22%

85%

15%

 Full scope auditor coverage 
 Other coverage

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.

Revenue recognition

Risk

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded 
to the risk

In our audit we have determined that promotional allowances and volume rebates are 
the most relevant risk areas in relation to revenue recognition. In the normal course of 
business the Company provides discounts, promotional allowances and volume rebates 
to its on-trade and off-trade clients. Unconditional discounts are recognised at the 
same moment as the related sales transaction. The Company also provides conditional 
discounts. They are recognised based on target realisation, as specified in note 6.1 to 
the financial statements. The target realisation requires judgement and management 
estimate for sales related accruals as at balance sheet date.

We have also paid specific attention to the implementation of the new revenue 
recognition standards (IFRS 15) that became effective in the current financial year. 
The introduction of the new standard. This required management to reassess revenue 
recognition, which requires significant judgement, including the treatment and 
presentation of excise taxes. The changes to the accounting policies are disclosed in 
note 4(a) to the financial statements.

Because of these risk factors, we have considered revenue recognition to be a key audit 
matter relevant to our audit of the financial statements.

To address the risks related to promotional allowances and volume rebates, our audit 
procedures included, amongst others, assessing the appropriateness of the Company’s 
revenue recognition accounting policy for promotional allowances and volume rebates, 
as detailed in note 6.1 to the financial statements. It also included evaluating controls 
relating to management’s process for determining the value of promotional allowances 
and the volume rebates. In addition, at group and component level, 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.

With regard to the adoption of IFRS 15, we have evaluated the Company’s process 
to identify the necessary changes in the accounting and presentation of revenues. 
Together with our component audit teams, we have determined whether all significant 
revenue streams are adequately considered. Together with an IFRS specialist, we 
have reviewed the outcome of the IFRS 15 adoption, including related disclosures 
and footnotes.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Revenue recognition

Observation

Applying the aforementioned materiality, we have evaluated the accruals for 
promotional allowances and volume rebates as recorded in the financial statements. 
Based on our procedures performed, we did not identify any reportable matters in 
management’s valuation of the promotional allowances and volume rebates accrual.

As disclosed in note 4(a), the adoption of IFRS 15 has not resulted in any changes 
impacting shareholders’ equity and (operating) profit. The restatement of revenues due 
to the revised presentation of excise taxes, is disclosed in the same note. In addition, a 
footnote is included in the consolidated income statement to explain the restatement.

Intangible assets (including goodwill) and property, plant and equipment impairment test – Management 
assessment of recoverability

Risk

Intangible assets (including goodwill) and property, plant and equipment amounted to 
€28,818 million as at December 31, 2018. They represent close to 70% of the Company’s 
total assets. These assets are allocated to Cash Generating Units (CGUs) and groups 
of CGUs for which management is required to assess the recoverability of the goodwill 
carrying value annually. Recoverability of other intangible assets and property, plant and 
equipment is assessed upon the existence of a triggering event.

The Company uses assumptions and forecasts in respect of future market and 
economic conditions, such as economic growth, expected inflation rates, demographic 
developments, expected market share, revenue and margin development. Further details 
on the accounting and disclosure requirements under IAS 36 Impairment of assets 
are included in notes 8.1 and 8.2 to the financial statements. These notes also explain 
certain impairments recorded in 2018, for a total amount of €153 million.

Procedures over management’s impairment test are considered to be a key audit matter, 
given the level of judgement and complexity involved with the valuation models and 
assumptions used within these models.

Intangible assets (including goodwill) and property, plant and equipment impairment test – Management 
assessment of recoverability

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded 
to the risk

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 obtained 
supporting evidence for impairments recognised in the year.

We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and tested the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls around the goodwill accounting, 
including their forecasted financial information. We also assessed the adequacy of 
the Company’s disclosure notes 8.1 and 8.2 in the financial statements about those 
assumptions to which the outcome of the impairment test is most sensitive.

Observation We did not identify any reportable matters in management’s assessment of the 

recoverability of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and the 
corresponding disclosures in note 8.1 and 8.2.

Taxes – provisions for uncertain tax positions and valuation of deferred tax assets

Risk

The Company operates across several 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 or the extent of the deferred tax liability.

The accounting for uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets, as detailed in 
note 12.1 to the financial statements, is significant to our audit because of the level of 
judgement applied in quantifying appropriate provisions for uncertain tax positions and 
in determining assumptions about future profitability, as it relates to the recoverability of 
deferred tax assets.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Taxes – provisions for uncertain tax positions and valuation of deferred tax assets

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded 
to the risk

We obtained a detailed understanding of the Company’s tax exposures including 
current transfer pricing arrangements. Using our own tax specialist, 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 assessed opinions 
from third party tax advisors. With regards 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 12.1 12.2, 12.3 and 9.3 
regarding uncertain tax positions and recognised deferred tax assets.

Observation We have evaluated the provisions for uncertain tax positions and the valuation of 

deferred tax assets as well as the related disclosure in notes 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and 9.3. 
We have no reportable findings.

Internal controls over financial reporting

Risk

The Company operates various processes and procedures that are important for reliable 
financial reporting. These processes are operated both centrally and locally.

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded 
to the risk

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 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 tested the design of those controls and, where effective for the 
audit, we also tested their operating effectiveness. In cases of deficiencies, we evaluated 
the compensating controls and measures of the Company and/or tailored procedures 
our procedures to address the risk.

We are, however, neither 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.

Observation We communicated our observations on internal controls over financial reporting to 

the Company’s Audit Committee. Where deemed necessary, we mitigated the effect 
of internal control observations by testing alternative controls or by extending our 
substantive audit procedures. Overall, we obtained sufficient and appropriate evidence 
in response to the related financial reporting risks.

Our previous year’s auditor’s report included ‘Acquisition accounting: identification and valuation of 
intangible assets and valuation of liabilities’ as a key audit matter. During 2018, no significant acquisitions 
or disposals took place. Consequently, we did not include this as a key audit matter in current year’s 
auditor’s report.

Report on the other information included in the Annual Report 2018
In addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, the Annual Report 2018 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 substantially less than the 
scope of those performed in our audit of the financial statements.

The Executive Board is responsible for the preparation of the 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 engaged by the Supervisory Board as auditor of Heineken N.V. on April 24, 2014 as of and for the 
year ending 31 December 2015 and have operated as statutory auditor ever since that financial year.

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.

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Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

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. 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 the Executive Board either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

We communicate with the Supervisory Board regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and 
timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant findings in internal control that 
we identified during our audit. In this respect we also submit an additional report to the Audit Committee 
in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of 
public-interest entities. The information included in this additional report is consistent with our audit opinion 
in this auditor’s report.

We provide the Supervisory Board with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters 
that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the Supervisory Board, we determine the key audit matters: those 
matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements. We describe these matters 
in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in 
extremely rare circumstances, not communicating the matter is in the public interest.

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.

Amsterdam, 12 February 2019 

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
J. Dalhuisen

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objective is to plan and perform the audit engagement 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 
detect all material 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 the NBA’s website www.nba.nl (Standard texts 
auditor’s report).

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161161

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 December 31, 2018 (‘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

 Promoting health & safety

Average water consumption in breweries (hl/hl) 

No. of sites without water treatment plant

Average water consumption in water-stressed 
areas (hl/hl)

Total water withdrawal per source (m m3) 

No. of production units in water-stressed areas 
that started to implement their action plan for 
Water Balancing 

% of Life Saving Rules (LSR) compliance (in the 
breweries and in projects, commerce, distribution 
and other areas outside production)

Total number of accidents (personnel 
and contractors)

Lost days of company personnel

Total number of fatalities (personnel 
and contractors)

Accident frequency 

Accident severity

 Drop the C – reducing CO2 emissions

% reduction in relative CO2 emissions 
from production

% of electrical energy coming from 
renewable sources

 Sourcing sustainably

% of thermal energy coming from 
renewable sources

% reduction CO2 emissions in distribution across 
Europe (including Russia) and Americas

% of our main agricultural raw materials from 
sustainable sources (estimated)

% operating companies compliant with four-step 
Supplier Code Procedure

% of agricultural raw materials locally sourced in 
Africa and the Middle East (estimated)

 Advocating responsible consumption

% of operating companies who achieved 10% 
target for annual EHR investment

Number of operating companies that have 
an active and relevant partnership to address 
alcohol abuse 

% of ingredients and nutrition information on pack 
and online for all our European beer and cider 
brands and on pack or online for the beer and cider 
brands of the rest of the world (estimated)

 Growing with communities

Corporate income tax per region (Euro) 

Total tax contribution per category (Euro)

 Values and behaviours

% Gender representation at Senior 
Management levels

Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint (2017 data) 

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 2018 on page 145. 

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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, 12 February 2019

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
J. Dalhuisen

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163163

77.20

86.93

71.26

78.77

58.95

49.08

Share distribution by geography 
Heineken N.V. shares*
Based on 238.3 million shares in free float (excluding the holding of 
Heineken Holding N.V. and FEMSA in Heineken N.V.)

32.2%

Heineken N.V. share price
In €, Euronext Amsterdam

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

21.7%

2.2%

2.0%

6.5%

0

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

90

100

Share price range
Average trade in 2018: 701,326  shares per day

Year-end price

19.7%

15.7%

Americas
UK/Ireland
Rest of Europe 
Rest of World 

Netherlands
Retail
Unidentified

* Source: Cmi2i estimate based on available information December 2018.

Dividend per share
In €
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

1.60

1.47

1.34
1.30

1.10

0.89

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 2018, the average daily trading volume of Heineken Holding N.V. shares was 116,437 shares.

Shareholder Information

Investor Relations
HEINEKEN is committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with shareholders and 
bondholders, and continuously strives to improve its shareholder relations. HEINEKEN aims to keep 
shareholders updated by informing them clearly and accurately about HEINEKEN’s strategy, performance 
and other matters and developments that could be relevant to investors’ decisions. 

Ownership structure
Heading the HEINEKEN Group, the objective of Heineken Holding N.V., pursuant to its Articles of 
Association, has been to manage or supervise the management of 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 outstanding at the level of 
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 2018, the average daily trading volume of Heineken N.V. shares was 701,326 shares.

Market capitalisation Heineken N.V.
Shares outstanding as at 31 December 2018: 570,179,587 shares of €1.60 nominal value (excluding own 
shares held by the Company).

At a year-end price of €77.20 on 31 December 2018, the market capitalisation of Heineken N.V. on the 
balance sheet date was €44.0 billion. 

Year-end price

Highest closing price

Lowest closing price

€77.20

€93.54

€75.58

31 December 2018

20 July 2018

11 October 2018

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Report of the Supervisory Board

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Sustainability Review

Other Information

164164

Shareholder Information (continued)

Market capitalisation Heineken Holding N.V.
Shares outstanding as at 31 December 2018: 288,030,168 shares of €1.60 nominal value (excluding own 
shares held by the Company).

At a year-end price of €73.75 on 31 December 2018, the market capitalisation of Heineken Holding N.V. 
on balance sheet date was €21.2 billion.

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.

Year-end price

Highest closing price

Lowest closing price

€73.75

€89.65

€72.30

Share distribution by geography 
Heineken Holding N.V. shares*
Based on 101.2 million shares in free float (excluding the holding of 
L’Arche Green N.V. and FEMSA in Heineken Holding N.V.)

38.2%

15.7%

4.4%

1.0%

3.5%

31 December 2018

20 July 2018

27 December 2018

73.75

82.49

66.14

71.00

51.93

45.99

Heineken Holding N.V.
In €, Euronext Amsterdam

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

0

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

90

100

Share price range
Average trade in 2018: 116,437  shares per day

Year-end price

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

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

8.8%

28.4%

Americas
UK/Ireland
Rest of Europe 
Rest of World 

Netherlands
Retail
Unidentified

* Source: Cmi2i estimate based on available information December 2018.

Dividend per share
In €
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

1.60

1.47

1.34
1.30

1.10

0.89

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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165165

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.

Shareholder Information (continued)

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 2019 for both Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V.

Announcement of 2018 results

Publication of Annual Report

Trading update first quarter 2019

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 

Quotation ex-final dividend 2018

Final dividend 2018 payable

Announcement of half-year results 2019

Quotation ex-interim dividend 2019

Interim dividend 2019 payable

Trading update third quarter 2019

13 February

20 February

24 April 

25 April 

29 April

8 May 

29 July 

31 July

8 August

23 October

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Other Information

166166

Bondholder Information

In 2008, HEINEKEN established a Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme which was last updated 
in March 2018. The programme allows Heineken N.V. to issue Notes for a total amount of up to €15 billion. 
Approximately €9.8 billion is outstanding under the programme per 31 December 2018.

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 2018 Annual Report.

Traded  
Heineken N.V. Notes

Issue date

Total face value 

Interest  
rate

Maturity

ISIN code

144A/RegS 2028

29 March 2017 USD 1,100 million  3.500%

29 January 2028 US423012AF03 

EUR EMTN 2029

30 January 2014

EUR 200 million  3.500%

30 July 2029

XS1024136282

EUR EMTN 2029

3 October 2017

EUR 800 million  1.500%

3 October 2029

XS1691781865

EUR EMTN 2031 17 September 2018

EUR 650 million  1.750%

17 March 2031 XS1877595014

In 2018 the following notes were placed under HEINEKEN’s Euro Medium Term Note Programme:

EUR EMTN 2032

12 May 2017

EUR 500 million  2.020%

12 May 2032

XS1611855237

EUR 600 million 8.5-year Notes with a coupon of 1.25% (March 2027)

EUR 650 million 12.5-year Notes with a coupon of 1.75% (March 2031)

HEINEKEN has a €2.0 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 2018.

Traded  
Heineken N.V. Notes

Issue date

Total face value 

Interest  
rate

Maturity

ISIN code

EUR EMTN 2019

19 March 2012

EUR 850 million 2.500%

19 March 2019 XS0758419658

EUR EMTN 2020

2 August 2012 EUR 1,000 million  2.125%

4 August 2020 XS0811554962

EUR EMTN 2021

4 April 2013

EUR 500 million  2.000%

6 April 2021 XS0911691003

EUR EMTN 2021 10 September 2015

EUR 500 million  1.250% 10 September 2021 XS1288852939

144A/RegS 2022

3 April 2012 USD 750 million  3.400%

1 April 2022 US423012AA16

144A/RegS 2023

10 October 2012 USD 1,000 million  2.750%

1 April 2023 US423012AD54

EUR EMTN 2023

23 October 2015

EUR 140 million  1.700%

23 October 2023 XS1310154536

EUR EMTN 2024

19 March 2012

EUR 500 million  3.500%

19 March 2024 XS0758420748

EUR EMTN 2024

7 December 2015

EUR 460 million  1.500% 7 December 2024 XS1330434389

EUR EMTN 2025

2 August 2012

EUR 750 million  2.875%

4 August 2025

XS0811555183

EUR EMTN 2025

20 October 2015

EUR 225 million  2.000%

20 October 2025 XS1309072020

EUR EMTN 2026

4 May 2016

EUR 800 million  1.000%

4 May 2026

XS1401174633

EUR EMTN 2027 29 November 2016

EUR 500 million  1.375%

29 January 2027

XS1527192485

EUR EMTN 2027 17 September 2018

EUR 600 million  1.250%

17 March 2027 XS1877595444

EUR EMTN 2033

15 April 2013

EUR 180 million  3.250%

15 April 2033 XS0916345621

EUR EMTN 2033

19 April 2013

EUR 100 million  2.562%

19 April 2033 XS0920838371

144A/RegS 2042

10 October 2012 USD 500 million  4.000%

1 October 2042 US423012AE38

144A/RegS 2047

29 March 2017 USD 650 million  4.350%

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

Issue date

Total face value 

Interest  
rate

Maturity

ISIN code

SGD MTN 2020

3 March 2009 SGD 21.75 million 3.780%

3 March 2020 SG7V34954621

SGD MTN 2022

7 January 2010 SGD 16.25 million 4.000%

7 January 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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

167167

Historical Summary

Revenue and profit
In millions of €

Revenue1

Net revenue2

Operating profit

Operating profit (beia)

as % of net revenue2

as % of total assets

Net profit

Net profit (beia)

as % of shareholders’ equity

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)

Shareholders’ equity

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Cash flow statement
In millions of €

20,792

20,511

19,257

Cash flow from operations

5,540

4,924

4,720

4,486

4,140

26,811

22,471

3,137

3,868

17.2

9.2

1,903

2,424

16.9

912

37.6

25,843

21,609

3,352

3,759

17.4

9.2

1,935

2,247

16.9

838

37.3

7.70

4.25

4.25

1.60

6.81

3.94

3.94

1.47

N/A

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

N/A

3,075

3,381

16.5

8.43

1,892

2,048

15.1

741

36.2

6.10

3.58

3.57

1.30

N/A

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

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

(1,152)

4,388

(2,142)

2,246

(213)

(1,090)

123

1,066

(1,042)

3,882

(1,002)

3,718

(1,851)

2,031

(1,114)

(1,011)

(1,945)

1,773

(62)

(1,031)

45

(49)

359

1,039

(997)

3,489

(1,797)

1,692

(267)

(909)

(264)

252

(1,082)

3,058

(1,484)

1,574

(189)

(723)

(1,730)

(1,068)

Cash conversion ratio

84.2%

81.1%

75.0%

73.3%

78.9%

Financing ratios
Net debt/EBITDA (beia)

2.3

2.5

2.3

2.4

2.54

1 2017 revenue has been restated due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).
2 ‘Net revenue’ was introduced in 2017 due to changes in accounting policy on revenue (IFRS 15).
3  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.
4 Revised for the change in definition of net debt in 2015. 

25.18

23.37

23.24

23.65

21.58

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Report of the Supervisory Board

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168168

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

Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interest

Total equity
Post-retirement obligations

Provisions (including deferred tax liabilities)

Non-current borrowings

Other liabilities (excluding provisions)

Liabilities (excluding provisions and  
post-retirement obligations)

Total equity and liabilities

Shareholders’ equity/(post-retirement 
obligations, provisions and liabilities)

2018

2017

2016

20152

2014

2018

2017

2016

20152

2014

9.6

19%

0.78

10.1

16%

0.89

10.0

16%

0.77

9.6

15%

0.76

7.7

14%1

0.821

Employment of capital

In millions of €

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets

922

13,436

14,358

1,182

922

12,399

13,321

1,200

922

12,316

13,238

1,335

922

12,613

13,535

1,535

922

11,487

12,409

1,043

Inventories

Trade and other current assets

Cash, cash equivalents and current 
other investments

15,540

14,521

14,573

15,070

13,452

Total current assets

11,359

17,459

4,068

11,117

17,670

3,999

9,232

17,424

4,528

9,552

18,183

4,065

32,886

32,786

31,184

31,800

1,920

4,247

2,903

9,070

1,814

3,992

2,442

8,248

1,618

3,484

3,035

8,137

1,702

3,372

3,248

8,322

8,718

16,341

3,685

28,744

1,634

3,771

681

6,086

954

2,380

12,628

10,454

1,289

2,643

12,166

10,415

1,420

2,128

10,920

10,280

1,289

2,332

10,626

10,805

1,443

2,066

9,491

8,378

Total assets

41,956

41,034

39,321

40,122

34,830

Total equity/total non-current assets

0.47

0.44

0.47

0.47

0.47

Current assets/current liabilities  
(excluding provisions)

0.88

0.80

0.79

0.77

0.73

23,082

41,956

22,581

41,034

21,200

39,321

21,431

40,122

17,869

34,830

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.

0.54

0.50

0.53

0.54

0.58

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Sustainability Review

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169169

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. 

Eia 
Exceptional items and amortisation of acquisition-related intangible assets. 

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.

Free operating cash flow 
This represents the total of cash flow from operating activities and cash flow from operational 
investing activities. 

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.

Net debt 
Non-current and current interest bearing borrowings, bank overdrafts and commercial paper and market 
value of cross-currency interest rate swaps less cash and cash equivalents. 

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 (‘EPS’)
Basic 
Net profit divided by the weighted average number of shares – basic – during the year. 

Diluted 
Net profit divided by the weighted average number of shares – diluted – during the year. 

EBITDA 
Earnings before interest, taxes, net finance expenses, depreciation and amortisation. EBITDA includes 
HEINEKEN’s share in net profit of joint ventures and associates. 

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. 

Net profit 
Profit after deduction of non-controlling interests (profit attributable to shareholders’ of the Company). 

Net revenue 
Revenue as defined in IFRS 15 (after discounts) minus the excise tax expense for those countries where the 
excise is borne by HEINEKEN.

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. 

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

170170

Glossary (continued)

Volume 
(Consolidated) beer volume
100% of beer volume produced and sold by consolidated companies. 

Group beer volume 
Consolidated beer volume plus attributable share of beer volume from 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. 

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. 

Weighted average number of shares 
Basic 
Weighted average number of outstanding shares. 

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 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Introduction

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Report of the Supervisory Board

Financial Statements

Sustainability Review

Other Information

171171

Disclaimer and Reference Information

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.

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

Production and editing
Heineken N.V. Global Corporate Affairs

Text
HEINEKEN

Photography
Sander Stoepker (page 7)

Graphic design and electronic publishing
Radley Yeldar: www.ry.com

Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Heineken N.V. Annual Report 2018Annual Report 2018