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Cyprus Beer Market Experiences Minor Domestic Growth Amid Stark Export Decline

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Statistical data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) reveals that beer deliveries in Cyprus held steady in February 2026 despite a notable contraction in export volumes.

Domestic Market Overview

Beer deliveries to the domestic market increased slightly by 0.5%, rising from 2.43 million litres in February 2025 to 2.45 million litres in February 2026. The figures indicate stable consumption in the local market.

Export Market Challenges

In contrast, the export sector saw a significant downturn, with shipments declining by 15.8% to 84,711 litres in February compared to 100,601 litres a year earlier. The contraction in export volumes may signal emerging challenges in international market competitiveness or shifts in global demand.

Annual Trends

Full-year statistics further underscore these dynamics. While domestic beer deliveries remained constant at 42.62 million litres in 2025, export deliveries fell by 10.9%, totaling 2.27 million litres. The divergence between domestic stability and export contraction raises pertinent questions for stakeholders regarding market strategy and resource allocation in the broader beverage sector.

Industry leaders will need to scrutinize these trends to determine whether domestic resilience can offset the challenges faced abroad, paving the way for strategic adjustments in production and marketing initiatives.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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