Total volume in Lion’s Australian Beer, Spirits & Wine business has declined by three per cent for the year ended September 30.

The Kirin subsidiary said the result was driven by the overall beer market decline that has impacted both Australia and New Zealand, where volumes were down 4.4 per cent.

“While overall Australian volumes were down, Lion continues to benefit from strong positions in the growing craft and international premium segments,” the company said.

“James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale and Little Creatures Pale Ale both continue to enjoy double digit growth in the craft segment while Lion also maintained strong share of international premium, growing volume across key brands.”

Lion said XXXX Gold Australian Pale Ale was “off to a strong start”, while Hahn Super Dry and Hahn Super Dry 3.5 both out-performed their counterparts and gained share.