Carlton & United Breweries’ mainstream brands declined in volume last quarter as drinkers continue to switch to “premium and contemporary” beers, parent company SABMiller has announced.

In a trading update for the third quarter ended December 31, 2015, SABMiller said the decline of VB and Carlton Draught was partially mitigated by a strong Carlton Dry performance.

Overall, CUB achieved four per cent growth in group net producer revenue (NPR) – a metric defined by SABMiller as the division’s like-for-like revenue after tax and share of joint ventures.

“In Australia, group NPR growth of four per cent was primarily a result of positive mix and price realisation, together with volume growth of one per cent,” SABMiller said.

“The business benefited from continuing improvements in commercial execution and a warmer summer than the prior year.

“Volume growth trends continued to improve, with momentum in both the premium and contemporary segments. Premium segment growth was led by sustained high single digit growth of Peroni, with the Great Northern brands driving growth in our contemporary portfolio and the Yak franchise supporting growth in our craft brands.”