Carlsberg lifts profit forecast after strong sales of soft drinks and non-alcoholic beer

Carlsberg's forecast for profit growth is now 4-6 percent, compared with 2-6 percent previously.

The increase in sales volume in the first half of the year, at 1.7 percent, was unexpectedly weak, but soft drinks and non-alcoholic beer contributed positively.

In addition to Carlsberg itself, the company's brands also include Kronenbourg and Tuborg.

Ahead of the report, Carlsberg's share price has risen almost 9 percent on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange this year.