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Anheuser-Busch, Diageo Hopeful Despite Recent Struggles In North America

Two of the most prominent alcoholic beverage companies could be doing better.

Two of the world's most prominent alcoholic beverage companies struggled in the North American market in recent months.

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV last week reported second-quarter sales numbers that trailed analysts' forecasts, while Diageo's organic net sales were flat in the 12-month window ending June 30.

Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer, saw adjusted earnings increase by 4.6 percent in its latest fiscal quarter.

Forecasters anticipated 8 percent growth, according to Bloomberg. The report attributed the lag to slower beer sales in Brazil, China and the U.S., where sales to retailers fell by 2.2 percent.

Sales of AB InBev's flagship Budweiser and Bud Light brands, in particular, declined in the U.S. during the last quarter, while Bud Light's line of fruit-flavored beers saw growing competition.

“We know we can, and must do better,” CFO Felipe Dutra told Bloomberg regarding the U.S. market.

Mexico, by contrast, saw AB InBev beer volumes increase by 4.1 percent in the second quarter, which the report attributed to a strong performance by Bud Light.

Meanwhile, Diageo, the world's largest spirits company, reported a volume decline of 3 percent and net sales declines totaling 1 percent over the last year in North America.

Both companies, however, expressed confidence about their prospects moving forward.

AB InBev expects stronger revenue growth in the second half of 2015, while Diageo officials believe the company is well-positioned to take advantage of Americans' increasing preference for higher-end liquors.

Diageo owns industry giants Captain Morgan rum, Smirnoff vodka and Johnnie Walker whiskey, but saw strong numbers from its Don Julio tequila and Buellit bourbon.

"The trend to drinking better is a global one, but it's very strong in the U.S. and it's there in a sustained way," CEO Ivan Menezes told CNBC.

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