Operating profits rose by about 8% to 3.5 billion euro (£2.9 billion), with the company benefiting from making productivity savings worth 600 million euro (£500 million) which helped it inject more cash into marketing and selling initiatives.
Brewing giant Heineken said it sold more beers around the world last year with demand for premium brands growing, but warned over persistent weak consumer sentiment in Europe.
Total revenues nonetheless dipped 1.2% year-on-year to 36 billion euro (£30 billion), with the value of sales impacted by the weakening of currencies in Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico.
The group, which has some 85,000 employees, hailed the success of launching Spanish lager brand Cruzcampo into UK supermarkets, as well as a more than 40% jump in the volume of Inch cider sales.
Shares in the Dutch business, which also owns brands including Amstel, Moretti and Desperados, surged after posting a higher yearly profit.
