UPDATE 1-Beer giant AB InBev meets Q1 revenue forecasts

(Releads with Bud Light; adds details, CEO quote; paragraphs 2-3,4-6)

LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) – Anheuser-Busch InBev reported on Wednesday a rise of 2.6% in first-quarter sales, in line with forecasts, but the impact of a roughly year-old U.S boycott of key brand Bud Light continued to hurt the brewer.

AB InBev also sold slightly more beer than anticipated, with volumes falling 0.6% versus the 1% anticipated by analysts.

The company, which makes Stella Artois and Corona beer, said growth in the Middle Americas, South America, Africa and Europe was offset by a worse performance in the Asia-Pacific region and North America.

“We are encouraged by our results to start the year,” said Chief Executive Michel Doukeris.

AB Inbev sales in the United States have been hit hard by a consumer boycott of Bud Light that knocked it from the top spot as the best-selling U.S. beer.

It has now been about a year since the boycott began, meaning that the three months to end-March should be the final quarter of real pain for AB InBev from it.

Figures from a year ago will include it from here on out, making for easier comparative numbers. (Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Jamie Freed and Clarence Fernandez)

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