MillerCoors, a joint venture between SABMiller and Molson Coors Brewing, has reported net income of $436m for the second quarter ended 30 June 2012, an increase of 9%, against net income of $399.8m for the comparable period last year.

The increase in net income was primarily due to positive pricing, favorable brand mix and cost management.

During the latest three months period ended 30 June 2012, net sales increased by 4.3% to $2.24bn from $2.13bn in the second quarter of 2011.

MillerCoors’ gross profit increased from $863.5m in Q2 2011 to $912.2m in Q2 2012.

Reported operating income for the second quarter of 2012 was $444.4m, compared to the operating income of $406.4m for the same period last year.

MillerCoors chief executive Tom Long said the company started major summer marketing programs during the second quarter which helped it increase the retail sales of its premium light brand Coors Light.

"We also delivered double digit growth from Tenth and Blake as we scale brands like Blue Moon and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy to meet changing consumer tastes," Long added.

"Positive brand mix shifts – combined with our continued attention to cost control and sharp revenue management – were key to delivering another profitable quarter.

"We continue to make progress against our strategy of strengthening our core business, while evolving our portfolio to match consumer demand."