Carlsberg’s shares soared 10 per cent on Wednesday after the Danish brewer reported an unexpectedly strong first quarter, with the group gaining market share in its key Russian market.

The brewer’s share price rose to its highest level in about six months, up DKr26.5 to DKr291.50, after the company said operating profit rose 50 per cent to DKr788m ($141m), some 11 per cent ahead of analysts’ expectations. Carlsberg also said its share of the Russian market reached 39.9 per cent in the first quarter, compared with 38.4 per cent a year earlier. Underlying net sales in eastern Europe rose 7 per cent after Carlsberg successfully raised prices.