11/15 - 11/17/2006
German brewer group Radeberger eyes Beck's
German brewery group Radeberger, owned by the Oekter group, is interested in acquiring InBev's German operations, which include Beck's beer, German newspapers said on Friday.
Carlsberg posts 4 percent gain in 3Q profit
Carlsberg A/S on Wednesday posted a 4 percent increase in third-quarter earnings but downgraded its full-year forecast and said it would close its brewery in Leeds, Britain and lay off 250 employees to reduce costs.
Anheuser-Busch 3Q profit hurt by InBev sale charge
Anheuser-Busch says its third-quarter profit fell 5.7 percent due to charges for its pending sale to InBev SA, but sales rose in the quarter and the nation's largest brewer gained market share.
San Miguel says 9-mth net at 20.9 billion pesos
San Miguel Corp, Southeast Asia's largest food and drinks group, said on Thursday it posted net income of 20.9 billion pesos ($431 million) in the first nine months of the year.
After deducting non-recurring items, the nine-month net income amounted to 7.13 billion pesos, it said.
Molson Coors Brewing shares seemingly undervalued
Barron's, one of the world's leading business publication, released in it s November 3 Edition, Molson Coors shares appear to be undervalued after falling with the broader market. Some analysts contend that Coors Light can sustain its nice growth, sharply boosting Molson Coors stock (which closed at $37.36 on Friday on the New York Stock Exchange) over the next year up to about 60 US-Dollars. Sales of their flagship Coors Light beer rose 6.8% from July through September, while the overall beer market's gain of less than 1%.
InBev's Budweiser purchase resolve put to the test
InBev's resolve to become the world's largest brewer appears undimmed, but it still has a job convincing investors that it is able to do so after it was forced to postpone a rights issue last month.
Miller Beer will be withdrawn from sale in the UK from early 2009. Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) has reached agreement with Miller Brands UK to end the contract to brew, market and distribute Miller Beer. S&N brewed the brand, a 4.2 per cent ABV lager, under licence from its American owner Miller Brewing Company.
MillerCoors signs lease for Chicago HQ
MillerCoors LLC has signed a long-term lease in a boutique Wacker Drive office building, where the beermaker will relocate its headquarters operations in June from Milwaukee and Colorado.
Asahi Breweries Logs Profit Growth in Jan.-Sept.
Asahi Breweries Ltd. said Wednesday its group net profit rose 22.5 pct in the first nine months of this year as cost reduction efforts more than offset rising material prices.
New brewery begins production in Tunisia
A 53 million dinar brewery was officially inaugurated on Tuesday in Grombalia, some 30 kilometres from the capital. The inauguration of the SONOBRA SA (Societe nouvelle de brasserie), the fruit of a joint venture between the Dutch beer giant Heineken and the Tunisian group Boujebel, was made by Mr Abdelaziz Rassaa, the Secretary of State in charge of food industries.
Beer sales go flat as economy worsens
Britons may be reeling from the global financial crisis, but few are crying into their beer. Suds sales are falling as the economy worsens, defying predictions that consumers would buy their brew at supermarkets to escape higher prices at pubs.
InBev launches 4% Stella to on-trade
Customers had the opportunity to participate in a tutored tasting session from Master Beer sommelier Marc Stroobandt as well as a preview of the new advertising campaign under the banner “La Nouvelle Smooth”.
InterBev to invest £15m in Airdrie operation
Inver House Distillers-owner International Beverage Holdings yesterday unveiled a £15m investment plan to centralise its global marketing operations in Scotland.
Carlsberg is eyeing 5 per cent marketshare
Carlsberg, the world’s fourth largest brewery with over 120 brands and a sales revenue of $10 billion, is eyeing 5 per cent share of the Indian beer market this year. The company, which is still in the first year of operations, has so far invested Rs 250 crore in India, and is planning to introduce its global brands over the next few years. It also plans to set up a greenfield brewery at Hooghly in West Bengal in collaboration with an Indian company Parag Breweries at an investment of Rs 80 crore - Rs 100 crore.
Beer drinkers slay brewing giant over pricing scandal
Beer drinkers are hailing a victory against brewing giant Fosters over a pricing scandal linked to the downsizing of their favourite stubby.
SABMiller investors hope for cost savings during rand frailty
Local investors in SABMiller would like to see the brewer's estimated annual cost savings of $500 million (R5 billion) in its new US joint venture flow ahead of schedule, to get maximum benefit from this period of rand weakness.
Heineken to set up brewery in Goa, may re-launch Arlem
The Maker of Tiger beer, Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd, the Singapore-based joint venture between Dutch brewer Heineken NV and Singapore’s Fraser and Neave Ltd, has fixed Goa as the location for one of its two new breweries in India. The company has also appointed a new chief executive for South Asian operations.
Asahi Breweries Says It Isn't Bidding for InBev's Korean Unit
Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan's top- selling beermaker, said it wasn't planning to bid for InBev NV's South Korean unit after Belgium's Le Soir newspaper reported it was conducting due diligence on the business.
U.S. grain production forecasts up across the board
The United States is more than able to continue supplying global customers with the necessary grains, according to the U.S Grains Council, the leading organization for export market development for barley, corn, sorghum and co-products. Citing the release of the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), the Council said domestic corn, barley and sorghum production forecasts are up, indicating bountiful harvests; sorghum exports are also raised due to an increase of supplies.
InBev gears up for launch of 5.5% Stella Black lager
InBev is plotting the launch of an "aspirational" high-strength lager called Stella Black, in yet another move aimed at restoring the brand's premium positioning. It is the third major launch under the brand in three years.
InBev postpones new share issue until markets calm
Brewer InBev SA said Tuesday it was postponing a $9.8 billion share issue until financial markets stabilize.
Coors Light sales boost MillerCoors
Newly formed MillerCoors said sales to retailers rose 0.7 percent in the quarter ending Sept. 30, thanks to a jump in sales of Coors Light.
SABMiller Beer Shipments Advance on Emerging Markets
SABMiller Plc, the brewer of Peroni Nastro Azzurro lager, said second-quarter beer shipments rose on improved demand in emerging markets from Poland to Ecuador.
InBev launches new responsible retailing website
InBev has launched a new website offering licensees practical guidance on responsible retailing. The site, www.responsible-retailer.co.uk, is part of the You Are The Retailer initiative designed to spread the responsible drinking message in both the on and off-trade.
Carlsberg's plan for new beers
A senior figure at Carlsberg UK has set out the brewer’s plans for a number of brands acquired in the wake of its successful joint bid with Heineken for Scottish and Newcastle (S&N).
Inbev names management in combined Inbev Anheuser-Busch
InBev SA said Wednesday that Luiz Fernando Edmond will lead the company's North American operations when the Belgian brewer acquires Anheuser-Busch Inc., forming the world's largest brewery.
Carlsberg Group Renames Beer Plant in Uzbekistan
Sarbast Plus joint venture, which is specialized in beer production will be renamed JE LLC UzCarlsberg, TrendCapital correpondent in Tashkent reported.
Anheuser-Busch reaches deal with Teamsters
Chances are very good that the Anheuser-Busch plant in Baldwinsville will continue to operate for years to come. The company says it has reached a tentative agreement with full-time employees represented by the Teamsters union.
Asahi Breweries to form sales joint venture in Taiwan
Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd. (TSE:2502) on Thursday announced plans to set up a 50-50 joint venture with a Taiwanese trading house this month in order to market Asahi brand liquors, soft drinks and foods. The brewer is shooting for about 5 billion yen (US$47.6 million) in Taiwanese sales of Asahi brand products in 2013, a 6.5-fold increase from 2007.
Lammsbräu, Europe’s Leading Organic Brewery ...
... Introduces a Selection of Genuine Bavarian Organic Beers to the United States. Finally, Europe's finest organic beer is available in America. Lammsbräu, Germany’s leading organic craft brewery, introduces five genuine Bavarian organic beers to the American market. Founded in 1628 and family owned for six generations, Lammsbräu has pioneered organic beer making. Lammsbräu only uses the best locally sourced organic ingredients, resulting in a supberb taste, and is produced in accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516.
Anheuser-Busch with strong domestic growth in third quarter
Anheuser-Busch Cos. told Friday that its U.S. beer volume rose in the third quarter, as the Budweiser and Michelob brewer rolled out new products. Anheuser-Busch credited the national launch of Bud Light Lime with helping boost domestic beer volume growth. U.S. beer shipments to wholesalers increased 2.3 per cent, and sales to retailers rose 3.6 per cent.
Peroni launches Blue Ribbon campaign
Peroni Nastro Azzurro, a jewel in leading brewer SABMiller’s international premium brand portfolio has announced the global launch of its new integrated campaign.
Brewery giant InBev sees costs up more than expected this year
Brewer InBev SA said Friday its costs will grow more than expected this year as third-quarter prices for beer ingredients barley and malt climb and wages increase in line with high inflation.
SABMiller gears up for low-calorie beer launch aimed at female drinkers
SABMiller is preparing to launch a low-calorie, apple-flavoured beer aimed at women, called Redd's. The launch will mirror rival brewer Coors UK's plans to launch Blue Moon beer to attract female drinkers (MW.co.uk July 21).
Carlsberg bags San Miguel deal
Carlsberg UK is to take over production, sales, marketing and distribution for San Miguel lager in the UK.
SAB’s Miller gets a genuine makeover
In keeping with its strategy of continuous brand refreshment and innovation, the South African Breweries (SAB) has given one of its premium beers, Miller Genuine Draft, a full packaging and design makeover.
Poland: Carlsberg publishes its financial results
Carlsberg Polska, a beer producer, reported that in the first half of 2008 it sold 2.23m hl of beer, which is comparable with the results achieved last year. Its sales revenues increased by 8% year on year to PLN 488.2m (€145.3m). Operating profit grew by 32%, reaching PLN 33m (€9.8m).
InBev shareholders approve buyout offer of Anheuser-Busch
Busch Entertainment and Budweiser are all a step closer to becoming properties of InBev but there's still no certainty that the Belgian brewing giant wants anything other than the beer.
Anheuser-Busch to spend $50M on Bud Light ads
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. plans to spend $50 million on advertisements plugging Bud Light in the fourth quarter. The spots, which will start running in November, will tout the beer’s “drinkability” using humor, David Peacock, vice president of marketing, told Advertising Age for its Sept. 22 edition. Bud Light competes directly against Miller Lite and Coors Light, two of the biggest selling brands for MillerCoors, the combined Miller Brewing and Coors Brewing companies.
National Foods bid $910m to buy Dairy Farmers
Dairy company National Foods is willing to pay $910 million for Dairy Farmers. Both companies operate within the Murraylands region, with many dairy farmers supplying or a shareholder in either company.
Dusanj brothers to buy back Cains brewery
The Dusanj brothers will become the next owners of Liverpool brewer Cains, as the deal to take the company out of administration is finalised this weekend. As revealed in the Daily Post yesterday, the duo have been in advanced talks to regain control of the brewer, which they have run since 2002. The deal, which is expected to go through in the next 48 hours, will secure the future of the Toxteth brewery and its retail division of pubs.
Miller Lite Introduces Breakthrough Aluminum Pint
This fall, Miller Lite is introducing an innovative new package, a16-ounce aluminum pint bottle that enhances the Miller Lite taste experience.The pint's wider opening provides a smoother flow to enhance the Miller Litetaste experience; the aluminum cools like a can; and the resealable closurehelps lock in freshness.
Heineken posts 106m-euro sales excluding Bere Mures results
Beer producer Heineken Romania, which accounts 30% of the market after the takeover of Bere Mures, registered a 16% turnover increase in the first half of the year, to 390 million RON (106 million euros), while the volumes sold by the company went up by 5.6% during the same period.
Saku Brewery leaves Tallinn Stock Exchange
Estonian beer manufacturer Saku Brewery leaves the Tallinn Stock Exchange today. On September 19, EEK 194.06 per one share will be transferred to the minor shareholders of Saku. On the same day all shares which were previously in the ownership of minority shareholders of Saku will be transferred to Carslberg Estonia HOlding OÜ.
Canada: Malt barley exports seen holding steady
Canada's malt barley export program during the 2008-09 season will be little changed from 2007-08 despite expectations of a larger crop, according to industry sources. Scattered frosts and untimely rains during the growing season were believed to have caused less of the crop to grade as malt.
Oktoberfest, the World's Biggest Beer Fest, Now Open
Every fall, the fragrance of malt wafts over Theresienwiese (Theresa's Meadow) in Munich, where women dressed in alpine-style dirndls and men in leather trousers gather for the world's most famous beer festival.
MillerCoors delays selling 8% energy drink
MillerCoors, the joint venture between SABMiller PLC and Molson Coors Brewing Co., decided to put on hold a new alcoholic energy drink "pending a dialogue" with attorneys general in 25 states, including Oregon and Washington, who asked the company to abandon it.
Guinness brewery site confirmed for Kildare
Diageo has confirmed that Leixlip in Co Kildare has been chosen as the new greenfield site for the Guinness brewery. The new brewery will take production from the Kilkenny and Dundalk plants which are to close. However, St James's Gate in Dublin will continue to supply the Irish and British markets. Named The Arthur Guinness Brewery, the new plant will take up over 70 acres - representing the biggest site for owner Diageo, the world's largest liquor company.
Anheuser-Busch rolls out new ale nationwide
In its latest foray into craft beers, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. said it unveiled Budweiser American Ale on draught nationwide Monday. On Sept. 29, the new amber ale debuts in 12-ounce six-packs and 22-ounce singles select retailers.
Hansa to replace Carlsberg as Schweppes seller
Norway’s second biggest brewer, Hansa Borg Bryggerier, will take over local production and distribution of the Schweppes line of soft drinks and mixers from Danish beer giant Carlsberg next year.
Malting barley variety receival recommendations
The Western Region Barley Council (WRBC) has announced some significant changes to the delivery arrangements of malting barley varieties for the 2009-10 harvest in response to market demands.
InBev to supply Stella Artois to student unions
InBev has signed a new distribution agreement with The University Catering Organisation (TUCO) to supply draught and packaged beer brands to student union bars across the UK.
Guinness to build new brewery west of Dublin
Irish beer giant Guinness is going back to its country roots. The company announced Thursday it will build its new flagship brewery west of Dublin in the town of Leixlip — where Arthur Guinness began brewing the famed dark-brown stout in 1755, four years before moving operations to the capital.
Asahi Breweries begins recall of 650,000 bottles of shochu over tainted rice
Asahi Breweries, the latest company to fall foul of the Misawa Foods scandal, announced on Thursday that thousands of bottles of sweet potato shochu liquor are being recalled after contaminated rice was found to have been used in its manufacture.
Malt supplier sees growth in Asia
The world's biggest malting company, Malteurop, last month bought the malting division of Archer Daniels Midland Co, including its New Zealand operations in Canterbury and Rangitikei.
China's Tsingtao to buy brewery stake from Carlsberg
China's biggest beer maker Tsingtao Brewery said Wednesday it would own a Shanghai brewery outright after agreeing to buy the 25 percent stake in the firm held by Denmark's Carlsberg.
Sapporo Breweries to become first firm in Japan to label products ...
... with carbon fotprint. A government push towards the clarification of carbon dioxide emissions is spreading to the private sector, with Sapporo Breweries set to become the first private enterprise in Japan to start labeling their products with their carbon footprint from next year.
SABMiller to roll out globally beer brand for women
Helen Pyman, global marketing development director at SABMiller, said that although the activity so far had been confined to local markets, attracting women drinkers had now moved up the priority list in every market. 'We have done local initiatives, but now we are looking at what can be done internationally,' she said.
China's Domestic Brew To Beat Out Bud Light As World's Best Selling Beer
China's Snow beer is expected to become the world's largest selling beer brand by the end of the year, overtaking the position Anheuser Busch's Bud Light has held for years.
A-B creates new unit to boost nonalcohol business
Even within the beer-producing facilities of Anheuser-Busch Cos., the marketing folks know there are occasions in which a Bud Light, Michelob Ultra or Natty Light just will not hit the spot. Perhaps you'd like a bottled water, or an energy drink … or a low-calorie, orange-flavored energy drink.
InBev considers sale of S Korean assets
InBev is weighing up whether to sell its South Korean brewery and certain brands in Germany, among other assets, as it works to find the best way to cover a bridge loan that will be provided by lenders to finance its $52bn takeover of Anheuser-Busch.
Coors Brewers raises beer prices for second time this year
The UK's second-largest brewer, Coors Brewers, has become the latest to raise its beer prices for the second time this year, in an effort to claw back soaring input costs.
InBev has secured a $45bn debt package to pay for its purchase of Budweiser brew
Global brewing giant SABMiller announced it will start selling the Hungarian beer Dreher in South Africa.
SABMiller says growth on track
SABMiller India, a subsidiary of the second-largest brewing company in the world, said its growth in the country is on track, despite the slowdown in the industry.
Diageo Ireland said it grew market share in Ireland for the year ended June 30th 2008, helped by a strong performance from Guinness. It said that Guinness continued its recovery, delivering 2.5 per cent sales growth against a declining beer market, a 10 per cent swing compared to the previous year. It also said there was a strong performance from Carlsberg, Bud Light and spirits in the Irish market.
Heineken says 2008 a challenging year for beer sector
Lower alcohol consumption levels mean 2008 will prove to be “another challenging year” for the beer industry, Heineken Ireland said yesterday as it published half-year results showing a 3 per cent rise in turnover and “static” sales volumes.
Heineken profits down after S&N deal
Heineken completed the £7.8bn joint takeover of S&N with Carlsberg in April this year and has taken over the running of its UK operations. The acquisition has led to an increase in beer volumes of 11.6% on last year to 76m hectolitres and revenue is up 17.1% to 6.4bn Euros. Operating profit was up 7.4% to 925m Euros.
Malawi: Carlsberg unveils new brands
Carlsberg Malawi Limited on Thursday courted the media to a launch of a beer selection campaign in which consumers would choose from three new Carlsberg variants—Gold, Classic and Elephant—as part of the company’s celebrations marking 40 years of existence in the country.
Beijing Olympics boosts Chinese beer sales
China’s best-known beer brand, Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd, has announced a 42% lift in half-year profits, boosted by the publicity generated through its sponsorship of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Heineken goes global with James Bond
Heineken will launch a global promotional campaign in October for the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, to be screened in November.
SABMiller sees profit decline in Indian operations
SABMiller, which makes Foster’s beer, has seen a decline in profits from its Indian operations during 2007-08 but is setting up a one million hectolitre capacity brownfield brewery in Haryana this year.
InBev: Beer volumes down 4.1% in UK
The Stella Artois brewer, who recently announced a second price increase of 3.3% on top of an earlier rise this year of 4.1%, said that its volume dip was ahead of the market in the UK resulting in greater market share for its beer.
Diageo rejects IFA criticism on barley
Diageo Ireland has strongly refuted claims by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) that it has abused its position in the market and has endangered the future of the malting barley sector.
InBev testing low calorie Stella Artois
InBev is testing a low calorie version of Stella Artois in Canada this summer, according to a Toronto newspaper. The test could lead to a worldwide rollout, The Globe and Mail reported.
Carlsberg Reports Continued Healthy Organic Development
n the first six months of 2008, Carlsberg achieved progress in underlying operations in every geographical segment. Total organic growth in net revenue was 7% (10% in local currencies).
Sapporo to Boost N. American Beer Production Capacity
Japan's Sapporo Holdings Ltd. <2501> is considering raising its beer production capacity in North America, sources familiar with the matter told Jiji Press Friday. The company plans to increase its annual capacity by about 50,000-60,000 kiloliters to help achieve its target of boosting its North America sales by 40 pct from present levels to 15 million cases by 2012.
Barley Growers Enter Healthy Food Market
Idaho barley growers have ushered their industry into the lucrative healthy food market with a new variety of high-fiber food barley. At the same time, they could be helping to fight heart disease and diabetes.
Carlsberg's shares soared 16 per cent last Monday after it forecast healthy growth and margins in Russia, where it has taken a leading position by acquiring UK brewer Scottish & Newcastle.
Carlsberg Introduce New Brew In Malaysia
Gold may just be another colour for most of us but for Carlsberg Malaysia, it is a name they have chosen for their new permanent product, Carlsberg Gold. The new product will replace Carlsberg’s 160th anniversary brew which is a limited edition beer launched last year.
Kirin plans soft drink expansion but remains coy regarding Schweppes
Speculation continues to mount that Japanese-based Kirin Holdings will make a play for the drinks unit of Cadbury Schweppes in Australia. The Japanese beverage giant already has significant operations in Australia following last year’s $2b purchase of dairy company National Foods. They also have a 46% stake in Lion Nathan Australia and a purchase of Schweppes would mean they would be a major player in the dairy, beer and soft drink sectors.
Carlsberg brews up 6% rise in volumes
A growing thirst for premium lager in Russia and parts of Asia helped Carlsberg, the Danish brewer, offset declines in Britain and Denmark to report better-than-expected first half results.
Bar room stories are designed to entertain and impress but should be taken with a pinch of salt. So what to make of the claims by InBev and MillerCoors that both can take a big chunk of costs out of their respective US beer businesses?
The challenge for each is different. The newly minted joint venture between SABMiller and Molson Coors brings together the number two and three brewers in the US. By combining breweries and operations they hope to save $500m annually and harvest all the usual woolly benefits of sharing best practices, widening the talent pool and harnessing greater marketing muscle.
Anheuser-Busch laptop theft affects 140,000 people
More than 140,000 people nationwide have been affected by the June theft of laptops with personal information about current and former Anheuser-Busch employees.
Malteurop buys Archer Daniels Midland's malting division
French malting group Malteurop announced Friday that it has purchased Archer Daniels Midland's malting division, which includes the malt plant north of Great Falls. The purchase price of the deal was not disclosed.
Brewer SABMiller sees lager consumption fall
SABMiller saw North American sales of key brands like Miller Lite fall 2 percent in its first quarter and worldwide consumption drop as consumers pulled back on spending in some countries, the brewer said Thursday.
Anheuser-Busch Unveils Massive Green Beer Plan
Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewer in the US, announced today that its breweries will rely on renewable energies for 15 percent of their needs by 2010. The Houston brewery plans to use biogas from a nearby landfill combined with an on-site bio-energy recovery system (BERS) that will make use of brewing wastewater, and the Fairfield, California facility will use solar panels in addition to a BERS. The other US breweries will use only BERS.
InBev UK launches price-marked packs for Beck's
InBev UK is helping independent retailers generate incremental beer business – with the launch of price-marked promotional packs on key brands including Stella Artois, Beck's and Tennent's Lager.
Diageo in talks to acquire stake in Cobra Beer
Diageo PLC, the world's biggest alcoholic drinks company, is in talks to acquire a 30% stake in Cobra Beer, the private Indian-themed lager company, for about GBP25 million to GBP30 million, the Financial Times reported Saturday, without citing sources.
SABMiller expands European operations
SABMiller has announced that it is expanding its European export operations with a view to increasing volumes over the next five years. New operations will be created in Sweden and Austria with an expansion of the group’s existing facilities in France and Spain already underway. With the new operations in place, SABMiller will export to nearly every country within Europe and more than 100 worldwide.
Japanese brewers targeting women to boost sales
Major Japanese brewers are turning to women in bid to overcome sluggish sales of alcoholic beverages. Kirin Brewery Co, has recruited female employees to develop cocktails tailored for young women while Sapporo Breweries Ltd. has set up a team composed of seven women to create a new product.
InBev China venture gets regulatory nod for IPO
The Chinese venture of InBev NV has obtained regulatory approval for an initial public offering in China to raise about 1 billion yuan ($147 million), a person with direct knowledge of the situation said on Friday.
SABMiller is expanding its European export operations to increase its volume over the next five years. This follows days after the Inbev's $52bn (£26bn) takeover of Anheuser-Busch, making the merged brewer the biggest in the world, taking over SABMiller's status.
Lion Nathan brewing heady $315m profit
Brewer Lion Nathan Ltd remains confident of stepping up earnings in fiscal 2009 and expects to meet market forecasts for an operating profit between $295 million and $315 million.
Kirin interested in buying San Miguel Brewery stake
Japanese brewer Kirin would be interested in buying a stake in the beer business of Philippines' San Miguel, a senior official said on Thursday.
Carlsberg sells Turk Tuborg stake
Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Wednesday it sold its stakes in Turk Tuborg and Israel Beer Breweries, the company received 80 million dollars minus interest-bearing debt for its 95.6 percent stake in Turk Tuborg.
Anheuser’s Profit Rises, Helped by Price Increases
Anheuser-Busch, which has agreed to be acquired by a rival Belgian brewery, InBev, reported higher quarterly profit on Wednesday, helped by price increases and the introduction of Bud Light Lime.
Coors aims for female drinkers with Blue Moon
Coors UK is targeting female drinkers with the launch of a beer brand called Blue Moon. It is being trialed in pubs and bars. The beer, which has already been launched by Molson Coors Brewing Company in the US and Canada, is an unfiltered Belgian-style wheat beer that has been spiced with coriander and orange peel.
Carlsberg UK adds three S&N beers to portfolio
Carlsberg UK has added three Scottish & Newcastle's specialty beers to its portfolio including: Baltika, Mythos, and Grimbergen, according to The Publican.
Carlsberg rolls-out S&N speciality beers
Carlsberg UK has begun selling three speciality beers acquired as part of the take-over of Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) earlier this year. Baltika, Mythos and Grimbergen will now be sold and distributed through Carlsberg UK for both on and off-trade customers.
InBev takeover of Anheuser-Busch creates world‘s largest beer maker
Belgium-based InBev is to takeover US brewer Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion (£26 billion) in a deal which will form the world’s largest beer maker. The newly-formed company will now be known as Anheuser-Busch InBev.
InBev plans Budweiser expansion
InBev may be based in Belgium and have strong ties to Brazil, but the brewing giant has grand plans to sell Budweiser -- what it calls America in a bottle -- to the world.
US - Barley markets remain stable in face of good crop conditions
The barley harvest is about ready to start in some areas of the region and the July 7 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report estimates 71 percent of the barley crop in North Dakota to be in good to excellent condition, with 25 percent of the crop in fair condition, 3 percent in poor condition, and 1 percent in very poor condition.
Miller International to grow business in Canada
Distribution of the Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell and Peroni brands will expand in Canada under a new partnership agreement between Miller International and Mark Anthony Group of Vancouver, British Columbia.
InBev may raise $4.6 bn by selling Anheuser units
InBev may raise as much as $4.6 bn by selling Anheuser-Busch’s theme-park and beer-can divisions to help pay off debt for its purchase of the US brewer.
Anheuser-Busch sold to InBev for $52B
Anheuser-Busch's board has accepted a $52 million takeover offer from Belgian brewer InBev, creating the world's largest brewer, the two companies announced late Sunday evening. The company will be called Anheuser-Busch InBev, and InBev CEO Carlos Brito will be the CEO of the combined company.
Heineken USA hires new chief marketing officer
Heineken has appointed Christian McMahan as the new chief marketing officer of the company. Mr McMahan will join the firm on July 14, 2008.
Higher InBev bid set to win over Busch
The Busch family has dropped hostilities to InBev and could agree to sell Anheuser Busch as early as this weekend, after its rival reportedly upped its bid to $50bn.
The UK office of Tiger Beer is taking over the UK distribution for the Heineken-owned, cult tequila beer brand Desperados. The French-made brand has until now been managed through a network of distributors from a Heineken office in France, but will now form part of a portfolio of world beer brands being assembled by Tiger Beer UK.
Coors supports launch of Grolsch Blond
Coors Brewers has unveiled a new series of TV idents to continue its current sponsorship of Channel 4 Original Comedy. The latest batch are helping support four per cent ABV Grolsch Blond, the launch of which was announced earlier in the year. Imported from Holland, it is the latest edition to the Grolsch portfolio and is currently available exclusively in on the on-trade.
Anheuser-Busch sues InBev over takeover attempt
Anheuser-Busch is suing InBev in an attempt to slow its suitor's efforts to replace the U.S. brewer's board of directors, which rejected InBev's $46.3 billion (23.5 pound) takeover offer
SABMiller Completes US Grolsh Importation Rights Buy
SABMiller said Tuesday that it has completed an agreement with Anheuser-Busch to transfer the U.S. importation rights for the Grolsch brand to its U.S. joint venture, MillerCoors.
Brewer Heineken is set to restate profits for Scottish & Newcastle by up to 10% after discovering discrepancies in the groups accounts, it was reported. Top executives at Heineken, which acquired Scottish & Newcastle earlier this year, are understood to have been meeting City analysts to warn them about the restatement when it reports half-year results at the end of August, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
San Miguel 5-mth net profit surpasses full-yr 2007
San Miguel Corp, Southeast Asia's biggest food and drinks group, posted net income of 17 billion pesos in the first five months of the year, the company's president said on Thursday.
Carlsberg Estonia Increases Stake in Saku Õlletehas to over 90%
Carlsberg Estonia Holding has boosted its share holding of Estonia brewery Saku Olletehase to more than 90% in a deal worth in excess of EUR 17 million, with a view to buying the remaining share in the future.
China's COFCO to Build Malting Plant in Inner Mongolia
Leading Chinese grain and oil trader COFCO has announced that China Agri-Industries Holdings (China Agri) and the Yakeshi Municipal Government of Inner Mongolia have signed an investment agreement, whereby China Agri will invest in Yakeshi by setting up COFCO Malting (Hulunbeier) Co., Ltd.
Anheuser-Busch: Restructuring Plan Will Force InBev To Raise Bid
Bank of America analyst Bryan Spillane has raised his price target on Anheuser-Busch (BUD) to $65, exactly the price InBev has offered. BofA has increased confidence in BUD--and, importantly, the possibility of a higher bid from InBev--following BUD's announced restructuring plan:
SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Announce Launch of MillerCoors
SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company today announced the closing of the transaction to combine their U.S. and Puerto Rico operations to create MillerCoors.
Asahi Breweries' Operating Profit May Rise 6%
Asahi Breweries Ltd.'s operating profit for the first half of 2008 will probably rise 6 percent to 24.5 billion yen ($231 million), beating the company's estimate of a 5 percent decline, the Nikkei newspaper said.
Miller Joint Venture May Give Molson Coors A Leg Up
MillerCoors, the new joint venture between SABMiller PLC and Molson Coors Brewing Co., finally takes shape next week. The joint venture - which closes Monday - will unite the U.S. operations of the two brewers and will help prune costs. It will also create a more formidable rival to giant Anheuser-Busch Cos. at a time when the Budweiser maker is wrestling with the distractions of a $46 billion unsolicited bid from Belgium's InBev. Gains from the joint venture are expected to give Molson Coors' earnings a boost and ultimately help the stock.
Carlsberg sells water brands to Coca-Cola
Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Friday it had sold two mineral water brands in Denmark to Coca-Cola as part of a broader deal with a total sale price of $225 million.
InBev says AmBev unit to build malt factory in southern Brazil
Brewer InBev SA. said its unit Companhia de Bebidas das Americas (AmBev) plans to invest 85 million euros in building a new malt factory in the southern Brazilian town of Passo Fundo, confirming earlier reports.
InBev update: Modelo chief quits Anheuser board
The chief executive of Latin American brewer Modelo has resigned from the Anheuser-Busch board as it ponders a £46bn takeover bid from InBev. Modelo’s Carlos Fernandez quit following speculation that Anheuser (A-B) had considered a full merger with its Mexican partner as an alterative to InBev’s advances.
Inbev eyes lower alcohol Stella for UK
In a statement to OLN, Inbev said: “There are a number of innovations that we are considering: some of these include 4 per cent concepts from Stella Artois and the Artois brands.”
Japan seeks wheat and barley in Thurs SBS tenders
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture is seeking to buy a total 18,700 tonnes of food wheat and 44,000 tonnes of food barly via two import tenders, both closing on Thursday, under the simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) system, a ministry official said on Monday.
Anheuser-Busch buys 50% more in Crown Beers
Global beer major Anheuser-Busch will acquire the remaining 50% in its Indian joint venture — Crown Beers India — from its partner Crown International. This also includes the joint venture’s 500,000-hectolitre brewery in Hyderabad.
Sapporo Breweries to display CO2 emission details on beer cans
Starting from March 2009, labels on Sapporo Breweries's flagship beer product will display the amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacture of each can.
Miller delays national rollout of Miller Lite Brewers Collection
Miller Brewing Co. has decided to extend the test market of its Miller Lite Brewers Collection rather than proceed with a previously announced national rollout.
Miller delays national launch of craft collection
Miller Brewing Co. is delaying the nationwide release of its trio of craft styles of Miller Lite. The Milwaukee-based brewer says it will do more testing of the Miller Lite Brewing Collection in several U.S. markets. Chief Executive Tom Long says in a note to distributors that slower testing will give the brand a better chance for success.
Heineken hires Airlock for DraughtKeg promo
Heineken UK is working with London digital agency Airlock to launch a new campaign promoting its DraughtKeg beer dispenser.
Danish Carlsberg raises Habeco stakes
Denmark-based brewery Carlsberg has completed its acquisition of an extra 1.75 million shares from Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Co (Habeco), raising its total stakes in the company to 15.77%.
InBev needs to brew up a $70 Budweiser beer bid
Bold moves are what created brewing giant InBev and it needs one more as analysts say its bid for Budweiser maker Anheuser-Busch will likely have to rise by more than $3 billion to succeed.
SABMiller expands in Russian Far East
SABMiller, the owner of Grolsch and Peroni Nastro Azzurro, is extending its reach into the Russian Far East with the purchase of Vladpivo, the region’s biggest brewer.
Welshman to become Molson-Coors CEO
Molson Coors Brewing Co. is turning to Welshman Peter Swinburn to become the new chief executive of the American-Canadian beermaker, The Canadian Press has learned.
Gannon to distribute Budweiser in Vietnam
Anheuser-Busch signed an import and distribution agreement with the Gannon Distribution Co. to launch Budweiser in Vietnam this month, the St. Louis-based brewer said. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Heineken announces a brewery closure and sell off in France
Heineken NV has announced that it is close its Brasserie Fischer brewery in Alsace, sell off the St Omer brewery which makes non-branded beer, while investing in its three remaining breweries. The reorganisation is aimed at reducing capacity and driving efficiency with a view to focusing on the premium beer business.
New Beer Manufacturing Factory to be Opened in Azerbaijan
Unileasing, one of the biggest Azerbaijan leasing companies, has commenced realizing a project to finance the purchase of technique for beer production in Khachmaz District, the company announced on 2 June.
Russia's Baltika launches new brewery in Siberia
Russia's number one brewery Baltika PKBA.RTS, owned by Denmark's Carlsberg Breweries, has launched its 11th factory in Russia, which will help it boost production by around 10 percent.
Heineken buys Rechitsa in Belarus
Heineken is to acquire the Rechitsa brewery, which will give it a 24 per cent share of the growing Belarus beer sector, strengthening its number two position.
Budweiser shares jump as InBev finds $50bn to launch bid
Shares in Anheuser-Busch, the owner of Budweiser beer, soared 7 per cent yesterday amid speculation that InBev, of Belgium, has secured funding to launch a $46 billion (£23.2 billion) bid.
The lack of any significant news regarding barley caused the markets to hold steady over the past few weeks, with just a couple of elevators reporting a dime decline in feed barley prices.
Lion Nathan Expects `Significant' 2009 Profit Growth
Lion Nathan Ltd., Australia's second- largest beermaker, forecast ``significant'' earnings growth next fiscal year as it integrates acquisitions and completes an upgrade of its breweries.
Baltika Purchases Brewery in Azerbaijan
Baltika Breweries has signed a contract with Brasseries Internationales Holding for the purchase of Baku-Castel brewery. The deal will come into force after receiving approval from the anti-monopoly authorities of Azerbaijan. The Baku brewery will be the first Baltika-owned production facility outside the Russian federation and the 12th brewery of the company.
Heineken renews Champions League sponsorship till 2012
Dutch brewer Heineken NV signed a deal with UEFA to sponsor the Champions League until 2012. The Amsterdam-based beer company is the first of six official sponsors to sign a deal with UEFA from 2009-12, UEFA said Monday. Neither side disclosed how much Heineken will pay for sponsoring Europe's top club competition.
SABMiller Net Climbs 24% as Price Gains Recoup Costs
SABMiller Plc, the world's third- largest brewer, lifted second-half profit 24 percent by raising prices and selling more beer in eastern Europe and the U.S.
SABMiller Net Climbs 24% as Price Gains Recoup Costs
SABMiller Plc, the world's third- largest brewer, lifted second-half profit 24 percent by raising prices and selling more beer in eastern Europe and the U.S.
Now that there's more than one mass-produced lime beer on the market, it's officially a trend. Anheuser-Busch squeezed Bud Light Lime onto shelves nationwide at the end of April to compete with Miller Chill, which came out last summer, so we decided to give them both a try.
SABMiller in Ukrainian takeover
The drinks giant has agreed to purchase CJSC Sarmat (Sarmat), producer of Sarmat, Dnipro and Drive Max brands, from owner and holdco System Capital Management. The value of SABMiller’s 99.8 per cent stake remains under wraps, although Sarmat’s gross assets currently total $130 million (£66.5 million).
Stella Artois firm's profits fall
The world's biggest brewer by volume, Inbev, has blamed soaring raw material costs for a surprise 11% profit fall.
SAB Miller to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India in 5 years
UK-based beer manufacturer SABMiller plans to more than double its capacity in India in the next five years with an investment of around Rs 2,000 crore (approx 500 million dollars).
Diageo silent on Guinness brewery closure
A report that Diageo is to close part of its historic Guinness brewery in Dublin is “pure speculation”, the group says. Diageo is poised to announce it will sell a significant part of the St James’s Gate brewery site, a report in the Times newspaper said this weekend.
Carlsberg to Grow Kronenbourg's Profitability
Carlsberg, the new owner of Scottish & Newcastle's Brasseries Kronenbourg last week said that, as part of its new governance structure, the French company is to report directly to CEO Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen during its integration process.
Molson Coors 1Q profit rises on stronger beer sales
Molson Coors Brewing Co., one of the world's largest brewers, on Tuesday reported a jump in first-quarter profit as its sales rose more than 10 percent on growth in its U.S. and Canadian businesses.
SAB unveils the biggest beer drinkers in Europe
Danish people are the biggest lunchtime drinkers, while the French are more likely to get an early night, says a new SABMiller report on Europe’s drinking habits. Danes are also first to the bar in the afternoon, with “beer o’clock” arriving at 16:41 on average, says an SAB survey of 7,500 Europeans and released on Friday.
Australie: Brewers enjoy Alcopop excise increase
The federal Government has increased the excise on spirit-based ready-to-drink products by 69 per cent, which is expected to lead to a rise of up to 30 per cent in shelf prices. The market leaders are British-based Diageo, owner of the Smirnoff Ice brand, and Independent Distillers, which owns the Vodka Cruiser brand and is held by private equity groups CCMP Capital and Pacific Equity Partners.
UK - Grolsch premium wheat beer launches in Asda
Asda will be the first major UK retailer to take on Grolsch Premium Weizen wheat beer from 13 May.
SAB to use events to promote Peroni brand
SABmiller (SAB) has positioned its premium Italian beer offering Peroni Nastro Azzurro (Peroni) as a brand synonymous with style and luxury, according to SAB director of operations Anand Shukla.
Inbev launches speciality beer website
The site – www.specialitybeerselection.com – goes live in May and will allow InBev UK customers to order the latest point-of-sale material. Other features include a video training section demonstrating how retailers can achieve the “perfect” pour of Leffe and Hoegaarden, a recipe section outlining new culinary ideas and live streaming of the latest drinks industry news.
Australia Grain-Malting barley exports nearly sold out
Australia has almost sold out of malting barley for export from its small drought-depleted crop much earlier than usual, a senior trader with leading east coast exporter and bulk handler GrainCorp Ltd said.
SABMiller launches Peroni in Russia
SABMiller has launched its Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer in Russia as part of a £25m international roll-out programme for the premium brand.
The brewer, which claims the product is the world’s number one premium Italian beer, said international sales of Peroni Nastro Azzurro at the end of March 2008 were up 72 per cent on the same period last year, excluding Italy.
Carlsberg Plans New Premium Beer Products
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd plans to capture a bigger share of the lucrative premium beer segment by launching more new products this year, its top official said. It has about a 20 per cent share of that segment through brands like Tuborg and Carlsberg Special Brew.
Inbev announces publicity drive for Stella Artois
Inbev has launched a publicity campaign for Stella Artois to help build a more positive image for the brand and underline its quality credentials. The month-long poster and digital campaign will emphasise the craftmanship that goes into creating the lager, which has suffered a drop in sales over the past two years.
Sales in Africa and Asia drive SABMiller growth
SAB Miller, the emerging markets focused brewer, saw beer sales rise 7pc in the year to the end of March but growth slowed as poor weather and rising commodity costs took their toll. The London-listed company suffered as blizzards and a price hike hit sales in China, one of SAB's fastest growing markets, reducing fourth-quarter sales growth globally to an estimated 1pc.
South Africa: Country's Brewer of Choice
South African Breweries (SAB) has reported flat volume growth in SA although it lost Amstel last March. The licence to brew Amstel, which accounted for 9% of SA sales, was yanked by Heineken and the beer is now fully imported. SAB initially expected to gain back 4,5% of its Amstel share and the launch of Hansa Marzen Gold just after SA ran out of Amstel was well received. Other brands in the SAB stable also benefited, such as Castle Light. A fuller picture should emerge when full year results are released next month.
Asia Pacific Breweries looks for unit in North India
Asia Pacific Breweries on Wednesday said it is looking at either setting up a brewery in north India or acquiring an existing one, but has not set any timeline for the purpose.
Weather chills SAB Miller's sales in China
Peroni and Carling Black Label brewer SABMiller today warned that sales growth has slowed after severe winter weather in China hit demand for beer in one of its fastest growing markets.
AmBev launches new beer exclusively for Peru
German, Belgian and Argentine experts are behind the formula for a new beer that is to please Peruvian palates across the country, reported El Comercio daily. AmBev Peru, one of the country's leading beer companies and the producer of Brahma, has announced the launch of a new alcoholic drink in the country, exclusively made for Peruvians.
San Miguel Brewery Q1 net profit up 37%
San Miguel Corp. said Friday its brewery unit posted a 37-percent increase in net profit for the first quarter on the back of higher sales and continued cost management efforts.
Ancient water a winner for Budvar
When 97% of your ingredients has been percolating, seeping, filtering and circulating for 10,000 years, 90 more days sitting in a metal tank is possibly neither here nor there. That final resting place, however, is a crucial phase in the fermentation and maturation of one of the world’s greatest beers.
S&N buys out Caledonian Brewery
Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) has bought out Caledonian Brewery, ahead of its own takeover by Heineken. S&N acquired the Caledonian Brewery site in Edinburgh outright in 2004, as well as a 30 per cent share in the the management & brand owning business, the Caledonian Brewing Company (CBC).
Brewer Heineken announced on Thursday that it is willing to pay €176m to take over the drinks division of Swiss rival Eichhof, reports ANP news service. The deal will give Heineken a 23% of the Swiss beer market, the company said.
Coors Brewing Company Reveals 2008 Advertising
At its annual distributor convention in Denver, Coors Brewing Company unveiled its 2008 advertising campaigns for Coors Light, Keystone Light, Coors Banquet, and Molson Canadian. All ads include a logo for the company's new "You Hold the Key. Never Drive Drunk" campaign. In addition, Coors Light introduced a series of online efforts that shows beer drinkers enjoying its latest innovations.
Barley prices affect premium beer markets
Rising barley prices are making life a little less rosy for brewers in Australia's booming premium beer market. While the premium segment has grown by 15% a year since 2001, poor yields barley yields last year have bumped up the cost of for the grain by around 40%, pointing to likely higher beer prices. Australia is the world’s second largest barley exporter and overseas demands, largely from China’s brewing industry, have also helped push up prices. The situation has growers and brewers alike hoping for a much better 2008 crop.
Tsingtao to buy out 22 brewing units from parent
Tsingtao Brewery Co, owner of China's best-known beer brand, said on Wednesday it planned to buy the remaining shares it does not already own in 22 units from its parent to simplify its shareholding structure.
Climate Change to Hit Beer Production
The price of beer is likely to rise in coming decades because climate change will hamper the production of a key grain needed for the brew _ especially in Australia, a scientist warned Tuesday.
EU approves SABMiller, Molson Coors joint venture
European Union regulators have approved a joint venture between Molson Coors Brewing Co. and SABMiller PLC that will market and distribute both companies' beers in the United States.
Bionade, which with flavours such as Herbs, Elderberry, Lychee and Ginger and Orange, is a gluten-free non-alcoholic drink will low calories and sugar, but high in minerals.
Anheuser-Busch's EU trademark for 'Bud' is challenged by Budvar
Anheuser-Busch Cos.' Europe-wide protection for the name Bud is based on an "unlawful" decision by the European Union's trademark agency, lawyers for Czech rival Budejovicky Budvar NP told a European court Tuesday.
Scottish & Newcastle decides to accept £7.8bn takeover
Scottish & Newcastle shareholders called time on more than 250 years of brewing history by backing a proposed £7.8bn takeover yesterday. The company said investors voted unanimously in favour of the sale of the UK's biggest brewer – best known for John Smith's bitter, Fosters lager and Strongbow cider – to European giants Heineken and Carlsberg.
PL - Alcohol producers introduce warnings on packaging
Most Polish breweries and some producers of vodka are voluntarily introducing warnings on their product packaging which might discourage people in the higher risk groups (i.e. drivers, pregnant women and young people) from drinking alcohol. Statements about the harmful effects of drinking alcohol are to appear on many alcoholic beverages on 1 April.
Miller Brewing Company Changing the Look of Its Iconic Miller Lite Packaging
Miller Brewing Company announced it has designed new packaging for its four-time World Beer Cup gold award winner and top selling brand, Miller Lite. Beginning in April 2008, beer drinkers across the country will notice a new differentiating signature look adorning all Miller Lite bottles, cans, packaging, point-of-sale materials and signage in stores and on delivery trucks. It's been five years since Miller Lite -- the creator of the light beer category and the beer with more taste and half the carbs of Bud Light tweaked its packaging.
Heineken plans to build its first South African plant in the beer-drinking heartland of Gauteng, the premium brewer has said, hinting that it would be ready to make the first move taking on SAB in the mainstream market.
Singapore's Asia Pacific Breweries expands North Vietnam brewery capacity
Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd (APB), the Singapore-based maker of Tiger Beer, said Wednesday it has expanded the capacity of its unit Hatay Brewery Ltd in North Vietnam by more than 50 percent, to 460,000 hectolitres or 46 million liters.
Anheuser-Busch introduces a Budweiser ale
Anheuser-Busch Cos. built its business on rivers of lager beer. But come October, the St. Louis-based brewer will have a little something extra for folks who like "heavier" brews.
CZ - Heineken buys Drinks Union
Heineken has boosted its market share in the world’s most beer-crazy country with the purchase of Czech brewer Drinks Union, for an undisclosed fee. Drinks Union, which has 4 breweries, 500 employees and 3% of the Czech beer market, Heineken announced on Tuesday morning, without giving financial details of the deal.
Global grain feed supplies forecast higher
Global feed grain supplies are forecast to rise in 2007-08, with coarse grain production expected to be higher than previous estimates (United States Department of Agriculture – USDA). Worldwide production of coarse grains in 2007-08 (including corn, barley, oats and sorghum) is forecast to jump by 8%, to 1.056 billion tonnes.
Cobra targets 20 million beer cases in India by 2012
Targeting to sell 20 million cases by 2012, the UK-based Cobra Beer would be infusing a total investment of $80 million in setting up and acquiring new breweries in India. In order to achieve its targets, the company would be adding five more new breweries besides widening the 'Cobra' range of beer portfolio.
GB - Stella up an extra 5p a pint
Top-selling lager Stella Artois is to become "reassuringly expensive" once again - when its price goes up by an extra 5p a pint next month.
Baltika to Produce Asahi Premium Beer
Baltika Brewery has signed a license agreement with Asahi, the largest Japanese brewery, by which Baltika will be the exclusive producer and distributor of Asahi Super Dry beer in European Russia and the CIS until 2012, the company said Thursday in a statement.
S&N launches 'widget' versions of Foster's and Kronenbourg
The 'widget' is back for canned lager in what Scottish & Newcastle UK (S&N UK) is claiming to be its “biggest-ever off-trade product innovation”. Next month (April) will see the launch of Foster's with in-can Scuba and Kronennourg 1664 with Dynamo Système, both of which will be sold at a premium to their 'parent' variants.
Organic German beer joins the party at Publican Live
A cult German beer will be making its UK debut at Publican Live next month. Rothaus organic beer has recently seen an upsurge in sales despite the brand not advertising, which makers put down to word of mouth.
Coors to distribute Magners Draught in UK
In stepping up the rollout of the brand, Magners Cider is to be available on draught in the UK via Coors Brewers there. It will be on draught by this summer following the announcement by the C&C Group that Coors Brewers, the UK's second- biggest brewer, will be its exclusive distributor in what’s described as a long-term deal.
Heineken 500ml cans get a makeover
Heineken's 500ml cans are being given a makeover with a new design that reflects the premium quality of the imported lager brand and reinforces the brand's association with the prestigious Heineken Cup rugby tournament.
Heineken, Diageo to take on SABMiller
British drinks giant Diageo and Dutch brewer Heineken agreed to strengthen their ties in South Africa and take on dominant domestic brewer SABMiller by building a brewery there by end-2009.
Budweiser launches new ad campaign
True Dedication will focus on the care that goes into making Budweiser, highlighting its history and provenance. It is a move away from recent ad campaigns that have highlighted the drink in social environments.
EU Approves Carlsberg Bid for Newcastle
European Union regulators say they have approved Carlsberg's bid to takeover part of British brewer Scottish & Newcastle PLC.
Japanese beer: Wastes not, wanted a lot
The Ibaraki Brewery, one of nine owned by Asahi Breweries, is not only the largest in Japan, it is also the greenest. Each year, it produces some 710 million bottles of beer while also recycling every bit of industrial waste. Best of all, though, it is home to one of my all-time favourite lagers - Asahi Super Dry, which was launched 21 years ago this month.
Diageo, Heineken and Namibia Breweries in Africa with Venture
Diageo Plc, Heineken NV and Namibia Breweries Ltd. signed a joint venture to boost sales of their cider, beer and ready-to-drink brands in South Africa and challenge market leader SABMiller Plc.
Molson Coors sees Miller deal adding to earnings in 2010
Molson Coors Brewing Co said on Wednesday it expects its joint venture with SABMiller PLC to add to earnings in 2010, the second full year following consummation of the deal, which is expected this summer.
InBev launches new ad campaign for Beck's Vier
A powerful new commercial will communicate a memorable message to millions of TV viewers by illustrating in spectacular fashion that Beck's Vier is 'different by choice'.
Japanese buyers select U.S. feed barley
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) recently held its first 2008 Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) program for feed barley. U.S. barley producers received the largest market share, due in large part to U.S. barley producers working with the U.S. Grains Council, according to Cary Sifferath, USGC director in Japan.
InBev sees 4Q profit more than double despite weak Chinese & British sales
Belgian brewer InBev SA said fourth quarter more than doubled to €900 million (US$1.35 billion) from €371 million (US$490 million) a year earlier on real estate gains and sales of more beer in Latin America, eastern Europe and Russia.
Nigerian Breweries Full-Year Profit Jumps 74% on Surge in Sales
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the west African country's biggest beer maker by volume, said 2007 full- year profit jumped 74 percent as sales surged.
U.S. craft beer industry shows growth
The size of the craft beer industry grew in 2007, according to a report released Friday by the Brewers Association trade group of Boulder. Industry statistics show a 16 percent in sales, to $5.74 billion, in 2007. That amounted to an extra 11.9 million cases of beer sold, or 864,091 barrels.
Heineken buys Romania brewer Bere Mures
Dutch brewer Heineken NV said on Friday it would buy Romanian brewer Bere Mures and the deal would raise Heineken's market share in the country to 31 percent.
Anheuser-Busch Globalizes Beer Through Acquisitions
Budweiser is far and away the biggest-selling beer in the USA, despite its lack of quality, which earns it avoidance by craft beer lovers. Anheuser-Busch, Bud's brewer, does not hang its stein solely on the Bud hook, however. The brewing giant's tentacles reach worldwide and its product lineup includes 60 varieties including popular imports Lowenbrau from Germany, Stella Artois and Leffe from Belgium, Hoegaarden and Grolsch from Holland, Kirin from Japan, Czechvar from the Czech Republic, Bass, Boddingtons and Tennents from the UK and Tiger from Singapore. Just in time for the Olympic Games, A-B has invested in major Chinese breweries Tsingtao and Harbin.
Asia Pacific Breweries’ Indian Arm launches International Premium beer
he beer is being initially launched in Delhi in 650 ml and 330ml bottles priced at Rs. 50/-. The brand aims to carve a strong position for itself in the premium international strong beer segment and will be progressively rolled out in other parts of North India.
Czech brewer Budvar boosts its U.S. export by 37 percent due to deal with AB
The Czech state-owned brewery Budejovicky Budvar NP, which has been fighting a long legal battle with Anheuser-Busch over the Budweiser brand, said Tuesday it boosted its exports to the United States by 37 percent last year due to a distribution deal with its U.S. archrival.
States probe Miller Brewing and Anheuser-Busch marketing practices
Miller Brewing Co. and rival brewer Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. have been subpoenaed by attorneys general from several states for information about the sales and marketing of caffeinated alcoholic drinks like Sparks and BudExtra.
Kirin Jointly Purchasing Hops with Aussie Beer Company
Japan's Kirin Brewery Co. has started joint purchase of hops with an Australian beer company in a move to procure a stable supply of the key ingredient of beer and beer-like alcoholic drinks at low cost, Kirin officials said Tuesday.
Australia barley exports to China grind to a halt
Australian barley sales to China have stalled this year due to a shortage of containers to ship the grain, industry officials say, just as easing prices appeared set to reinvigorate the trade after last year's slump.
Anheuser-Busch reveals plans for 2008
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. management reaffirmed the company's 7 percent to 10 percent long-term earnings growth objective and laid out plans to accelerate U.S. beer sales and profitability in a presentation to investors and analysts in New York on Thursday.
Baltika Says Sales in '07 Rose 30%
Baltika Breweries, the country's No. 1 beer maker, said Wednesday that sales increased 30 percent in 2007, boosted by higher income and changing patterns of consumption. "Some government measures, such as tight control on consumption of spirits, and natural factors like this year's unusually warm weather have also spurred preference for beer," Baltika president Anton Artemyev told reporters.
AG's investigating Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing marketing practices
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. was subpoenaed by attorneys general from several states for information about the sales and marketing of its caffeinated alcoholic drinks Tilt and Bud Extra, the company confirmed Wednesday.
Danish brewer Carlsberg reports profits up
Danish brewer Carlsberg's fourth-quarter 2007 turnover and operating profit was boosted by higher beer sales in Eastern Europe, Asia and Russia, the group said Tuesday. Operating profit for the quarter was 834 million kroner (164 million dollars), up from 529 million kroner for the corresponding business period 2006.
Heineken says '07 profit fell on European cartel fines, other charges
Brewer Heineken NV said Wednesday its full-year net profit fell 28 per cent due to one-time charges, including a large fine from the European Union for price-fixing. Net income for the Amsterdam-based company fell to 972 million euros (US$1.42 billion), down from 1.35 billion euros in 2006, the company said in a statement. Sales rose 6.8 per cent 12.6 billion euros ($18.5 billion), slightly missing analysts' estimates.
Jordan buys 100,000 T feed barley in tender
Jordan's state grains buyer has purchased 100,000 tonnes of feed barley in a tender for the same volume which closed, European traders have said.
SABMiller looking to expand in Russia
SABMiller is looking to expand in the Russian beer market, the Financial Times reported, citing chief executive Graham Mackay. The company may look at making acquisitions as well as growing organically.
Anheuser-Busch adds lime to Bud Light
The nation's biggest brewer is adding a twist of lime to its flagship brew Bud Light to help add some fizz in the face of stagnant demand.
Stella launches premium oak-aged lager Eiken Artois
InBev UK is claiming to be taking leading beer brand Stella Artois to a “new dimension” with the off-trade launch of Eiken Artois, an oak-aged premium lager.
Molson Coors 4th Quartal Profit Up 75%
Molson Coors Brewing Co., one of the world's largest brewers, said Tuesday its fourth-quarter income jumped 75 percent as sales rose 5 percent and it achieved additional savings from its 2005 combination with Adolph Coors Co.
Anheuser-Busch donates $100,000 to Red Cross for tornado relief
The Anheuser-Busch Foundation is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid relief efforts for victims of last week's thunderstorms and tornadoes that swept across the southern United States.
Jobs blow as S&N closes brewery
BREWER Scottish & Newcastle is to shut its brewery in Reading, it announced today.
But the company moved to allay fears over the future of its Tadcaster site by confirming plans to transfer some brewing and packaging operations from Berkshire to Yorkshire.
Germany's Radeberger launches non-alcoholic beer in India news
New Delhi: Radeberger Gruppe, one of Germany's leading brewers, has in association with Dalmia Continental introduced non-alcoholic beer 'Clausthaler', to add fizz for teetotallers, underage individuals and pregnant women's lives in a market otherwise devoid of options other than sweetened carbonated waters.
SABMiller to build Australian brewery by 2010
SABMiller Plc, the world's biggest brewer, said on Thursday it would build a new brewery in Australia with its partner Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd to tap into the fast-growing premium beer market.
Budweiser launches branded sauce range
Anheuser-Busch has signed a deal with manufacturer Vita Speciality Foods to launch a range of Budweiser-branded sauces and marinades. The range will launch in March this year and will target the barbecue market.
Bulgaria Brewery Starts Exports to USA
The Bolyarka VT Brewery located in the city of Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria's medieval capital is going to sell its beer in the USA starting in the spring of 2008, the local press reported.
SABMiller seen to be world's biggest brewer
Global brewing group SABMiller moved ahead of Belgium's InBev to become the world's biggest brewer due to strong growth in China and its purchase of Grolsch, figures from researcher Plato Logic showed on Tuesday.
Asahi Brew profit sinks, sees rise in 2008
Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd saw its profit fall in 2007 due to a sharp rise in raw material costs, but it forecast profit growth above market expectations this year as it aims to cut costs and raise prices.
InBev and Anheuser-Busch have held merger talks
Belgian brewer InBev and US rival Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc have held discussions about a potential merger and may do so this year, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing industry sources.
Anheuser-Busch profit misses estimates
Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc said on Thursday that quarterly profit rose, as the brewer's portfolio of imports helped it sell more beer at higher prices, despite a softening economy.
CZ - Beer output grows by 1% in 2007
Czech beer production will reach a record 20 million hectolitres last year, about one percent more on the year, and Czech beer exports will grow from 3.54 million to 3.7 million hectolitres, Jan Vesely, chairman of the Czech Beer and Malt Association, told CTK Tuesday.
India - SABMiller promoting barley farming
New Delhi: SABMiller India, a leading brewer with brands such as Foster’s, has roped in nearly 6,000 farmers across 13,000 acres for contract farming of barley. Besides crop improvement, the move by the brewing major is aimed at strengthening its backward integrations. “Barley, a critical component for the beer industry, has always been an orphan crop in India. We started this exercise not just for backward linkages but also to create a good quality yield,” SABMiller Director for Corporate Affairs, Sundeep Kumar, told Business Line.
Canada grain growers pursue reforms
While deregulation of Canada's wheat industry seems inevitable, it's likely to take some time. Canada is one of Australia main competitors in the global wheat trade and the minority government has pursued reforms to the country's Wheat Board in recent months.
Heineken creates venture with EBI in Uzbekistan
Heineken NV has set up a joint venture with Efes Breweries International (EBI) in order to invest in the rapidly growing Uzbek beer market, the Dutch brewer said on Monday.
San Francisco - February is Strong Beer Month
If you're a fan of high-test brews and ales, February is a good thing -- Strong Beer Month in San Francisco. Sip brews as potent as 11.2 % at two of our local brew pubs, and earn a commemorative glass for the hard work.
Carlsberg, Heineken agree 7.8 bln stg S&N deal
Carlsberg and Heineken on Friday finally agreed a cash bid of 7.8 billion pounds ($15.3 billion) to buy and break up Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) to boost the Danish brewer's position in Russia and the Dutch group's presence in western Europe.
Yanjing Brewery Surges in Shenzhen on Expansion Plans
Beijing Yanjing Brewery Co., China's third-biggest brewer, rose the most in three weeks after announcing plans to expand production to increase its share of the world's largest beer market.
Anheuser-Busch Pushes the Big Beers for the Super Bowl
The biggest advertiser on the Super Bowl — the most important day on the calendar for advertising as well as football — intends a back-to-basics approach, concentrating on its two top brands in humorous commercials that take a cheery, feel-good tack.
Australia - Successful start to deregulated barley exports
A grain exporters group says there has been a smooth transition to the deregulation of South Australia's barley export system.
Carlsberg and Heineken Close in on Scottish & Newcastle
Carlsberg A/S and Heineken N.V. (HINKY) have upped their offer to buy Scottish & Newcastle PLC for a fourth time, with the hopes of finally winning the company over.
InBev launches new 300 mln euro share buyback plan
InBev, the world's largest beer producer by volume, said on Monday it planned to launch a new share buy-back plan for up to 300 million euros ($439.7 million).
The Indian beer market will soon rival that of China
After taking the UK market head on, Karan Billimoria is ready to take on the Indian market with the same vigour. On his recent visit to the country, Aabhas Sharma caught up with him on how he sees brand Cobra growing in the country and making inroads into the 100-million cases per annum Indian beer market.
Field trials with GM barley underway in Germany
Barley is grown around the world and has been used for food and beer making since ancient times. Efforts to keep improving barley by conventional breeding, however, have been met with limited success, making it a good candidate for genetic engineering. Transgenic barley lines with immunity to a virus, resistance to fungal root rot, and improved brewing properties have been developed over the past several years. Now, field trials at the University of Giessen and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany are testing some of these lines for potential unintended effects.
Sierra Nevada Brewery To Get 34% Of Power From Solar
Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California is installing a 1.3 megawatt solar power system. The panels will be installed in two phases by Chico Electric and will provide 34 percent of the brewery’s power.
Boosting barley production stressed to meet domestic demand
Priority should be given to boost barley farming locally for protecting the indigenous cereal from extinction as well as meeting domestic demand. Talking to the news agency, agricultural scientists and experts underscored the need for taking immediate steps to raise the barley production for meeting internal demand of the crop.
Anheuser-Busch to hike price of Budweiser beer in India
Anheuser-Busch is set to increase the price of its flagship Budweiser beer, in India, to cut down losses. Sources said the company's local joint venture-Crown Beers-is poised to hike the price of the 650ml bottle to Rs 75 from the existing Rs 68 in Mumbai.
Heineken buys Algerian brewer Tango
Dutch brewer Heineken NV said on Monday it has acquired Algeria's Tango Brewery for an undisclosed sum, and that the deal will increase earnings from 2008.
UK - Beer Brands Introduce New Lightweight Bottles
Some of the largest beer manufacturers in the UK have teamed up as part of a industry-wide initiative to introduce new lightweight glass bottles. The GlassRite programme is being led by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), and will aim to roll-out the more environmentally friendly bottle in the next few months.
Anheuser-Busch plots joint S&N bid to take control of BBH
Scottish & Newcastle has been approached by Anheuser-Busch, the US brewer of Budweiser, and private equity funds Blackstone and Texas Pacific Group about a potential £4.6bn bid for full control of BBH, the top Russian brewer.
Anheuser-Busch Reports Increased U.S. Beer Volume in 2007
Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the U.S. beer subsidiary of Anheuser Busch Cos., Inc., increased U.S. shipments to wholesalers to 104.4 million barrels in 2007 – up 2.1 million barrels or 2 percent over 2006, it was announced today by Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. president and chief executive officer, August A. Busch IV.
San Miguel Brewery sales volume up 8%
San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), the domestic beer subsidiary of beverage and food giant San Miguel Corp., said its beer sales had sustained volume and revenue growth since March last year.
UK - Barley quality fears played down
Concern that the quality of some of the remaining potential malting barley in farm stores could be deteriorating has been played down, though growers are being advised to keep a close eye on any grain yet to be delivered.
SABMiller quenches thirst for foreign beers
Barely two months after making an offer to buy out a Dutch brewer, global brewing giant SABMiller announced yesterday that it had completed the acquisition of a Polish brewer.
Barley has provided budget-friendly nutrition forever, it seems. According to the Oxford Companion to Food, barley is the oldest cultivated cereal in the Near East and Europe, and the oldest known remains of it are at Tell Mureybat, Syria -- a site dating from 8000 BC.
Demand strain drives SABMiller Polish expansion
SABMiller's Polish arm Kompania Piwowarska received the go ahead on Friday by competition authorities to acquire local brewer Browar Belgia to ease strain on its production for an undisclosed sum.
Canada - Grain handlers reject Wheat Board's barley pricing program
Grain handlers said on Thursday they will not participate in the Canadian Wheat Board's new barley pricing program and asked the federal government to end the agency's marketing monopoly on the crop.
Malting barley prices inch toward $6 mark again
Cash elevator prices for both malting and feed classes of barley remained steady or increased slightly going into the last days of 2007.
SABMiller says Polish unit gets govermentt approval for Browar Belgia purchase
SABMiller PLC said its Polish subsidiary, Kompania Piwowarska (KP), has received approval from the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection to acquire 99.96 pct of Browar Belgia from Belgium's Palm Breweries NV for about 65 mln eur.
SABMiller mulls building Aussie brewery
British brewing giant SABMiller Plc said it was working on a feasibility study to build a greenfield site brewery in Australia after its joint venture bought John Singleton's Bluetongue Brewery.
Deadline set for S&N and Carlsberg's dispute
Brewer Scottish and Newcastle has welcomed the 3 July deadline set for the resolution of its dispute with Carlsberg over the companies’ joint ownership of Baltic Beverages Holding.
Anheuser-Busch gets new senior plant manager
A veteran Anheuser-Busch employee is returning to North Florida to lead the company's Jacksonville brewery. Steve McDaniel takes over as senior plant manager immediately, following the retirement of Sylvester Robinson.
Anheuser-Busch looks to make inroads in Latino market
The folks at Anheuser-Busch Cos. have done the math: There are a lot of Latino beer drinkers in the United States and even more who follow Latino style.
Molson, Mexican brewery to bring southern suds into Canada
Molson said it Wednesday it has reached a deal with Mexican beer maker Grupo Modelo to import its products into Canada.
CZ - Brewers to cross 20 million hl mark
Czech beer output will likely be higher than 20 million hectoliters for the first time this year, said Jan Veselý, chairman of the Czech Beer and Malt Association (ČSPS).
InBev Latin America arm launches Quinsa share bid
AmBev, the Latin American operation of brewing giant InBev, on Friday launched its offer to buy the remaining 9 percent stake it does not own in Quinsa, as part of a plan to take Argentina's biggest brewer private.
Canadian Malting Industry rejects CWB's new malting barley price system
The Malting Industry Association of Canada says it's not satisfied with the Canadian Wheat Board's proposed guaranteed price production contract to be implemented in the new year.
Heineken Buys Syabar to Expand in Belarus
Heineken NV bought Syabar Brewing Co., the owner of Belarus's second-largest beer brand, for an undisclosed priced to bulk up in a region where markets are expanding more quickly than in western Europe.
Miller Brewing aims for a younger audience
Air-guitar champ William Ocean will never be mistaken for Bob Uecker. But the relationship that both men have with Miller Brewing Co. shows how the nation's No. 2 brewer is taking a radically different approach to reach a new generation of consumers.
Germans brew beers for Jews and Muslims
Having tapped the local beer market for all it is worth, German brewers have begun making kosher beer for Jews and a halaal, alcohol-free version for Muslims in a search for new clients.
German Brewing Group Says Germans Losing Taste for Beer
A poor summer and an ageing population dragged German per capita beer consumption down to a record low of 112.5 liters (29.7 gallons) in 2007, the country's brewing association said.
Canada - Wheat keeps climbing in December pool return outlooks
Even tighter world wheat supplies have spurred a jump of $41 to $52 per tonne in the Canadian Wheat Board's latest pool return outlooks (PROs) for 2007-08.
Hops and barley shortage will make cost rocket in 2008
Brewers blame poor crops of hops and barley caused by a wet summer for a predicted price rise.
Heineken in talks to acquire Czech brewery Drinks Union
Dutch brewery Heineken NV is in talks to acquire Czech beverage group Drinks Union, daily MF Dnes reported, citing two unnamed sector sources. 'Signing of the contract is near, now the price is being negotiated,' MF Dnes cited one of the sources as saying.
Japan's Sapporo Breweries to raise beer prices for first time in 18 years
Japan's third-largest brewer, Sapporo Breweries Ltd, said Thursday it will raise producer prices for its beer and other beer-taste products for the first time in 18 years as it expects rising prices for malt, corn, aluminum and other materials to boost its procurement cost by 3 billion yen in 2008.
Femsa Rises a Second Day After Gates Fund Buys Stake
Fomento Economico Mexicano SA, Latin America's largest beverage company, rose for a second day after Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates's private investment fund bought 10.81 million of the company's U.S. shares.
Inbev announces changes to executive board of management
Inbev SA has named Stefan Descheemaeker as chief strategy officer, and says he will be succeeded as zone president for Western Europe by Alain Beyens, currently zone president for Central and Eastern Europe.
Some call it green beer even though it looks brown. Forget about the color, one restaurant in Great Barrington is ahead of the game. They've gone eco-friendly.
SABMiller and Molson Coors Sign Definitive Agreement to Form MillerCoors U.S. Jo
SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company today announc