US craft brewer New Belgium Brewing has announced that the company has reached an agreement to purchase a manufacturing brewery in Daleville (VA) that is currently owned by Constellation Brands. In a press release, New Belgium Brewing claimed additional product capacity was needed to meet growing demand for its craft beer, which includes America’s number one IPA brand Voodoo Ranger. The agreement guarantees the employment of all plant employees, the company …
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Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced that the company has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Skrewball, a producer of flavoured whiskey Skrewball was founded in 2018 and produces a peanut butter whiskey that is now available in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. “Skrewball has proven its uniqueness and success with a large audience, so we are delighted to have this brand as part …
Mexican tequila distillery Casa Maestri is to acquire Bellagave Infused Tequila, a 100% blue agave tequila brand, for an undisclosed sum, according to a FoodBev report. The acquisition, which will expand Casa Maestri’s portfolio of premium tequila brands, comes a month after the firm acquired Santera Tequila, a blue weber agave tequila line. “It’s a perfect time to innovate”, commented Jose Coira, VP of sales at Casa Maestri. “The tequila …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the opening of a new distribution centre in the city of Extrema in Brazil’s Minais Gerais state. The centre, which opened its doors on 2nd February, is intended to consolidate operations from three other facilities and will be responsible for supplying 60% of national demand, according to sources. The new distribution centre is the company’s second largest in Latin America and it will be …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks company, has reached an agreement to acquire Don Papa Rum, a super-premium, dark rum from the Philippines. In a press release, Diageo said the acquisition involved an upfront consideration of €260 million ($282 million) with a further potential consideration of up to €177.5 million ($192.5 million) through to 2028 subject to performance. Founded in 2012, and available in over 30 countries worldwide, Don Papa Rum …
Endeavour Group, which claims to be Australia’s leading retail drinks and hospitality business, has announced it has reached an agreement with global alcoholic drinks firm Moet Hennessy to acquire winemaker Cape Mentelle Winery. Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River, Cape Mentelle Winery was established in 1970 as one of the founding five wineries of The Margaret River, and is described as being the pioneer of many of the wine styles …
Bavaria, local AB InBev brewer, has announced the investment of $413 million in the construction of a new brewery in the municipality of Palmar de Varela in Colombia. The brewery plans to begin operational by mid-2024 expecting to generate 350 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect job. The facility will produce beer brands such as Aguila, Poker and Club Colombia. “We firmly believe in Colombia and in the great transformations that …
Brewing and beverage company Royal Unibrew has expand its portfolio with the acquisition of the Danish microbrewery Norrebro Bryghus. “We have found a new owner who we believe can continue the Norrebro Bryghus brand and the business we have built up over two decades,” said Martin Thomsen, managing director and co-owner of Norrebro Bryghus. “We are proud of the chapter we have written.” “Royal Unibrew has been given the opportunity …
Global independent beverage solutions provider Refresco has acquired Avandis, a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, from cocktails spirits companies Lucas Bols N.V. and De Kuyper Royal Distillers. With the acquisition, Refresco will expand the offering in the alcoholic category in Europe and according to company’s press release, the company is now a step closer to achieve its goal of “Our Drinks On Every Table”. The production facility of Avandis in Zoetermeer, …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in start-up Cockorico, a French brand specialising in ready-to-serve cocktails. Founded in Lyon in 2019 by three spirits and hospitality business experts, the brand makes a range of premium pre-mixed, ready-to-serve bottled cocktails. “We are delighted to begin this partnership with Cockorico, which has experienced exceptional growth since its creation,” said Philippe Coutin, chairman of Pernod …
Campari Group and Moët Hennessy has acquired, through their 50-50 joint venture, full ownership of online wine and spirits company Tannico. Founded in 2012, Tannico’s e-commerce platform offers a catalogue of over 1,500 labels from 2,500 wineries focusing 90% of the business in B2C. The platform also provides wine courses, video tutorial and in the B2B area, services to wineries professionals in the hospitality sector. “With this operation, we confirm …
Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits has entered into a joint venture with Two Sons Imports, owners of Cantera Negra Tequila to acquire a partial ownership stake in Cantera Negra to become the exclusive global sale and marketing partner. Cantera Negra is handcrafted in small-batch quantities tequila made from 100% fully mature blue agaves. The portfolio of Cantera Negra tequilas includes: Silver, with natural hints of citrus and clean earthy notes …
New spirits group Magellan & Cheers has announced the acquisition of Spanish vermouth brand Perucchi. The new group is founded and led by Jean-Noël Reynaud, which has an international career of more than 30 years in companies such as Remy Cointreau, Coca-Cola, Lactalis, and Marie Brizard. Perucchi is a brand with 150 years, known especially for its vermouth that is made from wines, mistelles, herbs, plants and roots, although the …
FMCG multinational Nestle has announce the investment of SAR 7 billion (1.86 billion) over the next decade to support business growth. The company will initially invest SAR 375 million ($99.8 million) to build a manufacturing plant which is expected to be opened by 2025. The facility will make infant nutrition products and ready-to-drink coffee, exporting to countries in the Middle East and North Africa. “Nestle’s investments will contribute to food …
Japanese drinks giant Asahi Beverages has announced that the company is going to cease operations in its Dark Star brewery in Partridge Green, Sussex, on the 31st of December 2022 due to current economic challenges. According to sources, the company said that the facility is operating significantly below capacity, which is not sustainable. Asahi said in statement: “This is not a step we have taken lightly, however, there are significant …
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to sell the Eagle Brewery to its long-term partner, S.A. Damm. Damm is a Spanish brewer, best know for its premium beer Estrella Damm. Since 2010, the production of Estrella Damm for the UK has been packaged at the Eagle Brewery. As part of the agreement, the Eagle Brewery’s beers will remain part of the CMBC’s portfolio, and it will become the …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of leading Texas premium whisky distiller, Balcones Distilling. Balcones Distilling is a craft distiller that is said to produce super premium whiskies, such as Texas “1” American Single Malt, Lineage American Single Malt and Baby Blue Corn Whisky. The firm differentiates from others by creating whiskies with distinctive flavours and the beverages are produced with high quality, original and often locally sourced …
Italian spirit group Campari has reached an agreement to acquire an initial 70% stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery for $420 million, strengthening its bourbon offer. Under the agreement, the company will be able to acquire the remaining 30% of the premium Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey producer in 2031. Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Chief Executive Officer Campari Group: “We are very excited to take a controlling interest in worldclass Wilderness Trail Distillery. …
Constellation Brands, the leading international beer, wine and spirits firm, has announced that it is divesting part of its mainstream premium wine brands to The Wine Group. According to a company press release, the decision to sell most of its popular and mainstream premium wine portfolio to The Wine Group, including the brands Cooper & Thief, Crafters Union, The Dreaming Tree, Monkey Bay, 7 Moons, and Charles Smith Wines, is …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of Mr Black, a premium cold brew coffee liqueur from Australia. In a statement, Diageo said it had already purchased a minority stake in Mr Black in 2015 through its incubator programme Distill Ventures. Mr Black’s liqueur is described as being made using modern coffee brewing techniques and has reportedly become the fastest growing brand in the global coffee liqueur category in …
Tequila producer Cazcabel Tequila has announced plans to open a new $37 million distillery in Mexico in 2023. Located in the Jalisco mountains in the Los Altos region, the facility will be run by the Vazquez family, known for producing agave and tequila. The property is claimed to be close to agave fields and near natural springs area with optimum water minerality to produce premium tequila. According to sources, the plant’s construction …
Diageo’s Aviation American Gin subsidiary has announced the opening of a new Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center in Portland, USA. According to a company press release, the 3,000 sq m facility features a tasting room, draft cocktail bar, and a gift shop. Ryan Reynolds, Aviation American Gin co-owner said: “About three years ago, we set out to create a one-of-a-kind distillery and tasting experience to give people the opportunity …
Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of the French drinks conglomerate Pernod Ricard, has announced plans to build a €250 million ($247.7 million) whiskey distillery in Midleton, Ireland, according to a FoodBev report The new distillery will be located in a 55-acre area that is connected to the company’s existing Midleton Distillery, and will produce whiskeys for the Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot family and Method and Madness. Nodjame Fouad, …
Australian alcoholic drinks retailer and hospitality business Endeavour Group has announced the acquisition of Shingleback Wine from McLaren Vale, South Australia. According to sources, the agreement includes the Shingleback Wine brand portfolio, a long-term lease of the McLaren Vale cellar door and an ongoing grape supply agreement. Shingleback was founded in 1997 by Kym and John Davey brothers and it will now be part of the Paragon Wine Estates portfolio, …
Good Drinks Australia, an independent Australian brewer, has announced the acquisition of Victorian-based brewery Stomping Ground for A$11.5 million ($7.7 million). According to sources, the transaction will be closed for A$7 million ($4.7 million) in cash, 4.5 million Good Drinks Australia ordinary shares, and a trailing 5-year performance component. With this agreement, Stomping Ground is expected to contribute A$1.5 million ($1 million) to Good Drinks Australia’s earnings in its first …
Denmark-based brewing and beverage firm Royal Unibrew has announced that it came into an agreement to acquire the entirety of the Toronto-based company Amsterdam Brewery Co. Ltd., a Canadian craft brewing company with a normalised revenue of around CAD$34 million ($26.4 million). According to sources, the acquisition of the company will bring Royal Unibrew more premium offerings into the portfolio within Canada, Ontario in particular, as it is the largest …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced plans to invest €200 million ($202 million) in Ireland’s first purpose-built carbon neutral brewery in Kildare. According to the company, the new facility will produce lagers and ales, and with a capacity of 2 million hectolitres, it will become the second largest brewing plant in Ireland. The brewery will reportedly use 100% renewable energy and will make use of the latest process technology to …
Splash Beverage Group, owner of leading beverage brands, announced the acquisition of 80% of Pulpoloco Sangria, giving the group control over the manufacturing and distribution in the US and international markets. Pupoloco Sangria is crafted in Spain, and Its distribution rights were acquired in 2020 by Splash, turning the giant into the exclusive importer of the drink in the US. Robert Nistico, Splash’s chairman and CEO, commented: “In addition to …
Les Grands Chais de France (GFC) has closed two deals in Chile, marking the French wine group’s entry into South America. According to sources, the company recently announced the acquisition of Vina Las Ninas, which was purchased in 2021, a 40 hectares vineyard based in the Alpata region. That deal was closely followed by another. “GCF has already bought 150 hectares of vineyards in the Leyda appellation earlier in 2022, …
E-commerce platform Hairydog Group has purchased the wholesaler S&P Liquor Group, which includes the retailer Liquor Emporium, for an undisclosed sum. According to sources, the staff at S&P Group will not undergo any changes due to the acquisition and the two bodies will also remain operating as standalone entities. Paul Ververis, the general manager of S&P Liquor, said “I’m delighted to continue to lead S&P Liquor and begin the relationship …
Italian company Campari Group, owner of Aperol, has acquired the French aperitif Picon from Diageo for €119 million ($125.5 million). Created in 1837, Picon is a ‘market-leading’ aperitif that has achieved net sales of €21.5 million ($22.4 million) and CAAP of €12.9 million ($13.4 million) in the 2021 fiscal year. According to sources, France is currently Campari Group’s fourth-biggest market (5.9% of the Group’s net sales). With this acquisition, the …
Constellation Brands, a leading beverage alcohol company has acquired the remaining interest in ready-to-drink cocktail company, Austin Cocktails, from Austin, Texas. The female-founded Austin Cocktails is said to be rapidly growing and to be famous for its premium, award-winning bottled and canned craft cocktails. According to sources, Constellation Brands’ investment in Austin Cocktails started back in 2018 as part of Constellation Ventures’ Focus on Female Founders initiative and reinforces the …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of 21Seeds, a rapidly growing flavoured tequila infused with real fruit juice brand. According to sources, 21 Seeds was founded in 2019 by three female entrepreneurs, Kat Hantas, Nicole Emanuel, and Sarika Singh with the goal of creating great-tasting, smooth spirits with a light touch flavour, easy to mix and enjoy. After the deal, they will continue to operate 21Seeds in partnership …
UK based multinational firm Diageo, producer of alcoholic beverages, has announced the agreement to sell its premium Scotch whisky brand, Windsor, to Bayside/Metis, a South Korean private equity group. According to sources, the agreement includes the brand’s W Series, and Bayside Private Equity and Metis Private Equity consortium are purchasing it for the price of KRW 200 billion (around $164 million). Sam Fischer, president of Asia Pacific and global travel …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks company, has announced the opening of a CAD$245 million ($194million) carbon neutral distillery in Ontario to support the growth ambitions for its Crown Royal Canadian whisky brand. The new distillery will be built according to Diageo’s ‘Society 2030:Spirit of Progress’ sustainability action plan which will operate with 100% renewable energy. It will have the capacity to produce up to 20 million litres of absolute alcohol, and …
Real Drinks Group, known for bringing its innovative drinks to the market, has acquired the UK beer specialist distributor Beer Britannia for an undisclosed sum. The Real Drink Group will continue to curate, supply, and package branded and private label drinks, while Beer Britannia will complement and expand the offering of Real Drink Group into the off trade market across supermarkets, convenience stores, and off licenses in the UK. The …
The North American subsidiary of alcoholic drinks multinational Diageo has invested $110 million in a new 25,000 sq ft facility for canned flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs) in Plainfield, Il, USA to supplement existing ready-to-drink production in the area. According to Diageo, the new facility has two high-speed lines with capacity to produce more than 25 million cases of malt-based beverages and spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, employing 50 full-time staff. “We’re …
US-based alcoholic drinks firm Breakthru Beverage Group has announced it has signed an agreement with beer distributor JJ Taylor to acquire and integrate the latter’s business in Minnesota. The move will strengthen the company’s position as it continues to expand its range of services and products, Breakthru Beverage Group said. The acquisition is expected to close later this spring season, and will also offer Breakthru Beverage Group enhanced operational capabilities …
Heineken, the multinational Dutch brewer, has announced the investment of €73 million in Italy to modernise and expand its brewery in Assemiri, Cagliari. The investment will be used to renovate the existing machinery and add new three warehouses to store material and products. According to sources, the investment will support the growth of the beer production in Sardinia, with a positive impact on both, local and national production chains. “The …
Heaven Hill, a large, independent, family-owned, and operated distilled spirits supplier, has acquired Samson & Surrey a premium spirits company, owner of a wide portfolio of craft whiskey brands for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition expands Heaven Hill’s portfolio with six high-growth, super-premium brands, Tequila Ocho, Widow Jane American Whiskey, FEW Spirits, Brenne French Whisky, Bluecoat Gin and Mezcal Vago, and facilities. “Throughout our 86-year history, our focus has been …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks company, has entered into an agreement to sell its Ethiopian brewery Meta Abo Brewery to BGI, a subsidiary of the French multinational Casteel Group. Meta Abo Brewery was acquired by Diageo in 2012 for US$225 million, and since then, the company has invested US$344 million to expand and transform the brewery industry in Ethiopia. The company brews bottled and draught beer using water sourced from a reserve …
Winery company Vintage Wine Estates has announced the acquisition of Meier’s Wine Cellars, doing business as Meier’s Beverage Group. Founded in 1895, Meier’s is a leading producer, bottler, importer, and marketer of specialty beverage alcohol and non-alcohol products. The company owns a bonded winery, brewery, and distilled spirits plant with processing, blending and bottling capabilities for a broad variety of beverage alcohol and non-alcoholic products, including three bottling lines and a state-of-the-art …
American leading beverage company has announced that it has formed a joint venture to acquire independent craft brewer Uinta Brewing for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1993, Uinta produces award-winning beers in a wide variety of styles and flavours. “Uinta is a strong brand with a state-of-the-art brewery. The team and culture that has been developed over the years is second to none in the industry,” said Justin Fisch, president …
Leading beverage alcohol company Constellation Brands has entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Company in the United States to bring the Fresca brand into the beverage alcohol sector. The partnership will launch a new product this year, the new Fresca Mix, a distinctive line of spirit-based, ready-to-drink cocktails. “The Coca-Cola Company’s FRESCA® brand is not only trusted by consumers, but also directly delivers on consumer preferences for refreshment, flavor, …
Constellation Brands, the leading international beer, wine and spirits firm, has announced plans to build a brewery in southeastern Mexico with an estimated cost of $1.3 billion. The announcement comes two years after the closure of a nearly completed $1.4 billion plant in the city of Mexicali near the US-Mexico border after residents voted against the project. According to sources, the announcement of the new brewery is expected to be …
Brothers Drinks Co has reached an agreement with Accolate Wines to reacquire the sparkling perry brand Babycham. Launched in 1953 and invented by Francis Showering, who helped start Brothers Drinks, Babycham was a popular alcoholic drink during the 60s and 70s described as a light, sparkling perry made from pear and soda water and has an ABV of 6%. “We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our …
Australian global winemaking and distribution business Treasury Wine Estates has reached an agreement to acquire wine business Frank Family Vineyards for $315 million. Founded in 1992 by Rick Frank, the Frank Family Vineyards has a portfolio of sparkling award-winning luxury hand-crafted wines complementary to Treasury Wine Estates offering. The acquisition includes the Frank Family Tasting Room, the Benjamin Vineyard, and the S&J Vineyard. Ben Dollard, Treasury Americas President commented, “The …
Multinational brewer Heineken has announced its plans to acquire Distell Group Holdings and Namibia Breweries to form a southern African drinks group worth €4 billion ($4.6 billion). The acquisition of Distell will be a push into wine and spirits for Heineken, with liqueur brand Amarula and wines labels Nederburg and Two Oceans. “We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, perfectly positioned …
Phillips Distilling, a US spirits brands, has announced the acquisition of the Leroux and Kamora brands from Beam Suntory for an undisclosed sum. The Kamora brand is a coffee liqueur in the US and Canada made with savoury coffee beans infused with vanilla, chocolate and caramel notes. The Leroux brand range comprises 19 varieties of liqueur and eight flavoured brandies. The flavoured brandies led by Polish Blackberry Brandy, are claimed to …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the construction of a $$75 million whisky distillery in China. The Diageo Eryuan Malt Whisky Distillery, described as the first factory of its kind in China, will be built in a area selected for its temperate climate, rich natural biodiversity, and access to natural spring water in the Yunnan Province, Diageo said. “China is the world’s largest beverage alcohol market and the demand …
Lark Distilling, Australia’s leading single malt whisky distillery, has announced the acquisition of Kernke Family Shene Estate, in an A$40 million ($29 million) deal. The acquisition of Kernke Family Shene Estate, the owner of the Pontville Distillery and Estate, will include 40 acres of land and buildings, a 130,000-litre distillery, a cellar door, eight bond stores, a working cooperage, and the historic stables and homestead. Lark Distilling managing director Geoff Bainbridge said the …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced its plans to invest more than $500 million to expand its tequila manufacturing footprint in Mexico. In a statement, the company said it was planning to build new facilities to expand production capacity in the state of Jalisco, creating over 1,000 jobs. “This exciting investment in Mexico will support our future category growth to meet Mexican and international demand”, said Álvaro Cárdenas, …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the creation of a new research and development (R&D) centre in Shanghai to develop products for the Chinese market. The state-of-the-art centre, which is said to be the first of its kind in the beverage alcohol sector in Shanghai ,will primarily support the China market and will strengthen Diageo’s ability to rapidly innovate and develop premium products that cater to Chinese consumer …
Multinational tobacco firm Altria Group has announced that its subsidiary, UST LLC, has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Ste. Michelle Wine Estates to Sycamore Partners Management private equity firm for a price of approximately $1.2 billion. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wineries in the United States, farming more than 30,000 acres and distributing its wines …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of Mexican Mezcal Union through beverage producer Casa UM for an undisclosed sum. Both companies had previously worked in partnership, which reportedly enabled Mezcal Union to grow its brand distribution network in Mexico, the USA, and other countries. With this acquisition, the company will continue to be involved in the operations and supports its traditions, Diageo said. Mónica Michel, marketing …
Heineken, the multinational Dutch brewer, has announced the acquisition of United Breweries Limited (UBL) the India-based brewing company. The movement comes after the acquisition of additional shares, taking its shareholding in UBL to 61.5% on 23 June 2021. According to Heineken’s press release, India is an existing long-term growth opportunity for the company due to the emerging middle-class population in a country with a population of nearly 1.4 billion people. …
Japanese-American world leader in premium spirits firm Beam Suntory has announced that it has formed a long-term strategic partnership with The Boston Beer Company. According to Beam Suntory’s statement, the goal of the partnership is to expand iconic brands across fastest growing alcoholic beverages segments. The companies plan to initially launch Sauza tequila in the ready-to-drink beverages format and to introduce Truly Hard Seltzer into bottled spirits. Dave Burwick, CEO …
Multinational tobacco firm Altria Group Inc has announced that its subsidiary, UST LLC, has entered an agreement to sell the Ste Michelle Wine Estates business to Sycamore Partners Management, LP., a private equity firm specializing in consumer, retail, and distribution investments. According to sources, the sale will enable Altria to focus on their vision of transitioning adult smokes to a ‘non-combustible future’. Billy Gifford, Altria’s chief executive officer said: “Ste. …
Australian wine business Accolade Wines has announced the acquisition of the Lambrini perry brand from Halewood Artisanal Spirits for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1994, Lambrini is a light and fruity perry manufacturer in the UK. According to sources, the deal follows Accolade Wines’ growth strategy to expand its presence in the UK. Lambrini will join Accolade Wines’ portfolio which already includes brands such as Hardys, Echo Falls, Jam Shed, …
Italian Wine Brands (IWB), an Italian winery, has announced the acquisition of 100% of its peer Enoitalia for an equity value of €150 million ($179 million). With both companies each generating a little over €200 million ($239 million) in annual sales, the deal is set to create Italy’s largest private wine company. The acquisition of Enoitalia will also support IWB’s geographic expansion, by virtue of the former’s presence in markets …
US wine firm E&J Gallo has announced plans to build a new $423 million production facility and distribution centre site in Chester County, SC, to support future business growth. The new plant will provide bottling and canning capacity, as well as warehousing and distribution, for the company’s portfolio of wine and spirit brands. Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to create 496 new jobs over the next …
Australian craft drinks firm Mighty Craft is set to add the Adelaide Hills Distillery, Mismatch Brewing, and Hills Cider brands to its portfolio through the acquisition of alcoholic drinks firm Adelaide Hills Group, in a deal worth A$47 million ($36 million). The Adelaide Hills Distillery’s range includes gins and Australian whisky under the 78 Degrees brand name, as well as a range of vermouths and aperitifs. The Hills Cider lineup …
Japanese-American world leader in premium spirits firm Beam Suntory and Scotland-based ultra-premium spirits company Edrington have closed an agreement for an equity swap, ending their joint venture. According to Beam Suntory’s press release, Beam Suntory will assume Edrington’s stake in Maxxium Spain, and Edrington will assume Beam Suntory’s stake in Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, via an equity swap. Both companies owned a 50 per cent stake in each business since 2009. …
Ready-to-drink cocktail company Canteen Spirits has signed a distribution agreement with American leading brewer Anheuser-Busch and investment from the company’s investment and innovation group, ZX Ventures. Founded in 2019, Canteen Spirits is a manufacturer of no sugar, low carbs, and low ABVs drink brands such as Canteen, vodka-based cocktails, and Cantina, a tequila-based drinks. Fabricio Zonzini, president of beyond beer at AB InBev said: “Consumers sit at the centre of …
Green Hygienics Holdings Inc, a company that focuses on the high standard cultivation and processing of industrial hemp and manufacturing of pharmaceutical grade-bioactive cannabinoids, has announced the letter of intent (LOI) to acquire the Bohemian Beverage Co. Bohemian Beverage Co. has a portfolio of twenty beverage brands, including CBD-infused teas, kombuchas, beers, ciders, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more, which are directly distributed and sold through the firm’s own subsidiary storefront. Ron …
Leading North America alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of Loyal 9 Cocktails, a spirits-based ready to drink brand from Sons of Liberty Spirits Company. According to Diageo’s statement, Loyal 9 is ‘rapidly growing’, producing vodka-based drinks featuring indulgent flavours with high-quality ingredients and 100% real fruit. Debra Crew, president of Diageo North America, said: “Loyal 9 hits an RTD ‘sweet spot’, merging American consumers’ growing appreciation for …
Leading North America alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint and install two high-speed can lines at a new facility in Plainfield, Illinois. The expansion project will need an investment of nearly $80 million, which will increase Diageo’s capacity to over 25 million cases of RTDs per year, including a 500 cans per minute line and a 1200 CPM line. The company says these plans …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of beverage producer Far West Spirits, for an undisclosed amount. Far West Spirits produces the Lone River ‘Ranch Water’ brand, an RTD beverage producer known for drawing inspiration from the classic Texan ‘Ranch Water’ cocktail. The Ranch Water agave-flavoured range includes Original, Spicy, and Rio Red Grapefruit. Each 355ml can is said to be low calorie and low sugar. Commenting …
Darco Capital, via the newly-formed 1776 Spirits Company, has announced it has acquired the spirit brands American Harvest Vodka and Beach Whiskey. The new company said it intended to provide the infrastructure and resources to market the brands, distribute and expand distribution, and develop innovative products. Rebecca Running, CEO of 1776 Spiritsm said: “American Harvest Vodka is poised to appeal to today’s market of thoughtful, value-driven individuals. I see this fully …
Multinational brewer Heineken has announced the full acquisition of Brixton Brewery for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition comes three years after Heineken bought a 49% stake in the firm. According to sources, the founders of Brixton Brewery will continue leading the company operations. Jez Galaun, founder of Brixton Brewery commented: “When we look back over the past seven years, we honestly can’t believe how far we’ve come – from home …
Japanese-American firm Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest manufacturer of spirits, behind Diageo and Pernod Ricard, has closed an agreement with Ambev, Brazil’s largest beer manufacturer, to distribute its portfolio in Brazil. According to Distribuicao, from 2015 to July 2019 Beam Suntory’s portfolio was imported and sold by Bacardi, from which point Beam Suntory took over the operation in the country. In July last year, however, the firm announced an …
Minnesota, US based beverages firm Prestige Beverage Group has acquired the Windsor Canadian Whisky brand from global drinks group Beam Suntory. According to sources, Windsor Canadian Whisky, claimed to be one of the best-selling Canadian whiskies in the US, will continue to be produced at Beam Suntory’s Alberta Distillers site in western Canada. Scott Schilling, general manager and CMO of Prestige Beverage Group, said: “Windsor is a historic and beloved …
Family-owned business Remy Cointreau has announced the sale of its shares in the Passoa SAS joint venture to Lucas Bols for € 71.3 million ($86 million). The joint venture was established in December 2016 between Lucas Bols and Remy Cointreau to operate and further develop the Passoa passionfruit-flavoured liqueur brand in France and international markets. According to sources, Remy Cointreau was in charge of the distribution, manufacturing, trademark, and inventory of …
Bacardi, the world’s largest privately-held spirits company, has announced the launch of Twistails cocktails pods, designed to provide bar-quality cocktails at home. Launched in the UK and Germany, the dual-chamber cocktail pods are described as being filled with Bacardi rum and natural flavours, and are available in the flavours mojito, strawberry daiquiri, and rum punch. According to sources, consumers only need to add water and ice to the Twistails shaker, …
Leading alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced the acquisition of Chase Distillery, a firm specialising in products such as gin and potato vodka. According to Diageo, Chase Distillery has a portfolio of seven gins, four vodkas, and elderflower liqueur. The distillery has a focus on quality and sustainability, using British potatoes, apples, and botanicals from the Chase Farm, Diageo added. Dayalan Nayager, managing director, Diageo Great Britain, said: “We are …
Bacardi has announced plans to launch a 100% biodegradable spirits bottle to replace its existing packaging made from petroleum-based plastics. The new “eco-friendly spirit bottle” is designed to replace the 80 million plastic bottles – equivalent to 3,000 tons of plastic – currently produced by the company each year. According to Bacardi, the new bottle will be made possible through a partnership with Danimer Scientific, a leading developer and manufacturer of biodegradable …
Leading Danish brewer Carlsberg has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Wernesgruner brewery from Bitburger Braugruppe. According to Carlsberg, Wernesgruner is one of the most traditional German beer brands and will give Carlsberg a better position in northern and eastern Germany. The addition of the Wernesgruner brewery to theCarlsberg network will improve efficiency and flexibility in production and logistics to its German business, the company added. …
Finnish alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor Altia has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire its Norwegian competitor Arcus, forming a combined company named Anora According to Altia, the combined business will form a leading wine and spirits brand house offering a portfolio of local, regional, and global brands. Altia’s current shareholders will own 53.3% of the combined company, whereas Arcus’s owners will hold a 46.5% stake. Commenting on …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of gin brand Aviation American Gin, and its owner Davos Brands, for $610 million. The acquisition also add brands such as Astral tequila, Sombra mezcal, and TYKU sake to the Diageo portfolio. The acquisition supports the participation of Diageo in the super premium gin sector in the United States in line with its strategy to acquire high growth brands with attractive margins …
Family-owned wine importer Quintessential has announced the acquisition of US-produced wine portfolio of Accolade Wines for an undisclosed sum. With this deal, Quintessential will acquire the production, global sales, and marketing of four wine brands: Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak, Outlot and, XYZin. According to sources, this sale follows Accolade Wines’ strategy of “focus on building core international brands and markets”. Dennis Kreps, co-owner of Quintessential, said: “It is an honour …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the creation of what is says is the world’s first 100% plastic-free and paper-based spirits bottle, entirely made from “sustainably-sourced” wood pulp. Developed by packaging technology company Pulpex, the new bottle is said to be fully recyclable and “will allow brands to rethink their packaging designs, or move existing designs into paper, whilst not compromising on the existing quality of the product”, …
Liviko, an Estonia-based distiller, has announced the launch of the dual-purpose vodka Travel Safe bio, a drinking vodka that can be used as a disinfectant. Founded in 1898, Liviko is a well-known exporter of brands such as Vana Tallinn Liqueur, Crafter’s London Dry Gin, and Crafter’s Aromatic Flower Gin. Made from 100% organic grains, this new vodka is sold in travel-friendly bottles of 100ml and have an ABV of 60%, …
AB InBev, the giant brewer, has completed the sale of Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), its Australian subsidiary, to Asahi Group for approximately $11 billion. With this acquisition, Asahi Group will have the rights to commercialise AB InBev’s international brands in Australia. According to sources, the proceeds from this deal will be used to pay down AB InBev’s debt. Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev, said: “Despite the challenging environment, …
Carlsberg, the Danish beer giant, has announced a 60:40 joint venture in the UK with Marston’s with a combined value of £780 million. With the deal Carlsberg will become the controlling shareholder owning a 60% stake in the joint venture. The new company, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company will have a strong portfolio from both companies of international, national, and regional beers. Cees’t Hart, CEO of Carlsberg commented on the deal: …
Saudi Arabian food and drink company Almarai, has announced its plans to expand its current poultry production and manufacturing facilities with an investment of 275 million riyals ($73.33 million). Based in Riyadh, Almarai produces bakery, juices, dairy and baby nutrition products that are distributed across the Middle East and Africa, through retailers and foodservice channels. According to sources, the company’s board of directors also agreed to proceed with a study …
Pernod Ricard, the French producer of wines and spirits, has announced the acquisition of the remaining stake of the German gin brand Monkey 47 for an undisclosed sum. The deal was concluded after Pernod acquired a majority stake in the brand in 2016. Created in 2008 by The Black Forest Distillers, Monkey 47 is a gin produced with 47 plant ingredients such as spruce tips, lingonberries, elderflower, sloes, and blackberry leaves. …
Toast Ale, a UK-based brewing company, has announced the launch what is said to be the first beer created from leftover crumpets, the result of a partnership with bakery company Warburtons. Warburtons, described as a family business run by the fifth generation of the Warburton family, bakes millions of crumpets a year. The idea behind the launch, using surplus crumpets, is to give a second life to food waste. The …
Molson Coors, the North American brewer, has announced it is planning to close its factory in Irwindale, CA, with production scheduled to cease by September. The firm said the move followed its recently-announced plans “to revitalize and restructure the business to get back on track”. Molson Coors added that it had entered into an agreement with rival brewer Pabst, giving them an option to purchase the facility for around $150 million. The Los Angeles Times …
Innis & Gunn, the Scotland-based beermaker, has unveiled plans to build a new brewery at Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park, west of Edinburgh, UK at a cost of around £20 million ($26 million). Described as the first major brewery to be built in Edinburgh for 150 years, the new plant is also claimed to be the UK’s first major collaboration between a full-scale brewery and a university and will create a centre …
AB InBev subsidiary Carlton & United Breweries has announced the acquisition of Balter Brewing, a craft brewer based in Gold Coast, Australia, for an undisclosed sum. Balter Brewing, which brews a range of pale ales and lagers, is said to have witnessed strong growth since launching in 2016. The company said the the deal would help it achieve its sustainability goals, as well as allowing it to upgrade capacity and hospitality at its …
Lion Australia, the Kirin-owned drinks firm, has announced it has stepped up its presence in craft beer with the acquisition of independent US-based beermaker New Belgium Brewing, via its Lion Little World Beverages division. Established in 1991, New Belgium Brewing is said to have grown to become a leading craft brewer, marketing brands such as Fat Tire Amber Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA, and operating breweries in Fort Collins, Colorado …
Heineken, the Dutch beer giant, has announced plans to double its manufacturing capacity in Brazil to meet rising demand, according to a New Trade report quoting Valor Economico. The company is said to be investing R$985 million ($247 million) to expand capacity at its Araraquara, Itu and Jacarei sites in Sao Paulo, as well as factories at Alagoinhas in Bahia and Ponta Grossa in Parana. The move reportedly follows double-digit growth …
Campari, the Italian spirits firm, has announced it has taken a majority stake in the spirits firms Licorera Ancho Reyes and Casa Montelobos, respectively the owners of the “super premium” spicy liqueur Ancho Reyes and mezcal Montelobo, for $35.7 million. Ancho Reyes is described as a natural and authentic liqueur made from ancho and poblano chiles cultivated in the volcano-enriched soils of Puebla, Mexico, and is said to offer an ideal …
Carlsberg, the Danish beer giant, has unveiled two new research prototypes as part of its Green Fibre Bottle initiative, a project to develop a fully biodegradable wood-fibre drinks bottle which it first announced in 2015. The beermaker said it would now also be joined in the project by Coca-Cola, Absolut and L’Oreal in a paper bottle “community” launched by Paboco, a joint venture between packaging company BillerudKorsnas and bottle manufacturing specialist Alpla. The two …
Fraser and Neave, the Singapore-based brewing firm, has announced it is returning to Myanmar with the start of commercial operations at its new Emerald Brewery in Hlegu Township, Yangon. The $70 million facility will brew and market Chang Lager beer, as well as building distribution across Myanmar. Annual beer capacity at the site will be 500,000 hectolitres. Commenting on the investment, Fraser and Neave CEO Edmond Neo said: “Our ambition is to …
Carlton & United Breweries, the beermaker and AB InBev subsidiary, has announced the acquisition of Riot Wine, an Australian wine firm using exclusively in kegs and cans, for an undisclosed sum. Riot Wine, which markets a flagship rose among other products, said its approach offers consumers a superior and more sustainable product. Launched in 2016, Riot Wine is now available across Australia in both the on- and off-trade. Commenting on …
Mahou Group, the leading Spanish brewer, has upped its stake in the US-based craft beer maker Founders Brewing, increasing its holding to 90%, according to reports in Food Business African and FoodBev. Mahou Group originally took a 30% stake in the Michigan craft brewery in 2014 with a $96 million investment. Commenting on the deal, Founders Brewing president and co-founder Mike Stevens said: “We are fortunate to have a partner …
Diageo, the global spirits giant, has announced it will close its manufacturing facility in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, in South Korea in around nine months’ time, according to a report in The Spirits Business. The firm is previously quoted as saying that the Scotch whisky sector is experiencing a slowdown as consumers switch to lower-alcohol alternatives. Per Diageo’s fiscal 2019 results, net sales in Korea declined 11% due to lower sales …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has broken ground on a malt whisky distillery in Emeishan, China, as part of a $150 million investment by the company over the next 10 years, according to a report in Food Business Africa. The distillery, which will also house a visitor centre, will start production in 2021, with the first batch of whisky expected to be released in 2023. Commenting on the investment, …
US-based alcoholic drinks firm Constellation Brands has announced it has acquired a minority stake in Durham Distillery, a craft gin, vodka, liqueur and ready-to-drink canned cocktail producer located in Durham, NC, USA. The Durham Distillery product line includes Conniption Navy Strength Gin and Conniption American Dry Gin, Damn Fine Liqueurs (Chocolate, Mocha and Coffee), Cold Distilled Cucumber Vodka, and ready-to-drink canned cocktails (Conniption Gin & Tonic, Cucumber Vodka & Soda, …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of Castle Brands, a New York based spirits firm, for $223 million. Castle Brands market a range of “high end premium brands” that includes Arran whisky, Boru Irish vodka, Brady’s Irish cream, Clontarf whiskey, Celtic honey liqueur, Goslings rum, Gozio amaretto, Jefferson’s bourbon, Knappogue Castle whiskey and Pallini liqueurs. Commenting on the deal, Pernod Ricard chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard, said: …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks multinational, has announced plans to invest R$100 million ($24 million) to construct a new facility for its Ypioca cachaca brand in north-eastern Brazil, according to a report in Giro News. Located in Itaitinga, in Ceara state, the new plant will bring together manufacturing and administrative operations for the Ypioca brand, which Diageo acquired at the end of 2012 for around $450 million. The new site …
CK Asset Holdings, a Hong Kong private equity company, has agreed a deal to acquire Greene King, Britain’s largest pub and brewery company, in a deal worth £4.6 billion ($5.6 billion), according to a Reuters report. CK Asset Holdings is said to be paying £2.7 billion ($3.3 billion) for the beer firm, in addition to assuming its debt. The Hong Kong firm already holds a 3% stake in Greene King …
Constellation Brands, the leading wine and spirits ompan company, has announced an agreement to sell its Black Velvet Canadian whisky brand to the distiller Heaven Hill for approximately $266 million. The firm said the sale formed part ot its “wine and spirits business transformation strategy”, including a focus on premium brands. The deal, which also includes a facility in Lethbridge, Canada and other brands associated with Black Velvet, is expected to be closed in the …
Wine and spirits company Pernod Ricard has announced the acquisition of Firestone & Robertson, the owner of the TX brand range of “super-premium” whiskey and bourbon, via its US arm, for an undisclosed sum. The deal also includes the “Whiskey Ranch” distillery in Fort Worth, Texas, “where consumers can enjoy the full TX brand Experience”. In a press release, Pernod Ricard said the acquisition was another example of the company expanding its …
US-based alcoholic drinks firm Constellation Brands has announced it has acquired a minority stake in Montanya Distillers, a US rum firm, for an undisclosed sum. Montanya Distillers was originally founded in Silverton, CO in 2008 by Karen and Brice Hoskin and markets the Montanya Platino, Montanya Oro, Montanya Exclusiva, and Montanya Aniversaria range of rum. Montanya Distillers sells its rums in over 40 states and 7 countries around the world, …
Campari, the Italy-based spirits group, has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Compagnie Financiere Chevrillon and a group of minority shareholders to acquire the French company Rhumantilles, owner of 96.5% of the Martinique-based rum maker Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs. Campari described Bellonnie & Bourdillon Successeurs as “an iconic ‘Rhum Agricole’ producer with secular know-how rooted in craftsmanship and French Caribbean tradition”. The firm owns Trois Rivieres and …
AB InBev, the world-leading brewer, has announced it has agreed to divest Carlton & United Breweries to Japanese beermaker Asahi for an enterprise value of A$16 billion ($11.3 billion). As part of the transaction, AB InBev said it would grant Asahi the rights to commercialize the portfolio of AB InBev’s global and international brands in Australia. The majority of the proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down …
Peroni, the Italian beer firm now owned by Asahi, has announced it has invested €13 million ($14.6 million) to open a new line at its bottling plant in the southern Italian city of Bari. The company said recent investments at the site had allowed it to surpass volumes of 1.8 million hectolitres in 2018, representing an increase of 5.7% on 2017. Commenting on the investment, Bari plant director Michele Cason …
Anheuser-Busch, the leading US brewer and AB InBev subsidiary, has announced it will take full control of wine company Babe Wine through its affiliate ZX Ventures, by buying the outstanding shares in the firm. Babe Wine was launched as Swish Beverage in 2016, with the aim of creating a “fun, inclusive and portable product”. According to Anheuser-Busch, Babe Wine’s portfolio of rose, pinot grigio and red canned wine has led …
Mahou San Miguel, the Spanish beer firm, has announced it has acquired a 70% stake in Madrid-based craft brewer Brutus for an undisclosed sum. The leading Spanish beermaker said Brutus would complement its portfolio and support its premiumisation strategy. Founded in 2015, Brutus is positioned as a “next generation” beer and has been rolled out in 350 “select” locations in major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Post-acquisition, the …
Pernod Ricard, the world’s number two wine and spirits firm, has announced it is re-entering the bourbon whiskey space with the acquisition of a majority share in Rabbit Hole, a Lousville, KY whiskey maker. The deal will see Rabbit Hole added to Pernod Ricard’s New Brand Ventures portfolio of speciality brands that includes Smooth Ambler whiskey and Del Maguey mezcal. Rabbit Hole’s straight bourbon and rye whiskeys are described as …
AG Barr, the UK drinks firm behind the Irn-Bru and Rubicon brands, has announced a minority investment in the start-up alcohol-free spirits business Elegantly Spirited, owner of the Stryyk brand. As part of the minority investment, AG Barr said its Funkin subsidiary has entered into a long-term agreement to act as exclusive UK distributor for all Elegantly Spirited products, in addition to the AG Barr group investing an initial £1 …
Brown-Forman, the owner of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand, has announced it is strengthening its presence in the crafts spirits space with the acquisition of The 86 Company, the owner of the Fords Gin brand. Distilled in London, Fords Gin is described as a collaboration between Simon Ford and Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers. Said to be a mix of nine botanicals, Fords Gin starts with a traditional base of …
Remy Cointreau, the leading French spirits firm, has announced it is to acquire brandy maker Maison de Cognac JR Brillet and part of its vineyard estate. “Since the beginning of the Brillet family’s history in the 17th century, Maison JR Brillet has built up a vineyard estate and a stock of eaux-de-vie that enables it to produce high-end products”, Remy Cointreau said in a statement. “The acquisition of Maison JR …
Boston Beer, the owner of the Samuel Adams brand, has announced it has acquired Dogfish Head, a leading craft beer firm, for $300 million. In a press release, the two firms said the merger would create “a powerful American-owned platform for craft beer and beyond”. “The new entity will possess more than half a century of Craft brewing expertise, a balanced portfolio of leading beer and “beyond beer” brands at …
Constellation Brands, the wine and spirits firm, has announced it has acquired a majority stake in Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, a craft whiskey firm. Co-founded by brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery produces a variety of whiskeys under the Belle Meade Bourbon brand and is set to release a Tennessee whiskey later this year. Constellation Brands said it had initially acquired in minority stake in the whiskey …
Constellation Brands, the US wine and spirits firm, has announced it has taken a minority stake in Los Angeles-based mezcal firm El Silencio via its venture capital arm for an undisclosed sum. Available in the varieties Ensamble and Espadin, El Silencio is described as being made using “meticulously picked agaves” which are “roasted, crushed, and double distilled resulting in a full-bodied flavour”. The product is manufactured in Oaxaca, Mexico and …
Pernod Ricard, the leading wine and spirits firm, has announced it has reached an agreement with US spirits distributor Biggar & Leith for the acquisition of the Italian gin brand Malfy. Malfy is described as a range of gins distilled by the Vergnano family in the Italian region of Moncalieri, and is already present in international markets such as the USA, UK and Germany. Each gin in the Malfy range …
Lion, the Australian food and drinks firm owned by Kirin, has continued its recent spate of acquisitions with the purchase of UK craft beer maker Magic Rock Brewing. Founded in 2011 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Magic Rock Brewing produces a range of beers describd as being “inspired by local brewing traditions and the vibrant US craft beer scene”. The firm’s volumes are said to have tripled since it moved to a …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 27th March 2019: This month’s Innovation Insight delves into the world of low-sugar, low-alcohol drinks, shining a spotlight on a new launch that creatively fuses together flavoured alcoholic beverages and bottled water: Balans Aqua Spritz. Promoted as “a brand new Swedish brand and drinks concept”, Balans Aqua Spritz is described as a 4% abv alcohol-infused sparkling water with a hint of natural fruit …
Australian beverage and dairy company Lion is making its first major foray into the spirits sector with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Four Pillars Gin. Founded in Healesville in 2013, Four Pillars Gin is a craft distiller offering gins such as Rare Dry, Spiced Negroni, Navy Strength and Bloody Shiraz. It currently has distribution in 25 markets worldwide including UK, Nordics, Singapore, New Zealand or USA. Lion added …
Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of UK alcoholic drinks giant Diageo, has unveiled the launch of Guinness Gold, a new lager designed especially for the Nigerian market. Infused with crystal and amber malt, Guinness Gold is described as offering a depth of flavour and as using the same yeast as the original Guinness stout. Commenting on the launch, Guinness Nigeria marketing director Adenike Adebola said: “We are thrilled to see the …
Halewood, the UK-based wine and spirits firm, is expanding its footprint in Australia by buying local spirits firm Ironbark Distillery and setting up a dedicated Australian division, according to a report in Spirits Business. Based in New South Wales, Ironbark Distillery markets vodka, gin, rum and moonshine, which are described as being produced using local mountain spring water. Under the terms of the deal, the distillery’s flagship brand Ironbark Dry …
Central Cervecera de Colombia (CCC), a joint venture aimed at tapping demand for beer and malted drinks in Colombia, has announced the launch of a new brand called Andina and has also revealed plans to start producing international beer brands in its new plant. The CCC joint venture was formed in 2014 by Chile’s Compania de las Cervecerias Unidas (CCU) and Postobon, with the intention of investing in a new …
Fuller’s, the UK beermaker, has announced it has entered into an agreement for the sale of its entire beer business to the European division of Japanese drinks giant Asahi for an enterprise value of £250 million on a debt free, cash free basis. The business being sold comprises the entirety of Fuller’s beer, cider and soft drinks brewing and production, wine wholesaling, as well as distribution, and also includes the Griffin Brewery, …
Diageo, the UK based alcoholic drinks giant, has announced the sell-off of 19 brands to the US spirits firm Sazerac for an aggregate consideration of $550 million. The transaction includes the whiskey brands Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 83 and Seagram’s Five Star, the rum brands Myers’s and, Parrot Bay, the sambuca brand Romana, the vodka brand Popov, the liqueur brands Yukon Jack and Goldschlager, and the cocktail brand Stirrings, alongside brands such …
Global brewer Heineken is investing €28.9 million ($32.9 million) to boost production at its brewery at La Valentine, near Marseille, France, according to a Business Insider France report. The expansion works, which are set to begin at the start of 2019 and run for one year, will reportedly increase capacity at the site by 35% to 450,000 hectolitres. The upgrade will also enable production of the Desperados beer brand at …
Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers has announced an investment of €150 million (USD173.5 million) to expand and upgrade its sites in Cork and Dublin as response of the continued rise in demand for Irish whiskey. Out of the total investment, €130 million ($150.5 million) will be allocated for the firm’s Midleton distillery, and maturation site in Dungourney, Co Cork, expanding capacity with the construction of eight new maturation warehouses, each holding 16,800 …
Global beverage giant Diageo, through its Distill Ventures arm, has acquired Westward, a leader in the American single malt whiskey category, for an undisclosed amount. The investment includes both the current distillery in Portland as well as the whiskey brand and inventory, reportedl allowing the distillery to expand capacity by 40% next year. Westward whiskey will continue to be made exclusive at its Portland facility, with the business founders and …
Leading brewer Carlsberg has announced a series of changes that aim to reduce plastic waste by more than 1,200 tonnes a year. The main improvement is a new “Snap Pack” for its beer multipacks that replaces plastic wrap with a technology that glues the cans together. The new technique is said to have taken three years to achieve and will reduce the amount of plastic used in multi-packs by 76%, the …
French farming and food cooperative Agrial has announced the acquisition of UK cider producer Aston Manor. Financial terms were not disclosed. Agrial has 150 processing sites in 15 countries and develops food-processing activities in the fields of milk, fresh produce, beverages and meat. Aston Manor is the UK’s largest independent cider producer, operating four sites and manufacturing brands such as such as Kingstone Press, Frosty Jack’s and Knights , as well …
Carlsberg, one of the leading global brewers, has announced plans to invest up to €100 million ($117 million) to upgrade its Kronenbourg brewery in Obernai, France. “Today, Carlsberg’s rich heritage and close ties to France are perfectly united with our ambitions to invest further in our successful French business,” said Carlsberg CEO, Cees’t Hart. “We are proud of our position as the leading French brewer and of the impressive growth …
Multinational brewer Heineken has announced the signing of a non-binding agreement with China Resources Enterprise (CRE) and China Resources Beer (CR Beer) that will strengthen the Dutch firm’s presence in the Far East. The $3.1 billion agreement will create a long-term strategic partnership in which Heineken will become a 40% minority partner of CRH Beer, the Chinese beer market leader and controller of CR Beer. Under the terms of the …
Latin American wine maker Vina Concha y Toro has announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in US distributor Excelsior Wines, America Retail reports. Excelsior Wines is the exclusive distributor of Concha y Toro as well as its Argentine property Trivento in North America. It also markets the Little Black Dress and Five Rivers lines of Californian wines. According to the Chilean firm, the acquisition represents an investment of $40.5 …
US-based alcoholic drinks firm Constellation Brands has announced the acquisition of Four Corners Brewing, a Texan craft brewery founded in 2012, for an undisclosed sum. The craft beer brand will join California’s Ballast Point Brewing and Florida’s Funky Buddha Brewery within Constellation’s Craft and Speciality beer group. Four Corners flagship brands are Local Buzz Honey-Rye Golden Ale and El Chingon IPA. The firm is described as brewing “an entire portfolio …
Lion, the Australian drinks and dairy firm, has announced the acquisition of UK craft beermaker Fourpure Brewing Co for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2013 by brothers Daniel and Thomas Lowe, Fourpure Brewing Co offers a range of beer “inspired by adventure”. The flagship range comprises Session IPA, Easy Peeler Citrus Session IPA, American Pale, Pils Lager and Oatmeal Stout. The company also offers a range of seasonal and special edition …
Mast-Jagermeister, the manufacturer of herbal liqueurs, has taken a stake in craft gin brand Gin Sul, according to a report in About Drinks. Described as a Hamburg gin with Portuguese roots, Gin Sul features as a key botanical cistus ladanifer, a citrus-flavoured plant that is said to grow wild on Portugal’s Costa Vicentina. Described as one of Germany’s leading premium gin brands, Gin Sul is sold in white-coloured bottles and is …
Gin and craft beer producer Colonsay Beverages has announced a new vodka which is said to be the first in the UK to be distilled from oats. In order to create the product, the Scottish craft distillery said it had added oats to a refurbished copper pot still along with wheat and rye, resulting in a higher-than-average strength of 43% abv. According to a report in Foodbev, Colonsay Beverages developed …
Constellation Brands, the leading international beer, wine and spirits firm, has announced the launch of the first ever ready-to-drink product line under its Svedka vodka brand. Described as a cocktail-inspired malt-based beverage infused with blends of natural fruit and botanical flavours, Svedka Spiked Premium Seltzer is said to contain 100 calories, 3.5g sugar and 4.5% abv per can and is available in three flavours: Tangerine Hibiscus, Strawberry Elderflower and Cucumber …
Domaine Select, a US-based importer of wine and spirits, has announced the acquisition of Atlantico, a rum brand originating from the Dominican Republic. Founded in 2008, Atlantico is described as a super-premium rum brand that is available in the US and 12 international markets. As part of the deal, Domaine Select said it had taken over the day-to-day sales, marketing and operations associated with the import and export of the brand …
Heineken, the global beer giant, has acquired a minority stake in UK-based Beavertown for £40 million ($55 million). The cash injection is said to be targeted at buiilding a new 125,000 sq ft plant that will allow Beavertown to increase its brewing capacity tenfold, up to a total of 450,000 hl. It is estimated the facility will create around 150 jobs while the current site in Tottenham will be used …
Dutch brewer Heineken is expanding its presence in Central America with the acquisition of a minority stake in Belize Brewing, the leading beer firm in Belize. Belize Brewing is a subsidiary of Bowen & Bowen, which has been an importer and distributor of Heineken brands including Heineken, Amstel and Red Stripe in Belize since 2016. The firm also produces the market leading beer brand Belikin. Commenting, on the deal Marc Busain, President Americas at …
Diageo, the global spirits firm, is making a further play in the mezcal space with the acquisition of ultra-premium brand Pierde Almas. Pierde Almas is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico from naturally fermented agave and is know for its social, cultural and environment awareness, the Spirits Business reports. The mezcal will be the second in Diageo’s portfolio. Its first was launched last year, following the company’s acquisition of the Casamigos business in a …
Diageo, the global spirits giant, has announced the latest addition to its Ketel One vodka line in the US – Ketel One Botanical. Promoted with the tagline “real botanicals – fresh taste”, Ketel One Botanical vodka is described as being “distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit and botanical essences”. The new spirit, which has 30% ABV, is further promoted as being made with 100% non-GMO grain and as …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced the launching of a new cider brand exclusively for the Irish market Developed by Heineken Ireland, Appleman’s is said to be haven specifically made to suit Irish consumer taste preferences and is described as “beautifully simple, perfectly balanced and effortlessly refreshing cider”. The company claims that the new cider is twice pressed “by fourth generation Cider Masters” and thus offers a taste that is …
AB InBev Efes, the company formed by the merger of AB InBev’s operations in Russia and Ukraine with those of Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes, is launching a new radler beer brand in Russia in a bid to appeal to millennial consumers, according to a report in Sostav.ru. The new brand, called What The Fruit?, is described as a classic light beer blended with natural fruit juice, and is being made available …
Global beer giant AB InBev, via its venture capital division ZX Ventures, has announced the acquisition of UK-based spirits producer company Atom Group for an undisclosed amount. The deal will see AB InBev acquire Atom Group’s three business units: the online alcohol retailer Master of Malt, spirits distributor Maverick Drinks as well as spirits maker Atom Brands whose portfolio includes Ableforth’s gin and rum, The Handmade Cocktail Company and The …
Luxco, a US spirits firm, has announced that it has acquired a controlling stake in Niche Drinks, a maker of whiskey and liqueur based in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1983 and with a manufacturing site in the city of Derry, Niche Drinks produces a range of cream liqueurs, whiskeys and ready to drink cocktails for retail customers in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Europe, as well as marketing products under …
Mahou San Miguel, the leading Spanish brewer, has announced the acquisition of 51.78% of bottled mineral water company Aguas del Valle de La Orotava. Aguas del Valle de La Orotava is a Canary Islands based company which owns the Fonteide and Los Alpes mineral water brands, as well as two springs on Tenerife. Mahou San Miguel said the deal would boost its position in the mineral water sector in Spain …
BrewDog, the UK-based beer firm, is expanding into the cider space with the acquisition of London producer Hawkes. Positioned as “saviours of cider”, Hawkes markets a range of cider under the Urban Orchard, Soul Trader and Elephants on Ice, as well as an alcoholic ginger beer and a cider / beer hybrid under the Hawkes name. In a statement, BrewDog said: “Hawkes’ approach to cider parallels our heritage with beer, …
Brasserie Goudale, a French beermaker, is set to more than double its production capacity through a €45 million ($56 million) investment, according to a report in Usine Nouvelle. The brewer is investing the funds at its facility in Arques in the Pas de Calais region of France, less than two years after first opening the site. Initiated in January, works at the site include a new brewery, which will be …
Constellation Brands, the US-based alcoholic drinks firm, is to invest $900 million to upgrade capacity at its Obregon brewery in Mexico, according to a report in Just Drinks. Constellation Brands bought the plant from AB InBev subsidiary Grupo Modelo at the end of 2016 with the aim of enhancing its ability to serve its largest beer markets in the western USA. The investment at the Obregon site is set to …
Henkell, the German subsidiary of the Dr. Oetker group specializing in wines and spirits, has announced the acquisition of 50.67% of the shares Spanish firm Freixenet, in a move that is claimed will create the world’s leading sparkling wine group. Henkell said the companies respective portfolios and international presence would “complement each other perfectly”. “While Freixenet stands for the world’s leading cava brand, Henkell’s Mionetto Prosecco is the world’s leading Prosecco and …
Font Salem, the Spanish leader in private label products and co-packing, has announced that it intends to invest €40 million ($49.3 million) over the next three years to expand its plant in Santarem, Portugal. Part of Grupo Damm, Font Salem is one of the biggest beer manufacturers in Spain, as well as producing a variety of still and sparkling soft drinks and water. The Santarem factory is described as Grupo …
Halewood, a UK wine and spirits specialist, has announced the acquisition of spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers from Cornwall-based Rum & Crab Shack. The deal takes Halewood’s premium rum portfolio to four brands. The firm also markets Rum Sixty-Six, Liverpool Rum and Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Spiced Rum. Dead Man’s Fingers was created in 2015 as a blend of Caribbean rums, featuring notes of saffron cake, sweet Pedro X ice …
The Indian arm of global beer giant Carlsberg has announced that it has set up a new brewery in the state of Karnataka to further strengthen its capacity in the southern region of India. The new brewery will take Carlsberg’s total production facilities in India to eight. The “state-of-the-art brewery” is described as extending over 27.1 acres of land, with a green area of 48,000 sqm. Located in Nanjangud Taluka, near …
Bacardi, the world’s largest privately-held spirits company, has announced that it is to acquire 100% of tequila firm Patron for an enterprise value of $5.1 billion. Bacardi had previously acquired a minority stake in Patron in 2008. The deal is set to make Bacardi the number one spirits player in the super-premium segment in the US, as well as the second largest spirits player in the country by value market share, …
Constellation Brands, the leading wine, beer and spirits firm, has announced that it is taking a majority stake in US-based craft distiller Copper & Kings. Based in Louisville, KY, Copper & Kings produces a range of “untraditional, non-derivative” spirits including apple and grape brandies, absinthe, gin and liqueurs that are said to be non-chill filtered with no added colours, flavours or synthetic chemicals. In a statement, Constellation Brands said: “The collaboration …
Molson Coors, the US-based beer giant, has announced that it is to acquire UK cider firm Aspall for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1728, Suffolk-based Aspall is an established brand of cider and cider vinegars whose brand portfolio includes Premium Cru Cyder, Aspall Cyder, Clement’s Four, Cyderkyn and Imperial Vintage. Molson Coors’ said that Aspall’s “high-quality portfolio strengthens Molson Coors’ position in a fast-growing market for premium cider in the UK”. Commenting …
Asahi, the Japanese drinks giant, has announced that it is selling its 20% stake in Chinese beermaker Tsingtao Brewery in a deal worth about $941 million. The group first announced that it was looking to sell its holding in Tsingtao Brewery in October 2017. An 18% stake is being sold to the Chinese conglomerate Fosun for about $847 million, while Tsingtao Brewery itself will pay about $94 million for the …
Campari, the Italian spirits group, has announced that it is to buy brandy firm Bisquit Dubouche from its South African counterpart Distell. Established in 1819, Bisquit Dubouche offers a classic range of cognacs – namely Bisquit VS Classique, Bisquit VSOP, Bisquit Prestige and Bisquit XO, together with “rare collections” and limited editions, that are claimed to be “characterized by craft and unique features”. The Bisquit Cognac brand is expected to achieve pro-forma net sales of around €9 million ($10.7 million) in the …
ThaiBev, the leading Thai drinks firm, has announced that it has made a successful bid to acquire a majority stake in Vietnam’s state-owned beer maker Sabeco. In a statement, ThaiBev said it had agreed to acquire approximately 53.59% of all outstanding ordinary shares in Sabeco for an aggregrate price of approximately 156 billion THB ($4.77 billion). ThaiBev ultimately emerged as the only bidder for Sabeco, despite previous reports that a number …
Becle, the owner of the tequila brand Jose Cuervo, has announced that it is to acquire whisky brand Pendleton Whisky from spirits firm Hood River Distillers in a deal worth $205 million. Launched in 2003, Pendleton Whisky is described as one of the leading super-premium whisky brands in the USA and has an annual sales volume equal to more than 250,000 nine litre case equivalents. In addition to the flagship Pendleton Whisky, the firm …
Heineken, the global beer giant, has announced that laid the foundation stone of its first brewery in Mozambique following an investment of $100 million. Located in the province of Maputo, the brewery will have a production capacity of 0.8 million hectolitres and will brew beers for domestic consumption, with operations expected to begin by the first half of 2019. Heineken has been operating in Mozambique since 2016 via a sales and …
Pirate Life, a craft brewer based in Adelaide, Australia is to be bought by global beermaker AB InBev via its subsidiary Carlton United Breweries. Announcing the move in a statement, the two firms said the deal would enable Pirate Life to “continue its unprecedented growth path”. Established in 2014, Pirate Life produces a range of largely canned ales and stouts from its brewery in Hindmarsh, South Australia. The acquisition is …
LVMH, the high-end wine and spirits firm, has announced the acquisition of a 60% stake in California-based winery Colgin Cellars. Founded by Ann Colgin in Napa Valley 25 years ago, Colgin Cellars is noted for wines such as Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Cariad Napa Valley Red Wine, IX Estate Napa Valley Red Wine and IX Estate Syrah. According to the company website, “Colgin Cellars produces exquisitely handcrafted red wines using only the finest neo-classical winemaking …
Milestone Brands, a US spirits brand created in 2016, has announced the acquisition of the rights to the Naranja liqueur brand from Pura Vida Spirits. Naranja is an orange liqueur described as having being distilled in Mexico since 1933. Milestone Brands said it intended to relaunch the brand in January 2018, with production to be handled by La Madrilena, a Mexican corporation and brand owner of Controy, original creators of …
Stoli Group, part of the leading wine & spirits firm SPI Group, has announced the construction of a new “bourbon destination” in the US state of Kentucky, comprising a “state-of-the-art distillery and unprecedented visitor center”. The new 420 acre facility is being built to support the Kentucky Owl bourbon brand that was added to the Stoli Group portfolio earlier in 2017. The site will also include a bottling facility and rickhouses in which the …
South African Breweries (SAB), a subsidiary of global beer giant AB InBev, has announced the launched of Castle Free lager, described as the first alcohol-free lager to be brewed in South Africa. The new product, an extension of the existing Castle lager brand, is said to have been the result of an investment of 30 million ZAR ($2.1 million). According to a report in FastMoving, the move is described as …
ThaiBev, Thailand’s largest beverage company, has announced the purchase of a 75% of stake in Myanmar Distillery Company (MDC) for $1 billion. MDC, the largest spirits company in Myanmar, produces and sells a range of whiskies and gins at its facilities in Mandalay and Yangon, including the flagship Grand Royal whiskey brand which has over 60% market share. Commenting on the move in a statement, ThaiBev said: “The acquisition enables …
China Foods, a division of Chinese conglomerate Cofco, has announced that it is to offload its wine and non-beverage business, including the flagship Great Wall brand, in a deal worth 5,069 million HKD ($649.2 million). Explaining the rationale for the decision in a statement, China Foods said: “The wine industry in the PRC has faced increasing competition and is expected to remain in a slow growth rate in the next three …
Coca Cola Amatil (CCA), a leading bottler of Coca-Cola and other soft drinks in the Asia Pacific region, has announced the acquisition of Australian craft brewer Feral Brewing. Based in Perth, Western Australia, Feral Brewing produces a range of bottled craft ales under brand names such as Smoked Porter, Karma Citra and Sly Fox. The product range is distributed across Australia through speciality retailers. Commenting on the move, CCA Alcohol …
Japan-based drinks firm Asahi has announced its intention to sell part or all of its 20% stake in Tsingtao Brewery, the second-largest beer maker in China, for around $1.2 billion. The stake was originally acquired by Asahi in 2009 from Belgium-based beermaker AB InBev for around $666 million. Asahi has been shedding a number of its assets in Asian markets in order to refocus on the growth of its overseas …
Les Grands Chais de France, France’s leading private winemaker, is to acquire German wine group Binderer, according to a report in WeinWirtschaft. The deal is said to include Binderer St. Ursula Weinkellerei and the Hungarian group Danubiana, as well as subsidiaries St Rochusberg Weinhandels, Torre Giacomol and Binderer Wine Select. Binderer markets wines from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary and the New World and exports to 20 international markets, chiefly Great Britain, …
De Kuyper, a Netherlands-based spirits producer, is acquiring the Heering liqueur brand from Danish firm Peter Heering, FoodBev reports. The Heering lineup consists of a cherry and a coffee liqueur that are both promoted for their use in cocktails. Heering Cherry Liqueur has been produced since 1818, while Heering Coffee Liqueur was launched in 2007. Advertised as “the original ‘cherry brandy’ “, Heering Cherry Liqueur is said to be available in …
Global beer giant AB InBev has announced the acquisition of Manly, Australia based craft beer maker 4 Pines Brewery for an undisclosed sum. The purchase will see 4 Pines Brewery join other Australian brands that are under the Carlton & United Breweries umbrella in the country, including Victoria Bitter, Carlton Draught, Pure Blonde and Great Northern. 4 Pines will reportedly continue to operate from its Manly and Brookvale breweries, while …
Mexican beverage company FEMSA has announced the sale of a 5.24% stake in beer firm Heineken. According to Heineken, FEMSA has divested 22,485,00 shares in Heineken NV, which represents 3.90% of the issued share capital, at a price of €84.50 ($101.28) per share, and 7,700,00 shares in Heineken Holding NV, representing 2.67% of the issued share capital, at a price of €78 ($93.49) per share. The sale of around €2.5 …
South African wine and spirits group Distell has announced the sale of wine farms and brands with the aim of doubling revenue and profits by 2021. According to Supermarket & Retailer, Distell CEO Richard Rushton said that the company had already sold the La Bonheur and Stellenzicht wine farms and respective brands, which were part of the Lusan premium wine estate. The move will allow Distell to “redouble our efforts …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 21st August 2017: Craft beer continues to get creative, using bold new flavours, innovative ingredients and tongue-in-cheek branding to tempt millennial drinkers. This month’s Innovation Insight looks at the latest brand looking to leave its mark in the flavoured craft segment – Not Your Mom’s Artisanal Brews. Newly released by US-based craft brewer Small Town Brewery, Not Your Mom’s is a “collection of artisanal …
Gallo Winery, a wine, spirits and FAB producer, has announced the acquisition of Germain-Robin, a luxury brandy from California, USA. The deal includes the Germain-Robin brand, inventory of aged and aging brandies and all finished products. Founded by Ansley Coale and Hubert Germain-Robin, Germain-Robin is claimed to have innovated by blending cognac traditions and techniques with California winemaking and premium grapes. Ernest J Gallo, general manager of Gallo’s Spirits said: “We are …
Global beer giant AB InBev has announced that it is merging operations in Russia and Ukraine with Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes. Reuters reports that the two companies are seeking to strengthen their position in a declining beer market, with sales having dipped following increasing regulation and taxes imposed by the Russian government. The announcement of the non-binding agreement follows AB InBev’s acquisition of a 24% stake in Anadolu Efes as …
Minnesota, US based beverage maker Cold Spring Brewing has been acquired by Brynwood Partners, as the private equity firm further expands its portfolio of consumer brands. Founded in 1874, Cold Spring Brewing produces non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and beer for other companies’ brands and retailer private labels, as well as brewing beer under their own brand. The company employs about 350 workers and records annual sales of more than $60 …
Constellation Brands, the leading wine, beer and spirits firm, has announced the acquisition of Florida-based craft brewer Funky Buddha. Funky Buddha is described as the fastest growing craft brewery in Florida, with brands including Floridian Hefeweizen and Hop Gun IPA. The firm’s 54,000 sq ft brewery has a capacity of 45,000 BBLs, and is said to be South Florida’s largest craft microbrewery by size and volume. Funky Buddha will join Constellation Brands’ Craft & …
Japan’s leading brewer Sapporo has acquired US firm Anchor Brewing for $85 million. Described as one of the US’s original craft breweries, Anchor Brewing was founded in San Francisco in 1896 and is now the 22nd largest in the country, according to the Brewers Association, generating $33 million in revenue in 2016. Many of Japan’s leading brewers have been strengthening their hand in overseas markets in recent times. Kirin has …
Campari, the Italian wine and spirits firm, has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell the Carolans and Irish Mist liqueur brands to Heaven Hill Brands, America’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled-spirits company, for $165 million. According to Campari, the sale of 100% of the share capital was made through TJ Carolan & Son Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary – and the deal includes the sale …
Alcohol beverage maker Agave Loco has announced a new line of ready-to-drink alcoholic iced coffee under the FrappaChata brand name n the USA. The arabica and robusta based coffee drinks, blended with RumChata cream liqueur, offer “a rich, dark roast coffee flavour highlighted by the sweet smooth taste of RumChata”, and are claimed to be “the first and only premium product on the market”. RumChata founder Tom Maas said: “FrappaChata …
Pernod Ricard, the global wine and spirits firm, has announced the disposal of its Glenvallachie whisky brand to a consortium of Scotch whisky executives through its Chivas Brothers subsidiary. The transaction includes the Glenallachie single malt brand and the MacNair’s and White Heather blended scotch brands, as well as relevant inventories, Pernod Ricard said in a statement, adding that the sale was “in line with Pernod Ricard’s strategy to focus …
Brazilian beverage producer Ambev has introduced a new alcoholic drink inspired by flavours from the northeast of Brazil, named Livramento (‘Deliverance’). Produced in the northeast of Brazil and described by being inspired by the culture of the region, the new lightly sparkling drink is available in the flavours of Honey & Lime and Catuaba (a medicinal plant that reputedly has aphrodisiac effects). According to Embalagem Marca, Livramento was designed around …
Global beverage giant Diageo has confirmed the acquisition of Casamigos, a “super-premium” tequila brand for $1 billion. Casamiro was founded in 2013, and is described by Diageo as the fastest growing tequila brand in the US, increasinb sales by 54% over the last two years. The transaction, where is expected to close in the second half of 2017, values the company at up to $1 billion. Diageo will pay $700 …
Unicer, the Portuguese brewer, has launched a Mini Bar pack format for the Carlsberg brand, exclusively for the Portuguese market. The Carlsberg Mini Bar contains 20 bottles of beer and is promised to chill beer in only 30 minutes with the addition of 2kg of ice. Bruno Albuquerque, marketing director at Unicer said: “The launch of this Mini Bar is something different for the premium beer segment in Portugal, under …
Leading wine and spirits firm Pernod Ricard is to take a majority stake in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, a producer of artisanal and hand-crafted mezcals. Founded in 1995, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal produces a range of hand-crafted mezcals from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. “We partnered with Pernod Ricard because they understand and appreciate our mission of preserving the culture of the Zapotec people and protecting the traditional process …
US-based multinational beermaker Molson Coors has signed an agreement with multinational Dutch brewer Heineken for the import and distribution of the Sol brand in the US. The 10-year agreement will allow MillerCoors, the US division of Molson Coors, to import, market and distribute the Sol brand in the US market. According to a Foodbev report, the agreement givesboth companies the opportunity to focus on key areas of growth within their respective …
Japan based beverage maker Asahi has unveiled two new “innovative” spirits brands in Japan under the brand name Coffey. The “premium” brands, to be available from June, are Coffey Gin and Coffey Vodka, sold under the Nikka brand. Both are said to have been distilled in a “Coffey still”, which is claimed to be”a very traditional and rare patent Nikka still imported from Scotland in 1963″. Coffey Gin is said …
South African wine and spirits group Distell has announced a partnership with the Cruz Vodka business worldwide, purchasing a 75% stake in the brand from Blue Sky Brand Company (BSBC). Financial terms were not disclosed. Commenting on the investment, Distell said: “The transaction strengthens Distell’s portfolio in the premium vodka category, one of the fastest growing spirits categories in South Africa and which is expected to continue exhibiting strong growth …
AB InBev, the global beer leader, has added to its business unit The High End with the acquisition of Wicked Weed, one of the leading producers of barrel-aged sour and wild beers in the southeastern United States. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Wicked Weed Brewing was founded in 2012, since when the brewery has created over 500 different beers. “Our ability to create a wide range of really well executed …
Meantime Brewing Company, part of the Asahi group, has launched a new ‘saison’ beer made with hibiscus flowers, according to a report in FoodBev. Reportedly called Tea ‘N Biscus, the beer is described as a traditional ‘saison’ with fruity aromas, a touch of spice and a dry finish, due to the saison fermentation method. Hibiscus flowers, normally used for tea, are added during the process so that the beer has …
Reh Kendermann, the wine firm behind brands such as Black Tower and Kendermanns, has announced that it has acquired the South African firm Napier Winery. In a statement, the German company said that Napier Winery was known for its “outstanding and nuanced” wines, and that the deal would enable Reh Kendermann to “build its expertise in the premium segment”. Napier Winery predominantly produces red wines from its 150 hectare site …
Ambev Brasil, the Latin American drinks firm, has launched a limited edition of Skol beer cans that are said to feature different skin tones in order to celebrate diversity. The limited edition cans are part of the ‘Skolors’ campaign with the slogan of a “A toast to diversity”. According to sources, the campaign is predicated on the idea that “your gender, skin tone and social status don’t matter – we are all …
The South African arm of the multinational brewer Heineken has acquired Stellenbrau, a craft beer producer, for an undisclosed amount. Established five years ago, Stellenbrau has a portfolio that includes four signature beers: Craven Craft Lager, Jonker’s Weiss, Alumni Ale and Governor’s Red Rooibos Lager. Heineken South Africa MD Ruud van den Eijnden commented “Stellenbrau was a natural fit, as it is what Heineken was 150 years ago, sharing the …
Diageo plc, the leading alcoholic drinks multinational, has announced the launch of a new interactive tool to guide consumers to make informed choices about drinking. The new “mobile-friendly, online tool” DRINKiQ, described as a first in the alcohol industry, is said to use interactive learning and test sgiving people information about what is contained in different drinks, what alcohol is, how it is processed and how it can affect thebody, and …
UK retailer Asda has introduced a premium sparkling wine called Progrigio, marketed as a more affordable alternative to prosecco. Progrigio is described as “Crisp, fresh and delicately floral, with fruity aromas balanced by its dry profile that offers a hint of sweetness at the finish”.” Made from a blend of Italian grapes called Glera – which are also used to make prosecco – and Italian Pinot Grigio wine, the new wine …
Diageo, the global spirits giant, has released two new RTD coffee products under its liqueur brand Baileys in the UK. Reportedly a response to growing iced coffee consumption, Baileys Latte and Baileys Mocha Iced Coffee are decribed as a combination of Arabica and Robusta iced coffee with milk, spirit and Baileys Irish Cream. “The popularity of coffee continues to grow, with over 18 billion cups consumed in Great Britain each …
Henkell, the German wine and spirits producer, has announced that it has acquired the rights to Managaroca Batida De Coco and other brands from Mangaroca International, a Swiss firm specialised in Brazilian-style spirits. Managaroca Batida De Coco is described as a coconut milk liqueur with a unique flavour, made according to an original Brazilian recipe. Containing 16% abv, it is recommended to be served over ice as well as in …
Suntory, a leading international beverage company, has recently announced the launch of new wine series called Shiojiri Winery. Wines from the new series are claimed to be made with 100% Japanese grapes, fermented at Suntory Shiojiri Winery. The “high quality” grapes used are grown in the prefecture of Nagano, claimed to be one of the best wine-growing regions in the country. In launching the Shiojiri Winery series, Suntory said it was hoping …
International spirits firm Diageo has announced its intention to bring its “highly successful Guinness Open Gate Brewery concept” to Baltimore County, Maryland, USA. According to the company – which also recently announced a plan to build a new distillery called Roe & Co – the idea will include a mid-sized Guinness brewery and a Guinness visitor experience as well as an innovation microbrewery at the company’s existing Relay, Maryland site. The move …
Japanese brewery firm Kirin Brewery has announced the launch of new non-alcohol, beer-flavour beverage brand called Zero Ichi. The launch comes after Kirin’s previous foray into alcohol-free beer-style drinks – a brand called Kirin Free, introduced in 2009 – failed to meet consumers’ taste expectations, a Kirin spokesman said. The new Zero Ichi is described as a “first of its kind” product in the alcohol-free beer sector, since it uses an Ichiban Shibori …
Italian spirits company Gruppo Campari has announced the acquisition of Bulldog London Dry Gin, an independently owned brand, for $55 million (€50.9 million) plus working capital and assumed liabilities for $3.4 million. Campari has been distributing the premium gin since 2014 through its own distribution channels as part of a five-year agreement, with the option of acquisition of the brand in 2020. With the new deal the firm will take …
Tuatara Brewing Company, a New Zealand has been acquired by Heineken-owned DB Breweries. Tuatara will continue to product its beer at its current facilities and other beers. Tuatara brewing was established in the year of 2000 based in Paraparaumu, and grew from a small operation to one of the larges craft breweries in New Zealand. The company has spent the last two years focusing on innovation and increasing brewing capacity to break …
Diageo plc, the leading alcoholic drinks multinational, has announced a plan to build a new distillery to produce a new “premium blended” Irish whiskey called Roe & Co. Claiming to have identified an opportunity in premium whiskey, the UK firm is set to invest a total of €25 million (£18.6 million) in the new facility in the former power station at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, Ireland. The Roe & Co brand is described as having been named in …
Gama spoke to Ian Wright MBE, Director General, Food and Drink Federation. What key trends do you expect to shape food and drinks innovation in the UK in 2017? Healthy eating will remain a key trend this year and I believe we’ll continue to see popular products reformulated with reduced sugar and calorie content. This, I believe, will be alongside the launch of more plant-based functional foods and products that support …
Multinational dairy and drinks firm Danone is said to be planning to double size of its business in India by 2020 by bringing more global brands to the country, as well as by launching new products. According to a report in the Deccan Chronicle, 10 new products are lined up for 2017, starting with the launch of the infant nutrition brand Aptamil, which was just released. Neocate, a nutritional product …
Pernod Ricard, the global wine and spirits firm, is to launch a new Lime flavoured vodka under the Absolut brand, joining existing citrus flavours Citron and Mandarin. Like its citrus counterparts, new Absolut Lime features its own distinct flavor profile with a balance of full-bodied citrus flavour with a light finish, the company said. Nick Guastaferro, director of marketing for Absolut at Pernod Ricard USA, commented: “Lime is a very …
US spirit maker Beach Whiskey has bought American Harvest organic vodka from import firm Sidney Frank, according to a report in FoodBev. Financial details were not disclosed. American Harvest vodka is described as being handcrafted in small batches from American wheat and distilled with certified organic ingredients. It is further described as a smooth spirit with a crisp, clean & slightly sweet hint of real agave. Commenting on the move, …
UK based beverage company Halewood has announced plans to open a new whisky distillery in North Wales that would reportedly be the first distillery in the region for over 100 years. According to the proposal, the company is seeking to convert a 6,000 sq ft warehouse near Bangor into a distillery to produce Welsh whiskey, gin and other alcoholic drinks, as well as opening a visitor centre and offering training …
Diageo, the global spirits giant, is set to launch a new line of vodka and fruit juice drinks in Brazil under the name Smirnoff X1. The new drinks range – available in the varieties Strawberry & Lime, Triple Citrus and Brazilian Berry – is described as being the first vodka product in Brazil to be sold in a screw cap carton, and is said to have been developed with the ‘house …
Spirits giant Beam Suntory has announced that it has acquired a controlling stake in UK spirits firm Sipsmith Gin for an undisclosed amount, with the deal expected to be completed in January 2017. Iin a press release, Beam Suntory said it aimed to pursue export plans for Simpsmith through leveraging Beam Suntory’s global routes to market while maintaining Sipsmith operations in London, continued by its founders. Founded in 2009, Sipsmith …
US-based Craft Brew Alliance is to purchase 24.5% of Florida’s Wynwood Brewing for an undisclosed amount, with the deal expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2017, according to a report in Brewbound. It is reported that the deal will allow Wynwood Brewing to expand by utilising resources from the larger Craft Brew Alliance, while allowing the latter to tap into the Florida market. Craft Brew Alliance is considered …
South African investment fund Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has agreed to purchase world leading brewer AB InBev’s entire indirect stake in alcoholic drinks firm Distell. The stake comprises 58,000,000 shares or 26.4% of the company, which would go to PIC for an undisclosed amount. The sale of the stake was a condition of regulatory approval in South Africa for AB InBev’s takeover of rival brewer SABMiller. Distell is a multinational …
Having received federal approval, global beer giant AB InBev has been given the green light to acquire Texas-based craft brewer Karbach Brewing for an undisclosed amount. The deal, being transacted through the firm’s craft and import division The High End, is expected to close early next year, according to a report in Brewbound. Karbach Brewing is described one of the USA’s fastest growing brands of craft beer, and there are …
South African spirits firm Spirit of Rooibos is launching a new eponymous rooibos (redbush tea) spirit promoted as a “premium triple distilled neutral spirit, craft infused with natural organic rooibos”. According to Fastmoving, the drink is created from sugar cane by a professional distillery, before being supplied to a bottling plant where the rooibos is added. The aperitif, which is said to have 28% abv, features “hand picked and carefully …
Dutch brewer Heineken is set to launch a new alcohol-free beer called Heineken 0.0, according to a report in Het Parool. Described as a first for the Dutch market, Heineken 0.0 is due to be introduced first in the Netherlands in March of next year, before being rolled out to the rest of the world from April. The launch, which will be available in both retail and food service channels. …
US-based Vermont Cider Company has announced the launch of its first “ultra-premium” ciders called Addison and Wassail. Named after the Addison County where it is produced, Addison Cider is to be offered year-round and has 5% ABV. Commenting on the launch, Vermont Cider Company director of cider making Ben E Calvi said: “For this flagship cider, we used premium yeasts and longer, cooler fermentations to capture and promote the delicate fresh …
Remy Cointreau, the French alcoholic drinks firm, has announced that it has agreed to acquire US whiskey manufacturer Westland Distillery. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Based in Seattle, WA, Westland Distillery is described as producing whiskey with a distinctly American single malt style. The firm’s portfolio of single malts, including Westland Single Malt Whiskey, Westland Peated Single Malt Whiskey, Westland Sherry Wood Single Malt Whiskey and Westland Garryana …
Dutch brewer Bavaria has acquired US based Latis Imports, an importer of Belgian specialty craft beers, according to a report in Brewbound. Latis Imports, co-founded by David Van Wees, currently imports Boon, Palm, Rodenbach and Steenbrugge beers and is set to expand its portfolio to include Bavaria brands. Bavaria had previously purchased 60% of Palm Belgian Brewers earlier this year and plans to fully absorb the company by 2021. The …
Campari, the Italian wine and spirits firm, has announced its exit from the Italian still wine business with an agreement for the sale of 100% of the share capital of Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod to wine seller and distributor Terra Moretti. Based in Sardinia, Sella & Mosca is one of the largest wine estates in Europe with 550 hectares of vineyards, producing red wines such as Marchese di Villamarina, …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 24th November 2016: ‘High vitamin’ claims are continuing to notch upwards in new product launches, according to Gama’s latest study of patterns and trends in global FMCG innovation, with non-alcoholic drinks proving particularly fertile ground for vitamin-related positioning. Based on data from Gama Compass™ between 2014 and 2016, and segmenting vitamin claims by five principal types – vitamins A, B, C, D and E …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has partnered with the UK-based online delivery service Deliveroo to offer home beer and cider delivery, according to a report in Business Insider. The partnership will reportedly spawn a new brand called Brew House which will offer home deliveries of beers and ciders under the Heineken, Bulmers and Sol brands. Brew House is planned to launch in 15 areas across London by the end of 2016. …
Brazilian company Grupo Petropolis, owner of the beer brand Itaipava, is among the firms to have declared an interest in acquiring the assets of alcoholic drinks firm Brasil Kirin, according to a report in Supermercado Moderno quoting O Estado de Sao Paulo. It is reported that Grupo Petropolis has organised visits to three of Brasil Kirin’s plants – Alagoinhas (Bahia), Itu (Sao Paulo) and Igrejinha (Rio Grande do Sul) – …
Accolade Wines, one of the world’s largest wine companies, is to acquire Fine Wine Partners (FWP) in Australia for an undisclosed sum. In a press release, Lion, the Australian alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and dairy firm that owns Fine Wine Partners, described it as “a quality fine wine business offering exposure to the attractive and growing premium wine segment in desirable viticultural regions”. “However, following a comprehensive strategic review it …
Constellation Brands, the US alcoholic drinks firm, has agreed to a deal to buy a brewing facility from Grupo Modelo, an Anheuser-Busch InBev subsidiary, at a cost of $600 million. The Mexican facility, located in Obregon will come under the control of Constellation once the deal has been completed. The company plans on increasing the plant’s capacity from 4 million hectolitres to 20 million, with the first 5 million hectolitres …
French spirits firm Remy-Cointreau has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire Domaine des Hautes Glaces, a distiller of single malt whiskies, with a view to acquiring its entire share capital. Created in 2009, Domaine des Hautes Glaces produces single malt whiskies from the Trieves Mountains, an area located in the French Alps at an altitude of 900m altitude. Certified organic, the firm’s whiskies are said to adhere to the …
The Canadian wine business of US-based international beer, wine and spirits producer and distributor Constellation Brands is to be acquired by institutional investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan for approximately C$1.03 billion ($782.5 million). Operating in the US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy, Constellation Brands is described as the market leader in Canada with almost three times the market share of its second competitor and 7 of the top 20 …
Kirin, the Japanese brewery firm, has announced that it has bought a minority share of 24.5% in the US based Brooklyn Brewery as a first step towards a business partnership between both companies. Under the partnership, Kirin said it planned to further energize the craft beer market in Japan and Brazil while supporting the growth of the Brooklyn Brewery through technological and procurement assistance. Both companies plan to establish the …
Remy Cointreau, the global wine and spirits firm, has joined forces with Dutch spirits business Bols to develop the Passoa brand internationally, the two companies have announced. The new joint venture will operate and further develop the global activities of the Passoa brand, Remy Cointreau and Bols said, with the former contributing the full Passoa activities, including distribution, manufacturing, trademarks and inventory, and Bols contributing both its know-how and expertise in the liqueur …
Japanese beverage giant Asahi is set to table a bid in the order of ¥500 billion ($4.87 billion) to acquire brewer SABMiller’s assets in eastern Europe, according to reports in Nikkei and Beverage Daily. The brands to be sold include Pilsner Urquell in Czech Republic, Tyskie and Lech in Poland, Dreher in Hungary, Topvar in Slovakia and Ursus in Romania. In April 2016, Asahi also agreed a deal to purchase …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the show’s latest two-yearly edition in Paris. What are your expectations for this year’s SIAL? SIAL Paris will showcase the food of today and invent the food of tomorrow. The show will open its doors on the same day the United Nations celebrates World Food Day. Over five days, it will be the world’s largest food innovation event! The largest …
Heineken, the Dutch brewer, has announced that it is to halt production at its brewery in Kaliningrad, Russia, according to a Reuters report. Citing declines in the Russian beer market, the beermaker described the move as a “forced measure” that would see brewing suspended from 1st January 2017, although parts of the site will still be used for storage, it is reported. 70 jobs are set to go as a result …
Pernod Ricard, the global wine and spirits giant, has announced that it has sold its Fris vodka brand to US spirits firm Sazerac. Describing Fris as a standard vodka selling 250,000 9-litre cases in the USA each year, the French firm said that the divestment was “in line with the Pernod Ricard strategy to focus on its priority spirits and wines brands”. According to sources, Fris came into Pernod Ricard’s …
AB InBev’s takeover of SABMiller, worth in the order of $100 billion, is set to be concluded after the deal received approval from shareholders. With the acquisition of SABMiller, AB InBev will hold 46% of global beer profits and 27% of global volume, according to a Wall St Journal report, simultaneously diminishing the company’s dependency on the US and increasing its presence inover 17 African countries. To clear the way …
German brewer Krombacher has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Vitamalz, an alcohol-free malt beverage, with effect from 16th September. The deal sees Krombacher take full ownership of Vitamalz, a firm in which it had previously held a 47% stake. The Kreuztal-based beermaker said that it had been the sole licence holder of the Vitamalz brand since July, and that the purchase marked the next important step in …
Bickford’s, an Australian drinks firm specialising in cordials, is to open a distillery in South Australia in order to expand into the spirits market, according to a report in Australian Food News. Built at a cost of A$6.6 million ($5.0 million), the facility will initial manufacture a range of spirits under the brand name 23rd St, as well as Vok Beverages’ Black Bottle Brandy and Vickers Gin. Commenting on the new …
Heineken USA , a beer importer and a subsidiary of Heineken NV, has established a new venture called Five Points Trading Company that is aimed at incubating popular global beers in the USA, The new company will be the US importer for Red Stripe, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Affligem, Murphy’s Stout, Prestige, Sagres, and Mort Subite, enabling to bring the key brands back in-house, while utilizing the resources expertise of its distribution …
China Resources, the firm behind China Snow, the world’s most consumed beer brand, is considering a bid for SABMiller’s central and eastern European assets, according to a source quoted by Bloomberg. The reported deal would include the brewer of Czech beer Pilsner Urquell and could be valued at around $6 billion, Bloomberg continues. SABMiller owns such brands as Foster’s in Australia, Pilsner Urquell in Czech Republic and Miller Genuine Draft in …
Diageo, the global spirits company, has launched a limited time flavour for its Irish cream liqueur under the Baileys brand. The new Pumpkin Spice flavour comes in time for the autumn season and is described as a modern take on the classic Irish cream blends. The beverage is promoted as “unapologetically indulgent” and as blending flavours of sweet cinnamon and other baking spices, maple, brown sugar, and baked apple pie …
World-leading brewer AB InBev is acquiring Belgian craft brewer Bosteels, according to a report in De Standaard. Operating since 1791, Bosteels brews beers under the brands of Tripel Karmeliet, Kwak en Deus and has been in the hands of the Bosteels family for seven generations. According to the newspaper report, the firm is among Belgium’s 10 largest brewers, having increased volume sales from around 100,000 hectolitres three years ago to 145,000 …
Nottinghamshire, UK based Naked Marshmallow has launched a range of sweet spirits based around the flavour of marshmallow, according to a report in Trend Hunter. The newly developed spirits are salted caramel vodka and vanilla bean gin, both with an ABV of 21%. Naked Marshmallow Marshmallow Vodka with Salted Caramel is described as “small batch English vodka infused with our handmade salted caramel marshmallows, produced using copper pot stills” and …
Malibu, the rum brand owned by wine and spirits firm Pernod Ricard, is to be part of a campaign which turns 40,000 bottles into a digital platform by using the same technology as in contactless payments. The initiative, which will start at the beginning of September, allows the user to access exclusive content via their mobile by simply tapping the “sunset” logo on the bottle, without downloading any application. Jo Alexander, …
Tenth and Blake, the craft and import division of MillerCoors, has announced the acquisition of the Texan beermaker Revolver Brewing. Described as one of the fastest-growing craft brewers in Texas, Revolver Brewing is known for its flagship Blood & Honey brand as well as a line-up of year-round, seasonal and limited release, specialty beers. Revolver is currently distributed in Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Austin and surrounding areas. Commenting on the …
Alianca, a firm producing wines from across Portugal, has launched what is said to be the first ‘blue wine’ made by a Portuguese producer. Described as a “wine based flavoured drink”, the product is reported to be based on the company’s vinho verde (‘green wine’), with natural substances added to give it its colour and light sweetness. The result is a refreshing drink, recommended for parties or the beach, according …
Chicago-based beer giant MillerCoors has launched a range of hard iced teas under the name of Easy Tea Co. The iced teas are said to have a “crisp citrus flavour” and a less sweet taste than normal teas, with an alcohol content of 5% by volume. The drinks hit shelves at the beginning of August, sold in silver and bronze colour cans of 24oz. Commenting on the launch, Easy Tea …
Mark Anthony, the Canadian wine and spirits firm, has bought a stake in Irish start-up Glendalough Distillery for €5.5 million ($6.1 million), according to a report in the Irish Independent. Based in County Wicklow and promoted as “Ireland’s first craft distillery”, Glendalough Distillery produces a range of spirits including whiskey and poitin alongside “seasonal botanical” gins. The company now sells its products to more than 15 countries including the US, which generates …
Diageo, the leading spirits firm, has announced its preliminary results for the financial year ending 30th June 2016, showing net sales and volume up on an organic basis compared to the previous year. Overall, net sales declined in absolute terms from £10.813 billion ($14.25 billion) to £10.485 billion ($13.82 billion), reflecting Diageo’s disposal of the Gleneagles and Bushmills brands, the sale of beer assets in Jamaica and Malaysia , and the divestment of …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 14th July 2016: ‘Fresh’, ‘locally-sourced’, ‘quick’, ‘no flavour enhancers’ and ‘additive-free’ are some of the key claims associated with products described as ‘real’ or ‘authentic’, while drinks concentrates, coffee and tea are among the most significant product categories for ‘real’ claims in new launches, according to Gama’s latest look at patterns in innovation and new product positioning. The analysis, conducted on products reported on Gama …
Treasury Wine Estates, the Australian-based wine group, has announced that it has divested 12 non-core brands within its US portfolio. The firm, which owns Wolf Blass and Blossom Hill, said that the brands were sold at approximately book value and represented around one million cases of non-core Commercial wine. The name of the buyer was not specified. In a statement to the Australian stock exchange, Treasury Wine Estates said: “Over the …
Heineken, the Dutch beermaker, has announced that it will cease operations at its plant in Feira de Santana (Bahia), Brazil. According to Heineken Brazil, “the decision was taken based on viability studies and on the need to drive the company’s operations to the next level of excellence, while maintaining its financial sustainability”. The company said that the regions previously served by the Bahia unit would now be supplied by breweries in …
Spirits company Milestone Brands has announced the acquisition of the American Born Moonshine brand from Tennessee-based Windy Hill Spirits. Patrick Dillingham and Sean Koffel founded Windy Hill Spirits in 2013 with the vision to create a moonshine honouring both the tradition and rebel spirit of American moonshiners and bootleggers, according to a coimpany statement., American Born Moonshine has since expanded its distribution to over 25 states and doubled its sales …
Gama Innovation Award – Product MANCHESTER – 27th May 2016: This month, the Gama Innovation Award – Product goes to a new player on the emerging functional beer scene that features the ‘beautifying’ benefits of aloe vera: Beauty Aloe Beer. Launched by Spanish firm Alimentos Para El Siglo XXI, Beauty Aloe Beer bids to appeal to female drinkers with an ‘easy-drinking’ and ‘refreshing’ formula with the additional promise of beauty benefits . The “craft” …
Pernod Ricard has announced that its affiliate Irish Distillers has completed the sale of the Paddy Irish Whiskey brand to the US spirits firm Sazerac. The global wine and spirits company said that the deal, which was concluded for an undisclosed sum, was in line with its strategy to simplify its portfolio for growth and would also facilitate, among other things, targeted investment in other key Irish Distillers whiskey brands including Jameson and Powers. …
In April, Spain once again became the focal point for the world’s consumer goods firms as Alimentaria returned for its latest edition at Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via. Now into its 40th year, Alimentaria hosted a total of 140,000 visitors from 157 countries (16 more than in 2014), indicating, in the show’s words, “its international pulling power and efficient role at galvanising exports for sector companies”. Of the 44,000 international visitors, …
Black Fly, a Canadaian alcoholic drinks firm, has added two more varieties to its product line of “craft-produced” vodka, tequila, rum and whisky mixed drinks, according to a report in Food In Canada. Gin-mixed “legendary, light and ultra refreshing” Black Fly Gin Tom Collins is said to be “not too sweet” and to be made made with real lemon and lime juice, while vodka-mixed Black Fly Vodka Sour Raspberry is …
AB Inbev, the world’ s largest brewer, has acquired Italian craft beer maker Birra del Borgo for an undisclosed sum, according to reports in Real Beer and FoodBev. Birra del Borgo is one of Italy’s leading craft brewers and is based in Borgorose, 40 miles east of Rome. It produces a range of beers including pale ales, saisons and pilsners and has also released four seasonal beers as well as …
Portuguese brewer Central De Cervejas has expanded its line of radler beer with the launch of two new varieties focused on Portuguese ingredients. Launched under the established Sagres beer brand, the new varieties are Sagres with Lime & Rocha Pear (a native Portuguese pear variety) and Sagres with Lemon & Apple from Alcobaca. Filipe Bonina, head of marketing for Sagres beer, said: “We know that Sagres radler is enjoyed by …
Gama Innovation Award – Product MANCHESTER – 26th April 2016: The Gama Innovation Award – Product for April goes to Guinness Nitro IPA, a new offering from Diageo looking to tap into the enhanced popularity of Indian Pale Ales in line with the growth in craft brewing. Claiming to bring “Guinness-style nitrogenation to an IPA”, the new Guinness Nitro IPA is promoted as “a hop-forward India Pale Ale with the qualities of a …
Advertised as “your gateway to the Japanese wine, beer, spirits, gourmet food and foodservice market”, Wine and Gourmet Japan – a recently-established trade event staged by Koelnmesse, the organisers behind major European shows such as Anuga and ISM – returned to the showgrounds of Tokyo’s Big Sight Exhibition Center for its latest edition. Visitor numbers for the 2016 event showed a modest increase on the previous year, with a total …
Leading global brewer AB InBev, has announced the addition of a new craft beer brand with the acquisition of Virginia-based Devils Backbone. Established in 2008, Devils Backbone has an established portfolio of products which includes brands like Vienna Lager, Eight Point IPA and Schwartz Bier. Through this acquisition they will join AB-InBev’s High End business, which is a unit that focuses on craft and import beers. “Devils Backbone has captivated …
Dutch beer maker Heineken has announced the launch of a new global campaign called Shape Your City that “aims to broaden the imagination of and ignite creative ideas in the new generation of people living in urban cities”. According to an article in Thai PR, the campaign will be launched together with a new 320ml ‘sleek’ can priced around 44 THB ($1.25) that is said to be the first in …
US wine firm Constellation Brands has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire The Prisoner Wine Company from Huneeus Vintners. Constellation Brands described The Prisoner Wine as a fast-growing, super-luxury portfolio of five highly rated wine brands that had grown volumes at an annual rate of 30% over the last three years to reach 175,000 cases in 2015. The deal is said to be worth C$285 million ($219 …
Gama spoke to Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Vinitaly, ahead of the latest edition of the wines and spirits tradeshow. What are your expectations for the 50th edition of Vinitaly? This edition will be an occasion to look into a future that is still to be built: we hope that Vinitaly will be able to define a road map that can accompany the development of the wine sector in the years …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 8th April 2016: Beauty benefits are setting out their stall in the alcoholic drinks space with a new “refreshing” and “easy-to-drink” beer that is claimed to combine “health and flavour” with the virtues of “natural” ingredients – Beauty Aloe Beer. Launched in 2015 by Spanish firm Alimentos Para El Siglo XXI, Beauty Aloe Beer harnesses the popularity of ‘easy-drinking’ and ‘refreshing’ beers …
Distell, the leading producer and marketer of spirits, wines and ciders in South Africa, has extended its flagship brand Savanna for the launch of a new tequila flavoured cider under the brand name Savanna Loco. Supported by the strapline: “Savanna Loco. Add a leeedle crazy!”, the 6% abv drink is said to feature the crisp taste of Savanna Dry with fresh tequila flavour. The “leeedle” twist of tequila flavour is …
Dutch brewer Heineken has announced plans to invest R$1 billion ($275 million) in Brazil through the expansion of two plants and the opening of a wholly new one by the end of 2017. According to a report in Supermercado Moderno, the company plans to expand its plants in Ponta Grossa (Parana) and Jacarei (Sao Paulo), in addition to the development of a new plant in Goias (Itumbiara). Despite a slowdown …
SPI Group, the company behind the Stolichnaya brand, is launching a gluten-free vodka for the US market in April, according to an article in The Drinks Business. Stolichnaya Gluten-Free Vodka is described as being made with 88% corn and 12% buckwheat that is triple distilled and filtered four times through quartz sand and birchwood charcoal, before being blended with spring water from the Latvijas Balzams’ artesian well in Riga, Latvia. …
Gama spoke to Jonathan Stordy, Managing Director International, Mahou San Miguel. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? To succeed in this changing context, the key is to find a unique position where no one can beat you without losing sight of your culture and values as a company. You need to be focused on innovation, which helps companies such as Mahou San Miguel continue …
Italian spirits firm Campari is to acquire the worldwide distribution of the French orange-flavour cognac liqueur Grand Marnier, according to a Bloomberg article quoting “a person familiar with the process”. Currently, global distribution of Grand Marnier is shared by a number of different firms, namely champagne distiller Moet Hennessy and British spirits firm Diageo, along with several independent wholesalers, Bloomberg reports. According to Bloomberg’s source, Grand Marnier had been working with …
World-leading brewer AB InBev has posted its financial statements for 2015, revealing a rise in sales but a drop in volume for the full year. Revenue grew by 6.3% and 7.7% on a constant geographic basis to $43.604 billion, the company reported. Total volumes meanwhile declined by 0.6%, with own beer volumes essentially flat and non-beer volumes down 4.7%. At the brand level, AB InBev said that global revenues for Budweiser …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 23rd February 2016: Orange and lemon flavours are associated with premium claims and higher price points, while strawberry flavours are especially common in Latin America and in launches targeted at children, the latest information from Gama Compass™ indicates. For this month’s study of trends and patterns in new product launches, Gama has pinpointed the five leading fruit flavours in global innovation over 2014 and 2015 …
Leading wine and spirits firm Pernod Ricard is launching a new line of wine under the Jacob’s Creek range that is especially targeted at millennials, according to a report in Harpers. Marketed under the name Sun Craft, the line consists of five varieties that are identified by their flavour profile rather than their grape blend: Crisp White, Fruity White, Soft Rose, Bold Red and Smooth Red. It will be offered …
UK-based beermaker High Peak Brew has announce the launch of 0101, a new craft beer based on ‘big data’ that is claimed to offer the taste of “joy & optimism”. The result of a collaboration between the brewer, customer engagement company Hava Helia and technology firm IBM, the beer was reportedly developed by analysing the ‘happy’ moods of partygoers over the New Year season with the help of IBM’s Watson …
Multinational brewer Heineken has posted revenue, volume and profit growth in full year 2015, according to its recently-released financial statements. The beermaker saw total revenues rise to €20.511 billion ($23.10 billion), with organic growth up 3.5% on full year 2014. Consolidated beer volumes were up 2.3% with positive growth in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe offsetting weaker volume in Africa Middle East & Eastern Europe, the company added Operating profit (beia) …
Alcoholic and soft drinks producer Ambev has opened a new production facility in Uberlandia, Brazil. according to a report in Supermercado Moderno. The plant is Ambev’s 27th in Brazil and was constructed at a cost of R$770 million ($179 million). According to Supermercado Moderno, the new plant will employ 480 staff and has a production capacity of 600 million litres per year. The facility will produce beer and soft drinks …
Cider manufacturer Kopparberg is to expand its fruit flavoured offering in the alcoholic drinks space with the launch of a fruit lager. Kopparberg Fruit Lager will have 5% abv and aims to be an alternative to existing radler beers. According to Kopparberg, the product undergoes a “traditional lagering process” but without the use of hops, with fresh lemon and lime juice added instead. Kopparberg senior marketing manager Jodie Alliss commented: “Our …
The French wine and spirits company Pernod Ricard has announced that it is acquiring a majority share in the dry gin brand Monkey 47 from German firm Black Distillers, subject to approval by the competition authorities. Promoted as “a genuine Black Forest dry gin”, Monkey 47 is decribed as “a batch distilled and handcrafted gin that fuses British traditions, the exoticism of India, and the purity and originality of the …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 22nd January 2016: ‘Natural’ continues to be a cornerstone of product marketing in new food and especially new drinks launches, according to Gama’s latest study of claims in global new consumer goods. In product launches reported on Gama Compass™ over the course of 2015, ‘natural’ was the fifth most likely claim to be used by product marketeers, while two other ‘non-artificial’ claims – ‘no artificial …
Brown-Forman, the owner of the Jack Daniel’s brand and one of the top 10 largest spirits companies in the world, has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its Southern Comfort and Tuaca liqueur trademarks to Sazerac, a spirits firm with its origins in New Orleans, LA, for $543.5 million. In a statement, the company said the decision to sell the brands was a reflection of its “evolving portfolio …
Alcoholic drinks manufacturer Constellation Brands has announced that it is investing in a new 10 million hectolitre brewery in Mexico in addition to an expansion of its Nava brewery business. The new brewery will be built in Mexicali, Mexico with the intention of being close to the US state of California, the company’s largest beer market. The facility is expected to scale production capacity to 20 million hectolitres in the …
C&C Group, the company behind the Magner’s and Bulmer’s brands, is planning to cease the production of cider at its plant in Shepton Mallet, UK and to close a water-bottling facility in Borrisoleigh, Ireland, according to a report in the Irish Times. According to the newspaper, operations have been under review for more than a year with the company indicating in previous financial statements that it was looking to make …
Leading Japanese beverage maker Asahi Group Holdings is planning to make an offer to buy European beer brands Grolsch and Peroni, according to reports in Yomiuri and the Japan News. In November, it was reported that AB InBev was giving consideration to a disposal of Peroni and Grolsch in order to head off possible competition concerns over its takeover of SABMiller. A deal between Asahi and AB InBev for the …
AB-InBev, the world’s leading brewer, has signed a deal for the acquisition of Breckenridge Brewery, according to a report in Fortune. The acquisition is AB-InBev’s latest investment in the craft beer segment in a matter of days, with the company having secured the purchase of UK-based Camdem Town Brewery and Arizona’s Four Peaks Brewing within the space of a week. Breckenridge Brewery is one of the largest of AB-InBev’s craft …
US spirits manufacturer Beam Suntory has announced that it has bought a 50% equity stake in South African alcoholic drinks distributor ABV Brands. ABV Brands has been the appointed distributor in South Africa for Beam Suntory (previously Beam Global) since its foundation in 2010, during which time ABV Brands has grown sales of Beam Suntory’s brands by more than 260%, Beam Suntory said in a statement. The transaction announced represents …
Sevillan spirits firm Karmo Spirit has announced the launch of a new gin under the Puerto de Indias brand that is especially designed to appeal to gin and tonic lovers. With a stronger flavour and a higher abv than other Puerto De Indias gins, Puerto De Indias Pure Black Edition is said to be aimed at consumers who prefer a ‘purer’ product, according to Karmo Spirit director Basilio Rodriguez. “We …
Campari, the global alcoholic drinks firm, has announced that it has agreed to sell Casoni Fabbricazione Liquori, an Italian company wholly owned by Fratelli Averna. Casoni became part of Campari following the acquisition of Fratelli Averna in 2014. The firm, which specializes in private label alcoholic beverages and co-packaging activities, will be sold to a pool of local entrepreneurs for €5.3 million ($5.8 million), with the deal including production plants …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 18th December 2015: This week’s Innovation Insight looks at the latest attempt to add diversity to the wine market through a new female-positioned, low-alcohol offering melding prosecco-style fizz with the ‘treat’ value of chocolate – Choco Secco Sparkling Chocolate Wine. Promoted as bringing together “dynamic megatrends” for chocolate and ‘secco’-style sparkling wine, Choco Secco Sparkling Chocolate Wine is the latest addition …
USL, a subsidiary of Diageo operating in India, has taken the strategic decision to move out of the FAB market due to lack of scale in domestic RTD sales, according to reports in the Economic Times and the Times of India. Premixed vodka drink Smirnoff Ice was launched by USL to challenge Bacardi Breezer, which is said to currently enjoy more than 90% share of the Indian FAB market. According …
Bodegas Luzon, a wine company that is part of agribusiness firm Grupo Fuertes, is entering the sparkling wine category with the release of a new product under the brand Siete Grados (Seven Degrees). Siete Grados Sparkling Wine is described as a low-alcohol sparkling wine, made from Moscatel grapes from Alexandría. The company describes the new product as being “surprisingly simple and fresh”, with a fruity aroma that evokes a mix …
Leading brewer AB InBev is giving consideration to a disposal of Peroni and Grolsch in order to head off possible competition concerns over its takeover of SABMiller, according to a report in the Financial Times. Quoting sources close to the matter, the Financial Times said that plans were not finalised but that any such sale could potentially raise billions of pounds. Heineken, Molson Coors and C&C Group are listed as …
AmBev, Brazil’s leading brewer, has announced the release of the latest addition to the Skol Beats portfolio. The brand line, which which already includes the beers Skol Beats Extreme and Skol Beats Senses, aims to offer differentiation through flavour and packaging, and is especially designed for ‘nighttime occasions’. According to sources, Skol Beats Spirit is an apple and lemon flavour beer with 7.9% abv and comes in 330ml green ‘S’ …
Leading alcoholic drinks firm Costellation Brands is looking to expand in the fast-growing craft beer market by announcing it will buy Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits for $1 billion. Ballast Point is a San Diego based company with 500 employees producing more than 40 different types of beer, led by its Sculpin IPA and Grapefruit Sculpin IPA brands, in addition to various labels of spirits. The partnership with Ballast Point …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 18th November 2015: This week’s Innovation Insight looks at an attempt to create “an entirely new category in the grocery store” through a launch that takes the concept of ‘fresh chilled beer’ to new heights – Heineken Extra Fresh Beer. Designed around the notion that “nothing is as delicious as freshly brewed beer”, new Heineken Extra Fresh beer – due to be …
Labatt Breweries of Canada is acquiring a range of RTD, cider and spirit brands in a $350 million deal with the Mark Anthony Group. According to a report in Food In Canada, the deal will give Labatt ownership of brands such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Palm Bay and Okanagan Cider along with Turning Point Brewery in British Columbia, where the Stanley Park range is made. Labatt president Jan Craps commented: …
Leading brewer Carlsberg’s UK arm has announced plans for a restructure of its business “in order to create an agile organisation and deliver long-term profitability”. In a programme named “Funding The Journey”, the beermaker said it planned to restructure its commercial organisation “to give greater focus to its brands and shift focus to drive value” and said proposals included reducing the size of its production team at its Northampton brewery “to …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 12th November 2015: This month, Gama’s study of dynamics in new consumer goods launches looks at flexible packaging, focusing in particular on the penetration of pouch formats – in their varied manifestations and applications – across different categories and regions. Concentrating on the food, drinks and household industries, Gama has looked at new launches reported on Gama Compass™ over the last 18 months to …
AmBev, Latin America’s largest brewer, has announced the closure of its plant in Natal, blaming a rise in VAT rates on drinks, according to reports in Estadao and Exame. “The decision was made after an analysis of the consequences that the increase in the Tax on Goods and Provision of Services (ICMS) on cold drinks, announced on the 30th October, will bring to the company in the state”, explained the …
Global spirits firm Diageo has announced that it has agreed the sale of its wine interests in Argentina to Grupo Penaflor. The sale includes the Navarro Correas and San Telmo wine brands, together with production sites and vineyards. Grupo Penaflor is the largest wine producer in Argentina and one of the 10 largest globally, with a brand portolio that includes Finca Las Moras and Trapiche. In addition to the purchase, Diageo said Penaflor …
Rotkappchen, the German sparkling wine specialist, is acquiring Italian aperitif brand Sprizzero De Martin, according to a report in the Thuringer Allgemeine. Sprizzero De Martin aperitifs are described as being made from “Italian wines, selected aromatic herbs, and natural – as well as secret – ingredients from the Dolomites Alps”. The Sprizzero De Martin range comes in an original version as well as varieties flavoured with pink grapefruit, elderflower and violets. The …
In support of the Movember Foundation which raises awareness of men’s health issues, brewer Carlsberg is launching Beer’d Beauty, a new beer-based series of shaving products for men. An extension to the firm’s first line of beer-infused male grooming products (shampoos and skin lotion) unveiled earlier in the year, the 200ml shaving collection is composed of a shaving gel, aftershave cream and moustache cream that are claimed to offer beneficial …
Gama spoke to Joaquim Vives, General Manager, Mane Iberica. How is the growing demand for more ‘all natural’ formulations impacting on flavour & fragrance companies? This is a major trend and demand will keep growing if the economic situation continues to brighten. However, ‘all natural’ does not consistently point to the same definition when it comes to food & drinks manufacturing. This is not the case for flavourings, as …
Gama spoke to Ori Yehudai, President & CEO, Frutarom. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? I believe that in order to be successful in an ever more challenging economic environment, we must demonstrate creativity and flexibility when dealing with our customers and provide top-notch service. Being able to adapt and adjust to our customers’ needs and work with them in creating innovative but …
Beer firm Tsingtao has announced that it will acquire its remaining stake in its Suntory joint venture, according to a report in the Want China Times. In a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company said that it woul buy a 50% stake in both the beer manufacturing and sales companies in its joint venture with the Japanese beverage conglomerate for 822.9 million CNY ($129.5 million) in the …
Gama spoke to Matteo Fantacchiotti, Global Vice President Commercial Diageo Reserve, Diageo. Which markets or consumer groups currently offer the greatest growth opportunities for FMCG companies? We see a new ‘Silk Route’, across the lines of the world magnet cities and hot spots. And this is where our focus is. Within this context, although high-net-worth individuals and wealthier people are the obvious target group, millennials are really what we’re going …
A long weekend in early October saw the return of Anuga – a key two-yearly gathering for the global food & drinks industry – to the city of Cologne in Germany. Space was at a premium as the “fully booked” pavilions of the city’s extensive Koelnmesse showgrounds once again played host to tens of thousands of trade visitors from across the globe, each keen to explore the latest industry news, …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 16th October 2015: Lime and peach are the most popular flavours in new alcoholic drinks launches, according to the latest study of global NPD by Gama. Based on analysis of products reported on Gama Compass™ over the past 18 months, lime was the leading flavour across new alcoholic launches globally, featuring on just over 5% of products in the study sample. Second in the …
Australian wine giant Treasury Wine Estates has announced that it is to acquire the majority of assets from Diageo’s wine operations in the UK and the USA in a cash deal worth $600 million. As a result of the acquistion, the company behind brands such as Penfolds, Rosemount Estate and Wolf Blass will now also add Blossom Hill – the UK’s second-biggest wine brand by value and volume in FY 2015 – …
AB InBev has sealed the acquisition of rival SABMiller after submitting an improved deal for the firm, according to a report in Fin24. The £68 billion ($105 billion) price makes it one of the highest-valued of all time in the consumer goods space. Following two weeks of negotiation, AB Inbev ultimately offered £44 ($68) per share in cash for a majority of the shares – 46% above SABMiller’s closing value …
Portuguese company Sapientia Romanade has developed a range of “edible wine” products that are being launched under the Wine To Eat brand, according to media reports. The line comprises wine ‘caviar’, jam and chocolate made variously of port wine, muscat, and monovarietal wine grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. According to Revista da Industria Alimentar, the products are designed to smell and taste just like wine and …
Heineken, the world’s third biggest brewer by volume, has announced that it has entered into a partnership with global spirits firm Diageo to realign its ownership interests in a number of emerging markets. The deal sees Heineken take control of Desnoes & Geddes by acquiring Diageo’s 57.9% shareholding and also gives the firm full ownership of GAPL. Desnoes & Geddes is engaged in the brewing, bottling and distribution of beers, stouts and spirits in …
Spirits firm Diageo has announced that it is launching a new global campaign called ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ for its flagship Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky brand. Described as an evolution of the brand’s ‘Keep Walking’ campaign, ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ is being activated simultaneously in 50 countries with the intention to reach 350 million consumers around the world. The concept “brings to life the concept that joy can …
Japanese beer company Asahi has furthered its interest in the craft beer sector with the acquisition of 100% of the Australian brewer Mountain Goat. Launched in 1997 by Cam Hines and David Bonighton, Mountain Goat produces low-volume beers at a facility in Richmond, Melbourne, while bottled and canned beers are brewed at a larger plant in Laverton, Western Australia. “We’ve been contract partners with Asahi for three years now, and …
Diageo has announced the launch of a new India Pale Ale (IPA) for the US market that is said to make use of the same nitrogenation technology as its Guinness brand of stout. Guinness Nitro IPA is claimed to possess balanced flavour and aroma, creamy mouthfeel and a perfectly formed and long-lasting head of dense bubbles. It uses five hop varieties – Admiral, Celeia and the dry hops namely Challenger, …
The Australian owned Sesion Tequila is set to hit the market at the end of October this year, according to reports in Australian Food News and Just Drinks. According to Australian Food News, the beverages are made with no additional sugars, extracts or processing, and are designed to be “sipped and savoured”, although they can also be used in cocktails. The tequila will be available in the varieties Blanco, which …
Dutch brewer Heineken is aiming to step up its presence in the US craft beer market with the purchase of a 50% stake in California’s Lagunitas beer brand. Lagunitas, claimed to be the fifth top selling craft beer in the US, is planning to expand globally by forming the joint venture with Heineken. The company said it would still operate independently in the USA. In a statement, Lagunitas asserted that …
CEFC, China’s sixth largest private company, is to acquire a 79.4% stake in the Czech brewery Pivovary Lobkowicz in a deal valued at 1.9 billion CZK ($78.46 million), according to a report in the Prague Post. The shares are being acquired through Lapasan, a newly-formed company in which CEFC has a 70% stake “Pivovary Lobkowicz represents the traditional production of quality Czech beer”, said Zdenek Radil, Pivovary Lobkowicz CEO. “The …
AB InBev has confirmed in a statement that it has approached rival beermaker SABMiller regarding a possible combination of the two companies. The mooted deal, valued at approximately $250 billion, would bring together a host of globally important brands, such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, Corona (owned by AB InBev) and Grolsch, Peroni and Fosters (owned by SABMiller). AB InBev is the world’s largest brewery company, and SABMiller the second largest. …
MillerCoors, through its craft and import division Tenth and Blake, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Californian craft brewer Saint Archer Brewing. Founded in San Diego in 2013, Saint Archer brews an array of ales including Blonde Ale, IPA, White Ale and Pale Ale. The company expects to sell 35,000 barrels of beer in 2015, up more than 100% over 2014. …
San Francisco, US-based brewer 21st Amendment has created a new flavoured beer that is claimed to taste like Pop-Tart toaster pastries. The owners of the company reportedly came up with the idea after signing a lease for space in a factory that had previously been used by cereal maker Kellogg’s. According to a report in the magazine People, the launch is one of a growing number of breakfast and beer …
Pernod Ricard, the co-leader in the global wine and spirits business, has released its latest annual financial statements showing organic sales for the full year up 2% to €8,588 million ($9,705 million). “Considering what is still a very challenging environment, the group posted a good business performance”, the company said. Reported sales were up 8%, mainly as a result of “very favourable” exchange rates. Further describing the results as a “gradual improvement” …
Lion has recently launched a radler style beer especially for the Australian market. According to a report in Australian Food News, Hahn Radler contains 70% beer and 30% natural lemon compared to a more conventional 50:50 split: Lion is said to have increased the amount of beer after consumer product testing revealed this was the preferred mix. Hahn Radler is described as being the first beverage to be launched as …
Global brewer Carlsberg has released its latest financial figures in India, revealing that is has managed to almost double its market share in the country to nearly 15% of the Indian beer market in the quarter ended June. “Our Indian business grew 43% organically in a market growing by an estimated 5%. In Q2, our Indian market share was around 15%, the highest level ever and Tuborg became the second …
Sapporo has announced that it will market a small release of Japanese wines in Singapore in a move designed to test the waters in the southeast Asian market. According to reports in the Japan Times and Nikkan, the company will release a total of 960 bottles comprising four types of red and white wines under the medium-priced brand range Grande Polaire. The price range will be between 58 SGD and …
South African firm KWV is said to have launched “its own” Cruxland premium London dry boutique gin, said to have been “hand crafted for a new world gin drinking experience”. According to FastMoving, the gin is made from 100% grape spirits and infused with nine exotic botanicals including rare “Kalahari N’abbas (truffles)”. Development of the product is said to have taken almost three years. Master distiller Pieter de Bod spoke …
Japanese spirits firm Suntory will launch several samples of whisky in to space to test the effects of gravity on the whisky aging process, according to reports. The Japanese company will reportedly send six samples of whisky in glass flasks to the International Space Station, including 10, 18 and 21 year old whiskies, as part as an experimental project to study the effects of zero gravity on the maturation and …
Diageo has announced it will sell its 42.25% stake in DHN Drinks, a joint venture which owns the licenses for the combined beer, RTD and cider portfolio of Heineken, Diageo and Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL). With this transaction Heineken will increase its stake from 42.25% to 75% and NBL will increase its stake from 15.5% to 25% in DHN Drinks. NBL will also acquire the 25% stake that Diageo owns in …
German sparkling wine company Rotkappchen has entered the rum category by acquiring the brands Asmussen Rum, Balle Rum and Boddel Rum. The company, founded in 1856 by three partners Moritz & Julius Kloss & Carl Foester, has acquired the brands through its subsidiary Nordbrand, a spirits business, from the company Drinks & Food GmbH. Drinks & Food, based in the German town of Zahna, is a manufacturer and supplier of national …
Spanish cider producer Trabanco Group has launched a new interactive label which allow the consumer to obtain information about its Sidra Avalon products and to access an m-commerce platform using a free app. Claimed to be the first cider to feature an ‘invisible’ QR code, the product allows users to access the m-commerce site by scanning the label using a smartphone camera. Gloria Fernandez, head of communications at Trabanco Group, claimed that the …
Japanese drinks giant Suntory has announced that it has agreed the sale of its cognac unit Louis Royer to Terroirs Distillers. The value of the deal is in the order of 13 billion yen ($105 million). Terroirs is a France-based, privately owned spirits company that owns The Tullibardine and Highland Queen Scotch whisky brands. It is reported that the sale was part of a review of the company’s product portfolio …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 23rd July 2015: The latest attempt to bring functional benefits to the alcoholic drinks sector is Gama’s innovation focus for this week, as we look at a new craft beer seeking to piggyback on the craze for all things protein – Mighty Squirrel High Protein Beer. New to Boston, MA in the USA, Mighty Squirrel High Protein Beer is advertised as a …
Mahou San Miguel, the leading Spanish brewer, has introduced three new flavour combinations for its San Miguel 0.0% range that mixes alcohol-free beer and 100% natural fruit juice. Launched in time for the summer, the new varieties are Pinacuya (Pineapple and Passionfruit), Melocotuva (Peach and Grape) and Naramango (Orange and Mango). The first of these is said to offer a mild flavour to “transport you to a Caribbean beach in …
Pabst Brewing, the world’s largest American owned beer producer, has announced that it will open a new brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the site of the original Pabst Brewery, which was closed in 1966. Consisting of an investment of roughly $3 million to $5 million, the brewery will serve as Pabst’s hub for innovation and new product ideas and will brew “pre-prohibition” brands such as Old Tankard Ale, Kloster Beer, …
Ambev, Brazil’s largest alcoholic drinks company, has announced the acquisition of the craft brewer Colorado for an undisclosed sum. Based in Ribeirao Preto in the state of Sao Paulo, Colorado is described as having an annual turnover of R$18 million ($6 million) and yearly production of 120,000 litres. The move is reportedly part of AmBev’s strategy of buying premium brands amid stagnant sales volumes in South America’s biggest beer market. …
Scottish craft beer maker BrewDog has formally announced plans to open its first brewery overseas with the construction of a facility in the mid-Western United States. The full-scale 100,000 square foot craft brewery is to be sited in Canal Winchester, located in the Columbus Region of Ohio, USA and will be constructed at a total cost of $30.4 million. The facility is expected to open by August 2016. The new …
Molson Coors has announced that it has acquired fruit cider brand Rekorderlig from Chilli Marketing Brands Ltd in a move that will give the firm exclusive rights to distribute, sell and market the full Rekorderlig portfolio across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands in both on- and off-trade. Following the acquisition of Czech lager Staropramen in June, the Rekorderlig brand will join Molson Coors UK’s premium portfolio, contributing to …
Heineken is unveiling two new rum flavours for its Foster’s brand of lager in the UK. Foster’s Spiced Rum and Foster’s Classic Rum – the first spirit-flavoured variants for the Foster’s brand – are said to have been inspired by 19th Century Australian rum traders from New South Wales and are being launched under the brand Foster’s Rocks . Martin Porter, Off-Trade Managing Director at Heineken UK, said: “The launch …
Carlsberg Laboratories, the research and development arm of Carlsberg Breweries, has announced that it has joined forces with cosmetics producer Urtegaarden to develop a series of male-specific grooming products that claim to feature the same ingredients as Carlsberg beer. The new line is to include a shampoo, a conditioner and a body lotion, each available in a 250ml size. In a press release, Carlsberg explained that the main ingredients in …
Carlsberg has announced that it is continue to expand to its alcohol free beer offer with the introduction of a new 0.0% abv lager under the Carlsberg brand. Described as being “crafted using the natural ingredients of hops, malt and water” the new 0.0% abv product is available to the off-trade in a four x 275ml bottle format and to the on-trade in a single 275ml bottle format. David Scott, …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 18th June 2015: As gin continues to drive growth in the craft spirits segment, Gama looks at how botanical ingredients and gin branding are beginning to pervade a broad swathe of alcoholic drinks categories with the launch of a new gin-inspired craft vodka – NB London Dry Citrus Vodka. Promoted as the world’s first “London Dry” product in the vodka category, …
Efes Rus has launched a new beer under its Zolotaya Bochka (‘Golden Barrel’) brand name that is reportedly designed to recall the Soviet era. Named ‘Shabalovskoe’, the beer is described as being made according to a traditional recipe from Soviet times. The design of the bottle and the label, developed by a branding agency, is aimed at evoking a sense of the early twentieth century. According to the manufacturer, the …
Kirin Beer in Japan has announced a collaboration with Seven & I Holdings for the launch of its first ever beer product under a private label brand, according to a report in Business Journal. The launch is said to mark Kirin Beer’s first entry into private label, the company having previously avoided moving into the sector in order to maintain its positioning as a premium brand. Now, in the face …
UK-based wine and spirits firm Diageo has announced plans to shut down bottling operations at its Relay facility in Maryland, USA, according to reports in the US media. A company spokesperson is reported as saying that the facility was “significantly underutilized” and that the move would help “optimize the company’s supply footprint”. “Following a comprehensive analysis of business and market factors, we have decided to cease bottling operations there in …
Baltika, the Russian brewing firm that is part of the Carlsberg group, is set to launch a new beer featuring the addition of special malt “whiskey bourbon”. Tuborg Boilermaker is described as naturally fermented and contains 7% abv, an alcohol content that is said to be optimal to combine the refreshing taste of beer and the rich flavor of whiskey. “When creating Boilermaker by Tuborg, we tried to recreate the …
AB InBev is to open its first brewery in Vietnam, according to a report in the Vietnam Economic Times. Located in the province of Binh Duong in the south of Vietnam, the facility is set to meet the increasing demand for AB InBev products in the region. Commenting on the move, Ricardo Vasques, General Director of AB InBev Vietnam, said: “Vietnam has potential and is the fastest growing beer market …
William Grant & Sons, one of the world’s leading whiskey producers with a turnover of more than $1 billion, is planning to introduce three new brands in India to increase its market share in the imported whiskey segment, according to a report in the Economic Times. In addtion to its current portfolio, the company is said to be seeking to expand its portfolio with the Monkey Shoulder, Tullamore Dew and …
Leading brewer SABMIller is to buy the London-based craft beer producer Meantime Brewing Company to meet growing consumer demand for craft beers, according to a report from Reuters. Meantime saw volume sales surge 58% in 2014, compared with just 1% Britain’s beer market as a whole, Reuters adds. The terms and conditions of the deal, which is expected to be concluded by early June 2015, have not been disclosed. However …
Scottish Spirits Ltd, the producer of drinks under the ArKay brand, has announced the launch of what is claimed to be the world’s first collection of non-alcoholic spirits, designed especially for Muslim consumers. Scottish Spirits first hit the headlines in 2011 when it launched what was described as the first non-alcohol whiskey. The new ArKay range features halal-certified, alcohol-free beverages that are said to offer the same taste and aroma …
Japanese alcoholic drinks firm Suntory has released a new beer enriched with collagen as it seeks to take anti-aging benefits into the beer industry. The new beer, named Suntory Precious, is reportedly aimed primarily at women and is one of many collagen-enhanced beauty-oriented food and drink products to have been launched in Japan in the past few years. Described as being promoted with the tagline “Guys can tell if a …
Gama spoke to Rita Nabeiro, Chief Executive Officer, Adega Mayor. What key trends do you expect to shape alcoholic drinks innovation in 2015? Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health so alcohol content is likely to be an issue in the sector. Because of that I believe that low-alcohol drinks will see an increase in volumes. Organic is also an important trend in the food and beverages sector in …
Pernod Ricard has unveiled the latest limited edition of Absolut Vodka, designed specifically for India and other Asian markets: Absolut India. Featuring a combination of mango and pepper, Absolut India is oriented towars the Indian palate, according to reports. The flavour blend is described as “marrying the sweetness of mango with the bite of pepper” for “a smooth, mellow flavour with a spicy aftertaste”. The new flavour blend is complemented …
Whole Foods Market is planning to open a sister-chain of smaller, lower cost stores in the USA in response to increasing competition, according to reports from Dow Jones Business News and CNN. Speaking during a conference call, Whole Foods Market said the new stores would be complementary to its existing brand, targeting a type of customer who is cost-conscious but who is also looking for the high standards of food …
Bacardi has expanded its range of white rum with the launch of a new ‘super premium’ Gran Reserva Ron for the US market. Claimed to be the ultimate white mixing rum for cocktail connoisseurs looking for superior character, Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron is described as being double-aged using white oak casks that impart soft notes of oak and a smooth taste. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of …
Gama spoke to Ross Carter, Event Director at London Wine Fair, ahead of the show’s latest outing at the Kensington Olympia. What are your expectations for the 35th edition of London Wine Fair? This year we are expecting our most diverse show to date, with more UK-based importers than ever before. In total we will see 650 individual exhibitors representing around 40 wine-producing countries for 2015 and expect to …
Carlsberg has announced the acquisition of 100% of the ownership in Wusu Beer Group (WBG), as it continues to further its presence in China. WBG is a 50/50 joint venture between the Carlsberg Group and Xinjiang Hops, with Carlsberg also owning a 30% stake in Xinjiang Hops. Carlsberg said the acquisition would be done through an asset swap, where Carlsberg will acquire Xinjiang Hops’ 50% stake in WBG and dispose …
Hibernia Distillers Limited, a company based in Cork, Ireland, has launched a new 10-year-old single malt whiskey under the Hyde brand, according to a report in European Supermarket Magazine. Hyde 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey is described as being aged in flame-charred oak Bourbon barrels, finished in fine Oloroso Sherry casks, and cut with West Cork spring water. The product is intended for both domestic and international markets, particularly the …
Heaven Hill Brands is launching a new PeachBerrry variety of Raven’s Lace Whiskey, in a move which is said to offer “an alternative to masculine dominated flavored whiskeys”. Available in the US from June, Raven’s Lace PeachBerry Whiskey is described as a blend of “juicy peach and sweet strawberry flavors with the smoothness of Bourbon whiskey”. “We see tremendous opportunity for consumer diversification in flavored whiskey”, said Hannah Venhoff, Brand …
Insight by Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 16th April 2015: From the growth in on-the-go breakfast foods to the rise of multifunctional “alphabet creams” in the cosmetics market, convenience benefits have driven many of the breakthrough innovation trends in the FMCG space over the past few years. However, as the latest analysis of product launches reported by Gama Compass™ over the last 12 months can reveal, claims relating to convenience – …
Heineken has announced that it has signed a binding agreement with the Slovenian brewer Pivovarna Lasko, to acquire 51.11% of the issued share capital. The transaction, worth €114.3 million ($121.8 million), will help Heineken to strengthen its position in the European market due to Slovenia’s strategic location, the company said in a statement. Jean-Francois van Boxmeer, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Heineken, commented: “This acquisition strengthens our …
Gama spoke to Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia Pacific of Koelnmesse, ahead of the latest edition of Wine & Gourmet Japan in Tokyo. What are your day to day activities as Vice President Asia Pacific? As VP Asia Pacific, I oversee the activities and finances of all the Koelnmesse subsidiaries in Asia Pacific: we have offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei, Hongkong, Macau, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. I coordinate with …
Kopparberg is expanding its Swedish cider range with the launch of a new ‘cider sorbet’ that is sold in a pouch and designed to be served frozen. Promoted as the “first frozen cider” and being launched in the UK in time for the summer months, Kopparberg Frozen Fruit Cider follows the launch of similar pouch products in the FABs category. According to an article in The Drinks Report, the cider …
Campari America, the American subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A, has expanded its Skyy vodka line-up with the launch of a range