Heineken, the Dutch brewing business, is investing a double-digit million sum to build a new city brewery in Eichhof, Switzerland and modernise its Swiss headquarters. Under the plans, Lucerne will remain the long-term hub for the Eichhof brand, producing its core range alongside specialities and innovations. Following the planned commissioning of the facility from 2030, Heineken Switzerland will adjust its production structure, moving larger production volumes partly to its site in …
Alcoholic Drinks
Pernod Ricard, the French wine and spirits multinational, has acquired the remaining shares in aperitif brand Italicus following its initial investment in March 2020. Launched in 2016 by mixologist Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus is a 20% abv super-premium bergamot-infused aperitif made with botanicals such as Sicilian citrus and Calabrian bergamot oranges. It is distilled with lavender, gentian and yellow rose at a family-owned distillery near Turin. Under the 2020 agreement, Pernod …
Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), the Indian spirits company, has entered Malaysia through an asset-light co-bottling partnership to manufacture and distribute its Officer’s Choice Blue whisky locally. The agreement marks ABD’s first overseas local production partnership and is designed to facilitate market entry with limited capital outlay. Under the arrangement, ABD will collaborate with an established local partner while retaining control over raw materials, packaging, quality standards and brand stewardship. …
Anheuser-Busch, the US beverage manufacturer and AB InBev subsidiary, has announced a $13 million investment in its Baldwinsville facility in New York. According to the company, the investment is designed to meet growing consumer demand for Michelob Ultra, described as the top-selling and fastest-growing beer in the USA, and add new production capabilities for Cutwater, its spirits-based cocktail brand, while upgrading bottle and can lines. As part of the expansion, …
Precept Wine & Spirits, the US-based wine and spirits producer, has acquired the wine brand portfolio of California producer Miller Family Wine Company. The transaction includes brand trademarks, finished goods inventory, bulk wine and private label business. The acquisition adds several Californian labels to the Precept umbrella, including Butternut, the portfolio’s largest-volume brand, Hand on Heart, Ballard Lane and J. Wilkes. Andrew Browne, CEO of Precept Wine & Spirits, commented: …
Sazerac, the US-based spirits company, has signed a binding agreement to acquire UK vodka and ready-to-drink (RTD) brand Au Vodka. The transaction remains subject to standard completion conditions and is expected to close within the coming weeks. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Commenting on the deal. a Sazerac spokesperson stated: “Sazerac works continuously to grow its business by investing in brands and building out its portfolio …
Piwowarska, the Polish brewing company owned by Asahi Europe & International, has completed the construction of an automated high-bay warehouse at its brewery in Poznan. The project, valued at 200 million PLN ($51 million), represents the largest logistics investment in the history of the business. Officially set to open in September, the facility occupies a total footprint of 12,000 sq m. The warehouse component spans 7,000 sq m with a …
Fulton Brewing, the US craft brewer, has announced the acquisition of fellow Minnesota-based producer Bemidji Brewing for an undisclosed sum. Effective from 31st October, the deal builds on a production partnership that began roughly three years ago, allowing Bemidji Brewing to expand production beyond its city centre facility and grow distribution into Duluth and the North Shore. Following the acquisition, Bemidji Brewing joins Fulton Brewing, Finnegans and N*RC Sparkling THC …
Brookfield Drinks, the UK-based drinks supplier, has acquired the Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer brand from Halewood Artisanal Spirits, according to trade reports. Crabbie’s, which dates back to Edinburgh in 1801, is reported to be the world’s leading alcoholic ginger beer brand. Manufactured using a six-week ginger-steeping process, the product lineup includes the core alcoholic ginger beer alongside raspberry and blood orange variants, as well as an alcoholic ginger wine. Nigel …
Corby Spirit and Wine, the Canadian spirits, wine, and ready-to-drink beverage manufacturer, has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Lamb’s rum brand and associated assets for C$39.2 million ($28.1 million). Under the terms of the deal, Maison des Futailles, a subsidiary of Canadian beverage platform Phildan, has acquired the North American rights to the brand. Meanwhile, Glen Turner Company, a subsidiary of French spirits producer COFEPP, has acquired the …
Red Tree Beverages, a firewalled subsidiary of soft drinks giant Coca-Cola, is expanding its Minute Maid Spiked alcohol-ready-to-drink (ARTD) range with the launch of Vodka Lemonade Iced Tea. Designed to round out the brand’s vodka lemonade offerings, the new beverage blends vodka with “bright” lemonade and “refreshing” iced tea. The product is a non-carbonated drink containing 3% lemon juice with an alcohol content of 5% abv. It is available across …
Carlsberg Britvic, the UK soft drinks and beer producer, has announced that it will brew and distribute Japan’s Sapporo premium beer as the brand’s full licence partner in the UK from 1st August. Following an 18-month distribution period across the on-trade, the agreement will see Carlsberg Britvic oversee the on-trade and off-trade channels nationwide, as well as all brewing and marketing activities. The company aims to accelerate the brand’s growth …
Cobblestone Brands, the Dublin-based company, has agreed to acquire Bisquit & Dubouche Cognac and Cabo Wabo Tequila from Italian drinks producer Campari Group. Financial terms of both acquisitions were not disclosed, with the deal expected to be completed by 31st October 2026. Cabo Wabo is distributed in more than 20 US states. The brand was co-founded in 1996 by former Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar, who sold an 80% stake …
Champagne Louis Roederer, the French Champagne producer has expanded into the Burgundy wine region for the first time by acquiring Domaine Pierre Damoy. The deal completed on 24th July, brings nearly eight hectares of grand cru vineyards into the group’s Roederer Collection portfolio. The acquired assets include parcels in Chambertin, Chambertin-Clos de Beze and Chapelle-Chambertin, alongside Clos Tamisot, a monopole vineyard located in Gevrey-Chambertin. Financial terms of the deal were …
Poulter Family Wines, the family-owned New Zealand wine and beverage business, has completed its acquisition of a selection of wine brands and assets from Constellation Brands. According to the company, the transaction returns the Selaks brand alongside seven other brands to local ownership. The deal also incorporates a 10,000-tonne winery and vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. The other seven brands included in the acquisition are Little Harvest, State of Light, Superstate, …
Horse Soldier Bourbon, the US spirits brand backed by Californian wine and spirits company Gallo, has opened its new $200 million American Freedom Distillery in Somerset (KY). Named Horse Soldier Farms, the 240-acre site near Lake Cumberland officially opened on the 4th July. The development includes the 50,000 sq ft American Freedom Distillery, The Outpost retail store, and event spaces. Previously distilled by Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, production of the …
Carlsberg, the Danish brewing giant, has entered into an agreement with Sapporo, the Japanese beverage company, to form a major strategic joint venture across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, alongside a partnership in the UK. The joint venture will encompass Carlsberg’s existing operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, holding perpetual exclusive rights to produce and distribute Sapporo Premium Beer across these markets. Additionally, Sapporo will licence …
Tom Collins Distilling, an affiliate of Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac, has purchased the former Garrard County Distilling property in Lancaster, Kentucky. The spirits producer secured the 210-acre site with a successful bid of $20 million during a court-ordered auction. The property had previously been appraised at more than $27.9 million. Garrard County Distilling, which originally began production in January 2024 as the largest independently owned Bourbon distillery in Kentucky, halted …
Gama spoke to Jeff Lenard, Vice President of NACS Media & Strategic Communications, ahead of the latest edition of the NACS Show. What are your primary goals and expectations for the NACS Show 2026 in Las Vegas? Our goal every year is largely the same: we want to show attendees the future. This means developing dynamic Education Sessions and a robust exhibit hall that not only looks at what …
AB InBev, the global brewing giant, is debuting flavoured extensions of its Stella Artois and Bud Light beer brands for the UK market. The limited-edition Stella Artois Strawberries & Cream variant has been released as part of the brand’s role as the official beer partner of the Wimbledon 2026 tennis championships. Tapping into the growing demand for flavour-led innovation, the blush-pink product features a velvety, nitro-infused foam and balances the …
Andrew Peller, a Canadian producer and marketer of wines, has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to be acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of private equity fund Fairfax. Under the terms of the agreement, the newly-formed subsidiary of Fairfax, a holding company engaged in property and casualty insurance, reinsurance and associated investment management, will acquire all issued and outstanding Class A non-voting shares and Class B voting shares of Andrew …
Pernod Ricard, the global spirits producer, has inaugurated a new production line at its manufacturing and logistics facility in Las Labores, in the Spanish city of Ciudad Real. The company invested €14.5 million ($15.5 million) into the expansion, known as Line 8. According to the firm, the investment will increase the plant’s overall production volume by 40%, boosting its capacity by more than 4.5 million cases annually. Operating at a …
Anheuser-Busch, the USA beer manufacturer, has announced an investment of more than $20 million into its St. Louis and Arnold operations in Missouri to drive local economic growth and fuel production. According to a company press release, the funding will be utilised to upgrade brewery and packaging equipment to fuel the production of its fast-growing beer brand, Michelob ULTRA. Furthermore, a portion of the investment will fund the opening of …
Asahi, the beverage manufacturer, is to receive a new 48,500 sq m distribution facility developed by Goodman, the property group, at Redbank Motorway Estate in Queensland, Australia. The facility will support the company’s supply chain transformation by utilising advanced technology, including a high-speed shuttle system and robotics. According to the company, this will allow customers to receive its full range of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages via a single order, payment …
Cupid Breweries & Distilleries, the Indian business, has agreed to acquire an operational alcoholic beverage manufacturing unit in Gopalpur, Odisha, from United Spirits, the Indian arm of Diageo. The transaction is valued at 225 million INR ($2.4 million). Under the terms of the agreement, Cupid Breweries & Distilleries has already paid an advance of 10 million INR ($120,000), inclusive of applicable tax deducted at source (TDS). The acquisition comprises land, …
Henkell Freixenet, the German sparkling wine producer, has entered into negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Maison Pommery, the French champagne producer. The discussions, which are scheduled to last for two months, concern a proposed strategic combination between the two family-owned groups. The prospective deal remains subject to due diligence, final contracts, consultations and regulatory approvals, and Maison Pommery noted that there is no guarantee that the talks will …
Endeavour Group, the Australian retail drinks and hospitality business, has announced a strategic transformation of its Pinnacle Drinks business. The asset-light, customer-led restructuring will refocus the portfolio on brands and regions that generate the strongest returns. As part of the strategy, the company will cut its own grape production by more than 80%, resulting in approximately 99% flexible sourcing of purchased bulk wine and grapes from the viticulture market. Endeavour …
Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, has agreed to sell the Old Speckled Hen (OSH) family of beer brands to Damm UK. Damm UK is the owner of Estrella Damm and a family-owned Spanish brewing business that operates in Bedford, UK. Greene King originally acquired OSH in 1999 from Morland. The brand range encompasses the Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen and Old Master …
Anheuser-Busch, the major U.S. beverage manufacturer and AB InBev subsidiary, has announced a new $5 million investment in its brewery based in Columbus, Ohio. According to a company statement, the funding is intended to fuel the production of its fast-growing beer portfolio, including Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Zero and Michelob Ultra Zero Lime. The investment will also fund the opening of a new technical skills training center on the facility’s …
Gama and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Founder, Seven Summers The 45th edition of the London Wine Fair took place this week under the new ownership of Vindustrious, marking a new chapter for the event. The trade show registered significant growth: in total, the event hosted 445 exhibitors, representing a near 10% rise in participation and a 13% increase in floor space, while visitor numbers topped the 10,000 threshold for the first time in …
The Wine Group, the US-based wine and spirits company, has announced the acquisition of the Phony Negroni non-alcoholic beverage line from St. Agrestis, the Brooklyn-based spirits producer. The deal includes the full Phony Negroni portfolio, comprising the flagship Phony Negroni, Phony Mezcal Negroni, Phony Espresso Negroni, Phony White Negroni, and Amaro Falso. First launched in January 2022, the brand has established itself as a significant name in the ready-to-serve adult …
Global Brands, the Chesterfield-based drinks producer, has announced the acquisition of Skinny Brands, a UK specialist in low-calorie and gluten-free alcoholic beverages. The transaction, completed for an undisclosed sum, sees the Skinny Lager, Skinny IPA, and Skinny Fruit Cider brands integrated into the Global Brands portfolio with immediate effect. Global Brands, whose existing line-up includes VK, Franklin & Sons, and Hooch, stated the move follows its 2023 acquisition of brands …
Agora, the Spanish brewing group, is launching what it claims is the world’s first probiotic beer under its Ambar brand. The new functional beverage, Ambar Triple Zero Probiotica, is a non-alcoholic beer that contains zero sugar and is reportedly produced with zero net carbon emissions. Developed following seven years of research in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the drink contains the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis CECT 8145. …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the next issue of Gama News. The latest edition of the UK Food & Drink Shows took place at the NEC Birmingham from the 13th to 15th April 2026, comprising four distinct exhibitions: the Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and the Forecourt Show. This expansive gathering of more than 1,200 exhibitors and an anticipated 25,000 visitors featured a …
Mark Anthony Group, the Canadian-founded international drinks company, has reached an agreement to acquire The Finnish Long Drink for an undisclosed sum. The Finnish Long Drink, a ready-to-drink (RTD) brand headquartered in the USA, reported sales of approximately 1.8 million nine-litre cases last year. Founded in 2018, the company produces spirit-based sparkling cocktails inspired by a traditional Finnish beverage created for the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics. Its product portfolio features …
Ambev, the Brazilian brewing company, is investing R$300 million ($60 million) to expand its production of premium beer in the state of Maranhao. The investment is specifically directed towards increasing capacity for the Spaten brand at its Cervejaria Equatorial facility in Sao Luis. According to a report by Supervarejo, the expansion transforms the plant into a strategic hub designed to supply the north-eastern region of Brazil, including the states of …
Heineken, the Dutch brewing company, has announced the sale of its shareholding in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries SA (Bralima), its operating company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The stake has been acquired by ELNA Holdings Ltd, a Mauritius-based investment firm, which will assume full responsibility for Bralima’s operations, including production, distribution and its approximately 731 employees. Bralima, which was founded in 1923, operates three breweries located in Kinshasa, …
Pernod Ricard, the French spirits and wine group, has completed the sale of Kenwood Vineyards to the Heck family, the owners of Korbel Champagne Cellars. The transaction marks the return of the Sonoma-based winery to the Heck family, who previously owned the brand for 18 years between 1996 and 2014. Founded in 1970, Kenwood Vineyards is situated in the Sonoma Valley and is noted for its premium wine portfolio and …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the next issue of Gama News. The International Food & Drink Event (IFE), the latest edition of which took place on the 30th March to 1st April 2026 at ExCeL London, serves as one of the largest trade shows for the food and beverage industry in the UK. As a central component of the broader Food, Drink & Hospitality Week – a collective of five co-located …
Gama spoke to Prof. Keeley Crockett, Professor in Computational Intelligence at Manchester Metropolitan University. Read this Industry Insight in the next issue of Gama News. You’ve often said that AI is currently facing a ‘trust’ test similar to the one physical brands face. Why is that the starting point for this conversation? It’s fundamental. The consumer has to trust your products, and it’s exactly the same with AI. When …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the next issue of Gama News. Alimentaria 2026, held in Barcelona from 23rd to 26th March, marked its 50th anniversary this year as a premier global platform for the food, beverage, and foodservice industries. This edition, staged at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue, successfully integrated with Hostelco to cover the entire hospitality and catering value chain. The event concluded with a total of 109,600 …
Pernod Ricard, the French spirits producer, and US-based Brown-Forman have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions regarding a potential “merger of equals”. The talks are currently at an early stage. Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest spirits maker, said it “confirms that it is in discussions regarding a potential business combination with Brown-Forman”. However, the group cautioned that “there can be no assurance that any agreement will be reached”. Brown-Forman, the …
De Kuyper Royal Distillers, the Netherlands-based spirits producer, has agreed to sell its Mandarine Napoleon brand to Iconic Nectars, a French family-owned spirits group. The transaction, executed through Iconic Nectars’ subsidiary Pages-Vedrenne, is expected to complete by the start of April 2026 for an undisclosed sum. The divestment aligns with De Kuyper’s long-term strategy to sharpen its focus on its core cocktail categories and grow the global cocktail category. The …
Kati Patang, the Indian craft beer company, has announced the acquisition of the premium wine and spirits company Agnetta International for R$3.5 crore ($420,000). The Agnetta International brand range includes both new and old world wines, including still and sparking options, as well as a range of spirits such as tequila, Scotch whiskey, Russian vodka and rum. It has a distribution network extending throughout India. Commenting on the acquisition, Shantanu …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the next issue of Gama News. The return of Lunch! North to Manchester Central on 10th and 11th March 2026 solidified the event’s status as a primary fixture for the food-to-go and cafe sectors in the north of England. Co-located with the Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) show, the combined event transformed the venue into a concentrated hub for regional hospitality, drawing over 12,100 trade …
Gama spoke to Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair, ahead of the latest edition of the wine and spirits showcase. What are your primary expectations for the 2026 edition, and what is the prevailing mood you are sensing from exhibitors as we approach May? This will be the 45th edition of London Wine Fair, and the first under the new Vindustrious ownership. The first thing to say is that …
Tilray Brands, the US-based lifestyle and consumer packaged goods firm, has finalised the acquisition of Scottish craft brewer BrewDog’s global brand and UK production assets in a deal valued at £33 million ($40 million). The transaction includes BrewDog’s worldwide intellectual property, its UK brewing operations, and a portfolio of 11 profitable brewpubs across the UK and Ireland. On 9th March 2026, Tilray also confirmed the completion of a separate acquisition …
Jackson Family Wines, the California-based wine giant, has expanded its Oregon portfolio with the acquisition of white wine brand Big Salt for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2016 by John House and Ksenija Kostic House as an extension of their Ovum Wines business, Big Salt specializes in aromatic, minimal-intervention white blends. The brand has built a cult following, particularly among younger consumers, for its ‘place-driven’ wines such as the flagship …
Diageo, the UK-based alcoholic beverages giant, has inaugurated a new production line for its Smirnoff Ice brand at its industrial complex in Itaitinga, Ceara. The expansion makes the facility the company’s first proprietary plant in Latin America to manufacture products in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category. According to a report in SuperVarejo, the new line represents an investment of R$30 million ($5.5 million), part of a broader R$280 million ($51.5 million) …
Coca-Cola, the US-based multinational beverage giant, has entered into a strategic partnership with family-owned spirits company Sazerac to drive growth in the rapidly expanding alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) segment. Under the agreement, Red Tree Beverages (the company’s subsidiary for alcoholic ventures) is transitioning the production and distribution of several key brands to Sazerac. The portfolio includes the existing Fresca Mixed and Minute Maid Spiked lines, which were previously managed in collaboration …
Tilray Brands, the global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods firm, has entered into an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement with Danish brewing giant Carlsberg. Starting on 1st January 2027, Tilray will produce, market, sell and distribute the Carlsberg portfolio across all channels in the USA. The agreement, which has an initial five-year term with an automatic five-year renewal subject to performance criteria, includes the Carlsberg, Carlsberg Elephant, 1664 and Kronenbourg 1664 …
Kirin , the Japanese beverage giant, has reached an agreement to sell its Four Roses Distillery business to US-based winemaker E&J Gallo for a total consideration of up to $775 million. The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, marks Kirin’s exit from the American bourbon category after 24 years of ownership. According to the company, the divestment follows a review of its business portfolio …
Gama spoke to Dan Dixon, Managing Director of Exhibitions, William Reed ahead of the latest edition of The UK Food & Drink Shows. Read more Tradeshow Look Aheads in the next issue of Gama News. What are your primary expectations for this year’s The UK Food & Drink Shows? We are expecting this to be our most vibrant edition yet. By co-locating four distinct shows — Food & Drink Expo, Farm …
Cawston Press, the UK-based soft drinks manufacturer, has expanded into the low and no-alcohol beer market for the first time with the acquisition of the low-alcohol beer brand Loah for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2020, Loah specialises in fruit-infused, 0.5% abv beers, including Peach Pale Ale, Blood Orange IPA and Lime Lager. The brand, which markets its range as low-calorie, gluten-free and vegan, will be integrated into Cawston Press’s existing …
Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), the Indian spirits manufacturer best known for its Officer’s Choice whisky, has approved the acquisition of production assets from National Industrial Corporation (NICOL) in a deal valued at up to 110 crore ($12.1 million). The transaction, cleared by the company’s board on 16th January, involves the purchase of land, buildings, plant, machinery and licences at a non-operational facility in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. The total investment …
GHF, the London-based premium drinks brand development agency, has announced the acquisition of UK whisky brand Fielden for an undisclosed sum. The deal marks the first outright brand acquisition for GHF, which specialises in scaling high-quality drinks brands through strategy and sales execution. Fielden, formerly known as The Oxford Artisan Distillery until a 2024 rebrand and relocation to Yorkshire, is a modern UKrye whisky producer rooted in regenerative farming. The …
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the Belgium-headquartered global brewing giant, has announced a $30 million (£23.6 million) investment in its brewery located in Williamsburg (VA). The capital injection is specifically aimed at increasing the production capacity of Michelob Ultra, a premium light lager that has become a key driver of growth for the company’s North American portfolio. The upgrade includes the installation of a new cooling system and the expansion of …
North South Wines, the UK-based wine distributor and importer, has announced the acquisition of When in Rome, a British brand specialising in premium craft wine in alternative packaging. Founded in 2015, When in Rome focuses on formats such as bag-in-box, cans, and paper bottles, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of wine distribution. The brand reported a turnover of approximately £700,000 ($890,000) in 2023 and has established a retail presence …
Brella Beverage, a USA-based manufacturer of functional and spirits-based beverages, has announced the acquisition of the spirits brand portfolio of Chicago Distilling Company, an Illinois-based craft distillery. The transaction includes the acquisition of the Ceres Vodka and Finn’s Gin brands. According to Brella Beverage, the deal is intended to strengthen its footprint in the craft spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories. Chicago Distilling Company is known for its “grain-to-glass” production philosophy, …
Trinchero Family Estates, the US-based wine and spirits producer, has agreed to acquire Mumm Napa, a leading premium sparkling wine brand, from the French beverage giant Pernod Ricard. Based in the Napa Valley, Mumm Napa is known for its portfolio of Methode Traditionnelle sparkling wines. The acquisition includes the brand itself, its inventory, and its Napa-based winery and visitor centre. According to Trinchero Family Estates, the deal strengthens its luxury …
Campari Group, the Italian spirits manufacturer, has agreed to sell its Averna and Zedda Piras liqueur brands to compatriot firm Illva Saronno for €100 million ($117 million). The transaction involves the sale of Amaro Averna, a historic Sicilian herbal liqueur founded in 1868, and the Sardinian myrtle liqueur Zedda Piras. According to Campari, the deal is a strategic move to streamline its portfolio and focus on “core brands” while supporting …
Asahi, the Japanese beverage giant, has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in East African Breweries (EABL) from the UK-based spirits firm Diageo in a deal valued at $2.3 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Asahi will acquire Diageo Kenya Ltd, which holds a 65% shareholding in EABL, alongside a 53.68% direct stake in the Kenyan spirits producer and importer UDVK. The transaction values EABL at an implied enterprise …
Olvi Group, the Finnish multi-beverage manufacturer, has agreed to acquire a 51% majority stake in Brewery International, a leading importer of premium drinks in Norway and Sweden. The transaction, which includes an option to acquire the remaining shares at a later date, is expected to close in January 2026. Brewery International operates as a specialist importer and distributor across grocery retail, the on-trade (HoReCa) sector, and state-controlled monopoly markets. Its …
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the global brewing giant, has agreed to acquire an 85% majority stake in BeatBox Beverages, the Texas-based ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic ‘party punch’ maker, for approximately $490 million. The agreement, expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory approval, grants AB InBev an option to purchase the remaining 15% after five years via a predetermined pricing formula. The acquisition reinforces the brewer’s focus …
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s bottling partner in India, has announced it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Carlsberg for the distribution of alcoholic beverages in Africa, and to this end will establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Kenya. In a statement, Varun Beverages said: “We are incorporating a wholly-owned subsidiary in Kenya under Varun Beverages Limited to carry on the business of manufacturing, distribution and selling of beverages”. “In …
Italian Wine Brands has announced that its subsidiaries, IWB Italia and Giordano Vini, have signed a binding offer with the Caffo Group to sell the Valle Talloria (Diano d’Alba) business unit. As part of the agreement, the Caffo Group will transfer production operations and the historical archives of the Cinzano brand to this business unit. Commenting on the news, IWB Group said: “We are delighted with this agreement undertaken with …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced that it has entered into binding agreements with its long-term partner Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) to acquire the remaining 75% of Distribuidora La Florida, as well as FIFCO stakes in certain other businesses, for $3.2 billion. Heineken’s stake in Distribuidora La Florida, encompasses its beverages, food, and retail operations, including more than 300 Musmanni and Musi outlets in Costa Rica, with further …
Gama spoke to Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair of the Food and Drink Export Council. Read the full interview in the next issue of Gama News. From your perspective, what makes the UK such a strategically important market for food and drink businesses – both domestic and international? The UK market remains one of the most accessible and innovation-friendly environments in Europe. For businesses looking to test products, gain quick …
Gallo, the international wine major, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire Whiny Baby, a wine brand that is described as targeting a Gen Z audience. Launched in 2020, Whiny Baby promotes “a reimagined wine experience” that is claimed to help make choosing a wine “fun, easy, and engaging”. Shoppers are encouraged to “choose a bottle based on your mood, emotion or occasion”, with varieties in the brand lineup …
Diageo, the global spirits firm, has announced it has agreed to sell its Sheridan’s to Casa Redondo, a Portuguese beverage alcohol company. Sheridan’s, which a distinctive dual-chamber coffee and cream liqueur, is a well-established brand available in more than 50 countries with strong distribution across Europe. Commenting on the move, Diageo president for Europe and chief commercial officer Dayalan Nayager said: “The sale of Sheridan’s is another example of our sharp focus …
21st Amendment, a leading San Francisco craft brewer, has announced it is to close after 25 years of operation. According to reports, the company plans to slowly wind down operations at its San Leonardo production facility over the next two months with the goal of closing completely by early November. 21st Amendment is described as having faced challenges including shifting consumer preferences, rising competition, and the sudden withdrawal of support from a key …
Gama spoke to Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director, ahead of the latest edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this edition of Anuga? Anuga 2025 will once again be the world’s most important platform for the food and beverage industry. From 4 to 8 October 2025, Cologne will be the global centre of the food and beverage world. With its ten trade fairs, Anuga offers a unique overview of products, …
Diageo, the UK alcoholic beverages multinational, has announced plans to close its bottling facility in Ontario, Canada by February 2026. In a statement, the company said the decision was part of its strategy to increase the efficiency and resilience of its manufacturing footprint in North America. The company will otherwise maintain its existing footprint across Canada, including its headquarters and warehousing operations in the Great Toronto Area and Quebec. “This …
Irish drinks company Cobblestone Brands has announced the acquisition of the Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish Whiskey brands from Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of wine and spirits giant Pernod Ricard. Commenting on the move, Cobblestone Brands CEO Brian Fagan said: “We believe deeply in the future of the Irish whiskey category. Despite near-term industry challenges, this is a time to invest in quality, a authenticity, and long-term brand building. Knappogue …
Italian spirit group Campari has agreed to sell its Cinzano vermouth and sparkling wine business, along with Frattina grappa and sparkling wines, to the privately-owned Italian firm Caffo Group in a €100 million ($117 million deal). This strategic move aligns with Campari’s plan to streamline its brand portfolio by offloading non-core assets, the company said in a statement, adding that the goal was to sharpen focus on core spirits, simplify operations …
Diageo India (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo operating in India, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Nao Spirits, an Indian craft distiller, for 130 crore INR ($15.2 million). Founded in 2017, Nao Spirits makes premium Indian spirits using native botanicals. Its range includes Greater Than, India’s first craft gin, and Hapusa, made with Himalayan juniper. In 2024, it launched the spiced aged rum PIPA in India and …
Gama spoke to Jeff Lenard, Vice President of NACS Media & Strategic Communications, ahead of the latest edition of the NACS Show. What are your expectations for the NACS Show 2025? We always focus on what attendees say they most want at the event. They tell us they like the format of the NACS Show: four days of learning, buying and selling, networking and fun — all designed to …
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the Australian wine giant, has announced that it has opened a new A$15 million ($9.8 million) facility in South Australia’s Barossa Valley to produce low- and no-alcohol wines. This new site combines dealcoholisation technology with patent-pending innovations designed to treat the wine’s aroma components. The facility will produce low- and no-alcohol wines for brands like Squealing Pig and Pepperjack, complementing existing lines from 19 Crimes, Matua, Wolf …
The Mexico division of brewing giant Heineken has announced a $2.75 billion investment, including a new brewery in Kanasin, Yucatan. In a statement, the company said the investment would enable it to continue driving sustainability efforts under its global “Delivering a Better World” strategy, with its new factory expected to to generate over 2,500 jobs as well as improve supply chain efficiency. Commenting on the move, Heineken CEO Oriol Bonoclocha …
Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. What are your expectations for the 2025 edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair? The 2025 edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair is gearing up to be one of our most exciting yet, with a bunch of new features, networking events and opportunities for food & drink brands to connect …
Australian winery Australian Vintage has announced that the company entered a strategic partnership with Burch Family Wines to acquire international ownership of the brand MadFish, a wine brand from Western Australia. In a press release, the company said it would become the exclusive distributor of Howard Park Wines in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Canada, whilst Burch Family Wines will be the owner of brand rights and distribute MadFish and Howard …
The 2025 edition of London Wine Fair (LWF) reinforced the show’s position as a cornerstone event for global wine and spirits professionals, welcoming some 442 exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors for three days of networking, tasting and deal-making at the the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London. Gama at London Wine Fair Held from 19th to 21st May, LWF showcased wines, spirits and related products from 35 different countries, with …
Pernod Ricard, the wine and spirits major, has announces the successful divestment of strategic international wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), a consortium of global institutional investors and the owner of Accolade Wines. The divestment paves the way for the creation of a new global wine company under the name Vinarchy, and will also allows Pernod Ricard to focus on its premium international spirits and champagne brands. The transaction encompasses a …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 29th April 2025: Growing consumer aversion to ‘processed’ and ‘artificial’ foods is driving an uptick in launches touting claims such as “no additives” and “no artificial ingredients”, the latest Insight By Gama Compass discovers. An analysis of trends in global food and drink launches since 2013 reveals that consumer preference is instead coalescing around products that showcase simple formulations, identifiable ingredients and minimal levels of processing. Read …
The 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows (Food & Drink Expo), held from 7th to 9th April at Birmingham’s NEC, once again offered industry professionals across the food, drink, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing sectors valuable insights into trends and innovations shaping the UK consumer goods sector. Gama and Bonny Bite In a bid to cater to the evolving needs of the market, this year’s edition of the co-located Farm Shop …
Alcoholic drinks giant Diageo has announced that the company has entered a strategic joint venture with investment and advisory firm Main Street Advisors involving the brands Ciroc Ultra-Premium Vodka and Lobos 1707 Tequila. In a press release, Diageo said it had exchanged majority ownership of Ciroc Ultra-Premium Vodka brand rights in North America for a majority ownership interest in Lobos 1707 brand rights globally. The joint venture is said to …
Anheuser-Busch, US subsidiary of world-leading brewer AB InBev, has announced the closure of production at its craft brewery in the US state of New Hampshire. The 104,000 sq ft facility, operated by Craft Brew Alliance, produces beer for the Kona and Omission brands. “We understand the impact of this announcement on our people in Portsmouth, and we are committed to working with the local union that represents some of the …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. Offering its 30,000 visitors the opportunity to “immerse themselves in food and drink product discovery”, the latest edition of International Food Event, IFE once again proved to be a vibrant showcase of the biggest and brightest food and drink innovations from the UK and beyond. With ExCel in London’s Docklands playing host, IFE brought together 1,500 exhibitors from all …
Gama spoke to Charlotte Tickle, Production Director at Global Insight Conferences, ahead of the latest edition of Food & Drink Trends & Innovations. What are your expectations for this year’s Food & Drink Trends & Innovations? We’ve been running the Food & Drink Trends & Innovations conference for 11 years now – so while the trends come and go, the goal is always simple! For our participants to come away …
Gama spoke to Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair, ahead of the latest edition of the wine and spirits showcase. What are your expectations for this edition of The London Wine Fair? Which features would you particularly recommend to visitors? We are bringing spirits back to The Fair with a new feature area – “Signature Serve” – which will focus on premium spirits and mixer brands. More than 2,000 …
Read this Tradeshow Insight in the latest issue of Gama News. March 2025 welcomed a fresh-faced entrant to the UK tradeshow scene, with food-to-go showcase Lunch! North marking its inaugural outing in the heart of Manchester’s bustling city centre. Gama with Katie Tyler, Lunch! North and Lunch! Event Director Cramming over 400 stands – and over 12,000 visitors – into the main hall of the Manchester Central exhibition venue, Lunch! North (and …
MNG Brands, a manufacturer of drinks, supplements and skincare products and subsidiary of MNG 2005 Inc, has announced it has acquired WellBeing Brewing Company, a leader in the non-alcoholic beer market, to expand its wellness portfolio. Post-acquisition, WellBeing Brewing Company will introduce beverages infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), broadening its range of functional wellness drinks. Commenting on the move, MNG 2005 Inc vice president Dafna Revah said: “MNG Brands is at …
Suntory Spirits, the alcoholic unit of Suntory Group, has announced an investment of ¥6.5 billion yen ($42.8 million) in its production facility in Osaka, Japan. The spirits and liqueurs facility, where The Japanese Gin Roku is made, will expand production capacity to cater to rising demand, the company said in a statement. Most of the total investment is earmarked for the construction of the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery within …
The Indian arm of global beer giant Carlsberg has announced plans to invest 350 crore ($42 million) in its Mysuru brewery in Karnataka state. The allocated investment will be used to strengthen production capabilities by installing new can, glass bottle and keg lines. Commenting on the move, Carlsberg India managing director Nilesh Patel said: “Karnataka is a key market for Carlsberg India, and this expansion underscores our long-term commitment to …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced it has acquired Inverroche, a “luxury” gin brand hailing from South Africa, with distribution in 25 countries. In a press release, the company said it had concluded the acquisition of the shares it did not already own on 6th February. Commenting on the move, Sola Oke, managing director of Pernod Ricard Africa, said: “Africa is a market with great potential for Pernod Ricard. Our …
Brazilian wine cooperative Vinicola Aurora has announced that the company is investing R$25 million in 2025 ($4.3 million) to modernise its production operations. According to sources, the new money comes on the back of R$130 million ($22.5 million) the company has invested in structural improvements over the last few years, including increasing Vinicola Aurora’s total storage capacity from 85 million litres in 2021 to 92 million in 2024. Among other things, the …
Alcoholic drinks giants Diageo has announced plans to open a new 360,000 sq ft manufacturing and warehousing facility in Montgomery, in the US state of Alabama. The $415 million facility will have a multi-million case annual production capacity for Diageo’s leading beverage alcohol brands, enhancing the North America supply chain and supporting future growth for exports, the company said in a statement. This plant, which will reportedly will be fully operational by …
Diageo, the UK-based spirits farm, has announced it has sold its 80.4% shareholding in beermaker Guinness Ghana Breweries plc to French wine producer Castel Group. The company said it would retain ownership of the Guinness brand and other Diageo brands, but that these would be licensed to Guinness Ghana Breweries under a new long-term agreement. Diageo will also continue to oversee the brand and marketing strategy for the Guinness brand in …
Diageo, the UK alcoholic beverages multinational, has announced it has finalized the sale of the rum brand Cacique to Bardinet, a major Spanish spirits company. Cacique is described as a Venezuelan rum brand with a 65-year heritage that is well-loved in Spain, in addition to its domestic market. Commenting on the sale, John Kennedy, Diageo president, Europe said: “The sale of Cacique reflects Diageo’s strategy of maintaining a sharp focus on effective portfolio …
Beverage firm Coca-Cola FEMSA has announced the opening of a new distribution centre in Bauru, in Brazil’s Sao Paulo stated. According to sources, the R$94 million ($15.7 million) distribution centre, is expected to expand the company’s delivery capacity by 30%. Inaugurated on 15th January 2025, the facility is a strategic milestone for the company’s operations in the interior of Sao Paulo, Coca-Cola FEMSA said. Silvio Vargas, Coca-Cola FEMSA Brasil distribution director, commentedL …
Gama spoke to Leana Salamah, SVP Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, ahead of the latest edition of the Winter Fancy Food Show. What are your expectations for the 2025 edition of the Winter Fancy Food Show? We are all very excited for the 2025 Winter Show! The enhanced focus on emerging trends and new-to-market products will elevate the Show experience for our attendees in really meaningful ways. Just one …
Coca-Cola, the soft drinks multinational, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Billson’s, an Australia-based brand of flavoured alcohol beverages (FABs). The Billson’s product range includes “local market leaders” Vodka with Tangle, Vodka with Grape Burst and Vodka with Portello, the company said in a statement. “We are excited to add Billson’s to our portfolio of Australian brands,” commented Matthias Blume, Coca‑Cola vice president of ,arketing, ASEAN and South …
SHS Group, the diversified consumer goods supplier, has announced the acquisition of Shandy Shack, a brand of “mid-strength” abv beer that specialises in flavoured products. Prior to the acquisition, the two companies had collaborated to create a raspberry lager using Bottlegreen cordial. Shandy Shack will join the existing SHS portfolio including brands such as Shloer, Bottlegreen, Rocks and WKD. Andy Morris-Jinks, managing director of SHS Drinks, said: “We are excited …
Leading alcoholic drinks company Constellation Brands has announced it has agreed to sell its Svedka vodka brand to peer Sazerac, with the deal expected to be completed in the next few months. Commenting on the move, Constellation Brands said its aim was to prioritise growing market sectors, with a focus on premium wine and craft spirits. “The actions we have taken over the past several years to reshape our wine …
Heineken, the leader global brewer, has agree a joint venture with consultancy firms Sirocco and Mercantile International to manufacture beer in the United Arab Emirates, according to a FoodBev report. Located in Dubai, the brewery will reportedly be the largest in the Middle East region and will produce beer for brands such as Heineken, Kingfisher, Amstel and Birra Moretti. Up to 190 workers will be employed at the site. “This …
Prime Drink Group, a Canadian company that markets beer and spirits brands, has announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Prime Capital Investments Inc, the Quebec-based company that owns the Beach Day Every Day malt beverage brand. Beach Day Every Day is a canned flavoured alcoholic beverage (FAB) with natural flavours and 5% alcohol by volume, available in Peach and …
Heineken, the Dutch beermaker, has announced an investment of €45 million ($47 million) to build the Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre, a global research & development centre in Zoeterwoude, Netherlands. Named after Henry Pierre Heineken, a doctor of chemistry and first successor to Heineken founder Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the new facility will be 8,800 sqm in size and start operating by mid-2025. It will focus on improving products and processing and developing …
Leading brewer AB InBev has announced that the company has invested $8 million in its brewery in St. Louis (MS) via US subsidiary Anheuser-Busch. The move will create and sustain jobs and drive economic growth in its hometown, the company said in a statement. The company has invested more than $165 million in its St. Louis campus since 2019, including renovating and reopening its Technical Excellence Center. Kyle Topping, senior …
Gama with Nicolas Trentesaux, SIAL Network Managing Director The landmark 2024 edition of SIAL, the self-styled “must-attend” biennial event for the food industry, reinforced the show’s central place in the European consumer goods calendar, building on a 60 year run that was marked in both celebratory and contemplative fashion. Gama with Secretary of State for Fisheries of Portugal Claudia Monteiro Aguiar As the organizers themselves acknowledged, attending SIAL on its …
Belgian brewery Brouwerij Martens has announced the acquisition of United Dutch Breweries (UDB), a Netherlands-based brewing company, from European investment company Gimv. Offering “affordable premium import brands”, UDB is known in particular for lagers such as Oranjeboom and Royal Dutch, as well as the malt drink 3 Horses. Commenting on the move, Brouwerij Martens CEO Danny Dresselaerts said: “We are very proud to have been able to realize this transaction …
Heineken, the Dutch beermaker, has acquired Komari Beverage, an Ethiopian alcoholic drinks firm, according to a report in Capital Ethiopia. According to sources, oamari Beverage produces hard seltzers under the Arada brand, and was first launched to market in 2021. It reportedly claims to be the only manufacturer of hard seltzers in Ethiopia and has a production capacity of 27,000 bottles per hour. Commenting on the deal, Komari Beverage chief …
Gama spoke to Yannick Verry, Brand Director, ahead of the latest edition of Fi Europe. What are your expectations for this year’s FI Europe? What features are there for consumers to look forward to? Fi Europe is gearing up for its biggest and best year ever. From 19th-21st November 2024, Messe Frankfurt will host the leading global event for food and beverage ingredients. More than 1,500 exhibitors and a programme …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has announced the acquisition of spirit alternative business Ritual Zero Proof to strengthen its non-alcoholic spirits portfolio. Launched in 2019, Ritual Zero Proof is a non-alcoholic spirit brand offering alternatives to whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, and aperitifs. Diageo acquired a minority stake in Ritual Zero Proof via its accelerator Distill Ventures in January 2020. In a statement, Diageo argued it was well positioned to …
Edrington, a UK-based spirits producer, has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell the The Famous Grouse and Naked Malt scotch whisky brands to William Grant & Sons, one of the world’s leading whisky producers, through its subsidiary The 1887 Company Limited. Founded in 1887, William Grant & Sons offers whisky and spirits under brands such as Glenfiddich, Grant’s, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, SIAL Network Managing Director, ahead of the latest edition of SIAL. SIAL is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. How are you planning to commemorate the occasion? This year, SIAL is characterised by both a retrospective and forward-looking approach to the food sector. Attending SIAL on its 60th anniversary is a unique opportunity to reflect on six decades of innovation and change in food, while …
Gama spoke to Jeff Lenard, NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, ahead of the latest edition of the NACS Show. What are your expectations for this edition of the NACS Show? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? The NACS Show is where retailers go to find the future of convenience, whether via products or services on the expo floor, in the education and general …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has announced plan to triple its revenue in India over the next decade by strengthening its position in the premium whisky market. The strategy includes the launch of Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky and Blenders Pride Four Elements Premium Whisky, following release of Longitude 77, the company’s first “Indian Single Malt”. Blenders Pride Four Elements Whisky is described as being blended from four …
Wine and spirits group KWV has announced the acquisition of Red Heart Rum from spirits major Pernod Ricard for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition marks KWV’s entry into the rum category, diversifying a spirits portfolio that already features Cruxland Gin, Wild Africa Cream and Ponchos Tequila. Commenting on the acquisition, KWV CEO John Loomes said: “We are thrilled about the addition of Red Heart Rum to our portfolio. This acquisition …
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the Australian wine giant, has announced plans to divest its commercial brand portfolio, including Wolf Blass, Lindeman’s, Yellowglen and Blossom Hill. The decision is part of TWE’s ongoing restructure prioritising the Premium Brands Division, which features wines priced between A$10 ($6.60) and A$30 ($19.80). In a statement, TWE said: “Following the latest review of the carrying value of the Group’s assets as part of its annual …
Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. What are your expectations for this year’s Speciality & Fine Food Fair? How will you be celebrating the landmark 25th edition? We’re really excited for this year’s event! It’s amazing to think how the speciality food & drink industry has evolved since 1999 and this year we’ll be celebrating both …
UK alcoholic beverage multinational Diageo has announced it has agreed to sell its Safari spirits brand to Casa Redondo, a Portuguese alcoholic drinks company, as part of a portfolio review. Safari offers fruit-flavoured liqueurs and is primarily sold in Benelux, Portugal and Turkey. Commenting on the move, Diageo’s president, Europe John Kennedy said: “The sale of Safari reflects Diageo’s commitment to delivering consistent growth and value creation for shareholders. This …
Carlsberg, the multinational brewer, has announced it has acquired a minority stake in local beermaker Brasserie Du Pays Flamand via its French subsidiary Brasseries Kronenbourg (BK). In a statement, BK said the strategic partnership would accelerate the distribution of the Anosteke brand across France. The company also intends to triple production capacity at Brasserie du Pays Flamand’s Merville site to 200,000 hectolitres over the next five years, supported by a …
Brazilian beverage producer Ambev has announced an investment in order to increase production capacity for its Corona lager brand in Rio de Janiero state. According to sources, the new production line started operating on the 24th June at Ambev’s plant in Campo Grande. The investment of R$61 million ($10.8 million) will cater to increased demand for Corona, which saw a 70% increase in sales volume in Q1 2024 compared to …
Wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard has started construction om a new €25 million (US$26.8 million) distillery for its high-end Japanese gin brand Ki No Bi in Kameoka City, according to a FoodBev report. The new facility will be powered by renewables an is expected to increase production capacity for Ki No Bi at least fivefold. Commenting on the move, The Kyoto Distillery managing director Antonio Sanchez Villareal said: “This …
UK alcoholic beverage multinational Diageo has announced the sale of its Guinness Nigeria business to the Tolaram Group, a diversified holding company based in Singapore. According to sources, Diageo will sell its 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria to the Talaram Group for 81.60 NGN ($0.05) per share, as part of its wider plans to exit the brewing business in Africa. In 2022, the firm sold its brewing business in Cameroon …
Read more insights in the latest issue of Gama News Serving as a focal point for the wine industry in the UK, London Wine Fair (LWF) returned for its latest outing this spring, welcoming just over 400 exhibitors to the Kensington Olympia showgrounds in London for three days of learning, networking and deal-making. Focusing heavily on visitor “quality” as a key metric, show organisers reported that while attendee numbers were slightly down on …
Gama with Heather Mills, Founder, VBITES Hailed as the “busiest” edition to date, the 2024 edition of Food & Drink Expo (and its co-located events) yet again emerged as a significant showcase of the latest in food and drinks innovation in the UK and beyond. Gama with Ian Taylor, Retail Director, Spar UK Absorbing much of the Birmingham NEC’s extensive showgrounds for three days between 29th April and 1st May, …
Gama spoke to Leana Salamah, SVP Marketing & Communications, Specialty Food Association, ahead of the latest edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show. What are your expectations for this edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? We’re incredibly excited for the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show. In addition to many returning popular features, this year’s show will make it …
Gama spoke to Peggy Davies, PLMA President, ahead of the latest edition of PLMA – World of Private Label. What are your expectations for this edition of PLMA? What features are there for visitors to look forward to? With a record breaking 2,800+ exhibitors from 70 countries, at PLMA’s World of Private Label in Amsterdam the industry can expect a variety of trendy products, including free-from alternatives, plant-based meat, …
Japanese drinks giant Asahi has announced the acquisition of South Australian spirits maker Never Never through its alcoholic beverages division, Carlton & United Breweries (CUB). Founded in 2016, Never Never offers gins under brands such as Triple Juniper, Oyster Shell, and Grenache and has full-time headcount of around 15. Commenting on the deal, Asahi CEO Amanda Sellers commented: “We are acquiring Never Never because we recognise Never Never’s incredible brand …
With sustainability continuing to embed itself as a mainstream concern within fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), London’s Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) once again proved a major draw for industry professionals keen to explore the latest in eco-friendly product innovation and the hottest purpose-led trends. Gama with Frank Lantz, Director of Taste, Uhh-mami With some 6,210 delegates and 600 exhibitors congregating inside ExCel’s showgrounds, the mood was characteristically engaged …
Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s leading beermaker and subsidiary of global brewing giant Heineken, has announced plans to temporarily pause operations at two of its nine breweries and optimise production capacity at the other seven breweries, as part of a Business Recovery Plan. In a statement, the firm said the move, which also includes a Rights Issue, was essential to improve its operational efficiency and financial stability and enable a return of …
Next Century Spirits, a US-based distilled spirits and marketing firm, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the brand assets of Texas-based peer Southwest Spirits & Wine. In a press release, Next Century Spirits said the deal included the Nue Vodka brand, which has an approximate annual volume of 220,000 9 litre cases across 29 states, as well as The Other 49 Bourbon, Sixty Men Bourbon, Calamity Gin, …
Molson Coors has announced an investment of £100 million ($124 million) in its UK business over the next five years. In a statement, the company said the decision would allow it to increase its brewing and packaging capabilities at its largest UK facilities in Burton-on-Trent and Tadcaster, which supply the UK and Western Europe markets. Commenting on the move, Fraser Thomson, Molson Coors chief supply chain officer for Western Europe, …
Gama spoke to Francisco López Bago, president of Grupo Gourmets, ahead of the latest edition of Salon Gourmets. What do you expect from this year’s Salon Gourmets? As in the previous edition, we will fill five halls, which means 65,000 sq m of exhibition space, nearly 2,000 exhibitors, 55,000 products… We also have eight stages where dozens of activities will take place, in addition to the more than 1,200 …
IFE, International Food & Drink Event, the annual London-based get-together for the food and drink sector, returned for its latest outing this March, once again proving a key opportunity for a diverse range of brands to pitch their wares to a UK and international audience of industry professionals. Gama with HE Inigo Lambertini, Ambassador of Italy to the UK With ExCel in London’s Docklands again playing host, IFE welcomed some …
Global spirits company Sazerac has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire BuzzBallz, a US ready-to-drink cocktail brand, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2009 by Merilee Kick, BuzzBallz is described as a woman-led and family-operated distillery, winery and brewery, renowned for its spherically-shaped RTD cocktails. BuzzBallz’s portfolio also includes includes brands such as BIGGIES, Uptown Cocktails, Sip Sip Hooray and Texas Craft. Commenting on the move, Sazerac CEO …
For four days this March, Barcelona became the focus of attention for the global food and drink industry as the city’s Fira Barcelona played host to the latest edition of Alimentaria and its co-located show Hostelco. Gama with Rafael Juan, CEO, and Alberto García, Head of Communications, Vicky Foods Proclaimed the most global edition to date, with 900 of the 3,200 exhibitors hailing from outside Spain, Alimentaria&Hostelco 2024 saw particularly strong …
Labatt Breweries, a leading Canadian drinks company, has announced the entry of the 7UP soft drinks brand into the alcoholic drinks space with the launch of SVNS Hard 7UP, a ready-todrink cocktail that is said to combine the lemon-lime flavour of PepsiCo’s 7Up with vodka-based alcohol. Designed to capture the attention and preferences of the legal drinking age (LDA) to 34-year-old consumer, SVNS Hard 7UP is sugar-free and has 7% …
Insight by Gama Compass MANCHESTER – 14th March 2024: In this month’s Insight By Gama Compass, we turn our gaze towards the trend among FMCG suppliers and retailers to tout the use of locally-sourced and traceable ingredients, and explore some of the reasons why provenance is increasingly moving to ‘centre-of-pack’ when it comes to brand messaging. In particular, we look at how of the ‘lure of local’ is being driven by sometimes inter-related …
Japanese brewer Asahi has announced plans to close a brewery in Greenwich, London that produces the Meantime and Dark Star beer ranges, with production transferred to the Fuller’s site in west London. According to reports, the Greenwich site will be retained but converted into a “standalone” consumer retail experience. In 2022, Asahi closed the Dark Star brewery in West Sussex, moving production to the Meantime site in Greenwich. “Asahi UK …
Aldi, the German retail giant, has announced the launch of what it claims to be the UK’s first supermarket own-brand wine sold in paperboard bottles. The bottles utilize Frugalpac’s Frugal Bottles technology, described as being produced from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch housing the wine. The packaging is said to be fully recyclable and to weigh five times less than a standard glass bottle. Frugalpac reported that substituting …
Accolade Wines, one of the world’s largest wine companies, has entered into early merger discussions with peer Australian Vintage (AVG), the producer of the McGuigan and Tempus Two brands, according to The Australian Financial Review and The Shout reports. “AVG confirms it is in exploratory discussions with Accolade, however these discussions are still at a very early stage, and there is no certainty that any transaction will eventuate”, Australian Vintage …
Heritage Distilling Company (HDC), a craft distillery based in the US, has announced the acquisition of local peer Thinking Tree Spirits for an undisclosed sum. Thinking Tree Spirits was founded in Eugene, OR in 2014 and is described as an award-winning, women-led, farm-to-flask, Oregon grown house of brands. As a result of the transaction, HDC will own 100% of the Thinking Tree Spirits assets and brands including Gifted Gin, Main …
Leading Chilean wine firm Vina Concha y Toro has announced the acquisition of Malpaso, a key producer of the fermented grape-juice spirit pisco, as it seeks to bolster its presence in the premium spirits category. In a press release, the company said it had been distributing Malpaso for 15 years, and noted the brand had seen 11.5% growth in value between 2022 and 2023. It also has its own Pisco …
Innovatus Drinks, the UK spirits company known for brands such as Horse Guards Gin, Barentsz Gin, Pedrino Spritz and Wing Walker Rum, has added to its portfolio with the acquisition of spirit-based aperitif Sollasa for an undisclosed sum. Launched in 2021, Sollasa is described as a light refreshing spirit with a blend of Indian-inspired flavours such as mandarin, lychee and cardamom that is ideal for pairing with Pan-Asian food, as well as making cocktails. …
Prime Drink Group, a Quebec-based drinks company, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Triani, a manufacturer and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for C$38 million ($30.1 million). Founded in 2015, Triani is known for the Cantini, Ettaro and Enjoy wine brands. It also produces and markets Octane, Mojo, Baron, and Seagram malt-based alcoholic beverages, as well as non-alcoholic products under the Hickson brand in Canada …
Oettinger, the German brewer, has announced it is acquiring JoyBrau, a brand of non-alcoholic beer known for its functional benefits. Launched in 2016, JoyBrau is most famous for its high-protein drinks, but also markets a beer with added vitamins and another with caffeine and guarana for energy benefits. “JoyBräu is maximizing well-beering around the globe by leveraging patented technology to make functional nutrition delicious, natural, and joyful for the modern health-conscious …
Meditrina Beverages, a drinks company newly created by the Taliano family, is acquiring the assets of Warburn Estate, a winery located in the Riverina region of the Australian state of New South Wales. The deal, which is set to be concluded by March, includes the land, plant, equipment, trademarks and intellectual property, as well as the cellar door. Warburn Estate was established in 1968 and is described one of Australia’s leading …
French spirits maker Pernod Ricard has announced it has finalized production of The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, the initial release from its distillery in Mount Emei, which is claimed to be the first prestige malt whisky to be produced in China. Construction on the distillery began in September 2019 as part of a ten-year, $150 million investment. The product, which is described as a rich and full-bodied whisky with a long finish …
Gama spoke to Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair of the Food and Drink Export Council. What challenges are consumers facing and how should suppliers respond? “The cost of living is a major problem right the way around the world and it’s making a big difference to the ability of our customers, our consumers and most importantly our shoppers to be able to choose the products that they want from the widest …
Kofola, a Czech-based non-alcoholic beverages company, has announced the acquisition of Pivovary CZ Group, a producer of traditional beer brands such as Holba, Zubr and Litovel. Pivovary CZ Group is the fifth largest beer company in the Czech Republic with a workforce of almost 500. With the acquisition, Kofola said it planned to bolster its presence in beers with export potential. Kofola will hold a 51% stake in the company, with …
Gama spoke to Yannick Verry, Brand Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Fi Europe. What are your expectations for this year’s FI Europe? For Fi Europe 2023, expectations are high as we anticipate the convergence of over 25,000 F&B professionals and 1,400 exhibitors. The goal is to facilitate invaluable connections, showcasing new products, suppliers and solutions. The event’s diverse highlights, including the Future of Nutrition Summit, the Fi …
Australian Beer (ABCo), a brewing firm that is part of the Casella Family Brands group, has announced the acquisition of Ampersand Projects, Australia’s leading independent spirit company, for an undisclosed sum. The deal strengthens ABCo’s position in spirits and flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs), while also allowing Ampersand Projects full access to ABCo’s capabilities and resources. Commenting on the move, Casella Family Brands managing director John Casella said: “This is an …
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), the Australian wine giant, has reached an agreement to acquire DAOU Vineyards, a US luxury wine brand, for $900 million. The acquisition includes the DAOU brand, DAOU Mountain Estate, four boutique luxury wineries and around 400 acres of vineyards. Commenting on the acquisition, Treasury Americas president Ben Dollard said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity for the wine category to engage new consumers, and particularly to …
Global spirits firm Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has announced plans to invest €35 million ($35.9 million) in a new distillery for its Walsh whiskey business in Dunleckney, Ireland. The new facility will become the home for the premium brand Writers’ Tears and The Irishman, and is expected to reach a production capacity of 4 million litres of pure alcohol annually. Commenting on the investment, ABG CEO Jekaterina Stuge said: “This …
Nolet, the leading Dutch distiller, has announced an agreement to buy its fellow spirits firm Lucas Bols in a deal worth approximately €269.5 million ($286.2 million). In a statement, the two companies said the deal would create “a Dutch champion in the global spirits and cocktail market”, adding they see “a unique opportunity to bring two leading […] companies with a rich heritage under one Dutch flag”. Lucas Bols will …
Gama spoke to Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director, ahead of the latest edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this year’s Anuga? This year’s Anuga is really something to behold. With more than 7,800 exhibitors from 118 countries and a fully booked net exhibition area of about 300,000 sq m, we are ensuring that this year’s Anuga will once again build on its pre-pandemic successes. The foreign share is …
Gama spoke to Nicola Woods, Event Manager, ahead of the latest edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. What are your expectations for this edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair? We’re so excited for this year’s event! The speciality food & drink industry is an amazing place to be at the moment, with huge enthusiasm from consumers, inspiring innovation from producers and a real sense of discovery for …
Diageo, the leading alcoholic drinks firm, has been given the green light to proceed with the expansion of a facility in Northern Island that acts as a primary manufacturing site for the firm’s Baileys brand of cream liqueur. According to reports in the Irish Times and Food Manufacture, the £26 million ($33 million) expansion of the firm’s Mallusk site in Country Antrim has now been approved by planning authorities, around …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced plans to invest R$80 million ($15.75 million) to expand production of Heineken 0.0 at the Araraquara brewer in Sao Paulo, Brazil, according to a report in Industria News. The news comes a few months after the company unveiled an investment of R$1.5 billion ($243 million) to expand its premium beer operations in Brazil’s Northeast region, focusing on the Amstel and Devassa brands. In 2021, …
Tilray Brands, a US pharmaceutical and FMCG firm, has announced it has acquired eight beer and energy drink brands from multinational brewer AB InBev in a deal worth $85 million. The acquisition of the Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Blue Point Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider and HiBall Energy brands includes four production facilities in Oregon, Colorado, and New York, as well as the …
US-based multinational brewer Molson Coors is continuing to diversify beyond the beer space with the acquisition of Blue Run Spirits, a bourbon and rye whiskey producer, for an undisclosed sum. With the acquisition, the firm’s first in the spirits category, the company said it would expand its portfolio and offering a more premium range of products. The deal will more than double the size of Molson Coors’ spirits team and …
Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory have announced the launch of Suntory Oceania, a A$3 billion ($2 billion) partnership to manufacture and distribute premium spirits and alcohol-free drinks in Australia and New Zealand. Suntory Oceania will market 40 leading alcoholic drinks brands including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Hibiki Whisky, and Canadian Club, with the non-alcoholic drinks portfolio including Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, BOSS coffee, Iyemon green tea, and Suntory Tennensui water. Commenting …
Alcoholic drinks firm Diageo has announced a €25 million ($28 million) investment in a new facility at its St James’s Gate site in Dublin, Ireland to boost production of alcohol-free stout under the Guinness 0.0 brand. The production facility comprises six 500,000-hectolitre vessels with a total capacity of 90 million pints. The two-storey building houses a cold filtration system that removes the alcohol. Commenting on the investment, Diageo Ireland managing …
Coca-Cola HBC, the Swiss-based soft drinks bottler, has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire to acquire Brown-Forman Finland, owner of the Finlandia vodka brand, for $220 million. The company said the acquisition would strengthen its portfolio across more of its markets, enhancing its position as a leading 24/7 beverage partner through mixability opportunities with non-alcoholic products and partnerships with customers in Horeca channels. Finlandia was established in 1970 …
Leading Danish brewer Carlsberg has announced that the company is investing 1.5 billion UAH ($44 million) in its Ukraine operations in 2023. In a press release, the company said the investment would be used to install a new production line to increase capacity for canned products. Oleh Khaidakin, managing director of Carlsberg Ukraine, said: “This line will optimize operations, meet consumer demand for canned products, and increase the manufacture of …
Corby, the Canadian affiliate of wine and spirits multinational Pernod Ricard, has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 90% of Ace Beverage Group (ABG), a manufacturer of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, for C$148.5 million ($111.8 million). The acquisition will add the Cottage Springs, Ace Hill, Cabana Coast, Liberty Village Beverage and Good Vines brands to Corby’s portfolio. Commenting on the detail, Nicolas Krantz, Corby president and CEO said: …
E & J Gallo Winery, a US producer of wine, spirits and flavoured alcoholic beverages, has announced the acquisition of Bev, a California-based drinks brand that produces canned wines. In a statement, E & J Gallo Winery said Bev was founded “to inspire kinder, more inclusive fun in drinking culture at large” and to “creat[e] a voice for women” in the alcoholic drinks industry. The acquisition will add Bev Rose, …
Warsteiner, the leading German brewing company, has announced a €20 million ($21.6 million) investment in its factory in Herford, Rhineland-Palatinate, according to a report in LebensmittelPraxis. The money will predominantly go towards a new bottling line, but funds have also been earmarked for logistics and marketing. The production line, which is expected to be operational in the summer of 2024, will allow the Herford site to expand into new product categories, …
MGP Ingredients, a leading provider of distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions, has announced that its subsidiary Luxco has reached an agreement to purchase Penelope Bourbon and its assets. In a press release, MGP Ingredients said the deal includes a portfolio of high-quality whiskeys in the premium plus price tiers, as well as intellectual property and inventory. David Colo, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients, commented: “We are …
Gama spoke to Peggy Davies, PLMA President, ahead of the latest edition of PLMA – World of Private Label. What are your expectations for this edition of PLMA? We have seen tremendous interest from the industry; thus, expectations are high. We expect two dynamic days of business meetings, sharing ideas and sourcing for new products. Are consumers switching to private label brands in response to cost-of-living pressures? If …
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced that the company is to invest R$1.5 billion ($243 million) to expand its premium beer operations in Brazil’s Northeast region. According to an article in Exame, the group is planning to allocate the investment to its Igarassu (Pernambuco) and Alagoinhas (Bahia) plants. The investment will enable the Igarassu plant to triple production capacity for the Amstel and Devassa brands, in addition to increasing production …
This April, thousands of delegates descended on the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, as stakeholders from across the hospitality, manufacturing, grocery and speciality & convenience retail sectors once again gathered together for the 2023 edition of the Food & Drink Expo. Altogether, over 1,500 suppliers took to the show floor to showcase their latest product offerings. As ever, the flagship exhibition was co-located with the Farm Shop & Deli …
Edrington, a UK-based spirit producer has announced the acquisition of an additional stake in US firm Wyoming Whiskey, increasing its shareholding from 35% to 80%. In a press release, Edrington said the Wyoming Whiskey brand has been part of its Partnership Brands unit, which has helped the firm to grow in volume and value in the US market. Jane Graham, director of Partnership Brands, said: “With a compelling brand story, …
Gama spoke to Giorgio Rigali, Head of Communications, ahead of the latest edition of Food & Drink Expo. What are your expectations for this year’s Food & Drink Expo? This year’s Food & Drink Expo is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. The UK food and drink industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, with businesses recognising the role of large face-to-face events in helping spread their …
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 …
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 of flavoured vodka called Skyy Barcraft. The new launch is said to be aimed at meeting consumer demand for craft cocktails at home “but without the multiple steps and hard-to-find ingredients”. Skyy Barcraft, as the name suggests, is promoted as replicating “the experience you would find in a premium …
The latest innovation insight from Gama Compass™ MANCHESTER – 9th April 2015: The challenge of developing ‘authentic’ and ‘local’ brands in mainstream alcoholic drinks categories comes under the microscope this week, as Gama looks at a new lager range aiming to capture the “unique character” of different Italian regions – Birra Moretti Le Regionali Beer. Announcing that “a voyage of discovery of unique Italian character has begun”, Heineken has unveiled …
Bacardi has expanded its portfolio of super-premium spirits with the acquisition of Louisville-based Angel’s Share Brands, Louisville Distilling Co., and its Angel’s Envy™ brand. The company said the deal marked its entry into the bourbon category of the North American whiskey sector. “We have a clear strategy aligned to meet consumer needs in premium spirits and are building an even stronger portfolio through innovation and acquisition. The purchase of Angel’s …
Diageo has announced that it is to become the first alcoholic drinks company to provide nutrition and alcohol content information for its products based on recommended serving size. The company said it would work with regulators around the world to agree the format of voluntary labels which provide information on alcohol content and nutrition per typical serve. Commenting on the move, Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, Diageo, said: “Diageo puts the …
Heineken Italia is continuing its expansion in the low-alcohol beer with the launch of a new variety of its Dreher beer made with grapefruit Juice. Dreher Pompelo follows the successful launch of Dreher Lemon in 2013 and Dreher Lemon 0.0% in 2014 – representing respectively, the first ‘radler’ and the first alcohol-free ‘radler’ to be produced for the Italian market by Heineken – and is promoted as offering “double refreshment”. …
Modelo Group, a leader in the manufacture, distribution and sale of beer in Mexico, has announced the launch of a new online platform focused on speciality beer. Named Beerhouse and available at www.beerhouse.mx, the new portal offers a wide variety of domestic, craft and imported beer, including brands that are not yet available in the country, according to Modelo. In addition, consumers can use the platform to learn about the …
The Italian beer-maker Peroni has launched Peroni Forte, a new product with a higher alcohol content than conventional Peroni beer. According to Peroni, Peroni Forte is a new segment for the company and has been launched in response to increased demand for higher-alcohol beers in Italy. With 8% alcohol by volume and a light colour, the new beer is classified as an Imperial Pale Ale and is said to have …
Heineken has announced that it is investing M$7.5 billion ($480 million) to build a new brewery in Mexico. Located in the city of Meoqui in Chihuahua, the new facility is designed to meet demand in the US and Mexican market. Since entering Mexico, Heineken has become one of the country’s two main beer producers, selling well-known Mexican brands such as Tecate, Indio Sol and Dos Equis. The new brewery will …
Gama spoke to Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Vinitaly, ahead of the latest edition of the wines and spirits tradeshow. What should manufacturers do to be successful in the current economic climate? Global wine consumption is evolving, with a shift away from the traditional European producers and consumers of wine and towards new markets. This is resulting in growth in international trade. In mature markets, and also in those where there …
Bacardi has signed an agreement with leading spirits producer Beam Suntory to distribute the latter’s range of products in Brazil. The agreement includes Teacher’s, the top selling Scotch whisky brand in Brazil, and the bourbon brands Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam. The partnership aims at expanding Beam Suntory’s geographical reach and strengthening its long-term commitment to Brazil, the company said in a statement. Stan Auber, CEO of Suntory Liquors Brazil, …
Czech beer company Gold of Prague has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to build a brewery in Jeonbuk Iksan, South Korea. Commenting on the proposed facility, Lukas Mikeska, wmanaging director of Gold of Prague, said “We are paying attention to the growth of the beer market in Korea and Northeast Asia”, adding “the beer will be produced according to the …
The Belgium-based brewing and beverage company AB InBev has released its worldwide 2014 financial results, reporting “another year of solid financial performance with strong commercial results in most of our top markets”. The company said that total volume sales for the year grew 0.6%, with an increase of 0.5% in the beer segment and 1.8% in the non-beer segment. Total revenue was up by 5.9% to $47,063 million and gross …
Carlsberg has announced that it has signed an agreement with materials firm ecoXpac to develop a fully biodegradable wood-fibre drinks bottle. The three year project will see Carlsberg work on the “Green Fiber Bottle” together with ecoXpac and with the collaboration of Innovation Fund Denmark and the Technical University of Denmark. According to Carlsberg, all the components of the bottle will be made with bio-based and biodegradable materials, primarily sustainably-sourced …
Gama spoke to Hai Liu, Vice General Manager, Tsingtao Brewery. What key trends do you expect to shape alcoholic drinks innovation in 2015? In my opinion, the alcoholic drinks industry is facing an era of ever more diversified consumers who are demanding new styles and flavours of drinks and no longer demonstrate loyalty to one brand or category. In the past few years, the rise of craft beers and the …
UK-based alcoholic beverage firm Diageo and Norway’s Thinfilm, a leading company in the development of printed electronics and smart systems, have announced that they are to unveil a”smart bottle” prototype for Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whiskey during the Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona in early March. According to the companies, the new bottle will enhance the consumer experience by allowing Diageo to send targeted messages including offers, recipes …
Gama spoke to Stefano Caruso, Chairman, Caruso & Minini. What key trends do you expect to shape alcoholic drinks innovation in 2015? Nowadays I think it is important to talk about ‘contemporary’ wine, in other words wines which, through their structure and their character, are in line with the tastes and preferences of everyday consumers. In order to do this, its is essential to do your research and focus on …
A.G. Barr PLC, the soft drinks group behind brands such as Irn-Bru, has announced that it has acquired Funkin Limited, a UK-based producer of cocktail products. A.G. Barr said that it had purchased Funkin from its founding shareholders for an initial cash consideration of £16.5 million ($25.3 million) plus up to a further £4.5 million ($6.9 million) depending on certain financial performance targets. Funkin offers a broad range of premium …
The Stella Artois Cidre range is being expanded in the UK with the launch of new Peach and Elderflower flavours. AB InBev describes the new Peach variety as featuring “a delightfully fruity peach taste contrasted with subtle citrus and rose floral tones” while the Elderflower variety “exudes a fresh and lively aroma complemented by crisp apple, star fruit and bergamot tones”. The new varieties follow last year’s launch of a …
Pernord Ricard has announced that it has signed an agreement to sell the Mexican FAB brand Mexican Caribe Cooler to Grupo Bepensa. The company said the sale was in line with the strategy of focusing on its wine and spirits business. The deal will include the bottling line related to the production of Caribe Cooler together with the relevant inventories. Philippe Dreano, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard …
Japanese beverage giant Kirin is introducing a new range of RTD alcohol drinks called Butterfly in an effort to target younger drinkers. Due for launch on 10th March 2015, Butterfly contains only 1% abv and is said to be have been created in response to the needs of a younger audience. According to Kirin, a survey it conducted revealed that while 90% of those surveyed enjoyed alcohol, they were drinking …
Grupo Modelo is to build a new plant in Yucatan, Mexico to expand its beer production, according to an article in El Economista. The 2,200 million peso ($151.7 million) investment is designed to increase Modelo’s production capablitiies. The facility will have an initial capacity of 5 million hectolitres per year, but this is expected to increase in future years to 15 million hectolitres. The new opening reflects the company’s need …
Beer maker Heineken has inaugurated a new brewery in Ethiopia – the country’s biggest – located in Kilinto, in the municipality of Addis Ababa. With a total capacity of 1.5 million hectolitres, the factory is producing beer for the Walia, Bedele and Harar beer brands but will also soon also commence production of the flagship Heineke beer, the Company said. Johan Doyer, Managing Director of Heineken Ethiopia, commented: “This new …
The Argentinian brewery Quilmes has opened the doors to the Quilmes Hostel, promoting its beer brand by means of a venture into the hospitality sector. Sited in Mar del Plata, a famous tourist destination on the Atlantic coast, the hostel is primarily geared towards young people looking for somewhere that offers “opportunities for new encounters at every moment they are there”, according to a report in Dossier Net. Designed as …
Purity Brewing Company has launched Gnarly, a limited edition strong black beer featuring a champagne style bottle. Promoted as a “deeply indulgent, beautifully balanced beer”, Gnarly is brewed with a variety of Marris Otter, Crystal Rye, Smoked and Black Malts, hopped with Northern Brewer, Cascade, Chinook and conditioned for six months in traditional oak whisky casks. Paul Halsey, managing director of Purity, said: “Gnarly uses champagne yeast which gives the …
Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has announced that its subsidiary Woolworths Liquor Group has acquired the China-based wine and drinks distributor, Summergate Fine Wines and Spirits (Summergate). Summergate is a drinks distributor representing a portfolio of around 80 global brands. It has a small fine wine retail business, as well as a limited online and direct retail operation. Established in Shanghai in 1999, it employs over 400 people across 13 offices …
The Italian beverage company Campari has closes its third financial period ending 30th September 2014, reporting a decline in group profit before tax of 21.8% but marginal growth in revenues. For the first nine months of the year, Campari reported that group net sales reached € 1,060.5 million ($1,321.7 million), up 0.8%, with organic growth of 3.1% (1.7% in the third quarter). The company attributed this top line growth to …
Beer producer Carlsberg has announced that it is to invest NOK 110 million ($16 million) in a new brewery and beer centre in Trondheim, Norway through its subsidiary Ringnes. This investment is one of the largest in the history of Ringnes, which is Norway’s leading beverage company, producing beer, water and soft drinks. The intention is said to be to create a new attraction for the city of Trondheim. Jacek …
Gama spoke to Paco Recuero, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Spain. What are your day to day activities as Marketing Director? As Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard Spain, among the top 5 companies within the Pernod Ricard group, I am leading a young and talented group of 40 marketing professionals, ready to challenge the status quo of the Spanish market through innovation, digital integration and a consumer-focused strategy. My role within …
Denmark’s Carlsberg Group has set out to strengthen its position in Greece through a merger with Olympic Brewery, the third largest brewer in the country. The combination of Olympic Brewery’s local brand Fix withthe Carlsberg Group’s local power brand Mythos and international brand range will create a very strong product portfolio, Carlsberg said. “The Greek market offers interesting opportunities,” Carlsberg CEO Jorgen Buhl Rasmussen commented. “The merger with Olympic Brewery …
Diageo has has expanded its Crown Royal Canadian Whisky portfolio with the launch of Crown Royal Regal Apple, a blend of hand-selected Crown Royal whiskies and Regal Gala apples. Promoted as a blend that creates the ideal balance of flavour and whisky, Regal Apple is said to open with a slightly tart, crisp, apple flavour with notes of caramel and light spice finishing on a crisp apple note with balanced …
The Colombian alcoholic drinks market is set for the debut of Central Cervecera de Colombia, a new joint venture aimed at tapping demand for beers and malted drinks in the country. According to a statement sent on Monday to the Chilean Securities and Insurance Regulator, Chile’s Compania de las Cervecerias Unidas (CCU) and Postbon SA, Colombia’s largest soft drinks maker, will participate 50-50 in the business with an initial investment of $400 million …
Customdrinks, part of the Hijos de Rivera group, has expanded its Maeloc cider range in Spain with the launch of Maeloc Sin, a new alcohol-free cider that is sweetened with stevia. The aroma of the drink is described as featuring hints of apple compote while its taste is said to to be simultaneously sweet, sour and refreshing. Golden yellow in colour, it is also said to feature fine bubbles. The …
As part of a strategy to strengthen its position in the Mexican market, and in tequila in particular, Diageo has agreed with Casa Cuervo the acquisition of full global ownership and control of Tequila Don Julio and the early termination of Casa Cuervo’s production and distribution agreement for Smirnoff in Mexico. The transaction has been facilitated by another agreement consisting of selling the Bushmills brand to Jose Cuervo Overseas. Ivan …
MANCHESTER – 31st October 2014: The Halloween phenomenon, and the revenue opportunities it generates, is making the 31st October an increasingly significant date for FMCG companies. Sales of food and drink products, alongside those of costumes, decorations and other accessories, continue to grow, as Halloween increasingly makes its presence felt both in its traditional territory of North America and also in newer markets such as Europe, where the occasion is …
SIAL, the world’s leading trade fair for the food and drinks industry, returned in 2014 for its latest instalment. 2014 was an opportunity to mark the show’s 50 year presence on the FMCG scene and a diverse range of commemorative events helped to contribute to the sense of occasion. The mood was upbeat as more than 150,00 visitors packed into the show’s eight exhibition pavilions. In line with its self-avowed …
Chivas Regal, the luxury whisky brand belonging to Pernod Ricard, has seen the launch of a new blend named Chivas Regal Extra. In a statement the company described Chivas Regal Extra as a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest and finest Chivas malts, creating a rich and generous Chivas blend, for those who look for more. Collin Scott, Master Blender at Chivas Regal, …
Diageo is exploring new possibilities in the luxury market with the launch of the first entry in its Guinness Signature Series™. The new launch, called The 1759™, is described as a limited edition ultra-premium beer made with both beer malt and whiskey malt. Said to be inspired by a 200 year old recipe, the “rich amber ale” offers “new style and flavour” and is aimed at fine dining and gifting …
Pernod Ricard, the world’s world’s co-leader in wines and spirits, has announced a “return to growth” for the first quarter of 2014/15. The company posted organic growth of 2% in the period, with earnings rising to € 2,037 million ($2,575 million). “Continued growth” in the Americas (3%) and a “gradual improvement” in Asia-Rest of the World (4%) contributed to the results. However performance in Europe, where sales contracted 1%, was …
Leading global brewer SABMiller has reported its second quarter financials, with beer volumes declining by 3%. SABMiller said overall revenues rose 3% in the three months to the end of September, helped primarily by soft drinks. While total volumes were down 1%, soft drinks sales (which account for 20% of SABMiller’s sales volumes) bucked the trend with a 9% rise. Overall drinks volume in Asia Pacific fell 8% in the …
Suntory has added to the line of Jim Beam flavoured bourbon whiskey with the launch of the spicy Jim Beam Fire. According to Suntory, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire features the flavor of red hot cinnamon liqueur to deliver a fiery kick and a smooth finish that makes for a perfect shot. “We’ve led the category in flavor innovation in recent years with Red Stag by Jim Beam, Jim Beam Maple …
Pernod Ricard has added a cherry-flavoured variant to its Absolut vodka brand range – Absolut Cherrys. Pernod Ricard said the launch followed the success of existing flavoured varieties and stated it was confident that the addition of this new variety would contribute to overall category growth in the segment. Adam Boita, Pernod Ricard marketing controller, commented on the launch: “Cherry is such a popular flavour that’s ideal for mixing and …
Diageo, the world’s leading alcoholic drinks producer, has expanded its Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur portfolio by adding a new fruit-flavoured version – Chocolate Cherry. The new liqueur is described as a modern update on the classic Irish Cream that blends the flavours of luscious chocolate and seductive dark cherries for a unique Baileys taste experience. Stephanie Jacoby, liqueurs brand director at Diageo, commented: “With the launch of new Baileys Chocolate Cherry, …
Patron Spirits has announced the launch of a “fiery-hot” chilli chocolate liqueur called XO Cafe Incendio to its portfolio of ultra-premium luxury spirits. The new product is described as combining the taste of Patron Silver tequila with fiery-hot Arbol chilli, said to be characterized by its smoky and spicy complex flavour, and Sweet Criollo Chocolate, produced in Mexico’s Tabasco region. “Patrón XO Cafe coffee liqueur has always been one of …
Colruyt, a Belgian supermarket chain primarily focused on discount retailing, is opening a new ‘deli’ concept store with the aim of showcasing quality artisanal produce. According to De Standaard, the store, named ‘Cru’, will not have a discount focus and will instead replicate the feel of a farm shop – from the rustic ‘farm’ styling through to the layout: the space is primarily given over to fresh food departments such …
A partnership between Bacardi-owned Grey Goose and Virgin Galactic which will see see the vodka brand become a sponsor of the first commercial space flight into space has been announced by Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson at the Rose Space Center and Planetarium in New York. The partnership will be celebrated by iconic media, exclusive content, experiential events, limited editions and consumer retail, the two companies said in a …
Gama spoke to Nicolas Trentesaux, Group Director, SIAL, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the show this October. What are your day to day activities? Well, it is certainly a busy life with teams to manage not only in Paris but also across the world, now that we have 10 different shows from America (north and south) to the Middle East, from China to the Phillipines and Indonesia. This requires …
Voga Italia has expanded its collection of wines with the launch of a new red wine blend called Red Fusion. The wine is made from a blend of 65% Zinfandel and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and is sourced from Salento in south-eastern Italy. “Red Fusion offers consumers the choice of a distinctive blend of two popular varieties vs a conventional, single-varietal wine,” said Alberto Pecora, president of Enovation Brands which …
The Russian beverage company Oasis Beverages has acquired the Pabst Brewing Company, maker of the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer brand, for an undisclosed sum. The partner of Oasis Beverages in the transition is TSC Consumer Partners, an American private equity consumer products company that will take a minority stake in the business. In addition to Pabst Blue Ribbon label, Pabst Brewing produces brands such as Colt 45, Old Milwaukee and …
Beam Suntory has released Pinnacle CranApple Vodka, adding to an existing line with more than 40 flavours. The new variety in the imported premium vodka brand range is characterized by a blend of tart cranberries and sweet green apples and is being released just in time for autumn festivities, Beam Suntory said in a statement “CranApple was created to embody one of our favorite flavor fusions: sweet apples and tart …
Heineken, the world’s third-largest brewer, has signed an agreement to sell Empaque, its packaging arm, to the American food packaging company Crown for $1.225 billion. As part of the deal, which is awaiting approval from the relevant authorities, Empaque will continue to be the packaging supplier for Heineken through a long-term contract. Reuters reports that Empaque – acquired by Heineken in 2010 – last year generated revenue of $660 million …
Heineken, the world’s third largest brewer, has posted its financial results for the first half of 2014, showing a growth in volume across the majority of its markets. In a statement, Heineken said that group revenue was up 4.6% organically, while beer volumes were up 3.1%, driven by growth in Africa Middle East, the Americas and Western Europe. Central and Eastern Europe was affected by poor weather and floods, while …
Danish brewery Carlsberg is to invest Rs 200 crore ($32.9 million) in India in an attempt to revive its sales in the country, the Economic Times reports. The investment is designed to increase the popularity of its products and help it compete with other major players including Heineken, United Breweries and SABMiller. Currently Carlsberg only has a market share of 8% in India – its lowest share of any of …
Origin Wine has launched a new wine bottle design that separates into four individual “glasses” on opening. Named Stormhoek Stack, the 750ml pack is claimed to be100% recyclable, lightweight and shatterproof. Stormhoek Stack, which is made with a technology called “StackTek”, comes as four 187ml stemless PET glasses that are said to look and feel like glass but are 50% lighter. The glasses have a foil closure and the stack …
The worlds of wine and coffee collide in an unusual new launch featured by Gama this week – Friends Fun Wine Coffee-Flavoured Wine. New in the US, Friends’s melding of coffee and wine is the latest addition to the company’s range of low-alcohol “fun wines”, which come in cans and primarily target party occasions. Blending sweet coffee flavours with red and white wine, Friends’s latest invention focuses on novelty taste …
Sidel, a Swiss company specialising in PET packing, is looking to shake up alcoholic drinks packaging with the world’s first-ever PET beer bottle that utilizes a ‘champagne’ base more traditionally found on glass beer bottles The bottle, which supports a crown cap, gives the appearance of glass, but with the advantages of PET. It weighs 28 grams, which is up to 86% less than an average equivalent glass bottle, the …
Remy Cointreau, the French maker of luxury cognacs and other alcoholic drinks, has revealed a drop in organic growth of 5.7% for the first quarter of 2014, impacted by falling sales of its core cognac products. The group noted that it was continuing its destocking process in China, where it has been hurt by falling consumption of its luxury cognac brands such as Remy Martin. The Wall St Journal reports …
Gama spoke to Andre Jacques, Global Innovation & Marketing Services Director, Unicer. What are your day to day activities as Global Innovation & Marketing Services Director? This is a new position, bringing together five different areas: Insights, Category Development, Innovation (project and process management as well as R&D), Interactive Marketing and finally retailer Loyalty Programmes. This means that, besides the challenge of bringing all this together in a meaningful way …
Quintessential Brands reports that is has acquired Marblehead, the brand development and distribution company. Both companies had been operating in partnership since 2013. Ypioca Cachaca, Don Papa Rum and Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur are among brands recently added to the Marblehead portfolio. Marblehead also distributes the Quintessential gin brands Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin and Berkeley Square London Dry Gin, as well as Bloom Gin in the off-trade. According to …
The FIFA World Cup in Brazil is expected to generate revenues of R$ 1.8 billion ($810 million) in retail food and drink sales, according to figures from the Sao Paulo Supermarket Association (APAS). Quoting APAS, Giro News reports that the categories seeing the biggest lift over the four weeks of the competition have been beer, soft drinks, processed meat and barbecue foods. APAS also reports that many fans in Brazil …
Pernod Ricard has unveiled plans to launch its first limited edition Absolut vodka in India, the Economic Times reports. The new product will not only be the first time that Pernod Ricard has released a limited edition in the country but will also have a specifically Indian theme. Working in partnership with Talenthouse India, the company said that it would invite artists and creatives to develop the design, with a …
Belgian brewer AB InBev is axing its alcohol-free Jupiler Force brand after poor sales results, Levensmiddelenkrant reports. Launched in 2011, the product was an extension to the male-oriented Jupiler brand line but did not prove popular with consumers, despite alcohol-free beers being on the rise overall. Quoting the Belgian magazine Trends, Levensmiddelenkrant reports that the product has not achieved AB InBev’s internal sales targets. According to a company press release …
This week Gama explores a new product called Coco Vodka, a flavoured alcoholic beverage (FAB), that illustrates the continuing prominence of coconut water in product innovation. Launched in 2014 in Australia, Coco Vodka is a premixed spirit drink blending triple-distilled vodka and “the fresh water from young coconuts”. Available in an original version as well as varieties flavoured with pineapple and guava, the drink seeks to draw heavily on the …
Molson Coors, owner of the Carling brand, is developing its presence in the flavoured alcoholic drinks with the nationwide UK launch of Carling Fruit Coolers. The new drink, available in Lemon and Grapefruit flavours, is described as a light and refreshing choice, made with a blend of real fruit juice and Carling lager. Sold in packs of 4x300ml bottles, the drinks have 2% ABV and are aimed to appeal drinkers …
Hijos de Rivera has commenced production of Estrella Galicia at its first facility outside of Spain, as it looks to develop its business in the South American market. After 108 years of production taking place solely at its site in La Coruna, Spain, the brewer has now released its first batch brewed and bottled wholly in Brazil. Company technicians are said to have worked closely with the Brazilian facility over …
French retailer E. Leclerc has unveiled a new online pilot store specialized in the sale of wines. Named Ma Cave Par E Leclerc (“My Wine Cellar from E Leclerc”), the store focuses on French wines and, according to Rayon Boissons, will initially offer a limited selection of wines focusing on the entry level end of the market. Consumers place an order which can they then pick up at a local …
Global wine and spirits company Diageo has announced plans to build a distillery and six barrel storage warehouse on 300 acres of land in Shelby County, Kentucky, USA. The estimated investment will be $115 million and Diageo plans to have the distillery operational by 2016. Approval for the new facility, which will distill bourbon and North American whiskey brands, is being awaited from local authorities. Larry Schwartz, president of Diageo …
The cider category is booming in Poland, with one of the country’s major cider players reporting a huge increase in sales in the first few months of 2014. Warwin SA, the owner of the Warka Cider brand, has reported that it sold more cider between the months of January and April 2014 than in the whole of 2013 and says its sales are still growing. In an interview with Portal …
Treasury Wine Estates Limited (Treasury Wines), the Australian winemaker, has reportedly rejected a takeover bid of $4.70 cash per share from US company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), claiming that the offer did not reflect the true value of the company. According to Australian Food News, Treasury Wines said that KKR had requested that the proposal be kept confidential and also said the decision not to disclose the …
According to Puls Biznesu and the Daily Mail, the Polish beer brand Tyskie has increased its presence in the UK and now ranks 10th on the list of most sold “world beers”. Sales in beer in Britain increased in value by 3% last year, up to £3 billion ($5 billion), with “world beer” sales increasing by 21.3% over the same period. Number one on the list is the French Kronenbourg …
Heineken has reported in a statement that it is to combine its two units in Nigeria – Nigerian Breweries Plc and Consolidated Breweries Plc – in an effort to improve efficiencies. The company owns 54.1% of the former, which has brands such as Heineken and Star, and 53.8% of the latter, maker of beers such as Turbo King. Heineken described the move as being “based on a significant and compelling …
This week Gama looks at a recent attempt to bridge the gap between younger and older male alcohol consumers – Seth & Riley’s Garage Hard Lemon Drink. Launched by Carlsberg in a number of global markets, Seth & Riley’s is the latest in a recent swathe of ‘hard’ alcoholic fruit-based drinks that typically target men. Such drinks provide an alternative for male consumers dissuaded by the more typical fruit-flavoured FABs, particularly …
Sagatiba, a leading producer of the Brazilian sugar cane spirit cachaca, is marking its 10th anniversary with the launch of a special edition bottle design. Unveiled in 2004, Sagatiba has now completed its first decade in business and is marking the occasion with a new design which is described as promoting the genuine ‘Brazilianness’ of cachaca. The launch is a first for Sagatiba, the company not previously having introduced a …
According to the latest figures release by the Department of Health, UK drinks manufacturers and retailers are on target to achieve their agreement of removing 1 billion units of alcohol from the UK market by the end of next year. The Department of Health report showed that the reduction in strength of some alcoholic drinks and the introduction of new “light” and lower alcohol drinks has removed 253 million units …
Said to be a result of continuing softness in the beer market, Guinness Nigeria Plc has recorded a turnover of N53 billion ($330 million) for the half year period ending 31 December 2013. In a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, parent company Diageo said net income fell to N5 billion ($30.7 million) in the six months through December, compared with N6.42 billion ($40.0 million) a year earlier. Indicators also …
The Spanish brewery Mahou San Miguel has created its first wholly owned subsidiary in India with the 100% acquisition of Arian Breweries & Distilleries Ltd. Mahou San Miguel had previously acquired 50% of the company, owned by a local family, two years ago. Alberto Rodriguez-Toquero, CEO of the company commented: “They have been two exciting years during which, together with our partner, we have learned much about the consumer and …
Highlighting the innovation taking place in the craft beer segment, this week Gama turns the spotlight on Er Boqueron, promoted as the world’s first beer to be made from sea water. Recently launched in Spain, Er Boqueron defies convention with its use of a novel ingredient – a sea water product called Mediterranea which made its debut in 2012. Mediterranea is extracted from pure Mediterranean seawater and is designed to …
Diageo Plc, the multinational beverages company based in London, has offered $1.9 billion to increase its stake in India´s United Spirits Ltd. At the moment Diageo holds 28.8% of United Spirits and if successful, would end up with 54.8% of the India´s largest spirit company, offering 3,030 rupees ($50.30) per share. Even though two-thirds of Indians do not drink alcohol for religious or cultural reasons, Deirdre Mahlan, chief financial officer …
Gama spoke to Laura Trivulzio-Huijgen, Global Innovation Manager, Heineken International What are your day to day activities as Global Innovation Manager? I have been at Heineken for more than 12 years, working in different commercial functions across several countries, and what has always energised me is the passion we have for our brands and for our consumers. Focusing on my current role, my clear priority is making sure our innovation …
The Carlsberg Group has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 51% of Zatecky Pivovar in the Czech Republic, in a deal that will allow it to enter the world’s foremost beer market per capita. The Zatec brewery was established in 1801 and is described as having a production capacity of 0.2m hl. Aside from the Zatec brand, the company also produces the gluten-free beer brand Celia, …
This week, Barcelona once again played host to one of Europe’s leading international tradeshows – Alimentaria. Celebration its 40th outing – and its 20th in Spain – the event attracted 140,000 visitors to the pavilions of the Fira Gran Via in the south of the city, where 3,800 companies exhibited products from all sectors of the consumer goods industry. International exhibitors were reported to be up, perhaps indicating a growing …
From Monday to Wednesday of this week, the great and the good from the UK food and drinks industry gathered at the NEC in Birmingham for Food & Drink Expo. Now into its 20th year, the biannual event saw over 400 companies – ranging from startup brands to the industry’s major names – showcase the latest innovations and ideas from all areas of the food, drinks, packaging and convenience goods …
AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, is closing its brewery in Perm, Russia in the face of lower alcoholic consumption in the country. The closure is AB Inbev’s third in less than two years and will see the number of plants in Russia reduced to 6, down from 9 in 2012. Tightened alcohol regulation leading to a decline in beer sales has been blamed for the latest closure. In recent …
Heineken has announced that it is due to release a new Margarita flavour beer in the USA this April. Named Dos Equis Dos-A-Rita, it is said to be based on a popular cocktail recipe originally created in Texas, and is described as a blend of Dos Equis Lager and classic Margarita flavours, sweetened with 100% premium Agave nectar. “The Dos Equis brand continues to post double digit growth across all …
Gama spoke to Josep Antoni Valls, Director of Alimentaria, ahead of the show’s 20th edition in Barcelona. What are your day to day activities? The major part of my day to day work is taken up with the strategic direction of Alimentaria Barcelona: meetings with the different areas of the organisation, dealings with institutional stakeholders and clients, project and planning reviews, etc. Specifically, providing direction for and ensuring delivery of …
Malibu Rum has announced the launch of its newest product venture, Malibu Rum Sparkler, which combines the company’s rum with coconut water, infused with bubbles. According to a company press release, as the leading coconut rum around the world Malibu has given a fresh outlook on the combination of the classic Caribbean rum with coconut water and carbonation. It also states that Malibu Rum Sparkler debuts with a cork and …
Suggestions for new nutrition facts labels for packaged foods have recently been proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reflect the latest scientific information, including the stated link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. According to Australian Food News, the FDA has said that the new labels would also replace out-of-date serving sizes to better align with how much people actually consume, …
Mahou San Miguel, a Spanish brewer, has announced the launch of its Cinco Estrellas brand in Cameroon. The launch is aimed at increasing the company’s presence in the African continent, Mahou’s second biggest market after Europe. According to Granconsumo.tv, Mahou San Miguel Group’s volume sales grew 16% last year in Africa. The company already sells its products in countries such as Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Guinea and Congo. The Spanish brewery …
Waitrose has announced its first export deal in the African continent, making over 250 of its private label groceries available in Food Lover’s Market stores in South Africa, Talking Retail reports. The retailer said a variety of products would be exported including shortbread, muesli, risotto and pasta, ice cream, sorbets and own-brand wines from France, Italy and Portugal. David Morton Waitrose Business to Business director said, “To be exporting to …
Kirin Holdings Co. has announced its interest in raising its stake in San Miguel Brewery Inc. According to the Japan Times, the company, which holds about 48% of the Philippine beer maker, would weigh boosting its stake if offered. San Miguel Corp. currently owns 51% of the San Miguel Brewery. Commenting on the potential move, Ramon Ang, the head of San Miguel said, that he had received several bids of …
French alcoholic beverage company Belvedere has reported a decline in sales in 2013. A recovery towards the end of the year was not enough to offset the weak start to 2013, according to European Supermarket Magazine (ESM). Belvedere’s turnover particularly suffered in Poland (a market which accounts for 58.7% of total sales) due to increased excise duty, down 5.8%. Sales were also down in United States and Denmark, which represent …
In 2013 the South African wine industry sold 525.7 million liters of wine, increasing volumes by 26% over 2012 , according to the export association Wines of South Africa (WOSA). According to Siobhan Thompson, CEO of WOSA, the increase in exports was due to a good harvest in South Africa in 2013 which filled the gap created by the poor European harvest, and also allowed South Africa wines to penetrate …
Heineken, the world’s third largest brewer, has reported that its ongoing profits fell back 5% in 2013 after what it described as a “challenging year”. Sluggish growth in Western, Central and Eastern Europe is said to have impacted the group’s overall performance, with revenue increasing by just 0.1%. Price increases failed to offset declines in volume sales, Reuters reports. The brewer recovered some ground in H2, with improved performance in …
TorreOria-Vintes, a Spanish producer of still and sparkling wines, has reported 2013 turnover of €5.6 million ($7.6 million), representing an increase of 60% over the previous year. The growth was due in large part to a growth in exports, accounting for 80% of its business, according to a statement from the group. The cava business has increased 60% compared to 2012, while wines saw sales similar to those of 2012. …
From March 2014, actress Mila Kunis will be the face of a new marketing campaign for Jim Beam bourbon. The Jim Beam brand’s first ever global marketing campaign will be led Mila Kunis and is aimed at reaching more than 100 markets worldwide. Kunis has also joined Jim Beam as a global partner. The television campaign will launch across Jim Beam’s largest markets including the UK, the USA, Australia and …
Australian beer company Coopers Brewery has enjoyed record beer sales for the 2013 calendar year, moving beyond the 70 million litre mark for the first time in the company’s history, according to Australian Food News. According to the brewery, total beer sales in 2013 reached 72 million litres, an increase of 4.7 per cent on the 68.8 million litres sold in the calendar year 2012. Dr Tim Cooper, Coopers Brewery …
Crosby Lake Spirits has announced that it is set to launch new “super premium” distilled premium vodka Kinky Blue across the USA. Crosby Lake Spirits originally launched Kinky vodka in 2011 in a mango, blood orange and passion fruit flavour, a product it claims has proved a success with consumers. The new Kinky Blue variety, which is described as having a tropical and wild berry flavour, will be supported with …
Beer producer SABMiller, the world’s second largest brewer behind AB InBev, has revealed modest volume growth for the third quarter but the performance was behind many analyst forecasts, Reuters reports. Volumes were up 2% and revenue climbed 4% in the three months to December 31st, and soft drink volumes rose 7%. However lager volumes were up only 1%, behind the 1.4% predicted by Citi and the 3% increase predicted by …
Sales in the food and beverage industry in Spain have declined in 2013 versus 2012, a leading industry body is reporting. The Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), the trade body representing the food and beverage industry in Spain, estimates that sales across the sector totalled around €89,204 million ($121,005 million) in 2013, 1.07% down on 2012 when total sales were € 90,169 million ($122,314 million). However, the …
Suntory Holding Ltd has announced that it is to acquire spirits company Beam Inc. in a multi-billion dollar deal. The acquisition, worth $13.6b billion, will making Suntory Holding the third largest spirit maker in Japan and the fifth largest whisky company by volume, according to International Wine and Spirit Research. With the inclusion of Beam’s debt, the total deal value will be in the region of $16 billion. With Beam …
Diageo has announced the formation of a joint venture with Sean Combs to acquire luxury tequila brand DeLeon. The global partnership builds upon a strategic alliance formed by Diageo and Combs in 2007, it is reported. The two came together to purchase the ultra-premium vodka brand Ciroc, growing sales from a 50,000 cases a year to nearly two million. The partnership is now aiming to leverage Diageo’s distribution network, supply …
The Carlsberg Group has recently announced that Chongqing Beer (Group) Co. Ltd of China has accepted its offer to acquire 100% of Chongqing Beer Group Assets Management Co. Ltd, which is a holding company headquartered in Chongqing, China. With a total of eight breweries located in three provinces (3 in Jiangsu, 3 in Anhui, and 2 in Zhejiang), the company’s capacity comprises approximately 12m hl. The breweries primarily sell products …
The Russian government has announced new regulations which for the first time will provide a statutory definition for the size of bottled alcoholic beverages. Under the new regulation, it will become illegal to sell alcoholic drinks that do not conform to prescribed measurements. According to the terms of the regulation, manufacturers will no longer be permitted to sell alcohol in bottles of more than 375ml but less than 500ml. For …
SHS Drinks is the latest company seeking to exploit World Cup fever as it unveils plans to launch a limited edition Brazilian flavour in 2014. WKD Brazilian is the latest addition to the WKD portfolio of flavoured alcoholic beverages in the UK. Described as being inspired by the exotic carnival atmosphere of Brazil, it is claimed to be akin to a “party in a bottle”. WKD Brazilian will be available …
According to the latest reports, Heineken is planning to expand its operations in Poland, a move which is expected to bring a wave of redundancies at existing locations in Scotland. It is believed that about 100 employees, mainly those in financial departments in Edinburgh and Livingston, will be affected, although it is reported that some UK staff may also relocate to Poland. According to Heineken, the redundancies form part of …
London-based brewer Fuller’s of London has released it latest innovation – Rose Bud Infused Stout – which has been produced as a result of a partnership with beer expert Melissa Cole. The limited edition stout is brewed in the same traditional manner of imperial stout with the addition of Centennial hops to give the stout a floral flavour. Meanwhile rose buds are also infused during the maturation process, adding a …
Royal Unibrew, Denmark’s second largest brewer, has recorded net revenues of 3,056 million kroner (approx $555 million) for the first three quarters of the year, up 14% on the same period of the previous year (2,670 million kroner – approx $485 million). Reporting its latest financial results, the brewer of brands including Royal, Ceres, Faxe Condi and Albani also declared earnings (EBITDA) of 545 million kroner (approx $99 million), up …
The Famous Grouse producer Maxxium has launched its latest nationwide campaign allowing consumers to personalise labels as a Christmas gift. Any purchase of The Famous Grouse (70cl) bottle over the Christmas season will allow consumers to visit a microsite and, on entering the barcode, create a personalised gift. There will also be live “label making pods” and sampling available in select stores available from the 20th November. The microsite uses …
Halewood International, the makers of Lambrini, has unveiled plans to launch a free app designed to encourage more responsible drinking over the upcoming festive period. The virtual BodyGuard app is free to download for iPhone and Android users and displays an alcohol monitor to count the number of units consumed, as well as a “Get me Home” feature providing alternative safe routes home for users over the Christmas period. The …
Bloom has added a sloe gin to its portfolio of London dry gins, FDIN reports. The new Bloom Sloe Gin is described as using hand-picked sloe berries steeped in Bloom Gin, distilled in a traditional copper pot still. Its appearance is rich ruby red, while on the nose it has a subtle aroma of almonds and kirsch, blended with the light floral aroma of Bloom London Dry Gin, it is …
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Alcoholic Drinks Archives - Gama