UK: Diageo to launch “first” 100% paper-based spirits bottle

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 […]

Estonia: Liviko to launch drinking and disinfectant vodka

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 […]

Australia: AB InBev to complete sale of Carlton & United Breweries for $11 billion

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 […]

UK: Carlsberg UK to form £780 million joint venture with Marston’s

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 […]

Saudi Arabia: Almarai to invest and expand its poultry plants

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. […]

Germany: Pernod Ricard to became exclusive owner of Monkey 47

  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 […]

UK: Toast Ale and Warburtons launch “beer made with crumpets”

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 […]

USA: Molson Coors to close California brewery

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 […]

UK: Innis & Gunn announces new brewery

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 […]

Australia: Carlton & United Breweries to acquire Balter Brewing

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 […]

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