Portugal: Carlsberg launches Mini Bar pack
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 […]
USA: Pernod Ricard to take stake in Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
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 […]
USA: Molson Coors to distribute Sol brand
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 […]
Japan: Asahi launches new spirits brands
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 […]
South Africa: Distell acquires stake in Cruz Vodka
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 […]
USA: Anheuser-Busch acquires Wicked Weed Brewing
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 […]
UK: Meantime launches hibiscus flavoured beer
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 […]
Germany: Reh Kendermann acquires Napier Winery
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 […]
Brazil: Skol “celebrates diversity” with “skin coloured” cans
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 […]
South Africa: Heineken signs a deal to acquire Stellenbrau
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 […]