Germany: Krombacher acquires Vitamalz
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 […]
Australia: Bickford’s to expand into spirits with new distillery
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 […]
USA: Heineken to set up Five Points Trading venture
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, […]
China: China Resources considering bid for SABMiller assets – reports
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 […]
USA: Diageo launches Baileys with pumpkin spice
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 […]
Belgium: AB InBev to acquire Bosteels
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 […]
UK: Naked Marshmallow launches dessert flavoured spirits
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 […]
UK: Pernod Ricard to release Malibu “connected bottles”
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 […]
USA: MillerCoors acquires Revolver Brewing
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 […]
Portugal: Alianca launches Casal Mendes Blue Wine
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 […]