South Africa: Distell launches country’s first tequila-flavoured cider
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 […]
Brazil: Heineken to invest R$1 billion in production facilities
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), […]
USA: SPI Group launches gluten-free Stolichnaya vodka
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, […]
Jonathan Stordy, Managing Director International
Mahou San Miguel
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 […]
Italy: Campari to buy Grand Marnier distribution business – reports
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 […]
Belgium: AB InBev reports value growth but volume fall in 2015
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 […]
‘Citrus’ beats ‘berry’ in new product pricing
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, […]
UK: Pernod Ricard launches wine range with “simple messaging”
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: […]
UK: High Peak Brew launches beer “brewed by data”
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 […]
Netherlands: Heineken post revenue in excess of €20 billion in 2015
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 […]