India: William Grant & Sons to introduce three new whisky brands
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 […]
UK: SABMiller to buy Meantime Brewing Company – reports
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, […]
USA: ArKay launches range of 16 halal alcohol-free spirits
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 […]
Japan: Suntory unveils anti-aging collagen beer
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 […]
Rita Nabeiro, CEO
Adega Mayor
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 […]
India: Pernod Ricard unveils Absolut India limited edition
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” […]
USA: Whole Foods Market to open lower-price sister chain
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 […]
USA: Bacardi launches Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron
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 […]
Look Ahead: Ross Carter, London Wine Fair 2015
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 […]
China: Carlsberg increases its presence with Wusu acquisition
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 […]