News: Archive
Grainexx Market Report 04/2012
The forecasts of the International Monetary Fund for the global economy 2012 are slightly negative. For this actual year the experts are forecasting an economic growth of only 3,3% globally (last estimate was still at 4,0%). For the Euro-Zone the IMF is forecasting a slight recession of -0,5%.
So far for the prognosis: The actual economic data prove to be quite positive: There is solid economic growth still in China, and the stock markets were showing a quite positive development in the last 10 days. The Euro firmed considerably against the dollar (by 2,5 cent), and is currently trading around the 1,30 level.
Anheuser-Busch to roll out Bud Light Platinum soon
Anheuser-Busch is set to officially roll out its new Bud Light Platinum line extension on 30 January 2012 in the US. The new Bud Light Platinum has 6% more alcohol content than the traditional Bud Light, which carries an ABV of 4.2% and has a slightly sweeter taste than the core brand. The new beer extension is the first brand extension under the Bud Light banner since Golden Wheat in 2009. The company described the beer as a 'slightly sweeter' product positioned as 'an upscale light beer option'.
Stella Artois, Budweiser and Beck's with less alcohol down to save duties
Stella Artois, Budweiser and Beck's will be drop from five per cent to 4.8 per cent at the end of this month in line with 'evolving trends', said brewer AB InBev. But the company also stands to save millions in duty and costs with the reduction, according to industry magazine The Grocer. Last October, AB InBev said it would be forced to raise prices following an increase in the cost of energy and raw materials. However, according to industry insiders, the proposed price hike was rejected by some retailers, forcing the brewer to increase profitability in other ways.
Warsteiner withstands difficult market conditions in 2011
While the new beverages Warsteiner Radler and Warsteiner Radler Grapefruit grew by more than 42% in 2011, Warsteiner Alkoholfrei (non alcoholic beer), showed an increase of more than 45%. Including the export business, the Warsteiner beer brand reached a sales volume of 2.7 million hectoliters, with the national market coming in with 2.2 million hectoliters, representing a slight 2.3% decrease compared to 2010. The consolidated revenue of the Warsteiner Group reached 522 million Euro in 2011 after the sale of the Argentinean business.
D.G. Yuengling & Son Becomes Largest American Owned Brewer
According to the newest estimates from Beer Marketer's Insights, Yuengling surged last year with shipments up 16.9% to 2.5 million barrels, placing it eighth in overall U.S. market share, at 1.2%. So Pottsville, Pa.-based D.G. Yuengling & Son, has passed Boston Beer Co. as the largest U.S.-owned brewer that makes all its beer in the states. Boston, which grew by 8% to 2.4 million barrels, droppied to ninth place. Boston owns for example the Sam Adams brand.
SABMiller tests selling draft in China with its premium brand Miller
SABMILLER , the world’s second-largest brewer by volume, will be taking its international premium brand, Miller Genuine Draft, to the Zhejiang region of China, the company said yesterday. "The introduction of Miller Genuine Draft into the Zhejiang market gives the company the opportunity to test the potential for its international brand with a premium beer imported from the US," the brewer said. Zhejiang is one of the largest markets in central China.
Grainexx Market Report 03/2012
As we said in our short version report of last week there are some important factors to comment on. The US rating agency S&P has decreased considerably the rating of a lot of European countries. Especially remarkable is the loss of the triple A rating in France and Austria. Even more important however is the fact that they have put basically all countries on a negative outlook. Except for the Euro exchange rate, the reactions on the markets were quite calm on that one. It is very good to note that ECB officials have stated that the Central Bank will provide the financial markets with enough liquidity in order to cope with the current situation… But still nervousness continues.
AB Inbev buys parts of a Czech brwer to get offical name rights for "Budweiser"
The long-running bitter battle between US brewing giant Anheuser-Busch (AB) and the Czech Republic’s fourth biggest brewery, Budějovický Budvar, for rights to use the Budweiser name has taken a new turn with the American giant appearing to gain a trump card by buying a Czech brewery also involved in the dispute. The St. Louis-based brewer has brought out part of the small České Budějovice brewery Budějovický měšťanský pivovar (BMP) according to Thursday’s edition of the Czech business daily Hospodářské noviny (HN). The move gives it rights to the Budweiser name that the small brewery has been trying to assert against its bigger Czech and US title rivals.
Guinness will build a new €153 million brewery in Dublin
Guinness parent Diageo PLC will build a new Dublin base for brewing Ireland’s famed stout and at the same time Diageo will close two other Irish breweries making other brands. Diageo said the new €153 million ($195 million) brewery on the sprawling Guinness site at St. James’ Gate, Dublin, would be able to produce more than 1.2 billion pints a year, 40 percent more than the current maximum capacity. The company hopes to have the new facility running by the end of 2013. At the same time three existing Irish breweries at St. James’ Gate and two other towns, Dundalk and Kilkenny, will be closed.
Grainexx Market Report 02/2012
Short version of our Report today... important information/market influences still ahead of us. We want to be very brief today as we believe that the decisive part is yet to come this week with today´s USDA report and the quota on TRQ barley and wheat imports into the EU. Egypt hast stated buying again, the usual "package" of 240.000 tons,about 15.- USD/to higher than the last purchases. Interesting to note especially Argentina being out-priced! Private forecasters continue to lower South American soybeans and wheat forecasts due to continuous dry conditions. Further good performance of the futures markets. Strong and solid gains in the stock markets recently as well.
Tsingtao brewing up overseas ambitions
Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd is considering opening breweries in China's neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, a region with great opportunities for the country's second-largest beer brewer by volume. In October, Tsingtao Brewery announced plans to invest about $100 million to build a plant in Bangkok, capital of Thailand. The operation will be the company's first overseas and the first for the Chinese brewery industry. The plant is expected to start production in early 2013 with an annual capacity of 200,000 liters. In the US market, Tsingtao now has the greatest sales among brands of Asian beer.
SABMiller Plans First U.S. Debt Since 2008 for Foster’s Purchase
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- biggest brewer by volume, is tapping the U.S. corporate bond market for the first time since 2008 as it seeks to pay back debt tied to last year’s acquisition of Foster’s Group Ltd. The company may issue senior unsecured debt in benchmark size, typically at least $500 million. SABMiller’s purchase of Australia’s Foster’s, valued at A$12.4 billion ($12.8 billion) and completed last month, is the biggest takeover of a brewer since InBev NV bought Anheuser- Busch Cos. for $52 billion in 2008 to create No. 1 brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev NV.
Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar reports 7.8 pct boost in exports
State-owned Czech brewery Budvar, which has been fighting a long legal battle with American brewer Anheuser-Busch over the use of the “Budweiser” brand, says its 2011 exports rose by 7.8 percent to reach a record high. Budejovicky Budvar NP says it exported more than 650,000 hectoliters (17.17 million gallons) of beer to some 60 countries last year, the best result in 116 years. Overall Czech beer production was expected to grow by around 1 percent in 2011.
Heineken acquires Desperados beer brand
Drinks giant Heineken has taken over the rights to market, sell and distribute Desperados – the tequila flavoured beer brand. Going forward Heineken plan to integrate th Desperados brand within their own portfolio of premium and specialty drinks. Bruce Reinders, brand director-premium Lagers for Heineken in the UK said: “Desperados is a Heineken–owned brand that is currently enjoying success in many European markets and it will make a distinctive and exciting addition to our portfolio of premium packaged lagers.”
Grainexx Market Report 01/2012
We would like to wish you a Happy New Year 2012, all the best to you, very good health and a lot of success!
If we would only have a good crystal ball! – However, we try to imagine that we have one, but please take that only as an attempt!
US: Anheuser-Busch launch new draft system
Anheuser-Busch Brewery has launched a new home draft system called Draftmark. Draftmark beer refills - sold separately - will be available for three draft beers: Budweiser, Shock Top Belgian White, a Belgian-style unfiltered wheat ale; and Bass Pale Ale, an English pale ale.
“Our innovation team is continually experimenting with new beer styles, packaging and concepts, and we’re always looking for the next idea that meets an unmet consumer need,” said Pat McGauley, vice president of innovation at Anheuser-Busch.
Craft Breweries Switching to Aluminum Cans
Craft beer is encroaching on more than cooler space; the fast-growing malt beverage segment is also entering territory once designated to Budweiser and MillerCoors -- the aluminum can. Even though craft beer in a can debuted in the cooler in 2002 when Colorado's Oskar Blues Brewery began canning its Dale's Pale Ale, it didn't gain momentum until recently, according to The Washington Post. Two years ago, 50 craft breweries (mostly small ones) sold their products in cans. Today that number is approaching 150, and it's not just the small breweries anymore. There are drawbacks too. While more craft beer is moving to the can, one Florida brewery is taking on Anheuser-Busch InBev over a bottle -- more specifically a blue bottle. As CSNews Online reported last month, Anheuser-Busch InBev will launch Bud Light Platinum, a higher-alcohol version of its namesake, in January. It will also come in blue bottle. However, the Florida Beer Company (FBC) recently released its seasonal Oktoberest called "Conchtoberfest" which also comes in a blue bottle.
We wish you a
Happy New Year!
United Breweries fights with higher costs a worry, but outlook strong
After rising two-fold in the 12 months to July 2011, the stock of beer maker United Breweries (UB) has lost most of its gains since then. The rising trend in the cost relative to sales would affect its bottomline in the near term even though the overall long-term outlook is positive, given the company's strong branding and increasing youth market in the country. In the past six months, the maker of Kingfisher beer did see an impressive growth in its topline, but it failed to curtail rising operating costs. Its sales from operations rose by 26% year-on-year to Rs 733.2 crore during the half year ended September 2011. Operating costs, including raw material expenses, salaries, and fuel costs, rose even faster by 29% thereby impacting operating profitability. Its operating margin fell by 280 bps to 11.3% during the period.
Nigerian Breweries to begin production in Onitsha March 2012
The Nigerian Breweries Plc will commence full-scale production of its brands in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, before the end of March next year. Speaking at the event, the leader of the delegation and Managing Director of Life Brewery, Mr. Wilson Nubi, said that the company had acquired 99.9 % shares of the Life Breweries and will commence full production before the end of the first quarter of next year. Nubi stated that the visit was to officially brief the monarch on the development and the inherent benefits of playing host to the Nigerian Breweries, adding that it will further stimulate economic activities in Onitsha and the entire Anambra State.
Ukraine not to activate export sales of wheat – Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation
The United States Department of Agriculture reduced the forecast of wheat exports from Ukraine in its December report from the level of 8 mln tonnes to 7 mln tonnes, leaving unchanged the export volumes of Ukrainian maize (12 mln tons) and barley (4.4 mln tonnes). According to Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, the USDA figures for wheat exports from Ukraine in the realities of the world markets can most likely be regarded as potential resource opportunities. Experts of the Confederation point out that basing on the actual rates of wheat exports in recent months (in October - 250 thsd tonnes, in November - 380 thsd tonnes, the first ten days of December - 200 thsd tonnes), Ukraine are almost twice as lagging behind the marked rate (7 mln tonnes) of the marketing year. Thus, there are no prerequisites for enhancing of the export sales, stated Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation. According to analysts of APK-Inform Agency, the export volumes of wheat from Ukraine in 2011/12 MY may reach the level of 9 mln tonnes
2010 global beer consumption up 2.4% on growth in emerging nations
Global beer consumption rose 2.4 percent in 2010 from the previous year to 182.69 million kiloliters, hitting a record for the 25th straight year, backed by strong demand in emerging economies, a Kirin Holdings Co. research arm said Wednesday. The amount of beer drunk in Europe, North America and Oceania dropped in 2010 from a year earlier, partly due to the economic slump following the financial crisis, but consumption rose in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Asia remained the world's biggest beer-consuming area in the year with 61.41 million kl, up 5.3 percent. The region accounted for 33.6 percent of global consumption, followed by Europe with 27.7 percent, Latin America with 16.2 percent, North America with 14.5 percent and Africa with 6.1 percent.
Grainexx Market Report 51/2011
Once again it was a quite fatal week for the stock exchanges as well as for the financial markets in general. The rating agencies continue their tricky and dirty play against some selected countries or the Euro zone as a whole. Even the safe haven gold lost 9%, the Euro came under huge pressure and was end of last week hitting an 11-months low trading at below 1,30. Stock markets in general were basically the whole week in the red zone.
This morning only a slight recovery of the stock markets by about 1%, the dollar trading around the 1,30 level, but quite some activity on the overnight exchanges in Chicago, and also a firmer tendency of about 3 Euro/ton on the MATIF wheat contract.
SABMiller plc gets new head for Asia
SABMiller plc has announced that it has appointed Harald Harvey as Managing Director Asia with effect from February 1, 2012. Harvey will deal with SABMiller plc’s businesses in India and Vietnam and its ongoing regional business development and export operations.
Anheuser-Busch taps St. Louis for Draftmark launch
Anheuser-Busch InBev today will roll out a new product in St. Louis that brewery executives hope will become a staple in household refrigerators. But it's not a beer. The brewer is launching a home draft system called Draftmark, which resembles a mod boombox and is about the size of a long 12-pack of soda cans. Draftmark dispenses beer from 1-gallon plastic tubes sold separately, which the system can keep fresh once tapped for up to a month. The brewery will make the units available for sale starting today -- Draftmark's base costs about $50 and beer refills (about eleven 12-ounce pours) are $14 each -- at a select number of Schnucks, Dierbergs and Shop 'n Save stores as well as certain liquor stores around St. Louis.
Heineken - making responsible consumption aspirational
Heineken launched the latest phase in its global approach to encourage the responsible consumption of its brands. The new theme, titled 'Sunrise belongs to moderate drinkers' continues to use Heineken, the world's most international premium beer brand, to deliver and reinforce this important message. This initiative is an integral part of the award winning 'Open Your World' global campaign, which celebrates and encourages aspirational behaviours among adult consumers. Heineken has chosen to launch this programme in the festive season to maximise the relevance, attention and impact of the message. Millions of adult consumers across the globe will be the first to see this responsible consumption initiative via Heineken's YouTube channel, Facebook fan page, Heineken.com as well as broadcast.
SABMiller, the company that recently acquired Foster’s has appointed a new chief executive for the brewer’s Australian operations. Ari Mervis, managing director of SABMiller Asia, who was the sponsor of the acquisition, will take on the position on Friday. His role will include managing the integration of Foster’s into the SABMiller group.
Grainexx Market Report 50/2011
You can´t unscramble scrambled eggs”
We really like that American saying, especially in view of the Euro crises…
It was exactly the main focus on last week´s EU summit, everybody sitting in the same boat, but with different speeds. The final result was a 26:1 defeat of the British government.
“Mercozy“ call for fiscal stability and giving up national rights to the EU commission.
Financial markets have reacted quite relaxed to the decisions of the EU summit. Now people would like to see action after we have only heard late night nice words. Stock markets were rising in the United States as well as in Europe, and the dollar/Euro was quite stable.
Heineken announces global partnership with Facebook
HEINEKEN and Facebook today announced a global partnership, which will see the two companies collaborate on digital campaigns for HEINEKEN's brands around the world. The new partnership further strengthens HEINEKEN's leadership position in the digital space. The Heineken® Facebook fan page is already the largest for any beer brand with over 4.6 million adult users. Two of the company's other leading brands, Kingfisher® and Dos Equis®, are also in the top seven beer brands with the greatest number of Facebook fans.
Asahi shifts parts of its production to China
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. plans to transfer part of its domestic beer production to Beijing Beer Asahi Co., its joint corporation in China. The company said the plan aims to reduce costs and combat the super-strong yen. Asahi plans to double the current production capacity in the Beijing factory to 100,000 tons annually by 2013 to expand sales in China, as well as exports to Asia and Oceania. The company also said it will maintain its domestic production capacity.
SABMiller eyes Kenya's premium beer segment with Miller Genuine Draft
SABMiller will introduce its third beer, Miller Genuine Draft, in Kenya on 8 December, aiming at the premium segment of the local beer market which is currently catered to by rival beer brands Heineken and Tusker Malt. By making this move, the British brewing giant SABMiller is kicking off a new beer war with its competitors, Diageo's East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) and Dutch brewer Heineken. Brewed by Tanzania Breweries, Miller Genuine Draft is owned by US-based MillerCoors, in which SABMiller owns 58% stake.
Grainexx Market Report 49/2011
Further we see Europe's debt crisis as the most important manipulator of all raw materials. Once again we have seen through this week's threat of a downgrade of bank subordinated debt of 87 banks from 15 different EU countries on what we are. Also the approaches of the governments like triple A bond that would provide funding solely on the basis of triple A rated states, would not provide an quick solution to the crisis. The awareness to find a solution with a quick shot evaporates more and more. The consolidated government in Belgium by Di Rupo will organize the country with new structural reforms on the labor- and pension market and various saving plans. The central bank has provided the EU countries with sufficient U.S. dollar liquidity. However, also the euro rescue package with a potential of 750 billion €, which serve states in crisis, cannot protect us from being in deep water.
SABMiller’s Tanzanian Unit Posts 77% Rise in First-Half Net
SABMiller Plc’s Tanzanian unit said first-half profit jumped 77 percent as sales increased. Net income surged to 74.7 billion shillings ($45 million) in the six months through September, from 42.2 billion shillings a year earlier, Tanzania Breweries Ltd. said in an e-mailed statement published in the Dar es Salaam-based Guardian newspaper today. Sales climbed 32 percent to 386.5 billion shillings, it said.
RBS sells GB pub network for £422 million to Heineken
Royal Bank of Scotland has sold a 918-strong pub network back to previous owner Scottish & Newcastle, now part of Heineken, in a £422 million deal as chief executive Stephen Hester continues to slim down the bank’s balance sheet. The acquisition of the Galaxy Pub Estate gives Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company full control of 80 more pubs in Scotland, including 26 in Edinburgh and 16 in Glasgow.
Canadian malting barley companies to offer new contracts
When the only buyer of wheat and barley in Western Canada was the Canadian Wheat Board, there was no need for a futures market in those grains. With the Wheat Board losing its monopsony, ICE Futures Canada -- the former Winnipeg Commodity Exchange -- is set to list three new futures contracts to help farmers and grain handlers determine pricing and hedge. ICE Canada said it got Manitoba Securities Commission approval to list contracts for milling wheat, durum wheat and barley. The contracts are expected to be listed in January, once the Bill to end the Wheat Board's dominance is enacted. Starting in January, Canadian farmers will be able to buy and sell wheat and barley futures contracts on the ICE Canada exchange.
FLUSHED with success after a big Australian harvest last season, GrainCorp is now looking to opportunities in the deregulating Canadian cereal market. The big grain handling, marketing and processing company, which also opened a European trading office in Hamburg this year, wants to develop a strong international marketing presence to more efficiently service its diverse overseas customer base. Its own European and North American malt businesses, acquired in 2009, are also key beneficiaries if the company can become a more influential northern hemisphere grain buyer. GrainCorp malt, which achieved 1.1 million tonne sales last year, has just officially opened its new $80m Barrett Burston Malting facility in Brisbane at Pinkenba - Queensland's first new malting plant in 40 years.
Carlsberg said to be buying rest of Vietnam brewer Thua Thien Hue
The central province of Thua Thien Hue has decided to sell its 50% stake in Hue Brewery Co. to Denmark's Carlsberg A/S, giving the Danish firm a 100% stake in Hue Brewery, state media reported Wednesday, citing the provincial government. Hue Brewery was set up in 1990, is now wholly owned by Carlsberg.
Grainexx Market Report 48/2011
Logistical challenges – concerns about barley quality – the European markets in rough sea
- not a real quiet winter time.
The outlook is grim, the financial markets are talking about EU melt-down, some people talk about a second US recession at a time of already unacceptably high unemployment and zero interest rates, and China´s growth and economic data are beginning to grow into serious concern
Ukraine: Warsteiner International signs distribution deal with Carlsberg
The Carlsberg subsidiary Slavutych Brewery will import the premium products of the Warsteiner Brewery and offer them as an exclusive distribution partner in the on- and off-trade in bottle, can and keg configurations. Representatives of both companies signed a long-term cooperation contract regarding the import and national distribution of Warsteiner Premium Verum and Warsteiner Premium Fresh (non-alcoholic) for the Ukrainian food retail market and gastronomy sector.
GrainCorp eyes overseas harvest despite record profit
Australia's strongest wheat crop that followed good rains last year helped grain marketer GrainCorp to a record profit, but the company is looking for growth from its overseas operations for future profits. Last year, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences estimated the grains crop totalled 24 million tonnes and Graincorp received almost 15 million tonnes. For the next year, ABARES is forecasting a wheat, barley, sorghum and canola crop of 19.2 million tonnes, so GrainCorp will have considerably less than last year to market. While GrainCorp's core business has boomed and looks solid for the short term, the company is trying to get more long-term security through diversification and in July it bought GermanMalt, making it the world's fourth biggest malt producer.
Carlsberg finds new partner to manage logistics in UK
Carlsberg has signed a five-year deal with Norbert Dentressangle, a major British transport, logistics and freight forwarding company, to handle its logistics operations in the UK. Norbert will serve as the primary logistics partner beginning February 2012 and will oversee the brewing company's primary distribution in the UK.
Grainexx Market Report 47/2011
New governments in Greece, Italy and Spain – but uncertainty continues…
Financial markets continue to be depressed.
Also, the grain futures market in Chicago and Paris did not show a clear direction during last week. However, it has to be noted that especially the last two days and also this morning both futures markets continued at a down-trend. Many analysts believe that the market will continue side-ways to further lower until the end of this calendar year. The next resistance level for the MATIF wheat January contract will be 175,- EUR/ton (presently market is trading around 180,- EUR/ton). We also believe that a further correction for CBOT wheat, soy bean and corn contracts can happen until we have reached the bottom.
Anheuser-Busch to spend $7.6 million on Lysander plant
Anheuser-Busch announced today that it would spend more than $7 million adding canning capacity to its plant on Route 31 and increase the brewery's production by 30 percent. General Manager Steve McCormick said the expansion will allow the brewery to can products it makes but currently ships away to be packaged. The new line will put about 15 different Anheuser-Busch brands in 24-ounce cans, McCormick said. The larger cans are increasingly popular, he said. According to the company, Anheuser-Busch has invested more than $304 million in the Lysander plant in the past 10 years.
SABMiller brews up $260m investment plan for Africa
Global brewing major SABMiller has plans to invest $260m in its African subsidiaries in Uganda, Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania to expand capacity, drive growth and cater to the increasing demand for its major brands in the region. Of the $260m, the group's African wing intends to invest S$70m in its Uganda subsidiary, Nile Breweries, to increase capacity. SABMiller's Ghana subsidiary, Accra Brewery, will receive an investment of nearly $40m in Accra Brewery to support further capacity expansion.
Carlsberg looking to produce premium brand beers in Malaysia
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd is looking to produce at least two premium beer brands locally in the next 6-12 months, its Managing Director Soren Ravn said. Without revealing the brands, he said one of it, is a current premium product, under the company's umbrella. Ravn said producing premium brands locally, can also result in the price of the beer going down, as Carlsberg Malaysia has no additional cost to impose on consumers. He said the company's current brewery in Shah Alam has enough capacity and the technology expertise to produce the beer locally.
Beck's to be brewed in St. Louis
Anheuser-Busch's brewery in St. Louis will start brewing Beck's beer in early 2012, the company said today. The addition of Beck's -- not part of the traditional stable of A-B products -- is yet another sign of the integration between Anheuser-Busch and InBev. All Beck's beer for the U.S. market will be brewed in St. Louis, the brewer said.
Anheuser-Busch brings Belgian beer café concept to America
Global brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev has revealed its intentions to launch the Belgium bar concept to the US, with plans to open ten locations of 'The Belgian Beer Cafe' during the next few years. The first Belgian Beer Café in the US is set to open at Newark Airport in the next few months, Public Radio International reported. The Belgian Beer Café has presence in France, Holland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Switzerland, Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Japan.
Grainexx Market Report 46/2011
Three important items we want to cover in this report.
Reforms in Rome: Luckily the Italian parliament has passed the stability law, and hopefully Mr. Monti will be the new PM and lead a strong majority government.
New cabinet in Athens: Finally they agreed!! New PM Papademos definitely an expert in finance, and another good news is that the old finance minister is also the new one. Both are definitely committed to the Euro zone.
Anger in Paris: What was behind the “funny” story of the S&P rating agency?? Is France at risk of losing its AAA status?!
Again it was a very turbulent week with roller coaster stock markets. By the end of last week things calmed down a little bit and markets closed unchanged.
Bud Light Platinum coming, says Anheuser-Busch as U.S. sales slip
Bud Light Platinum, a long-germinating beer concept from Anheuser-Busch InBev that’s not quite Bud Light and not really Budweiser, will finally hit stores in January. Platinum would have 6% alcohol by volume and 137 calories. Top-selling Bud Light, by comparison, has 4.2% ABV and 110 calories while Budweiser has 5% ABV and 145 calories.
AB InBev Q3 profits and turn over rise
Anheuser-Busch InBev increased profits by more than expected in the third quarter after charging more for the same amount of beer. The Belgium-based brewer said on Wednesday third-quarter core profit (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) rose 5.5 percent on a like-for-like basis to $3.97 billion, against a market expectation of $3.88 billion. Total volumes of beer and other drinks fell by 0.2 percent on a like-for-like basis, but revenue grew by 3.6 percent.
SABMiller plc Increases Mozambique Product Lines
SABMiller plc has launched its first ever cassava lager in Mozambique and increases Mozambique Product Lines. Mark Bowman, managing director of SABMiller Africa, said that,“SABMiller plc estimate that the volume of the informal, unregulated alcohol market across Africa could be up to four times that of the formal market. By using locally-sourced raw materials, we are able to create high-quality, affordable products for consumers who would otherwise be drinking informal or illicit alcohol.
Grainexx Market Report 45/2011
Really no news this week. There will be 3 important subjects to be further discussed in next week´s report:
1. The USDA Report tomorrow. Will it show a much lower corn figure or not?
2. The BRAU Beviale in Nuremberg. What will be the decisions on handling critical malting barley quality? What will be the brewers´ decision regarding further purchases?
3. What will be the news from the financial markets? How will a new Greek government look like? Will Italy find a way out of the crisis?
Kirin Completes Buy Out of Brazil Beermaker Schincariol
Kirin Holdings Co. agreed to buy out shareholders in Brazilian beermaker Schincariol Participacoes e Representacoes, completing its biggest acquisition as it seeks growth in emerging markets. Japan’s largest brewer will pay 2.35 billion reais ($1.35 billion) for the 49.54 percent stake, giving it control of all outstanding shares, the company said today in a statement. The deal settles a dispute with shareholders who had challenged the Tokyo-based beermaker’s acquisition of half of Schincariol earlier this year.
New Belgian craft beer lands in UK market
SABMiller subsidiary Miller Brands has signed a distribution deal with Van Steenberge Brewery and Sint Stefanus Monastery of Belgium, to launch a new craft beer, St Stefanus Belgian abbey beer, in the UK. Miller Brands aims to expand the portfolio of craft beers in the UK with the launch of St Stefanus Belgian abbey beer. St Stefanus Belgian abbey beer dates back to 1295 AD, and is an unpasteurized high fermentation beer that is also refermented in the bottle.
Grainexx Market Report 44/2011
We wrote in our last market report that we hope that the financial markets will take some break in order to reorganize and settle down.
Well, with a possible referendum in Greece, with an uncertainty of the acting government and with another crisis summit as well as the ongoing G-20 meeting in France, there is everything else but quiet times to settle down. Stock markets are playing roller coaster again, and grain markets are affected by the economic crisis as well.
It is the same scenario since months: At the beginning of the week, you don´t know where the markets and the economy stand at the end of the week.
SABMiller launches cassava lager in Mozambique
SABMiller, one of the world's largest brewers on Tuesday announced the launch of the first ever commercial-scale cassava-based beer, "Impala". The product would be brewed in Mozambique by SABMiller's local subsidiary, Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM), and marked the latest step in SABMiller's ambition to create a portfolio of high-quality, affordable beers made using locally-sourced raw materials for lower income consumers in Africa, it said. Impala is brewed using 70% cassava and is the result of several years of research to overcome the challenges of processing and brewing with cassava, which grows widely across Africa.
Heineken USA Appoints Darrell Johnson as Senior Director, Regional Marketing
Heineken USA today announces the appointment of Darrell Johnson as Senior Director, Regional Marketing. In his new role, Johnson will report to Kheri Tillman, Vice President of Trade Marketing and Sales Strategy, and will be responsible for leading the regional marketing group, as well as driving local programs and sponsorships that support brand marketing strategies. Johnson brings more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience to Heineken USA's Regional Marketing team. Most recently, Johnson served as Senior Director of Innovation, Sparkling Beverages, for the Pepsi-Cola Company where he oversaw the development of the company's 5-year innovation and growth plan.
Carlsberg says buys rest of Vietnamese Hue Brewery
Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Friday it agreed to take full control of Hue Brewery in Vietnam by buying the 50 percent that it did not already own. The brewer and Hue People's Committee in 2009 signed a memorandum of understanding confirming its support for the Carlsberg Group to acquire the Committee's 50 percent stake in the brewery.
Grainexx Market Report 43/2011
What an exciting week again....... but not for grains in general and even less malting barley!
Dear Sirs!
Two summits, lot's of talks, uncertainty, worries and finally, as expected:
- haircut of 50% for Greece
- leverage to close to one trillion EUR (1.000.000.000.000.-EUR, so many zeros..)
- capital increase of Europe's most important banks
Berlusconi and Cameron being the bad guys of the week, while "young daddy" Sarko and Angie were playing the "real" Europeans.
Interesting and expensive theatre.
However, now hopefully we get at least some months of relief and gaining back confidence in the financial markets, finding the time to really concentrate on macro reforms.
AB InBev Wins Back ‘Bud’ Name in Austria After Court Decision
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV won back the rights to use the name “Bud” on beer in Austria after a local court lifted an injunction that had given Budejovicky Budvar NP the sole entitlement to the name in the country. A Viennese commercial court in a decision signed Oct. 19 decided to lift the injunction that prevented Anheuser-Busch from selling beer under the name American Bud in Austria since 1999. Austria’s Supreme Court already ruled against Budvar in August. Budvar claims it owns the rights to “Bud” because its beer comes from Ceske Budejovice, or Budweis in German. The brewer argued that Bud has been a national geographical indication since 1975 in the Czech Republic and this protection was extended by a bilateral agreement to Austria in 1976.
AB InBev Extends Bud Soccer World Cup Sponsorship
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world’s biggest brewer, said Budweiser will be the official beer of the soccer World Cup in 2018 and 2022 as the company continues its push to promote the brand globally. Today’s announcement extends a 25-year partnership between the brewer and FIFA, soccer’s governing body, according to the statement. “Budweiser will serve as the official beer of the FIFA World Cup for the ninth and 10th time,” after sponsoring the 2014 event in Brazil. The brewer will also have the right to sponsor local events with brands including Brahma in Brazil and Harbin in China, it said in the statement.
Kirin Brewery of America Launches World’s First 0.00% Alcohol Content Malt Drink
Creating an entirely new beverage category, high-end beer brewer, Kirin Brewery of America LLC (Kirin), today announced it is introducing Kirin Free, the world’s first 0.00% alcohol content beertaste malt beverage to the United States, with the initial launch in three select Southern California counties – Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. Previously introduced and on the market in Japan, the new malt beverage is already a top seller in the country. Kirin Free’s unique 0.00% alcohol profile is set to revolutionize the way people can enjoy a malt beverage. “Anyone who desires a malt beverage, but doesn’t want the affects of any alcohol at all can enjoy Kirin Free. It’s refreshing yet very flavorful, and goes well with all kinds of food,” said Randy Higa, president, Kirin Brewery of America. “We are excited to bring this new beverage to the U.S. and are looking forward to receiving feedback from consumers.” Kirin Free’s innovative yeast-free brewing process results in a completely alcohol-free, yet delicious beertaste beverage. Kirin Free boasts only 60 calories per 11.3-ounce serving.
Anheuser-Busch invests $1bn in US operations
Anheuser-Busch plans to invest more than $1bn in its breweries and other facilities nationwide that will support the growth of its brands and reinforce its commitment to local US communities where it operates. Luiz Edmond, president of Anheuser-Busch InBev North America, said: “Our beer brands are the favourites of millions of US adults, and supporting their growth requires an ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and technologically advanced operations. Our employees, local leaders and communities where we operate are a part of our success, and we are pleased to make business investments that are good for all of our stakeholders.”
SABMiller sold 3% more beer in first half financial year
International brewer SABMiller (SAB) on Wednesday said it sold 3% more beer in the first half of its 2012 financial year. Soft drinks volumes grew by 6% for the half year. This volume growth combined with selective price increases and mix benefits increased group revenue by 6% and group revenue per hectolitre by 3% in constant currency.
Anadolu Efes and SABMiller form strategic alliance
SABMiller plc and Anadolu Efes have agreed a strategic alliance for Turkey, Russia, the CIS, Central Asia and the Middle East. Under the terms, SABMiller to transfer its Russian and Ukrainian beer businesses to Anadolu Efes Anadolu Efes to transfer a 24% equity stake to SABMiller by way of a capital increase.
Heineken USA Names New Senior Brand Director for Heineken Lager
Heineken USA Inc. has appointed Olga Osminkina to the position of senior brand director for Heineken Lager. In her new role, Osminkina will report to Laurent Theodore, vice president of marketing for Heineken, and she will be responsible for the overall strategy and sustained development of flagship Heineken Lager in the U.S. market.
Tsingtao to open B5bn brewery in Samut Sakhon
Tsingtao Brewery, the biggest Chinese brewer, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with a Thai partner to jointly invest in a 5-billion-baht factory in Samut Sakhon province. Tsingtao Beer (Thailand) Co will be set up with 500 million baht in registered capital. Tsingtao will hold a 45% stake in the venture with the remaining 55% to the Namyong Group, a marine transportation and port operator. The construction will have three phases and 90% of the production capacity of 200,000 tonnes per year will be exported to Europe and Asia. The Chinese partners also see a huge opportunity to penetrate the Asean beer market, cashing in on the Asean Economic Community scheduled to take effect in 2015.
Anheuser-Busch plans $34m upgrade for Cartersville brewing plant
Global brewing giant Anheuser-Busch will invest $34m to upgrade its Cartersville brewery in Gerogia, in the US. This project forms part of more than $1bn investment in the Belgian brewing group's breweries and other facilities. The company declared earlier that the primary purpose of $34m is to introduce packaging and brand innovation in the Cartersville plant.
Carlsberg leads in Cyprus beer beer sales
Carlsberg continues to be the best selling beer in Cyprus, although smaller brands are gradually eroding its lead, while rival KEO is the household name when it comes to wine sales.
According to the latest industry survey by IWSR Storechecks, Carlsberg, brewed locally by Ph. Photiades, was still in the lead in 2010 with a 51.9% market share, losing ground from 52.7% in 2009 and 54.9% in 2008. Arch rival KEO, too, saw its share decline marginally to 32.4% last year from 33.5% in 2009 and 34.5% in 2008. Leon, the recently revived local beer brewed by Photiades, has seen its share of the market rising to 5.5% from 4.8% in 2009 and 4.3% in 2008.
Kirin wins court case to control Brazil beer maker
Kirin Holdings Co. said Wednesday that a Sao Paulo court has revoked an injunction blocking the company's $2.5 billion takeover of Brazilian beer producer Schincariol. The Sao Paulo Appellate Court's ruling, which was announced Tuesday, paves the way for the Japanese beer maker to assume control of Schincariol and gain a valuable foothold in the rapidly growing Brazilian market.
Grainexx Market Report 41/2011
Are the Slovaks closing the “umbrella”? – USDA report as a main focus today
Dear Sirs,
it could have been so nice and easy…
then Slovakia said no yesterday to the EU aid package. But markets seem to be not really impressed and quite confident that a second vote will go through.
Euro showing a strong performance, trading between 1,3750 and 1,38.
And some reason, economic figures for the EU and the US were not as bad as expected.
SABMiller plc Director Declaration
Change in particulars of non-executive directors. In accordance with Listing Rule LR 9.6.14, SABMiller plc announces the following changes in the particulars of two non-executive directors. Mr Mark Armour will retire from the board of Reed Elsevier Group plc and its two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, at the end of 2012. Reed Elsevier PLC's securities are listed in London and New York and Reed Elsevier NV's securities are listed in Amsterdam and New York. Ms Lesley Knox will join the board of Centrica plc, effective 1 January 2012.
Carlsberg India appoints Saatchi & Saatchi as communication partner
Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd has recently appointed Saatchi & Saatchi, Delhi as its communication partner. As part of the mandate, Saatchi & Saatchi will handle all communication development for the Carlsberg and Tuborg beer brands in India. The association between Saatchi & Saatchi and Carlsberg globally dates back to the 1970s, when Carlsberg’s tagline ‘Probably the best beer in the world’ was created by the agency for the UK market.
Ursus Breweries appoints new President: Andrew Highcock replacing Gary Whitlie
Gary Whitlie, the President of Ursus Breweries, has decided to retire from professional activity after 27 years spent within SABMiller Group, in a variety of senior positions. Andrew Highcock is appointed as President of Ursus Breweries, effective 1st November 2011.
Carlsberg celebrates Oktoberfest in Malaysia for first time
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, for the first time, has recreated the perfect setting to celebrate the iconic Oktoberfest here. Featuring three popular Bavarian beers alongside Carlsberg, "Malaysia’s Own Oktoberfest 2011" promises a truly German celebration with authentic cuisine, traditional live performances and world-renowned brews.
Grainexx Market Report 40/2011
Good old Archimedes…Is that the leverage effect?
Dear Sirs,
the same old story all over again:
Greece: higher than expected deficit, Troika decision postponed – will they go bankrupt second half October?
Italy: downgraded by the rating agencies yesterday.
Stock exchanges recovering from yesterday´s slump. Euro fairly better at 1,3350 after trading as low as 1,3150 early this week.
The recession story continues, at least the fear that it will happen.
Still uncertainty about the future of the Euro zone…..
It is everything else but fun these days!
Anheuser-Busch Plans $1B In Brewery Upgrades
St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch plans to invest $1 billion in its breweries and other U.S. facilities through 2014. The project include capital expenditures spent or committed this year toward projects to further modernize brewing processes, upgrade systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand beer production, with additional allocations for projects through 2014.
AB InBev To Market Budweiser As Premium Beer in Brazil
Anheuser-BuschInBev NV (BUD) plans to market its Budweiser beer in Brazil as a premium brand, BrandChannel.com reported Monday. The move involving the world's third-biggest beer market comes amid lost momentum in U.S. beer sales in recent years. Imports and craft beers along with lower-calorie brews are taking away major chunks of the market once dominated by some big-name brands.
Diageo to Buy Ethiopian Brewer for $225 Million
Diageo Plc (DGE), the world’s largest distiller, agreed to buy Ethiopia’s state-owned Meta Abo Brewery for $225 million after outbidding SABMiller Plc and Heineken NV. Diageo, which makes Guinness stout, will expand Meta Abo and introduce new products, Wondafrash Assefa, a spokesman for Ethiopia’s Private and Public Enterprises Supervising Agency, said today by phone from Addis Ababa. SABMiller, the world’s second-biggest brewer by volume, bid $190 million for the asset, and Heineken offered $188 million, he said.
Japan’s Asahi Completes Acquisition of Independent Liquor
Japanese alcohol and soft drinks manufacturer Asahi has completed acquiring the Independent Liquor Group, which includes Independent Liquor in New Zealand and Independent Distillers in Australia, for NZ$1,534million (approximately 98 billion yen). The transaction is Asahi's biggest purchase as it looks overseas to offset declining domestic sales. In tandem with Asahi’s existing operations in Australia and New Zealand, through Schweppes Australia, the juice and water business acquired from P&N Beverages and Charlie’s Group, this latest acquisition will help consolidate its platform for future growth in the Oceania region.
Kirin Said to Offer Over 2 Billion Reais for Schincariol Stake
According to Bloomberh, Kirin Holdings Co., the Japanese brewer seeking control of Schincariol Participacoes e Representacoes, is offering at least 2 billion reais ($1.08 billion) to buy out minority investors in the Brazilian beer maker. The plan is to offer minority shareholders a per-share price that’s close to what Kirin agreed to pay majority holders Adriano and Alexandre Schincariol, the sons of the founder.
U.S. Beer Consumption Down Among Core Brands
A surge in the micro beer business is one factor for the decline in America's consumption of the national brands, like Anheuser-Busch. That's what the Beverage Information Group is saying in its 2011 report. U.S. beer consumption among the core brands has declined for the fourth year in a row, losing two percent of the market this year. The group attributes that to an increased taste for micro beer and high unemployment rates among the folks who drink say Bud or Coors Light. While Oregon produces more micro beer than any other state, over 700 new breweries are currently going up across the country.
Grainexx Market Report 39/2011
The “hangover” situation continues. Greece is anxiously awaiting the “Troika” decision for the next 8 billion Euros. Decision is postponed and the reform path is questioned.
Italy was downgraded by the rating agencies due to political instability (despite the reform laws) – Berlusconi´s girlfriends might think differently about it!!!
SABMiller brings in new president for Ursus Breweries
Andrew Highcock is the new president of Ursus Breweries, replacing Gary Whitlie who has decided to retire after spending 27 years with SABMiller PLC. Highcock has previously worked for Pivovary Topvar, a company in Slovakia owned by SABMiller. Before joining the global brewer, he worked for Maxxium Worldwide as president of the company’s operations in Canada and managing director for South-Eastern Europe.
Kirin Brewery's quake-hit Sendai plant resumes production
Kirin Brewery Co. resumed beer production Monday at its plant in Sendai, Miyazaki Prefecture, more than six months after it was devastated by the March earthquake and tsunami. Restoration work at the plant commenced in early April, and workers cleaned the installations almost entirely by hand after disposing of spoiled bottled and canned beer stocks equivalent to 17 million 350 milliliter cans.
Bud Light Launches New Ad Campaign Featuring Pitbull
Bud Light, the Anheuser-Busch InBev’s brand has involved the Cuban-American hip hop star Pitbull into its new TV campaign. The campaign targeting the Hispanic audience first of all, but will run not only on Hispanic TV but on major U.S. broadcast networks as well. The campaign, by Bud Light Hispanic agency LatinWorks, will also include print, digital and retail executions, says Ad Age. The new spot, in English and Spanish versions, will feature the Pitbull’s song ‘Bon Bon.’ Viewers will be suggested to use mobile app Shazam, which when held near the ad will direct users to behind-the-scenes footage. The spot plays off the brand’s ‘Here We Go’ tagline in which the beer is positioned as a precursor of good times.
A-B InBev plans global responsible-drinking push
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV is headed to bars, stores and other places where it might find beer drinkers worldwide to promote its new global responsible drinking efforts, the world's largest brewer said Thursday. The company has long had a number of efforts in place to discourage the abuse of alcohol but said this is its first set of global goals for the company's responsible drinking programs. Anheuser-Busch InBev said that, among other things, it will provide educational material to workers at least 500,000 bars, clubs, restaurants and grocery stores to help them properly check identification and prevent sales to minors. It is providing training to at least 1 million bartenders, waiters, grocery store clerks and others on responsible alcohol sales. And the brewer will invest at least $300 million in advertising and marketing efforts to push the importance of responsible drinking such as use of designated drivers and preventing drinking among minors.
Grainexx Market Report 38/2011
The “hangover” situation continues. Greece is anxiously awaiting the “Troika” decision for the next 8 billion Euros. Decision is postponed and the reform path is questioned.
Italy was downgraded by the rating agencies due to political instability (despite the reform laws) – Berlusconi´s girlfriends might think differently about it!!!
SABMiller to Buy Foster’s After Raising Bid to A$9.9 Billion
SABMiller Plc clinched Foster’s Group Ltd. with a sweetened A$9.9 billion ($10.2 billion) offer for Australia’s biggest brewer after three months of pursuit. SABMiller will pay A$5.10 a share in cash for Melbourne- based Foster’s, the U.K. company said today. Foster’s shareholders will also get 30 cents a share as part of a previously announced capital return and a 13.25-cent final dividend. The offer was previously for A$4.90 minus dividends. The purchase will be the biggest ever by London-based SABMiller and give it access to about half of the Australian beer market.
HEINEKEN launches new company visual identity
HEINEKEN today announced the launch of a new global company visual identity that reflects the significant transformation of the HEINEKEN business over the past decade. At the heart of the new company identity is a re-designed HEINEKEN name, appearing in capital letters, complemented by a red spark to represent the spirit and energy of the company's more than 70,000 employees worldwide. The logo will appear on all corporate publications, printed materials, the corporate website www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and will be used in some capacity by the majority of its operating companies worldwide.
Carlsberg launches 'Carlsberg Elephant' in India
Carlsberg India, a unit of Denmark-based Carlsberg Group, today launched its super premium strong beer 'Carlsberg Elephant' in the Indian market. The company has priced the beer brand in the range of Rs 100-125 for a 650 ml bottle, Carlsberg India said in a statement. Speaking about the development Carlsberg India Managing Director Soren Lauridsen said: "We are delighted to introduce Carlsberg Elephant to build upon our strategy of creating a super premium strong beer category in the market."
SABMiller's Grolsch Wins EU Court Appeal of Antitrust Fine
Grolsch, a unit of SABMiller Plc, the world's second-largest brewer by volume, won a European Union court appeal of a 31.7 million-euro ($43.8 million) fine levied for colluding on beer prices in the Netherlands. The European Commission, the EU's antitrust regulator, fined Royal Grolsch NV, Heineken NV and Bavaria NV in 2007 for fixing prices in the Netherlands from at least 1996 to 1999. InBev NV, which has since merged with Anheuser-Busch Cos. to become the world's largest brewer, escaped a fine after tipping off EU officials. Grolsch was bought by SABMiller in a takeover completed in 2008.
Grainexx Market Report 37/2011
Financial markets are in a bad mood. Nobody seems to know how the situation will continue with Greece and the EURO-Zone as a whole. No talks about the deficit in the US anymore, only how to accelerate or better to say maintain a growth rate.
What will happen to the banking sector?? –german top bank’s shares lost about 25% in the last days,rating agency’s go against leading French banks not to talk about Bank of America… On can’t blame anybody ,if in these crises mood and depression there is more talks than action and nobody knows what the final outcome will be….
Strategic decision might be put on hold as well as reliable forecasts on consumer spending.
United Breweries launched Heineken in India
Heineken, the global beer brand has been launched in India by United Breweries. United Breweries announced the launch of locally brewed and bottled Heineken®beer from their brewery in Taloja, near Mumbai. Heineken is positioned as a super-premium lager beer that will target the discerning beer drinker in India. Samar Singh Sheikhawat, Senior Vice-President (Marketing), United Breweries Limited said, “The taste and quality of Heineken brewed and bottled out of India is true to the original time-honoured recipe handed down the generations. The brand has been well received in Mumbai and Pune and we now invite rest of India to “Open Your World” to Heineken!”
Nile Breweries extends tree planting to Kabale town
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), Uganda's leading beer maker, has extended its tree planting drive dubbed 'Green Towns Project' to Kabale town, said a company statement. Nile Breweries planted 465 trees on the streets of the town and Rugarama forest reserve under the town council. "Our project is part of Nile Breweries contribution to the greenery and beauty of Kabale town," said Ronald Mayanja Omugalanda, Communications Manager Nile Breweries Limited. The Green Towns Project complements the company's sustainable development. Nile Breweries is the leading producer of beer using local raw materials and a subsidiary of SABMiller plc, the world's second largest brewer.
Malaysia: Carlsberg beer prices likely to go up next year
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd has warned of a hike in beer prices next year due to rising production and operation costs. Managing director Soren Ravn said the Denmark-based brewer had increased its beer prices by 3% this year, but it was "barely catching up with inflation". "Raw material prices, especially for key ingredient barley, are expected to increase between 35% and 40% in 2012," he told reporters during a roundtable dialogue Wednesday, 7 September.
A Inbev is negotiating an agreement to save $6 million in taxes on Baldwinsville
Anheuser-Busch Inc. is close to cutting a deal with local governments that will save its huge brewery near Baldwinsville at least $6.24 million in property taxes. The beer maker is negotiating an agreement that would reduce the brewery’s property taxes over 15 years in exchange for the company’s pledge not to close the brewery during that time. Still being negotiated are the terms of a “recapture” agreement in which Anheuser-Busch would agree to pay back at least a portion of its property tax savings if it closes the brewery during the 15 years, said Deputy County Executive Bill Fisher. The Legislature does not have to approve that portion of the agreement, but the town, school district and development agency will, he said.
Heineken to invest 400 mln euros in Congo until 2016
Heineken plans to invest 400 million euros ($561 mln) in its Bralima breweries in Democratic Republic of Congo over the next five years, to tap into the country's rapidly growing population, Bralima said on Wednesday. Hans van Mameren, Bralima's managing director, said 250 million euros would be spent on renovating the original brewery in Kinshasa and building a new one 40 km (35 miles) away. Another 150 million euros will be used to buy equipment and improve other breweries across the country.
SABMiller JV to bid for Shaoguan Huoli Beer
SABMiller-China Resources Enterprise JV, China Resources Snow Breweries (CR Snow), has plans to bid for Shaoguan Huoli Beer Co, a Guangdong-based brewery, in the process of its expansion in the southern province. The CR Snow's bid for the Guangdong-based beer brand follows 6 months after CR Snow Breweries lost out on a 21.37% stake in Kingway Brewery Holdings, to Anheuser-Busch InBev, reported Business China.
Grainexx Market Report 36/2011
The world financial markets are in turmoil. Once again the Greek situation and their inability or unwillingness to reduce their spending and debts weigh heavily on the markets. Italy seems to become more of an issue. For Portugal and Spain there is presently no more room in the headlines and analysis comments.
Or are they getting better and it is simply ignored!?
SABMiller's Czech brewer unveils new packaging for beer
Czech brewery Radegast, a part of the Plzenský Prazdroj brewing group owned by SABMiller, has launched its Moravian light draft beer Radegast Original in new 1.5-liter plastc bottle on 30 August. Radegast believes that this packaging will better preserve the beer temperature and resist against breaking. The bottle can be tightly closed after each sip. The Czech brewer noted that this bottle was specifically designed for its beer, focusing more on practical design aspects such as its ergonomic shape supporting easy manipulation, and its height and width designed for optimal storage capability.
Grainexx Market Report 35/2011
The “yo-yo” effect on the international markets continues. The stock markets remain very volatile, to say the least.
Actual economic figures show a slow-down in growth, but no real sign of a recession. Politicians are getting more and more aware of the fact that maybe accompanying measures are required.
Anheuser-Busch InBev Announces Changes to its Board of Directors
Anheuser-Busch InBev (Euronext: ABI) (NYSE: BUD) today announced that Peter Harf will step down as Chairman of the Board and a member of the Board of Directors in April 2012. Commenting on his decision Mr. Harf said, "I love Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the truly great consumer goods companies, and will miss all my colleagues there. I am reassuming my role as Executive Chairman of DKMS, the non-profit cure blood cancer organization, and my role at Joh. A. Benckiser remains demanding."
Heineken: beer and cider down in UK
Heineken has reported single digit volume decreases in both its beer and cider volumes in the UK for the first half of 2011. The international brewer reported an overall low single digit decline in beer volume across its brands in the UK and a high single-digit decline in cider volumes following the delisting of Strongbow Black on social responsibility grounds, increased competition and a tough comparable last year with the football World Cup. However, its core premium brand Heineken is performing well with a 15% volume uplift on last year. Earnings Before Interest and Tax grew in the UK market driven by the benefit of cost savings from current and prior year operational efficiencies.
Grainexx Market Report 34/2011
The big question these days is: “Right or wrong? Real or false?”
The financial markets calmed down, at least a little bit. Stock markets are showing a slight recovery and we are having a quite stable Euro/USD relation around 1,44/1,4450. But still, there are a lot of fears of an upcoming recession and world-wide economic crisis around. The main question : is that coming really or is it overdone as a reaction. Nobody really knows and the uncertainty continues.
SABMiller's Czech brewer adds $8.8m plastic bottle filling line
Plzenský Prazdroj, a Czech brewer owned by SABMiller, has added a plastic-bottle filling line and is now testing it. The line, worth approximately CZK150m ($8.8m), can produce a maximum of 18000 bottles per hour. The Czech brewery offers Velkopopovický Kozel, Primus and Klasik brands in plastic bottles. The brewery said the plastic bottles it uses protect the beer against light and oxidation. With export to more than 50 countries, Plzenský Prazdroj had total sales of 9.9 million hectoliters in 2010 calender year.
AmBev announces introduction of Budweiser in Brazil
AmBev has announced that it is introducing Budweiser in Brazil, making the premium portfolio of the company. Budweiser has presented its new visual identity in the country. The has said that the lager beer with an alcohol content of 5% will be produced at the plant Jacarei (SP). His distinctive production process, which uses chips Beechwood (wood special) in the fermentation tanks. The net result is a unique flavor and perfect balance, marked the beginning and end smoothly.
Kirin and China Resources Enterprise Establish Non-Alcohol Beverage JointVenture
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited and China Resources Enterprise, Limited have proceeded with the preparation to establish a joint venture and completed the procedures, which was announced in the previous news release "Kirin and China Resources Enterprise, Limited agreed to establish a Non-Alcohol Beverage Joint Venture in China" dated January 24, 2011.
Anheuser-Busch To Introduce Interactive Beer Label
Anheuser-Busch has partnered with Spear to introduce a new interactive label. Under this new deal, Spear has developed a dynamic and interactive label for Anheuser-Busch’s best selling beer Bud Light. This newly developed label will help customers to customize their bottle by using a coin or key to write a message or draw an image.
Asahi buys NZ firm for $1.3 billion in pre-mixed drinks
Asahi Group Holdings is acquiring New Zealand beverage group Independent Liquor for $1.3 billion, giving the Japanese brewing giant a ready-to-drink cocktail maker to add to its stash of assets in the Oceania market. In its biggest acquisition, Asahi said on Thursday it will buy all outstanding shares of Flavoured Beverages Group, the parent company of Independent Liquor known for its "Woodstock Bourbon" and "Vodka Cruiser" brands, from private equity firms Unitas and Pacific Equity Partners (PEP).
Carlsberg Q2 earnings drop 22 pct
Danish brewer Carlsberg announced Wednesday that its second quarter net profit declined 22 percent from the same period a year ago due mainly to an increase in alcohol taxes in Russia. The company said that three-month earnings amounted to 2.1 billion kroner ($407 million), down almost 22 percent from 2.6 billion kroner ($504 million) a year earlier. The company said operating profit for the period amounted to 3.7 billion kroner ($715 million), down nearly 13 percent from 4.2 billion kroner ($810 million) in the second quarter of 2010.
Grainexx Market Report 33/2011
We were all thinking that we get a very early harvest after the drought in the main areas in April, May, and finally it turns out that this harvest is one the longest we have seen in the past ten years. When we said about a month ago we need one week more in order to have a clear picture on how grain quantities and qualities are divided in Europe, we have to state today that the market still has no clear picture about that and the uncertainty continues.
SABMiller goes hostile in takeover bid for Foster's Group
SABMiller will take a now hostile $9.5 billion bid for Foster's directly to shareholders after the board of Australia's biggest beer maker two months ago rejected a friendly offer at the same price. SAB told the Australian Securities Exchange it would make a conditional, off-market cash takeover offer for the entire company at $4.90 a share, less any dividend declared when Foster's releases its annual profit result next Tuesday.
Heineken launches innovative new global design project
Heineken® has opened entry to an exciting global design project that invites emerging designers from New York City, São Paulo, Tokyo and Milan to become part of a creative journey to collaborate on, conceive and produce a pioneering nightclub.
Ukraine harvests 33.7 million tons of grain
As of August 15, 2011, Ukraine harvested 33.75 million tons of grain on an area of almost 11.06 million hectares (98% of the forecast), out of the projected 11.415 million hectares, and the average yield of grain and leguminous crops is 30.5 quintals per hectare, according to the Ukrainian Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry. According to initial reports, farmers also threshed 3.39 million tons of winter barley from 1.18 million hectares (99.9% of the forecast) and 6.06 million tons of spring barley from 2.48 million hectares (99%). The average yield is 28.6 quintals per hectare and 24.3 quintals per hectare respectively.
Molson Coors to invest £175m in UK breweries
Molson Coors, the US drinks giant behind Carling lager and Doom Bar ale, is set to invest £175m its in breweries across the UK in a much-needed shot in the arm for Britain's beleagured beer industry. The company has committed to spend an extra £15m annually over the next five years developing Britain's biggest brewery – Molson Coors' site in Burton-on-Trent. The investment, which comes on top of existing capital plans, will be supplemented by a £5m spend on the Sharp's brewery in Cornwall and investment in the group's other two UK bases.
Heineken buys 2 Ethiopian -owned breweries
Heineken announced that the brewer has signed a deal to buy the two government-owned Ethiopian breweries Harar Brewery S.C. and Bedele Brewery S.C.. The deal is about $163 million.
United Breweries launches super-premium beer Heineken
United Breweries introduced locally brewed and botted Heineken lager in Mumbai and Pune this month and will roll it out across 7-10 other markets by the year end, the company said. Heineken is being positioned as a super-premium international beer at a 30% premium over Kingfisher Ultra beer and competitor Carlsberg's eponymous beer, Shekhar Ramamurthy, deputy president of United Breweries (UB), said. It will carry a price tag of Rs 170 for a 650 ml bottle. UB has begun manufacturing at its brewery in Taloja, Mumbai. "There is no plan to extend production to other UB breweries," Ramamurthy, added. UB also has access to Heineken's brand portfolio but is not likely to introduce other brands at the moment, the company said.
Molson Coors Cuts Water Use 5% in One Year
Molson Coors cut its water use, energy use, waste and scope 2 carbon emissions in 2010, though its scope 1 emissions rose, according to the company’s 2011 corporate responsibility report. From 2009 to 2010 the company cut its water use by five percent, from 252 million to 240 million hl. This water data includes Molson Coors’ branches in Canada, the UK and Ireland, and for its 42 percent share of MillerCoors.
Grainexx Market Report 32/2011
We are living again in exciting times!!!
The financial markets are dominating everything these days again. After a lot of people had thought that with the last EU summit regarding the stabilization fund and the last minute agreement between the Congress and the President in the United States some calmer waters had been reached, we were taught something different in the last ten days. The Euro stocks lost about the size of the GDP of Austria, the US dollar was traded in big volatility between 1,40 and 1,44 against the Euro. All stock markets were down, gold went sharply up from one new record to another (see graph), and you have the impression that bankers, politicians and financial institutions do not know what to think about this new crisis, and even worth, they don´t know how to handle that (the picture of the Wall Street guy might be a good example on how the majority of the people are feeling!). Due to these turmoils in the financial markets, agricultural futures were hammered down as well trading continuously lower. This morning CBOT was down 15 to 20 cent/bushel, both in corn and in wheat, and we saw MATIF wheat loosing another 5 Euro/ton.
Germany: Radeberger Group considers price increases
Radeberger Group of Frankfurt, Germany, number one in the German beer market with famous premium brands such as Radeberger Pilsner, Jever and Binding, is still considering price increases. As Birte Kleppien, the brewery group's press spokesperson, said to the international business and technology newspaper Beverage Manager Global (August edition), the issue is by no means off the table, but is instead still on the agenda.
Not much was changed by the "critical observation" of the costs of raw materials and energy announced earlier in the year. It's true that the first half of the year went considerably better than initially expected, "but the year is not yet over". Press spokesperson Birte Kleppien confirmed this.
Carlsberg U.K. launches beer in PET in Sainsbury's Local stores
Carlsberg U.K. is to re-package Carlsberg Export in 500mL PET bottles in an exclusive launch for Sainsbury's Local stores. The company has identified untapped potential in chilled beer and is looking to build impulse sales. With technical problems relating to the packaging now having been addressed, Carlsberg is seeking to attract more casual buyers while retaining its premium status.
SABMiller JV enters into $47m deal in China
SABMiller JV China Resources Snow Breweries (CR Snow) has signed a $47m deal with Asahi Breweries Itochu to buy the remainder stakes of 55% in Hangzhou Xihu Breweries Asahi (Hangzhou Xihu Beer) and 25% in Xihu Breweries Asahi Co (Huzhou Brewery). As per the transaction, both the companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of CR Snow. In November 2010, the JV, in which China Resources Enterprise (CRE) is also a partner, has acquired 45% equity interest in Hangzhou Xihu Beer, which currently owns a 75% interest in Huzhou Brewery. Located in the north of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou Xihu Beer and Huzhou Brewery have a combined production capacity of 5 million hectolitres per annum.
Kirin Pays $2.5 Billion to Acquire 50% Stake in Brazil Brewer Schincariol
Kirin Holdings Co.paid 3.95 billion reais ($2.5 billion) to gain a majority stake in the Brazilian maker of Nova Schin beer, adding Latin America’s biggest beer market to its global footprint. The purchase of the closely held maker of Devassa Bem Loura and Glacial is the biggest since 2009 for Kirin, which has spent more than $12 billion on overseas acquisitions in the past five years as Japan’s declining and aging population crimps domestic demand for beer and soft drinks. Kirin bought all of Australia’s second-largest beermaker in 2009 and owns almost half of the Philippines’ San Miguel Brewery Inc.
Grainexx Market Report 31/2011
Again not very much to say about the markets in the last week.
However, we want to point out some highlights both on the international grain front as well as in the European malting barley markets:
Coors Light’s new campaign starring Jean-Claude Van Damme gets the “thumbs up”
Coors Light UK’s new campaign has won wholehearted praise from consumers for making Jean-Claude Van Damme the new face of the brand. The advert has been a hit among Coors Light’s male target market, but also appeals to women. Coors Light UK has recently launched a new Closer to Cold campaign, featuring Jean Claude Van Damme posing on mountain tops with a bottle of Coors. The brand has opted for a multi-channel campaign, with four new TV adverts which are shared online via YouTube and a dedicated Facebook page. A competition to win festival tickets is also running alongside the Closer to Cold visuals.
According to the Barth Report the World beer production increased again in 2010"
Following a slight decrease in output in 2009, world beer production increased again in 2010. Production totalled 1.85 billion hectolitres, representing an increase of 29 million hectolitres or 1.6% on the previous year. In 2010, almost 92% of total world beer output was brewed in the 40 main beer-producing countries. The world’s top beer-producing country is and remains China, with an output of more than 448 million hectolitres, followed by the USA. Third place goes to Brazil, pushing Russia back into fourth place. As in the previous year, Germany, with beer output of around 95.7 million hectolitres, is number five in the international rankings.
Grainexx Market Report 30/2011
Not much to say about these markets in the last couple of days. They are quite ill-defined.
On the international front the weather in big parts of the United States is still very very hot and dry, only interrupted by a few violent thunder storms. This is during that period especially critical for corn, but also spring wheat yields could be largely affected. The forecast stays quite dry for the rest of this week. We are quite sure that the USDA will correct its yields down in the next report, failing their projected ending stocks! Also the crop rating of spring wheat and corn will be adjusted to the downside.
GermanMalt becomes part of GrainCorp Malt
Subject to approval by merger control GermanMalt GmbH & Co. KG, Osthofen, will become part of the international GrainCorp Group. The shareholders of Schill-Malz GmbH & Co. KG, Osthofen, and C. Thywissen GmbH, Neuss, have agreed last Friday to sell their shares including their participation in Rhein-Ruhr-Malz GmbH & Co. KG and Thüringer Malz GmbH.
SAB Miller with higher volumes and revenue
SAB Miller has reported a 5% growth in beer and soft drinks volumes for the first quarter to 30 June with a 7% increase in group revenue on an organic basis. The London-listed brewer, which distributes Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Tyskie and Miller Genuine Draft in the UK, saw lager volumes up 5% across Europe with continued growth in the UK market. In Europe, Poland volumes were up 4% and Russia up 11% compared to a weak quarter last year. There were also “significantly” higher volumes in the Ukraine but marginally lower in Italy and the Netherlands. In its other markets, lager volumes were up 6% in Latin America, 15% in Africa, 11% in Asia and level in South Africa.
Carlsberg to distribute Staropramen in UK
Carlsberg UK is to market and distribute Czech lager Staropramen in the UK on behalf of owners StarBev from 14 August. Staropramen was acquired by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in 2009 from AB InBev and is currently the third most popular draught World Beer in the UK market, according to CGA data. It means Carlsberg UK now has three out of the top four World Beer brands in the on trade — including San Miguel and Tuborg — giving it a 32% market share in the category.
Molson Coors plans £7.3m brand overhaul for Carling
Molson Coors has revealed plans to begin a £7.3m rebranding exercise of its premium lager, Carling, which includes design new aluminum bottle packaging and launch of new sub-brand, Carling Chrome. The British brewer said Carling Chrome, a new member in the Carling league, will be less bitter with an ABV of 4.8%. The beer will roll out into markets across the country both in on- and off-trade domains in August.
Kirin plant to reopen plant in Sendai
Kirin Brewery Co. will resume operations at its Sendai plant on Sept. 26 and start beer shipments in early November, the company has announced. Operations were suspended after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11 when the ensuing tsunami toppled four of the 15 vats at the plant, which is located in an industrial complex adjacent to Sendai Port. However, operations will remain at 60 percent of the pre-disaster level for the time being. Power was restored at the plant last Saturday.
Brewing giant Molson Coors to launch new beer for women
Molson Coors, the brewing giant behind Britain’s biggest-selling lager, Carling, launches a new beer – for women: Animee. Molson Coors has spent two-and-ahalf years and £1 million on research.
Animee will come in three varieties – the standard, clear-filtered beer as well as rose and citrus flavours – and will be available in pubs and supermarkets in 275ml bottles from next month.
Warsteiner Group increases beer sales
Despite difficult market conditions, Warsteiner Group was able to increase beer sales in Germany by 0.4% for the first six months of 2011. Important contributors to this positive trend included the new 100% natural Warsteiner Radler (beer & lemon) and Warsteiner isotonic (non-alcoholic), both of which achieved growth rates in the high double-digits.
China Resources-SAB Miller JV acquires two breweries from Heineken
China Resources Snow Breweries (CR Snow), a subsidiary of China Resources Enterprise (CRE) and a joint venture with SABMiller, on July 13 announced that it has entered into agreement with Heineken Asia Pacific Breweries (China) Pte to acquire stakes in two breweries, which further strengthen its leading position in the China beer market. CR Snow is acquiring a 49 percent equity stake in Jiangsu Dafuhao Breweries Company and a 100 percent equity stake in Shanghai Asia Pacific Brewery Company from Heineken for a total cash consideration of about 870 million renminbi (USD135 million).
Stella Artois - With eyes on China
ABInBev has been rolling out its Stella Artois lager brand in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The company is marketing the brand there as super premium. Stella Artois follows its sister brand, Budweiser, into the market as A-B InBev focuses on super-premium opportunities in China.
Grainexx Market Report 28/2011
We come a little bit earlier this week with our market report because we wanted to be more actual in view of the latest USDA World Supply and Demand Report as well as the actual harvest progress in Germany and in France. Grain markets in Chicago and in Paris were down beginning of this week, but got a full recovery yesterday and also during the course of this morning.
Yesterday´s USDA report did not bring a lot of surprises, but in comparison with the last two reports it is starting to get more realistic. The future markets´ reaction on this report was quite clear: Quite neutral to slightly bullish, but definitely, if you look deeper into that, not bearish!
SABMiller Makes More Beer With Less Water
Global brewing company SABMiller is cutting the amount of water used to make beer. So far, it's managed to cut it by only 8%, but they say that's a lot for a water intensive industry in their corporate sustainability report. The company's goal is to reduce water consumption 25% below 2008 levels by 2015. So far, the company has cut 8%, even as its total water consumption increased with higher production levels. Over the last year, it cut it by 3%.
Grainexx Market Report 27/2011
Ups and downs in the market continue, but not to the same extent like in the previous week. Chicago and MATIF wheat were up by about 5 Euros every day on Monday, Tuesday, and then immediately went down to the same extent the last two days, and today it seems that we are closing slightly up.
SABMiller plans to increase sales in Latin America
SABMILLER says its Latin American unit will sell more beer than planned over the next three to five years as it focuses on brews that more consumers can afford. The company predicts volume growth of 5%-8% in the region, up from a previous forecast of 4%- 6%, Karl Lippert, SABMiller’s president for Latin America, said at a conference in London. Revenue per hectolitre will increase 2%-4%, down from a previous forecast of 3,5%-5,5%.
AB InBev to invest $703 mln in Argentina till 2015
Quilmes beer and malt company, part of the world's largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, will invest 3 billion pesos ($703 million) in Argentina between 2011 and 2015, the government said on Wednesday. The money will go toward increasing the company's production capacity, modernizing its bottling methods and developing logistical centers, the industry ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine produced 1.8 mln tonnes of grains
As of July 5, Ukrainian agrarians harvested early grains and leguminous plants throughout the areas of 650 thsd ha from the forecast of 11.4 mln ha (6% of the forecast), and produced 1.8 mln tonnes of grains with the average yield of 28.1 c/ha (in 2010 - 24.6 c/ha), reported the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Agrarians harvested winter barley throughout the areas of 562 thsd ha (47%), produced 1.6 mln tonnes of the grain with the average yield of 28.1 c/ha (24.4 c/ha). Ukraine started harvesting winter wheat and completed the areas of 22 thsd ha, produced 71 thsd tonnes of the grain with the average yield of 32 c/ha (27.5 c/ha).
SABMiller finds way of reducing raw material costs for bottles
SABMiller has announced that its Peruvian subsidiary, Backus, in co-operation with Packaging Products Peru, has developed a new, low-gauge bottle crown that will significantly reduce the amount of steel used in production and have a positive impact on the group's raw material costs and C02 emissions. Using conservative estimates, the new low-gauge crown could reduce the amount of steel required across SABMiller's global production platform by at least 10% a year, enough to build London another Olympic stadium.
Grainexx Market Report 26/2011
We have said earlier in the year that the only thing which is sure is volatility, but we were absolutely not sure to which extent. And we are absolutely surprised about the tremendously huge price swings of the last three weeks. It is acceptable to believe that the huge price increase of the month of May in all grain markets, and especially in malting barley, was exaggerated. At that time there was a big panic about very bad malting barley crops in Europe, and the market got additional fire from the leading commodity markets like wheat and corn. But now one has to see that the big down-move is also absolutely exaggerated and in no way fundamentally justified.
SABMiller will enter market for specialty beers
SABMiller said Thursday it will enter the high growth market of specialty beers, where its main competitors Belgian Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and Dutch Heineken NV are already active, with a distribution agreement with the Belgian Van Steenberge Brewery. SABMiller said, within the terms of the agreement, it will distribute the beer under the Sint Stefanus brand outside Belgium. The company is not yet active in the specialty beer market, unlike its peer ABInBev which owns Leffe beer or Heineken's Affligem.
Google and Heineken seal ad partnership
Heineken and Google have signed a multimillion-euro partnership to work together on advertising. The contract includes videos e.g. YouTube and mobile ads. The deal includes more than 20 countries and is one ofvthe first long-term contracts directly between Google and a large brand.
Carlsberg launches super premium strong beer
Carlsberg India is positioning strong beer in the premium segment, a market so far restricted to mild beer. The Danish company will brew Carlsberg Elephant, a super premium beer to bet on strong beer which accounts for the lion's share of the market.
Molson Coors takes further stake in Cobra India
Molson Coors will buy a controlling stake in Cobra India, gaining operational control over a new joint venture company Molson Coors Cobra India. The joint venture is to make and market Cobra beer in South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Molson Coors will invest around $35 million in Molson Coors Cobra India for working capital requirements and brewery expansion plans, a statement said.
SABMiller slides on takeover bid for Foster's
Invstors in SABMiller have given a lukewarm response to its $9.5 billion bid for Foster's, constraining the group's ability to significantly lift its offer for Australia's beer giant. Shares in London-based SABMiller opened weaker again last night after a sharp sell-off the night before on news of the bid, wiping $1bn off the value of the Anglo-South African brewing conglomerate. Foster's has rejected the bid, but analysts yesterday downplayed the likelihood of a rival bid, despite indications that Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev and Asahi of Japan, among others, are taking a strong interest in the fate of one of the world's few remaining independent brewers.
Carlsberg and Heineken to use null-lox barley
Carlsberg and Heineken plan to only brew beer using malt produced from null-lox barley varieties by 2013, said Stuart Shand, sales director for sole null-lox agent, Gleadell. Null-lox barley was developed by Carlsberg's in-house research centre, with assistance from Heineken, to help keep beer fresher for longer. The firms plan to phase out malt produced from conventional varieties over the next couple of years, he said. "They really like it as it extends the shelf-life considerably." Null-lox varieties were grown commercially in the UK for the first time last season and the area in the ground this year had doubled, he said. "It took up about 5% of the UK spring area last season, and we are hoping to increase this to over 15% next spring."
Molson Coors cracks open Miller Lemon campaign
Molson Coors Canada has begun an advertising and contest campaign in support of Miller Chill Lemon, a limited-edition beer that launched in the Canadian market this spring. The campaign includes a 15-second television spot, created by BBDO Toronto, that begins with the image of a bottle of Miller Chill Lime, a flavoured light counterpart that launched across Canada last year. The campaign for Miller Chill Lemon, which reached full distribution in Canada in May and will remain available through the summer, also includes point-of-sale creative, street sampling initiatives and a Facebook-based contest.
Anheuser-Busch providing water to areas in need
The American Red Cross Central Prairie Chapter and Jacksonville Salvation Army have received shipments of water to distribute from Anheuser-Busch. A donation of 1,500 crates of canned water from Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis and A. Gaudio & Sons will allow the American Red Cross to give water to those who need it free of charge.
Kalrsberg Sommer-Promotion: "Wann wird´s mal wieder richtig Sommer..."
Top, die Wette gilt: „Bis zu drei Kisten gratis, wenn’s 30 Grad is’!“ – und los geht die Karlsberg Sonnen-Wette. Am 1. August 2011 lässt die Karlsberg-Brauerei alle Fans des kühlen Karlsberg Bieres der heißen Sonne entgegenfiebern. Im Rahmen der Sommerpromotion kann an diesem Tag jeder die Sonnen-Wette gewinnen, der im Aktionszeitraum vom 27. Juni bis 9. Juli 2011 Karlsberg Bier gekauft hat, und den Biereinsatz seines letzten Einkaufs auf maximal drei Kisten erhöhen will.
Grainexx Market Report 24/2011
If people are calling this market a roller coaster ride, then I have to say, it´s a very tough one. Every time in the last months we have been in 4 weeks of a one-way street in the market and were trading both ends always on the very extreme sides.
After going up by Euro 60,- a ton in the second half of May, the malting barley market has now completely lost all these gains and is back to levels we had in the middle of May.
One might well consider the up-move in prices earlier as too much exaggerated, but then one has to be fair and say that this correction might also be overdone.
Budweiser and the Houston Astros announce ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ program
Budweiser and the Houston Astros invite all Houstonians to join them in making a difference in the lives of military heroes and their families. Now is the time for our community to get involved, as Budweiser and Silver Eagle Distributors announce its ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ program – a nation-wide call-to-action in effort to raise up to $2 million in support of the Folds of Honor Foundation (FOH) - an organization that provides scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel killed or disabled while serving their country.
EABL says to buy SABMiller stake in Kenyan brewer
"East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) has agreed to purchase all of SABMiller Africa BV's 20 percent shareholding in Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) for cash consideration of the US dollar equivalent of 19,528,062,600 Kenyan shillings, subject to disposal of its 20 percent shareholding in Tanzania Breweries Limited by way of public offer," EABL said in a statement published in newspapers.
Heineken Announces New Regional Presidents
Heineken N.V. today announced that Siep Hiemstra (56), currently Regional President Asia Pacific, will succeed Tom de Man (63) as Regional President Africa and the Middle East, following Mr de Man's retirement after a highly successful 40 year career at Heineken. Theo de Rond (56), currently General Manager of Heineken's joint venture Compania Cervecerias Unidas (CCU) in Chile, will replace Siep Hiemstra as head of the Asia Pacific region and will join Heineken N.V.'s Executive Committee. The leadership changes are effective 1 August.
Anheuser-Busch donates much needed water to victims in Montana
The biggest need for flood victims right now is drinking water. It's the biggest need in most disaster situations. And that's why beer giant Anheuser-Busch has made the donation of more than 1.2 million cans (aluminum with Anheuser-Busch logo and all) to those suffering in disaster areas this year. The company reached out to Montana flood victims earlier this week, sending 51,744 cans of water from its Cartersville, Georgia brewery to Intermountain Distributing in Billings.
Heineken sponsors Champions League until 2015
Heineken is extending its sponsorship of UEFA Champions League soccer for a further three years, which analysts estimate is worth around 20 million euros (17 million pounds). The new deal announced on Friday takes the Amsterdam-based brewer’s contract up to the end of the 2014/2015 football season, extending its link to the tournament to over 20 years, as around 145 million television viewers prepare to watch Saturday’s final at London’s Wembley Stadium.
AB InBev plans to invest hundreds mln $ in China this year
Anheuser-Busch InBev will invest several hundred million dollars in China this year, a sharp increase over past investments, the China Daily reported on Saturday, citing the company's chief executive. Carlos Brito, CEO of the Belgium-based company, did not disclose an exact figure but said the investment followed "impressive growth" in China last year.
US last hope for malting barley as EU crop withers
The US may be the last hope of easing, for now, the tightness in the malting barley market which has buoyed prospects for prices even beyond those of wheat over the last month, taking them in the UK to record highs. In the UK, prices have hit a record high, merchant Gleadell said on Friday, following purchases by brewers "finally accepting that the drought conditions were in fact real and ongoing, and will now seriously impact on malting barley supply for crop 2011 and into 2012".
Carlsberg Copenhagen: Scandinavian-Style Equality for Female Drinkers
Carlsberg is promoting its new Copenhagen beer as a stylish, international alternative “intended for modern women and men.” But the focus is clearly on young female consumers, who are largely ignored by beer marketing. Despite its wine-like label and female-friendly design, it’s not all about style. Carlsberg says Copenhagen offers a “highly drinkable beer with a balanced taste” for those who don’t like the bitter aftertaste of many beers, and that it is a “real alternative to white wine and champagne.”
Budweiser Signs Multi-Year Renewal with Daytona International Speedway
Budweiser will continue to serve as both the exclusive official beer sponsor of Daytona International Speedway and the entitlement sponsor for the Budweiser Shootout following a multi-year partnership renewal. As part of the agreement, Budweiser will also begin a non-exclusive promotional partnership with Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2012.
Carlsberg beer takes a new EUR 2 million brand identity in Romania
The new brand identity that Carlsberg has recently launched in Romania had a budget of almost EUR 2 million and it was part of the international campaign to reposition the brand. The company estimates a sales increase of over 10 percent as a result of brand repositioning. Currently, Carlsberg has a market share of 25 percent on the super-premium beer segment in Romania, being the second most important brand, according to company data.
Bud Promotes Global Social Interaction With Online Reality Show
Budweiser is hoping to spark social interaction on a global scale with a new online reality show dubbed "Bud United presents: The Big Time," set to air globally across social platforms such as YouTube and Facebook late this year. Over the next six weeks users are invited to apply for the show via Facebook and Chinese social network Renren, and are required to specify their version of "The Big Time." Filming will take place later this summer, with six to eight individual episodes planned. Meza said that number could be expanded, however, based on the type of reaction the campaign gets from applicants, stating, "If there are some really exciting ideas we may decide to do those, also. Likewise if there are some passions we can make possible relatively easy we will do those too."
US: More craft beers sold in cans
Usually higher-priced craft beers, made in small batches for those seeking something outside the mainstream, are available in bottles only. Since a couple of years a growing number of craft beers, is being sold in cans, as brewers look to cut packaging and delivery costs, while finding a place at outdoor parties and other events where cans are preferred to glass bottles. By selling beer in cans, craft brewers reach certain venues - such as golf courses and baseball stadiums - where glass bottles are discouraged, or even banned. Canned beer appeals to drinkers going to outdoor events, like tailgating and picnics.
Molson Coors Brewing Company Wins 10 International Gold Medals for Quality
Molson Coors Brewing Company has added 10 Monde Selection gold medals to its collection of international awards and recognitions. The medals were awarded by Monde Selection, an independent International Institute based in Brussels, Belgium with a mission to test consumer products and rate them for their quality.
Carlsberg Q1 profits, revenue up on Russian growth
Danish brewer Carlsberg says first-quarter profit grew to $33.3 million (173 million kroner) on increased sales and improvements in the Russian market. Net profit in January through March was up from 77 million kroner for the same period last year, with revenue growing 11 percent to $2.4 billion (12.5 billion kroner).
Budweiser among top 100 global brands
Budweiser was ranked No. 45 on the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking. The brand’s value for 2011 is $15.95 billion, flat versus 2010 according to the ranking, which includes the value of Bud Light in Budweiser’s brand value.
Heineken to Acquire Two State-Owned Breweries
Heineken NV, the world’s third-largest brewer, will buy two Ethiopian state-owned beer makers for 2.7 billion birr ($160 million), the Horn of Africa country’s privatization agency said. Heineken, based in Amsterdam, will purchase Bedele Brewery SC for 1.4 billion birr and Harar Brewery SC for 1.3 billion birr, Wondafrash Assefa, spokesman for the Private and Public Enterprises Supervising Agency, said in a phone interview today from Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
Coors Lights Launches New Packaging With Cold Indicator
MillerCoors created a new packaging technology designed to visually alert consumers when beer kept in the freezer for cooling has reached the peak of refreshment, the company announced. With the New Coors Light Two-Stage Activation, the mountains on the side of the bottles and cans still turn blue when the beer is cold, but now a new Cold Indicator bar also turns blue. Additionally, a second Super Cold Indicator bar turns blue when the temperature of the beer reaches 'Super Cold' peak refreshment, according to the company.
Anheuser-Busch Delivers Cans of Water to Assist Storm Relief Efforts
Anheuser-Busch is providing more than 362,000 cans for use by families affected by the severe weather and the relief workers who are coordinating support for affected areas of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. On April 28, Eagle Rock Distributing received a truckload of canned water from the Cartersville brewery to assist with relief efforts in Ringgold, Ga. In the last week Anheuser-Busch also has donated more than 150,000 cans of water for relief efforts associated with wildfires in West Texas; floods in Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and storms in North Carolina.
Tsingtao Brewery first quarter profit up 40 pct
China's Tsingtao Brewery posted a 40 percent increase in firs
t quarter net profit on higher sales, as its distributors stocked up ahead of increases in the prices of it beer products. Tsingtao, in which Asahi Breweries holds a stake of more than 19 percent, said its net profit rose to 393.4 million yuan ($60.4 million) for the three months through March, from 280.9 million yuan a year earlier.
Kirin To Boost Beer Output 10% In May To End Shortages
Kirin Brewery Co. said Wednesday that it will raise beer output next month about 10% on the year, running breweries seven days a week in an effort to end shortages of Ichiban Shibori and other key brands. The Kirin Holdings Co. subsidiary idled two breweries after last month's earthquake. The harder hit of the two, in Sendai, remains shut, while the site in Toride, Ibaraki Prefecture, is expected to return to near normal capacity sometime in May. Four of the nine beer brands that Kirin stopped selling last week as the result of production constraints will return to stores in mid-May. Kirin Brewery aims to bring back the remaining five brands "as soon as possible," President Koichi Matsuzawa told a news conference.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro launches new global campaign
SabMiller is launching a new global campaign for its Peroni Nastro Azzurro brand which takes inspiration from its Italian roots. "Primavera / Estate’ (Spring / Summer) was filmed in and around Lake Como and will appear in cinema and out-of-home. Produced by the global creative agency The Bank, the ad features the Italian recording artist Mario Biondi who recorded the soundtrack to the campaign. Both English and Italian versions of Biondi’s remake of ‘My Girl’ will to available to download on iTunes.
Heineken with sales & operating profit up in in Q1/2011
Heineken NV says its first quarter operating profits rose around 20 percent as it sold more beer while cutting costs. Net profit was euro 151 million ($217 million). The family-controlled company issues only partial financial information on a quarterly basis, and did not provide a net profit comparison figure.
SABMiller reports strong performance in Africa
A strong performance in Africa and Asia helped brewing giant SABMiller drive lager volumes in the year to March 2011, the company said in a trading update. The company said all divisions except North America grew volume. Group revenue for the full year increased 5% on an organic, constant currency basis, it said.
Warsteiner Group sells the Argentinean wine business CASA Orfila
The new owner is the beverage group Cepas Argentinas SA headquartered in Buenos Aires.
By selling CASA Orfila, the Warsteiner Group withdraws from its last operative business in Argentina, following the sale of its Argentinean brewery CASA Isenbeck in November 2010 to the international brewery group SAB Miller.
Nigerian Breweries in discussions to acquire two breweries from Heineke
Nigerian Breweries Plc has begun discussions with Heineken NV regarding the potential acquisition of three of the five breweries recently acquired from the Sona Group. The proposed acquisition is subject to the approval of the Board and Shareholders of Nigerian Breweries, as well as relevant regulatory authorities. Nigerian Breweries Plc was incorporated in 1946 and started production in 1949 with Star lager in Lagos Brewery. The company currently has 2300 persons in its direct employment and several others through outsourced businesses. The company brews and markets the following brands: Star (lager beer), Gulder (lager beer), Heineken (lager beer), Legend (extra stout), Maltina (non-alcoholic malt drink), Amstel Malta (non-alcoholic low sugar malt drink), Fayrouz (malt based soft drink) and Climax (herbal energy drink).
Heineken publishes 2010 Sustainability Report, 'Brewing a Better Future'
Heineken N.V. published its 2010 sustainability report, 'Brewing a Better Future', which takes its theme from Heineken's integrated approach to sustainability that was launched in April 2010. The report summarises Heineken's delivery against its public commitments, as well as overall progress on its global sustainability strategy. Heineken's 2010 sustainability report reflects feedback that the company received by reaching out to numerous stakeholders throughout the year and the report is based on the disclosure guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Krombacher Dark set for pubs in UK
Following a successful trial in UK bars, German brewer Krombacher has launched a dark beer on draught for UK pubs. The full-bodied beer, named Krombacher Dark, uses a selection of high roasted malts combined with Felsquellwasser natural spring water and is brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516.
Japan's beer shipments down 10.9% in March due to quake
Total shipments of beer and beer-like drinks in Japan fell 10.9 percent from a year earlier to 33.34 million cases in March (One case of beer holds 20 633-milliliter bottles.) This marked the third largest decline for March since 1992 when comparable data became available, while the shipment volume was the second lowest level, following the record low marked in 2008 when Kirin Brewery Co. and Asahi Brewers Ltd. hiked beer prices, according to data released by the nation's top five brewers.
SABMiller increases investment in Southern Sudan
SABMiller subsidiary company Southern Sudan Beverages(SSBL) announces that it is investing an additional US$15 million in its operations in South Sudan to increase production capacity and build on the strong performance of its local brand portfolio.
Carlsberg Seeks to Reposition Brand
Danish beer maker Carlsberg A/S is repositioning its brand in a bid to double profits by 2015, the company announced on Tuesday. Carlsberg's green logo is recognized worldwide, but its sales do not match its brand presence, the company's CEO, Joergen Buhl Rasmussen, said in a press statement on Tuesday. The company expects to increase market share by investing heavily in a new visual identity and slogan. This includes roll- out of a new range of packaging for Carlsberg beer in over 140 markets, and adopting the tag-line -- "That calls for a Carlsberg. "
China's beer consumption set to rise
China consumes 40 billion litres of beer annually, or about one-quarter of global beer consumption. And it is set to grow. Research firm Spire said China's beer consumption will expand at a compounded rate of 5 to 10 per cent over the next three to five years. Currently, China consumes 31 litres of beer on a per capita basis, up from 22 litres just five years ago. In comparison, US beer consumption has been at around a constant 80 litres per capita for the last five years.
SABMiller Considering Purchase Of Brazil's Schincariol
Brewer SABMiller Plc is mulling to acquire Brazil's Primo Schincariol Industria de Cervejas e Refrigerantes, reports said Sunday. Privately-owned Schincariol is Brazil's second largest brewer. It has been put up for sale for around $2 billion. According to reports, Amsterdam, the Netherlands-based Heineken NV also has evinced interest in the Brazilian brewer.
Heineken bids for 2 Ethiopian breweries
Heineken NV said it had bid a total of $163 million for two breweries in Ethiopia as it expands in the fast-growing African market. Heineken has clinched deals in Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa in recent months, eyeing rising incomes in Africa's emerging markets. The giant brewer said it had taken part in the public auction for the Ethiopian state-owned Bedele and Harar breweries, bidding $85 million for Bedele and $78 million for the Harar brewery.
Majority Stake of Goose Island brewery sold to Anheuser-Busch
Fulton Street Brewery LLC, the Chicago-based company that brews Goose Island beers, has agreed to be acquired by Anheuser-Busch, the company announced Monday. Anheuser-Busch will pay $22.5 million for a 58 percent share in Goose Island’s holding company, known for its Honkers Ale, 312 Urban Wheat Ale and Matilda beers. An additional $1.3 million will be invested to increase at Goose Island’s brewery production at 1800 W. Fulton this summer. Anheuser-Busch has distributed Goose Island brands since 2006. The transaction is expected to close in June.
AB InBev wins new round in 'Bud' as a trademark
Anheuser-Busch InBev won a round in its long-running legal battle with it's Czech rival to secure the "Bud" trademark in Europe. The European Court of Justice sent the case back to the lower tribunal (The General Court) for a new ruling. It seems the lower tribunal made some mistakes in siding with Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar in its bid to block AB Inbev from securing the Bud name.
August Busch IV to Leave InBev Board
August Busch IV's tenure on the Anheuser-Busch InBev board of directors is about to end. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the former CEO of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. will leave the board after the company's annual shareholders meeting on April 26. The newspaper says the move is unrelated to the negative publicity surrounding Busch since the death of his girlfriend from a drug overdose late last year.
Jordan buys 100,000 Tonnes feed barley in tender
Jordan's state grains buyer has purchased 100,000 tonnes of feed barley in a tender for the same volume from any origin which closed on Tuesday, European traders said. Price was said to be $277.90 a tonne c&f and origin was thought to be European.
Rumours that the world's two biggest brewers of beer could merge have been circulating for three years, and resurfaced in the past week. In the past week foreign analysts said it appeared that the world's biggest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, had set its sight on SABMiller. Last Friday SABMiller spokesperson Nigel Fairbrass declined to comment the rumours. The two brewers together have almost 400 beer brands allover the world.
GrainCorp buys in Australia the malt house operator Kirin Australia
Grains marketer GrainCorp Ltd has agreed to buy all shares in malt house operator Kirin Australia Pty Ltd from Japan's Kirin Brewery Company Ltd in Australia for $10.55 million. The Kirin Australia malt house is in an ideal location for supplying malt into the expanding South East Asian beverage market. The production capacity will be 46,000 tonnes per annum. The new production base in Western Australia will be at diversification step for GrainCorp Malt.
Beer-loving Africans increase SABMiller revenue
Global brewing giant SABMiller is increasingly confident about its businesses and prospects in Africa - to the extent that it has upped its medium-term projections for its Africa division. The company has invested $1.5 billion over the past four years in Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania – and now says it is focused on growth in Ethiopia, Nigeria and southern Sudan. Expectations for revenue per hectolitre growth have been increased from a range of 1 percent to 3 percent, to a range of 3 to 5 percent, subject to currency fluctuations.
Sales by U.S. craft brewers rose 11% in 2010
Hundreds of craft brewers across the United States collectively posted an 11% sales volume increase in 2010 from the previous year, according to data released by the Brewers Association. The Boulder, Colo.-based trade group defines American craft brewers as small, independent companies that use traditional brewing methods. U.S. sales from all brewers, including industry giants Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors, dropped 1%. The association says there are 1,759 craft breweries, including brew pubs, in the United States. But most Americans still prefer their Bud Light and Miller Lite, as craft beers accounted for just 4.9% of the overall market, according to the Brewers Association.
SABMiller India launches beer in PET bottles
SABMiller India has launched its strong beer brand Haywards 5000 in PET bottles. SABMiller follows many other breweries that are recently working on introducing the new packaging material for their beer. Compared to glass bottles, plastic bottle filling lines are expensive. Flash pasteurisation is needed while filling beer in PET bottles. But i India the take-away consumption of beer is increasing rapidly, PET bottles will become a major growth driver for breweries.
Heineken aims to refinance its credit lines
According to Bloomberg, Heineken NV proposed terms on a credit line to refinance a 2 billion-euro ($2.8 billion) facility maturing next year. Heineken will try to pay 42.5 basis points over the euro interbank offered rate on the loan it gets back from the five-year revolving credit with two one-year extension options.
Philippines San Miguel reports drop in profit
Net income in 2010 was to 20.1 billion pesos ($467.44 million) in 2010, down from 57.8 billion pesos in 2009 when it realised an extraordinary gain from the sale of a substantial stake in its beer brewing subsidiary. San Miguel chairman and chief executive Eduardo Cojuangco said the outlook was bright for San Miguel, which over the past three years has aggressively diversified its business to include power and heavy industries.
Making Sustainable Water Use Operational at Anheuser Busch InBev
A year on from the announcement of our global environmental goals, Anheuser-Busch InBev is on track to achieve a global water usage rate that will put the company on the leading edge of the brewing industry. As the issue of sustainable water use continues to climb the corporate agenda, it has become common practice for leading global companies in the beverage sector to set challenging water use reduction goals as part of their overall business strategies. Once these goals are set, companies face the difficult and complex task of operationalizing their goals – and of communicating the “how” behind their progress to an increasingly watchful set of stakeholders, including investors, NGOs, the media and the general public.
Heineken to reduce alcohol in major brand
Heineken UK has pledged to reduce the abv content of one of its major drinks brands by 2013 as part of the drinks industry’s responsibility deal with the government. But the supplier has declined to confirm speculation that the brand in question is Strongbow. The company said the move would remove 100 million units of alcohol from the UK market each year. Heineken has also pledged to distribute branded glasses with alcoholic unit information in the on-trade.
Carlsberg Malaysia Gets Gold at Putra Awards
Carlsberg has been announced as the only beer brand to win Gold at the 2011 Putra Awards. Euro RSCG Kuala Lumpur is the advertising agency behind the recent campaign, "Stories.". ”I’m thrilled to see our very effective and highly creative collaboration with Carlsberg being recognized at the Putra Awards”, says Matthew Fanshawe, Managing Director, Euro RSCG Asia Pacific. Apart from the Carlsberg Gold, three more beer brands were awarded at Putra Awards. Heineken got a Silver and both Guiness and Tiger received a Bronze.
UK: Krombacher Pils starts distribution drive aimed at premium restaurants
Krombacher Pils has commenced a distribution drive that will see the world beer target premium bar and restaurants who want to offer authentic beers. Julian Penny, sales and marketing for Krombacher, said: " With the brand consistently maintaining its position as market leader in its home country, with a healthy market share of 9.5%, Krombacher has plenty of scope to expand its reach in the UK given the thirst consumers have for world beers. It is truly authentic – it is only ever brewed in Kreuztal-Krombach with the highest of quality ingredients which give the beer its distinctive flavour.
UkrAgroConsult: Ukraine Can Ship 1 Million Tons of Barley
The Kiev-based researcher UkrAgroConsult mentioned this week, that the Ukraine can export almost 1 million metric tons of barley between Feb. 1 and June 30 if the government scraps quotas on outbound shipments after the end of March. If the limits stay in place, those deliveries will be pushed into the marketing season beginning July 1. “Ukraine has a high export potential” for barley, though outbound shipments “directly depend on government decision when to abolish the quotas,” UkrAgroConsult said in an email to Bloomberg.
SABMiller to Build $100 Million Brewery in Southe Eastern Nigerian City
SABMiller Plc plans to build a $100 million brewery in Nigeria’s southeastern city of Onitsha within two years, an official said. Africa’s most populous country, with more than 140 million people, is potentially the continent’s largest consumer market. SABMiller, which has brewing or beverage interests in 32 African countries, entered the Nigerian market in 2009 with the purchase of controlling interests in Pabod Breweries, based in the southern oil hub of Port Harcourt.
Carlsberg Malaysia expresses intention to launch new line of draught beer
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd’s (Carlsberg) management has expressed its intention to launch a new line of draught beer in addition to its existing Carlsberg Green Label. The new brew was set to compete against rival brand Heineken, which currently had a hold on the premium beer segment. Other than that, Carlsberg was also set to revisit traditional trade channels such as coffee shops and sundry shops, on which it had placed less emphasis in previous years.
SABMiller sees steady growth for Africa
Multinational brewer SABMiller sees volume growth of 8% a year in Africa, its regional head said on Tuesday, as demand is expected to continue growing on the continent. Home to about one billion people, Africa boasts dozens of fast-growing economies and an emerging middle class and is increasingly seen as the next big destination for global investment.
SABMiller & Molson Coors reach NHL sponsorship
SABMiller and Molson Coors of Canada have been named as the official sponsors of the North American National Hockey League, beer industry experts have been told. The two brewers will see their MillerCoors and Molson Canadian brands endorse the federation of ice hockey teams in the US, where 24 of the squads are located. In addition, Molson Canadian will be named as the official beer of the game in Canada, where another six teams in the league are based. The deal is said to be worth $375 million (£231.5 million), according to the Canadian Press agency, and will begin from the 2011-12 season, running until the 2018-19 campaign.
German beer-maker Erdinger markets no-alcohol brew as regenerative sport drink
Erdinger is promoting its alcohol-free beverage as a sports drink. The company describes its drink as an isotonic beverage with natural regenerative powers that help athletes recover from a workout. In other words, it's carbohydrate-rich refreshment without the alcoholic buzz of beer or the jitters caused by some energy drinks. Several top athletes from Europe quaffed the beverage from giant mugs on the podium at the World Cup biathlons held this month in northern Maine
Carlsberg profit down due to Russian beer tax
Danish brewer Carlsberg says its fourth-quarter net profit dropped 21 percent to 301 million kroner ($55.3 million), with sales in Russia slumping following an increase in the beer tax.
The result compared with a profit of 383 million kroner in the same three months a year earlier. Carlsberg on Monday posted revenues of 8.45 billion kroner ($1.55 billion) for the period, a slight increase from 8.41 billion kroner a year earlier.
SABMiller to set up new brewery in Karnataka, India
UK-based beer major SABMiller today said it will set up a new greenfield brewery in Karnataka as it expects its sales to double in the next five years. The company is in the process of finalising the location and purchasing land for the purpose. Usually, about 18 months are required to set up such a facility. The planned unit is likely to be operational by 2013. According to SABMiller estimates, the Indian beer market is around 200 million cases annually and it is growing at 15 per cent a year. The company claims to have about 25 per cent of the domestic market with brands like Haywards 5000, Foster's, Indus Pride, Peroni, Royal Challenge and Knock Out.
Cost savings helps Heineken to boost profits
Heineken has reported strong growth in operating profits from its UK business despite a 4% decline in the beer market. Th company did not disclose figures for the UK business but said the group's western European arm reported a 3.6% decline in volumes in 2010, while operating profits were up 14% to 904 million euros (£761.6 million).
Kirin to sell Dalian brewery stake to AB Inbev
Kirin Holdings will sell its entire 25 percent stake in Dalian Daxue Brewery to Anheuser-Busch InBev for an undisclosed amount as the Japanese beer maker reorganises its production in China, the company said on Tuesday. Kirin, which took the stake in 2004, will continue to own stakes in two other Chinese breweries, a company spokeswoman said. The Asahi newspaper reported that the deal was valued at several billion yen. ($1=83.30 Yen)
BEST information on processing barley malt crop 2010
There have been sporadic reports in recent weeks of difficulties in processing barley malt crop 2010. On the one hand these involve the degree of cloudiness of worts and beers, and on the other hand difficulties during clarification and saccharification of the worts concerned.
For this reason we have compiled the following information:
Belarus increased purchasing prices for agricultural products 2011
The Government of Belarus increased purchasing prices for agricultural commodities of the harvest-2011, realized for the state purposes. The decision appears in the Decree of the Council of Ministers #156. According to the Decree, the average growth of purchasing prices for grains and groats crops of the harvest-2011 totals 28%, due to the current price conjuncture on the foreign market, low profitability of plant growing products, rise of material expenses. Such growth is object to support profitability at the level of level 20%. Purchasing prices for brewing barley of the harvest-2011 increase by nearly 41%. Purchasing prices for brewing barley of the state demand will total 550 thsd BYR, as opposed to 390 thsd BYR in 2010. Rapeseed price increases by 25% - to the level of 1 mln BYR (332 USD).
New Carlsberg Campaign for Singapore F1 GP
With Singapore Formula 1 GP Night Race around the corner, Carlsberg launches its integrated marketing campaign entitled Carlsberg Best Night Experience. Running from 19 August 2011 until 20 September 2011, the integrated marketing campaign Carlsberg Best Night Experience includes above-the-line advertising in local English and Chinese print dailies like the Straits Times, The New Paper, Today, Shin Min Daily News and Lianhe Wanbao.
Molson Cors forces activities to show more global activities. The company began distributing the beer in Moscow last year and entered at the same time with a joint venture with China's Si'hai Beer Co. the Chinese market. The joint venture produces Coors Light and market it using a Chinese name that translates as "silver bullet." Today the company with brands such as Molson, Coors, Carling, Keystone and Blue Moon, Molson Coors holds about 40% of the beer market in Canada, about 30% in the U.S. and nearly 20% in Britain.
EU announces plans to lower important duty on wheat and barley
In response to the escalating cost of wheat and barley, the European Commission (EC) has proposed suspending import duty on the two crops, the Financial Times reports. This would allow feed manufacturers to obtain cheaper raw materials and ease their financial burden, while the EC also expects it will help to calm domestic markets.
Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) first-quarter net profit rose 65 per cent
Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) said its first-quarter net profit rose 65 per cent to S$115.7 million. Revenue for the quarter ended December 2010 increased 35 per cent to about S$857 million, owing to stronger sales in Singapore and Malaysia as well as volume growth and price increases in Vietnam.
Diageo reports net sales growth in first half (6/2010 - 12/2010)
Guinness brewer Diageo has announced organic net sales increased by 4 per cent to £5.3 billion during the six months to 31 December 2010 from £5.2 billion. The drinks company said stronger volume growth and improved price/mix was delivered in North America. Continued momentum in its international segment led to double digit top line growth in the region and top line growth improved in Asia Pacific. Spirits were the driver of overall net sales growth for Diageo, led by scotch, up 6 per cent, and vodka, up 8 per cent.
MillerCoors reach $144 Million In Profits for 2010
In the fourth quarter of 2010 MillerCoors LLC saw a net income rise of 41%. The brewing company released a statement saying that they finished the year with profits of $144.2 million ending on Dec. 31. Compared to 2009,the company reported a profit of $102.2 million. MillerCoors attributed the increase in profits to pricing and brand mix.
The Ukrainian beer market could grow by 5-10% in 2011
The Ukrainian beer market could grow by 5-10% in 2011 compared to 2010 and reach the figures of the 2007 record, Marketing Director at SUN InBev Ukraine Kostiantyn Klymenko has said. The Ukrainian beer market had started to fall from the the middle of 2008 and this continued in 2009 and in the first half of 2010. Since August 2010, the Ukrainian beer market grows again.
Krombacher profits bubble up thanks to soft drink sales
German beer company Krombacher has managed to tap into greater sales using soft drinks, and in so doing bucked the trend of falling profits across German breweries. In the past year, a 0.8 percent increase in output by the Kreuztal-based company has caused sales to froth up by 0.7 percent, reaching a head of €647.2 million and almost 6.4 million hectolitres in total drinks.
Stella to launch cider brand in GB
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB Inbev) is to launch a cider brand under the Stella Artois brand name to tap into the growing popularity of the drink in Great Britain. Value sales of cider grew 60% to £2.2bn between 2005 and 2010, according to Mintel. Stella Cidre will compete with premium cider brands such as C&C Group’s Magners and Kopparberg. The move is the latest attempt by AB Inbev to exploit the Stella Artois brand. Stella Artois 4% launched in 2008 and has been credited with helping to revive sales of the beer in the UK. The brewer has since launched Stella Artois Black.
US: Innovative New Heineken Can Offers Distinct Feel, Contemporary Look
Heineken, the No. 1 selling European Lager in the U.S., announced the launch of their new can packaging beginning in February. Heineken’s upscale and visually appealing new look – and unique, tactile feel – elevates the overall appeal of the package and reinforces the high quality and great brewing tradition of the nation’s premier beer importer.
Heineken stops production in Egypt
Dutch brewer, Heineken NV, said on Monday it had halted production in Egypt as tension rises in the country in the face of ongoing street protests against the rule of President Hosni Mubarak. A spokesman for the company revealed that it is not immediately clear when production will be resumed or what the financial impact will be from the production halt. Heineken had earlier repatriated 29 Dutch nationals from Egypt.
SUN InBev Ukraine resumes beer supplies to Belarus
SUN InBev Ukraine, one of the largest players on the Ukrainian beer market, has resumed supplies of beer to Belarus, which were suspended from January 1, 2011 due to Belarus' restriction of Ukrainian beer imports. SUN InBev Ukraine, a subdivision of Anheuser-Busch InBev, includes three breweries in Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv.
Heineken NV Acquires Five Breweries in Nigeria
Netherlands-based Heineken NV, one of the world's largest brewers of alcoholic beverages, among others, and parent company of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, recently announced the acquisition of five brewing plants across Nigeria. The company, which in 2009 accounted for 64 per cent of Nigeria's 16.5 million hectolitre beer market, the second largest market in Africa, announced the buy-over of Sona Group, makers of Goldberg larger, Malta Gold, Williams Dark Ale, among others for an undisclosed sum.
Heineken plans to sell Strongbow cider worldwide
According to Alexis Nasard, the brewer’s chief commercial officer, Strongbow cider and the Dos Equis and Sol beer brands could be taken global by owner Heineken. Heineken acquired the cider brand when it bought Scottish & Newcastle in 2008. It took on Mexican beers Sol and Dos Equis from its acquisition of FEMSA beer in 2010.
SABMiller plc Aims To Acquire Foster’s Assets
Reports say that SABMiller plc has been cleared to launch a bid for Foster’s beer arm. Foster’s shares are up by over 4% this week as the market increasingly anticipates the sale of Foster’s beer operations. SABMiller plc is believed to be just one party looking at Foster’s operations, along with a number of other trade buyers and private equity firms.
Kirin Holdings may form joint venture with China Resources
According to international press Kirin Holdings Company Limited is planning to form a joint venture with China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd. Kirin will use China Resources' sales network to market its Ichiban Shibori and other beer brands an to enter the Chinese softdrink market.
Molson Coors brews up a great corporate environment
For the 3,500 employees of Molson Coors Canada, from president and CEO Dave Perkins on down, a corporate framework called Our Brew defines who they are. Our Brew wasn't initiated by the executive branch. Unionized rank and file members put a suggestion forward following the landmark $6-billion US merger in 2005 of Molson Inc.. The company describes Our Brew as a cultural compass that encourages every employee to take ownership in the company and its success. The payoff of this new approach is clear: people say they understand the business better than ever and they're more engaged.
Cobra Beer looks for tie-ups to expand India business
Cobra Beer, which has invested over $30 million in India so far, plans to double the production capacity of its Bihar unit within two years and expand business in other states through tie-ups, says the company's India-born, London-based founder and chairman Karan Bilimoria. The Patna brewery can currently produce nearly 2.5 million cases a year. In one to two years Cobra Beer plans to increase its capacity to five million cases a year. The aim is to have pan-India presence
Kirin Brewery Releases Deceptively Packaged Beer
Kirin Brewery Company has just released a canned coffee drink. Released throughout Tokyo on January 19, Yoru Café (Night Café) is a concoction of coffee beans, tea leaves, milk, caramel syrup, and of course 4% whiskey. In addition, it’s is available in two flavors: caffe latte liquor and tea liquor. Each can holds 190 milliliters (.19 liters) an is sold for 148 JPY ($1.80 USD).
Asia and Africa boost SABMiller
Strong performances in those areas helped to counter poor figures in many of the group’s other key regions. In South Africa lager volumes increased 3% in the three-month period, while volumes in Africa grew 12% on an organic basis if Zimbabwe is included. If Zimbabwe is excluded the growth was 8%. SABMiller’s Asian operations also performed very strongly, witnessing a 12% increase in volumes, largely driven by China where a volume increase of 16% compensated for reduced volumes in India. Organic lager volume, which excludes the effect of acquisitions and disposals, rose 3%. Sales were flat in Europe, though this compares favourably with a 5% drop in the first half of the year.
Carlsberg Group increases stake in Belarusian brewery
Baltic Beverages Holding AB, which belongs to the Carlsberg Group, has through a series of transactions increased its ownership in OJSC Olivaria Brewery to 67.8% in Belarus. Olivaria is now a full member of the Group and can obtain further access to the international expertise within sales and marketing as well as brewing technologies, according to a news release. OJSC Olivaria Brewery produces 15 sorts of beer under brands such as “Alivaria”, “Brovar” and “Data 1864”.
SABMiller’s beer sales in Romania stagnate in last quarter of 2010
SABMiller brewer’s sales in Romania stagnated in the last three months of 2010, on a declining beer market, the company has announced in its most recent earnings update. “In the Czech Republic, domestic volumes were down 7 percent, and were affected by the continuing weakness in consumer spending, which particularly impacted the on-premise channel,” according to the brewer. SABMiller owns Ursus Breweries in Romania, with factories in Timisoara, Buzau, Cluj – Napoca and Brasov. It also owns Bere Azuga. Ursus has announced it will close down the Cluj – Napoca factory due to high operating costs and to the drop on the beer market.
Asahi Tops Kirin in Japan Beer Sales
Asahi Breweries Ltd. regained the lead in Japan beer sales from Kirin Holdings Co. as demand in the nation fell for a sixth straight year in 2010.
Asahi had a 37.5 percent share of shipments for standard beer, low-malt and no-malt beer last year, ahead of Kirin’s 36.7 percent. Asahi said demand for its “Super Dry” and “Clear Asahi” brands helped maintain the company’s market share unchanged from 2009.
Carlsberg launches 4 seasonal ales for Tetley
The programme is mooted as the first in a series of innovations for the brand during 2011. The four beers will only be available in cask in an on-trade exclusive. Carlsberg UK, director of customer marketing, David Scott said: “The launch and subsequent success of our Tetley’s Christmas beer Northern Cracker in 2009 showed there was an appetite amongst licensees and consumers for seasonal Tetley’s beers. So we spent all of 2010 road testing some seasonal beers in the on-trade to gauge consumer reaction."
Wincanton secures GBP12 million contract renewal with Miller Brands
UK-based supply chain provider Wincanton has secured a three-year renewal of its UK warehousing and distribution contract with Miller Brands UK, a division of SABMiller. Under the contract, Wincanton will store and distribute over one million hectoliters per year of imported premium-branded keg and bottled lagers to wholesalers, retailers and licensed outlets throughout the UK.
Japan Purchases 13,500 Tons of Food Barley in Tender
Japan bought 13,500 metric tons of food barley from Canada and Australia in a tender today, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a statement. Of the total, 7,500 tons was from Canada and the remaining volume was from Australia for beer production, it said. The tender was held under the so-called simultaneous buy- and-sell system, in which food makers and trading companies jointly bid for grains of any origin and quality.
Ukraine to Harvest More Spring Barley in 2011, Researcher Says
Ukraine’s spring barley crop will swell this year as farmers increase planting of the grain and yields climb, UkrAgroConsult said. The spring barley crop, harvested in July, will probably expand to 7.7 million metric tons from 5.65 million tons in 2010, the Kiev-based researcher said late yesterday in an e- mailed statement. Spring barley planting will rise to 3.36 million hectares (8.3 million acres) from 3.03 million hectares a year earlier, according to the statement. Yields will gain to 2.31 tons a hectare from 1.9 tons last year, it shows. The total barley harvest, including areas sown with winter barley, will increase by 25 percent to 11 million tons this year from 8.8 million tons in 2010, UkrAgroConsult said.
A-B InBev's U.S. marketing chief makes sudden exit
A-B offered no explanation for Keith Levy's exit. The brewer issued a brief statement noting Levy left "to pursue other opportunities," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch website. The head of marketing at A-B, the U.S. subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is a high-profile position. Current A-B President Dave Peacock once held the title. So did former A-B CEO August Busch IV. Levy had been with A-B since 1987. He took over as A-B's top marketing executive shortly after the 2008 merger of Anheuser-Busch and InBev.
Heineken launches redesigned bottle in duty free
Heineken's duty free division has announced the global roll-out of its new beer bottle, completing the redesign of its international brand packaging. The restyling aims to streamline the visual identity and make the Heineken brand even more consistent and recognisable in all 170 markets worldwide where it is sold. The new bottle comes in different volume sizes and is available in duty free at the beginning of 2011 and across the rest of the world by 2012.
Asahi Breweries Plans to Seek Acquisitions
Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan’s second- largest beermaker, will “aggressively seek acquisitions and alliances” this year to meet a goal to increase the portion of overseas sales by 2015, President Naoki Izumiya said. The maker of the Super Dry brew is expanding outside Japan as the nation’s beer market contracted 2.3 percent in the first 11 months of 2010, according to data from major beverage producers including Asahi. The company’s sales of beer and beer- like drinks in Japan will probably fall 0.7 percent this year amid a drop of as much as 3 percent in the domestic market for the beverage, Asahi said today.
GB: Spring barley newcomer Propino finding favour with maltsters
While Tipple and, to a lesser extent, Quench, continue to dominate the English malting barley scene, a relative newcomer is finding favour with maltsters and could soon be giving established varieties a run for their money. Propino, from Syngenta Seeds, could take 10% of the English spring barley area in 2011, says the company's malting barley development manager Simon Phillips.
Carlsberg finalises deal to buy 12.25% in Chongqing Brewery
Danish brewery group Carlsberg A/S said last week it has completed the buy of an additional 12.25% in Chinese Chongqing Brewery Co Ltd, passing through all the necessary steps and receiving all the required approvals. Carlsberg has increased to 29.71% from 17.46% its stake in the Chinese brewery, paying approx. CNY2.385bn.
Carlsberg renews Australian license agreement with Foster's subsidiary
Foster's Australia & the Pacific business, Carlton & United Breweries, and Danish brewing company Carlsberg Group have renewed a long term exclusive license to market and sell Carlsberg brands in Australia. The new agreement is a multi-year deal and covers the Carlsberg and Carlsberg Elephant brands in Australia.
SABMiller India launches Foster's mineral water
SABMIller's India subsidiary SKOL Breweries Limited launched its packaged mineral water and soda under its premium beer brand Foster's in Hyderabad, India last Sunday.
We wish you
Merry Christmas
Frohe Weihnachten
Feliz Natal
Feliz Navidad
Joyeux Noel
Dutch brewery allowed to continue selling "Bavaria" beer
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Wednesday that the Dutch brewery Bavaria NV can continue to use its company name trademark. The Bavarian Brewers Federation had tried to prevent the firm from using the "Bavaria" label under the EU's protected designation of origin (PDO) system, which allows only food or drink producers from the territory in question to use the name. The ECJ in Luxembourg judged that Bavarian beer was only protected by EU rules from 2001, when Bavarian beer was recognized under the PDO system. The Dutch company's 1995 trademark therefore took priority.
Carlsberg Support Olympic Athletes
Carlsberg Malaysia, the official partner of Olympic Council Malaysia (OCM) recently presented its annual sponsorship of RM30,000 for the year towards the OCM-Carlsberg Athletes Retirement Scheme (ARS). "For 16 consecutive years, we have partnered OCM in the OCM-Carlsberg ARS which serves to protect deserving athletes with life insurance coverage," said Carlsberg managing director Soren Ravn. A total of 28 gold medalists in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games will receive whole life policies worth between RM10,000 and RM100,000 each.
World 2010/11 Coarse Grain Production Increased This Month
Global coarse grain production is projected to reach 1,088.6 million tons in 2010/11, up 3.4 million this month. World corn production is up 2.2 million tons to a record 820.7 million, global barley production is increased 0.6 million tons to 124.3 million. Australia has the largest increase in coarse grain production this month, up 2.4 million tons to 13.9 million. EU coarse grain production for 2010/11 is revised up 0.2 million tons to 139.0 million, with several small changes mostly offsetting. EU corn production is increased 0.4 million tons to 55.2 million, with increased production reported for Romania and Bulgaria.
Carlsberg UK adds monitoring & target system to reduce energy consumption by 10%
Carlsberg UK has installed a web-based monitoring & targeting (M&T) system for its production and and distribution operations, which employ around 1,800 staff across 16 sites. The new system, from eSight Energy, is designed to import and calculate weekly KPI data against targets for multiple utilities, including gas, water & electricity, as well as analyse production data and calculate plant efficiency.
Russia, Kazakhstan to import 500,000 tonnes of EU malt barley
Russian buyers will import 450,000 tonnes of malting barley from the European Union and 50,000 tonnes from Kazakhstan. Loadings started in October, carrying Scandinavian malting barley by the end of December around 150,000 tonnes would have been shipped. The imported crop would be used to improve the quality of local malting barley that was hit by this year's drought. The barley would essentially originate from Scandinavia - Denmark and Sweden in particular - with smaller volumes coming from the UK and France.
SABMiller Announces New President of Colombia Operations
SABMiller plc announces that Richard Rushton, the current President of its Central American operations, has been appointed as President of Bavaria SA in Colombia. Rushton replaces the current President, Karl Lippert, who was recently appointed to succeed Barry Smith as President of SABMiller's Latin American division. Rushton will take over on 1 January 2011 and will report to the President of SABMiller Latin America
SABMiller signs deal with Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic Airways has signed an exclusive deal to serve two of SABMiller’s global beer brands on board Virgin Atlantic flights— Grolsch and Miller Genuine Draft from January 2011. Under the distribution and marketing agreement, Virgin Atlantic clubhouses at London Heathrow and Gatwick airports will also list Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Miller Genuine Draft.
Tsingtao to Buy Shandong Brewery for $281 Million
Tsingtao Brewery Co. will acquire Shandong Xin Immense Brewery Co. for 1.87 billion yuan ($281 million). Tsingtao will pay cash to purchase 100 percent of its smaller rival, which brews and sells beer in China’s eastern Shandong province, according to a statement to Hong Kong’s stock exchange. Shandong owns the “Silver Wheat” brand and had profit before tax in the first 10 months this year of 121 million yuan on sales of about 400,000 liters of beer.
Suntory Forms Partnership With South Korea’s Oriental Brewery
Suntory Holdings Ltd., Japan’s third- largest brewer, formed a partnership with KKR & Co.’s Oriental Brewery Co. unit to sell its premium beer in South Korea from today. Suntory will use Oriental Brewery’s distribution network to supply its Premium Malt’s beer, the Osaka-based company said in a statement today. Imported beer demand in South Korea has doubled in the past five years, according to Sapporo Holdings Ltd. Japanese brewers are trying to boost overseas sales as domestic beer shipments have fallen 2.8 percent this year.
Anheuser-Busch InBev to set up technology R&D center in Wuhan
World's largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev, signed a contract with China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industry (CNRIFFI) Wednesday in Wuhan, Hubei Province to build China's largest technology R&D center in the beer industry, according to reports from the China Business News.
Danish brewer Carlsberg's largest Indian brewery opens in Andhra
Danish brewing company, Carlsberg A/S, the world's fourth-largest brewer, yesterday opened its fifth and largest brewery in India in Andhra Pradesh. This brewery is also Carlsberg India's first brewery in South India and is located at Medak near Hyderabad. Spread over 36 acres, the brewery, which has an investment of Rs128 crore has an installed capacity of 4.25 lakh hectoliters with the potential to ramp up production to one million hectoliters, will employ 200 people.
Heineken Goes Worldwide With Longneck Bottles -- Except in U.S.
Heineken is ditching its familiar shortneck bottle across the globe -- everywhere that is, except for the United States. The new bottle, which will debut in Western Europe early next year, has a longer neck that has a slight indentation where the Heineken name is displayed vertically. But Heineken USA is sticking with the shortneck because it wanted to differentiate the import from U.S. domestic beers, which tend to come in longnecks, said spokeswoman Tara Carraro.
Stella recalls a batch after pieces of glass found in bottles
InBev UK said 250ml bottles sold in packs of 10 with certain batch codes were affected. The firm apologised, blamed an "isolated issue" at a bottling plant and said the recall was a "precaution". Customers who bought drinks with L0219MZ, L0272MZ, L0288MY, L0308MY, L0309MY and L0309MZ batch codes are asked to return them unopened.
Worlds most expensive beer made from Antarctic ice
Australian beer maker Nail Brewing revealed the secret behind its latest ale, which set a new record for the most expensive beer ever produced when it was sold at auction last month. Dubbed Antarctic Nail Ale, the beer first went on the auction block to raise money for the Sea Sheperd Conservation Society, an organization dedicated to protecting whales and other sealife around the globe. On November 3, a single bottle sold for an amazing $800 AUD (roughly $780), setting the new record for the worlds most expensive beer in the process.
Carlsberg Gets Final Approval to Increase China Brewery Stake
Carlsberg A/S received the final approval from China’s government to boost its shareholding in Chongqing Brewery Co., paving the way for further expansion in the world’s most population nation. China’s Ministry of Commerce approved Chongqing Brewery’s proposal to sell a 12.25 percent stake to Carlsberg. The Hong Kong unit of Copenhagen-based Carlsberg will pay 2.39 billion yuan (US$359 million) to boost its holding in Chongqing Brewery to 29.7 percent.
Warsteiner Taps Industry Veteran Donald Lake to Lead U.S. Team
The German brewery Warsteiner, manufacturer of the international premium beer brand Warsteiner, today announced that Donald Lake, an industry leader with extensive experience developing craft, import and domestic brands, has been appointed president of Warsteiner Importer’s Agency (WIA), the brewery’s U.S.-based operations in Cincinnati. “We’re proud to welcome Don to the Warsteiner family,” said Marc Bueker, Director of Sales and Marketing for Warsteiner International. “His strong knowledge and diversified background in the business will bring a fresh perspective to the brand. With Lake at the helm, we are well-positioned to focus on our key initiatives and we look forward to maximizing our growth opportunities in the U.S.”
Diageo extends malting barley contract
Scotland's largest distilling company, Diageo, has extended its pioneering malting barley contract for another two years. The deal, which was trialled last year, allows farmers to lock 70% of the malting barley they supply at a set premium, rumoured to be about £20/t, over November wheat futures. The remaining 30% can be traded at open market prices. Diageo hopes that extending the contract will bring longer-term stability to the barley market and secure supplies for its 28 malt and two grain distilleries in Scotland.
British brewer SABMiller entered the Argentine market
The British brewer SABMiller, considered the second largest in the world by sales, after Anheuser-Busch Inbev, announced its entry into the Argentine market through the acquisition of Casa Isenbeck. The third largest brewer in Argentina belonged to the Warsteiner German and changed owners for an undisclosed sum.
Carlsberg axes sponsorship team
Carlsberg has closed its UK sponsorship department and is making individual brand teams responsible for activating partnerships. The brewer will switch focus to activating its sponsorship portfolio after signing several long-term agreements across its UK portfolio.
Brewer SABMiller up on higher profits
Brewing giant SABMiller reported a 15% rise in six-month profit on Thursday, buoyed by volume growth in Africa and Asia, though the firm cautioned that consumer spending remains subdued. The brewer posted a net profit of $1.12 billion for the six months ended Sept. 30, up from $973 million in the same period a year ago. Group revenue increased 7% to $14.24 billion, boosted by higher sales volumes and price increases taken in the prior year.
Canada seeks global brand strategy for barley
The Winnipeg-based Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre is working to come up with a branding strategy to market Canada's barley to the world. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced Friday that the centre, which is based out of the Canadian Grain Commission building in downtown Winnipeg, will receive more than $400,000 from Ottawa for its role in the project, which also includes the Malting Industry Association of Canada and the Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute
Warsteiner is denying rumors about a sale to Radeberger
One of the owners of the German brewery Warsteiner calls rumors about a possible sale of his company "absolute nonsense". A German business magazine reported that Warsteiner is in talks with the Radeberger group, part of the food company Oetker. The family-owned brewery denied the article.
Budweiser Budvar launches unpasteurised lager in the UK
Budweiser Budvar has made its unpasteurised lager available in the UK – the first time it has been distributed outside of the Czech Republic. The Czech brewer describes the yeast beer as the ‘ jewel in the Budvar crown’. Due to its short shelf life and stringent conditions needed to keep the beer in good condition, it will only be available four times a year and only to pubs that have been vetted by Budvar.
Budweiser UK recalls a batch of 15x300ml bottles
A small number of 300ml bottles of Budweiser beer have been found to contain glass fragments. InBev UK is recalling the potentially affected bottles. Check the label on the bottle or pack carton. If the product has a ‘Born on’ date of 14 September 2010 and a production site reference of ‘107A’ or ‘107B’ on the bottle or ‘107’ on the pack, it is affected by the recall.
Carlsberg Takes Majority Stake in Nepalese Brewery
Carlsberg and Khetan Group have agreed for a restructuring of shareholding of Gorkha Brewery that will result in Carlsberg owning a majority stake in the company. Carlsberg Group has been a shareholder of Gorkha Brewery from the beginning and has steadily increased its commitment to the business, said Gorkha Brewery. “This new structuring means Carlsberg is fully committed to the Nepali beverage market.”
Asia Pacific Breweries’ full-year profit up 65%
Asia Pacific Breweries has announced that its full-year profit before exceptional items rose 65% from a year earlier to S$261 million. Taking in account the exceptional items, its full-year profit rose 52.6% to S$263 million. Revenue for the year increased almost 26% to S$2.5 billion. APB said its Singapore unit saw improved domestic and export performance, which helped to contribute 16% to the group’s profit before interest, tax and exceptional items.
Molson Coors reveals strategic shift for 2011
Introduced in 2004, C2 ran its last major campaign three years ago. It was aimed at highlighting that C2 allows drinkers to join in social occasions without drinking too much alcohol. Molson Coors UK chief executive Mark Hunter said the lager would be repositioned in a 2011 relaunch. He added that C2 was a "good liquid" that had tested well, but its 'positioning and communication was not as right as it needs to be'.
Carlsberg Q3 profit up 30% as market grows
Danish brewer Carlsberg A/S says third-quarter net profits rose 30 percent, boosted by improved market growth and warmer weather, and is lifting slightly its full-year earnings outlook. Tuesday's report showed a quarterly net profit of 1.95 billion kroner ($364 million), up from the 1.5 billion kroner recorded in the same period last year.
Molson Coors UK to offer 'female-friendly' beer products
Molson Coors UK is planning to expand its range of beer products specifically aimed at female drinkers, those interested in beer industry research have been told. The British arm of the international brewing giant announced plans to introduce a new range of 'female-friendly' beer brands, incorporating black glassware packaging specially designed by fashion stylist Amy Molyneaux, by the middle of 2011.
Carlsberg gets nod to buy stakes of Chongqing Brewery
Chongqing Brewery said in a statement on Monday that the government has approved Carlsberg's buying into the company. Chongqing Brewery Group will sell its 12.25 percent stake worthy of 59,294,600 shares at 40.22 yuan per share to Carlsberg. Carlsberg will become the controller of Chongqing Brewery after the buying brings its stake to a 29.71 percent.
Carlsberg UK recalls Tuborg multi-packs
Carlsberg UK is being forced to recall bottles of its Tuborg lager over fears they could contain small pieces of glass. The products affected are 8x275ml bottle packs and 15x275ml bottle packs sold in the UK off-trade. The recall notices are being shown in stores that sell the lager, explaining how customers can get a full refund.
European Union Plans to Sell 2.8 Million Tons of Grain Inventory
The European Union plans to sell approx. 2.8 million metric tons of soft wheat and barley from stockpiles at tenders running through June. The 2.71 million tons of barley and 88,112 tons of wheat are held in member states as part of a market-intervention program. The tenders, starting Nov. 24, mean “the commission retains control of both the volume and the price of the stocks coming onto the market, and so we will follow the evolution closely to make sure that the market is not disrupted,” Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said in the statement.
Heineken revenue under estimates
As consumers bought less beer in developed markets because of austerity measures and weak consumer confidence Heineken NV reported sales that missed analysts’ estimates. Revenue fell 2.1 percent excluding acquisitions in the third quarter, compared with the median estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News for a 0.4 percent drop.
SABMiller Announces Senior Management Change
Karl Lippert, currently President of Bavaria S.A. in Colombia, will be appointed as President, SABMiller Latin America, based in Bogota, reporting directly to Graham Mackay, SABMiller Chief Executive, and will join the SABMiller plc Group Executive Committee, with effect from 1 January 2011.
SABMiller lager, soft drink sales rise in 1st half
SABMiller, the world's largest brewer, said Monday that sales improved in the first half of its financial year thanks largely to strong gains in developing countries. In a trading update for the six months ending Sept. 30, the company said lager volume rose 1 percent and soft drink volume gained 2 percent. Double-digit gains in lager volumes in Asia and Africa offset declines in Europe and the Americas in the six months ending Sept. 30.
Carlsberg increases UK market share
Carlsberg UK has reported that its market share jumped from 13.4% in 2008 to 14.4% last year. The company saw on-trade market share increase from 9.6% to 9.9% after five years of decline — a new supply contract with JD Wetherspoon started in August 2009. Meanwhile, off-trade market share rose from 17.7% to 19.4% in 2009.
Tsingtao Brewery Profit Rises as Sales Expand
Tsingtao Brewery third-quarter profit rose 13 percent from a year earlier as expanded capacity supported sales. Net income rose to 694.8 million yuan ($105 million), or 0.51 yuan a share, according to a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange website. Nine-month profit was 1.52 billion yuan, without providing comparable figures.
AB Inbev names Budweiser marketing chief
AB InBev has appointed former Heineken UK marketing director Iain Newell to lead marketing for its flagship Budweiser brand in Western Europe as the brewer looks to increase its market share outside the US.
Pilsner Urquell U.S. Sales Growing
U.S. sales of SABMiller PLC's high-end Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell, are growing as postrecession consumer preferences shift toward affordable luxury and away from volume, reported The Wall Street Journal. After losing ground in the United States in 2009, Pilsner Urquell is on track to post an annual percentage increase in sales volume in the "medium- to high-single digits," the head of Plzensky Prazdroj, SABMiller's Czech unit, told the newspaper.
SABMiller opens new brewery in Ulyanovsk
SABMiller RUS, a subsidiary of SABMiller plc, has opened its new Greenfield brewery in Ulyanovsk. The new plant is located on a 38-hectare site in the industrial area of the Zavolzhsky region of Ulyanovsk city. The brewery, with an overall investment of RUB7.2 billion, has an initial capacity of three million hl/year. The project has resulted in the creation of direct employment for over 300 local people, the company said.
HomeNews News EABL set to sell off its 10pc stake in Tanzania brewer
East African Breweries is set to sell its 10 per cent stake in Tanzania Breweries Ltd to the public prior to its acquisition of Serengeti Breweries. The East African brewing giant aims to control 49 per cent of Serengeti in Tanzania, an acquisition that will facilitate its expansion within the region. The sale of its shares in TBL to the public, stipulated by Tanzania Fair Competition Commission (FCC), will end the longstanding dispute with TBL over the acquisition of Serengeti shares.
SABMILLER is using its success with Ethiopian “holy water” to encourage the country’s government to sell it state-owned breweries. SABMiller has invested 20m since last year in buying Ambo, which bottles a naturally sparkling water from a valley of the same name 130km from Addis Ababa. The water, named after the town, is sold locally as Ambo Tabel, which means holy water in Amharic, and is touted as a cure for ailments from diabetes to obesity, according to SABMiller.
SABMiller Hasn't Approached Castel on Beer Unit Sale
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- biggest brewer, has made no approach to buy Groupe Castel’s African beer business, according to the unit’s chief financial officer. “There aren’t any talks,” said Guy de Clercq, CFO of Les Brasseries & Glaceries Internationales, or BGI. He was responding to a report in the London-based Times newspaper that SABMiller is in discussions to buy the Castel unit for more than 6 billion pounds ($9.6 billion). SABMiller declined to comment.
Grain export quotas imposed in Ukraine
The Ukrainian government is imposing quotas on grain exports because a severe drought over the summer diminished harvests. Deputy Prime Minister Andriy Klyuyev said Thursday that grain imports this year will be limited to 2 million tons of corn, 1/2 million tons of wheat and 1/2 million tons of barley. The quotas will be in force until the end of 2010, but could be lifted earlier, he said.
UK: Molson Coors to market Corona Extra
Molson Coors has vowed to provide “significant” marketing support for Corona Extra after agreeing a deal to distribute the brand in the UK. Mark Hunter, chief executive of Molson Coors, says Corona Extra, and the three other brands - Modelo Especial, Pacífico, and Negra Modelo - picked up as part of the deal are “great additions” to its brand portfolio.
Carlsberg Malaysia plans two new premium brands
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, the country’s biggest brewery company, will look to introduce up to two new premium beer brands in the local market within the next year. Although its managing director Soren Ravn declined to reveal the brand names, he said the company was looking to add to its present stable of premium beer brands. Carlsberg expects its results to be boosted this year as the overall domestic demand for beer and stout sees single digit growth after experiencing a decline last year due to the economic downturn, and as the effects of the consolidation of Carlsberg’s Singaporean outfit is factored into its results. Operational synergies and contribution from acquiring subsidiary Carlsberg Singapore last October was felt in the company’s first half results for financial year 2010.
Belgian brewery makes beer by the moon
In Peruwelz, a small, sleepy town in southern Belgium, a family-owned brewery has produced its first batch of specialist beer brewed by the light of a full autumnal moon. The full moon speeds up the fermentation process, shortening it to five days from seven, which adds extra punch to the beer without making it harsh, according to connoisseurs. The finely balanced, gold-colored beer is 10 percent alcohol by volume, extremely strong by most European or U.S. standards but not uncommon in Belgium, where traditional monk-brewed beers frequently hit 10 or 12%. Brewery Caulier, which uses methods dating from the 1840s and is well-known for its artisanal beers, plans to produce about 12,000 bottles of its full moon beer, called Paix-Dieu (Peace-God), which go on sale on Oct. 31.
Serbia´s largest breweries import packaging from Croatia
The majority of Serbia's breweries import glass packaging from Croatia despite having one of the biggest regional glass factories in Paracin, the Serbian press has reported. Almost 90 per cent of Serbia's breweries import glass packaging from abroad, with Croatia being one of the main suppliers. Serbia's biggest breweries Carlsberg, Valjevo, Apatin and Knjaz Milos import packaging from abroad, in large part from Croatia's Vetropack Straza.
AB-InBev Budweiser Ad Campaign Includes Free Beer
Brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev announced on Wednesday it will give away free Budweiser beer in bars and restaurants in a national “happy hour” on September 29. The free Budweiser samples will be 6 to 12 ounces. In accordance with the different local and state laws, the company expects to distribute about free 500,000 samples.
Molson Coors finalizes deal on China beer company Read more: Molson Coors final
Molson Coors Brewing announced this week it has finalized its previously announced transaction to buy a 51 percent controlling interest in a joint venture with the Hebei Si'hai Beer of China. The new Molson Coors Si'hai Brewing will have direct control over the Si'hai brewing operations, including its contract brewing business, and provide opportunities to expand the sales and distribution of Coors Light and regional Si'hai beers.
Budweiser named top alcohol brand
The brand weighs in at 30th place out of 100 in its "Best Global Brands 2010" report, the same place as last year, but with an increase in brand value of 4% from last year, with a value of US$12,252 million. Interbrand based its evaluation on three factors: the financial performance of the branded products or services, the role of brand in the purchase decision process and the strength of the brand.
Malting Barley 2010 And What's Next?
BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED –
During the past weeks and days you could read in a number of publications by agricultural ministries and other associations representing cultural economy, that although the output of malting barley crop in 2010 compared to the previous year was lower, the situation as a whole was hardly considered alarming. The malthouses represented in the Deutscher Mälzerbund, the association of German malsters, however, evaluate the present situation differently, because the actual figures are considered rather alarming.
Exclusive Carlsberg Gold merchandise for loyal supporters
In conjunction with the second anniversary of the Carlsberg Gold launch, Carlsberg is running an exclusive redemption campaign. As a reward for supporting the beer over the past two years, consumers who purchase the Carlsberg Gold quart and collect crown corks can redeem an exclusive Carlsberg Gold travel bag or Carlsberg Gold umbrella at participating partner outlets until Sept 30.
SABMiller readies Kozel launch
SABMiller is to launch Czech lager Kozel in the UK as it looks to exploit the growing popularity of lower-strength lagers. The drink, which has an ABV of 4%, will be launched in draught format in pubs and clubs at the end of September. It will be marketed in the UK by Miller Brands, SAB’s UK and Ireland business.
Saudi firms buy 650,000 tonnes of barley
A group of leading Saudi importers has purchased 360,000 tonnes of optional origin barley for Oct shipment and another 265,000 tonnes of Ukrainian origin for Sept shipment, trade sources said on Friday.
Coors Light lands exclusive Mexican soccer deal
Coors Light, a brand of MillerCoors LLC, has become the exclusive beer sponsor in the United States of Mexico’s Primera Division, the elite level of the Mexican Football Federation, the governing body for soccer in the country.
Read more: Coors Light lands exclusive Mexican soccer deal - The Business Journal of Milwaukee
Beer factory in Mozambique studies possibility of using cassava
Mozambican beer manufacturer, Cervejas de Moçambique (CdM) is studying the possibility of using cassava to make beer at its Nampula factory in order to reduce its costs from importing raw materials, said the Agricultural director of Nampula province. José Varimelo told Mozambican newspaper Notícias that his department and those responsible for the factory were studying the possibility of producing cassava in the province and were seeking producers with capacity to supply raw materials in large quantities. The Nampula factory of Cervejas de Moçambique, a subsidiary of multinational group SABMiller, started operating at the beginning of the year, following an investment of US$50 million and annually produces 480,000 hectolitres of beer.
SABMiller Maps the Water Footprint of Beers in Four Countries
During World Water Week, currently taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, companies of all stripes are looking closely at their water use. But for industries where water is the life blood of business, water impacts loom even larger. SABMiller yesterday published an expansion and extension of its water-footprinting work conducted in partnership with the World Wildlife Foundation. The report, "Water Futures," lays out not just the risks climate change poses to water supplies around the world, but also explores in-depth how much water SABMiller uses for the entire value chain of its breweries in four countries: Peru, Tanzania, Ukraine and South Africa.
SABMiller Eyes Regional Expansion In Latin America
SABMiller Plc is mulling expanding in Latin America, an area which already represents the largest source of revenue for the firm. Barry Smith, the beer-maker's president for Latin America, said that some of the more attractive markets in the region include Brazil, Argentina and, on a smaller scale, Costa Rica. After consolidating its operations in countries like Colombia and Peru, SABMiller is now in a position "to pursue further geographical expansion," Smith said Tuesday.
Carlsberg Malaysia wins Green Leadership Award 2010
Carlsberg Malaysia was accorded the Green Leadership Award 2010 at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) held in Kuala Lumpur recently. The company won the award for its robust environment management programme at its brewery and the rigorous 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) practices at the workplace, positive results and impact from the brewery’s green efforts earned it the Green Leadership award.
Tsingtao Brewery Said to Re-start Expansion
Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited will re-start its expansion plan in attempt to narrow the gap with Chinese brewery giant China Resources Breweries Co., Ltd., disclosed people close to the matter. The Shanghai-listed brewer is said to acquire a 45% stake in Hangzhou Xihu Beer Asahi Co. Ltd. first to consolidate its presence in East China and plan to march into Henan Province, central China next step.
Anheuser-Busch brewery recognized for environmental initiatives
Anheuser-Busch’s Houston brewery has been recognized for “taking care of Texas through environmental leadership” by Clean Texas, a statewide program that promotes environmental responsibility. Clean Texas recognized the brewery as a bronze-level member for being “a leader among Texas communities and workplaces” and for achieving significant environmental results to “protect air, water and land resources in Texas.”
Coca-Cola Company Ghana introduces “Schweppes Malt"
The Coca- Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited, has introduced a new product “Schweppes Malt" on the Ghanaian Market. The new product has been launched in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The new "Schweppes malt" is a non-alcoholic refreshing malt drink enriched with Vitamins B1, B2 and B3. It is made from natural ingredients and offers energy and vitality.
Coors Light to Debut New Silver Bullet Aluminum Pint
MillerCoors has introduced the Coors Light Silver Bullet Aluminum Pint. The 16-oz. resealable aluminum pint is the brand's most portable innovation to date and officially hits shelves nationwide in the US September 1. The cold-activated bottle spotlights the brand's iconic Rocky Mountain imagery and is designed with a wide mouth that allows for a smooth pour.
Asahi Breweries to Acquire P&N Beverages of Australia for $323 Million
Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan’s second-largest beermaker, will pay A$364 million ($323 million) in cash for soft-drink maker P&N Beverages as it builds on last year’s acquisition of Cadbury Plc’s Australian drinks unit. The takeover of Australia’s third-largest soft-drink maker will be completed by November, Tokyo-based Asahi said in a statement today.
Vietnam Brewery opens new bottling line at its Danang brewery
Vietnam Brewery has commissioned a new bottling line at its brewery in Danang to meet robust and surging beer demand. Singapore-listed Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) holds a 60 percent stake in Vietnam Brewery. The new packaging facility in Vietnam was unveiled by Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Lim Hng Kiang on Friday.
Kirin Acquires Liquor Manufacturer Mercian for $131 Million
Kirin, Japan's top alcohol and soft beverage maker, said it will pay 11.1 billion yen, or $131.5 million at current exchange rate, in a stock-swap deal to acquire the 49.9% of Mercian it did not already own. Under the terms of the deal, Kirin will pay 0.14 of its shares for each share of Mercian's. The deal is expected to become effective Dec. 1.
Heineken Illuminates the Night With Innovative Black Light Bottle
Heineken USA today announced the launch of the STR Bottle, an upscale aluminum bottle that when viewed under the black light of a club illuminates to reveal a previously hidden pattern of stars and trails. In addition to its interactive black light properties, the 16-ounce STR Bottle displays a progressive European design, indicative of the upscale style and attitude of Heineken's consumer. The new bottle design is another innovative first from Heineken USA, the nation's premier beer importer.
United Breweries to locally brew Dutch beer Heineken
The Vijay Mallya-led United Breweries is set to locally brew Dutch beer Heineken and position it at the super premium end of the market in early 2011. “Heineken will be priced higher than any other player and anything within our own portfolio in India, reflecting the market leadership and quality of the brand,” Vijay Mallya, chairman of United Breweries, (UB), said at the sidelines of the brewer’s annual general meeting on Friday.
SABMiller group plans to increase beer production in Angola
The SABMiller group plans to increase production capacity at its N'gola factory in Angola from 820,000 to 1.3 million hectolitres as of February 2011, the sales manager for the southern region, Paulo Rodrigues said Thursday in Lubango.
Russian ban pushes barley prices up
Feed barley prices, along with the price of other grains, have spiked as a result of Russia's ban on wheat exports. Russia banned its farmers from exporting wheat a few weeks ago, worried about food security because drought and fire had wiped out nearly a quarter of the nation's crop. The United States has taken up the slack, exporting more corn and barley for stock feed.
Russia: Grain Imports May Exceed Exports
Russia will sharply increase imports of agricultural goods this season and may become a net importer of grain for the first time in 11 years as a severe drought continues to ravage the harvest, analysts said Wednesday. Imports of barley alone — a key ingredient for the country’s booming beer industry — may rise more than tenfold to 700,000 tons this marketing year, from 50,000 tons a year before, according to SovEcon, an agricultural market researcher.
Carlsberg upgraded its full-year profits forecast yesterday, helped in particular by strong demand in Asia and better-than-expected consumption of its brands in Russia. The Danish brewing giant, which part owns Scottish & Newcastle, said it expected net profits to grow by 40 per cent this year, double the company's previous forecasts.
Ukraine Will Set Wheat, Barley Export Quotas to Bolster Domestic Supplies
Ukraine, the world’s biggest barley exporter, plans to limit overseas sales of the grain and wheat through the end of the year to shore up domestic food supply, Agriculture Minister Mykola Prysyazhnyuk said. Export quotas will be probably 1 million metric tons for barley and 1.5 million tons for wheat from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, the minister said today.
Habeco launches largest brewery in Southeast Asia
The Hanoi Beer-Alcohol & Beverage Corporation (Habeco) on August 15 held a ceremony to launch the Hanoi-Me Linh brewery. The Hanoi-Me Linh brewery was built on an area of more than 264,000m2 by joint contractors Krones AG from Germany, the Vietnam Machinery Erection Corporation (Lilama) and Royal Haskoning Vietnam, with a total investment capital of VND2,000 billion. It is the largest and most modern brewery in Southeast Asia.
Miller Coors creates new company
Beer maker Miller Coors has created a new company. The company known for Miller Light, Molson and Coors has launched Tenth and Blake Beer Company. It will operate independently marketing and selling craft and import brands including Blue Moon, Peroni and Leinenkugel beers.
Kirin raises sales target of alcohol-free 'Kirin Free' beer for 2010
Kirin Brewery Co. said Friday it has raised its sales target for 2010 of ''Kirin Free,'' a malty-tasting beverage with no alcohol, to 5.1 million cases, up around 20 percent from the previous target of 4.3 million cases, due to stronger-than-expected sales.
Warsteiner Group and Diageo extend partnership
The Warsteiner Group and the drinks producer Diageo started their exclusive partnership in Germany in 2005. Nils Handke, retail sales director of the Warsteiner Group said, "We are pleased to be continiuing our successful cooperation." He said that Warsteiner has been achieving double-digit growth rates with Guinness and Kilkenny since the start of the cooperation."
AB InBev profit beats expectations
Shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's biggest brewer, rose more than 5% on Thursday as it reported forecast-beating growth, thanks to good weather and the group's sponsorship of the soccer World Cup. Earnings growth should accelerate further in the third and fourth quarters, helped by lower marketing expenses, the group added in an upbeat outlook statement. The company, whose brands include Budweiser, Stella Artois and Becks, said profit rose to $1.15 billion from $1.07 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by Bloomberg had been expecting profit of $1.08 billion.
Japanese beer shipments rise 2.1% amid hot July
Domestic shipments of beer and beerlike alcoholic drinks in July increased 2.1 percent from a year earlier to 47.16 million cases for the second straight monthly rise, due largely to high temperatures across Japan, major brewers said Wednesday.
Asia becomes world's top beer producer in 2009: Kirin
Asia overtook Europe as the world's biggest beer-producing area in 2009 amid its economic growth with 58.67 million kiloliters produced, up 5.5 percent from the previous year, a Kirin Holdings Co. research arm said Tuesday. Asia took the top slot in the ranking list for the first time since 1974, when the Kirin Institute of Food & Lifestyle began compiling production data of major beer-producing nations, it said. In contrast, beer output in Europe shrank 5.1 percent to 55.15 million kl during the 12-month period, the institute said.
Heineken back on TV with global ad
A Heineken commercial which has already clocked up 2.5 million views on YouTube hits UK TV and cinemas screens this month. The multi-million pound burst of advertising will see the UK debut of Heineken’s Dutch advertisement, Walk in Fridge. The 30-second ad will be screened from mid-August and run until mid-September. It contrasts a group of women’s excitement for a walk-in wardrobe with men’s delight with a giant beer fridge.
Carlsberg India launches ‘Tuborg Strong’ in India
Carlsberg India has launched Tuborg Strong, a premium quality beer prepared using malt, adjuncts and hops, in the Indian market. The Carlsberg Group known for brewing mild beer globally, made a landmark change by introducing Tuborg Strong in keeping with the demands of the Indian market. In India, the strong beer segment continues to dominate beer consumption with a formidable 76 per cent market share.
Global Beermakers Eye U.S. Craft Brewers' Growth
U.S. beer drinkers want to try new, tasty beers, and they're not dissuaded by the weak economy or higher prices. In the first half of 2010, sales volume at craft brewers rose 9 percent while overall sales volume for the U.S. beer industry dropped 2.7 percent. That's according to the Brewers Assn., the trade group for the country's 1,625 craft breweries, defined as small, independent outfits that use traditional brewing methods.
Kirin to manufacture beer in Germany
Kirin Holdings Co. said Tuesday it will start manufacturing beer in Germany in early October for sale in 23 European countries. Kirin Ichiban, the Japanese brewer's brand for marketing in continental Europe, has previously been produced by commissioning manufacturers in Russia and Britain.
Molson Coors profit up 27 per cent in Q2/2010
Molson Coors Brewing Co. says its Canadian beer sales were up but worldwide volume fell in the second quarter as consumers in many markets continued to limit their spending. While Canadian volume rose 2.6 per cent, worldwide volume fell 0.7 per cent. But the company posted a 27 per cent hike in profit.
Taiwan brewer invests in China
Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corp. - Taiwan's state-owned beer maker - will invest around 30 million US dollars to open a brewery in Shanghai to produce its signature product "Taiwan Beer" this year. he plant will produce 50,000 tonnes of beer and cut the price of Taiwan Beer, currently two to three times more expensive than mainland brands, to boost its competitiveness.
GrainCorp US Subsidiary Great Western Malting Company Purchases Brewcraft USA
Great Western Malting Company based in Vancouver, Washington announced the acquisition of Portland, Oregon-based Brewcraft USA. Brewcraft USA supplies an extensive range of premium quality local, imported and specialty ingredients, and equipment for production of beer, wine and distilled products. Greg Friberg, the President of Great Western Malting Co. said, “We are very impressed with the team at Brewcraft USA and their business model. Great Western Malting is a cornerstone of the craft brewing industry in North America and our goal with this acquisition is to become a mainstay of the home brewing industry as well.”
Heineken redesigns Fosters packaging with contemporary look
Heineken UK has redesigned the packaging for Fosters lager to help strengthen the brands position in the off-trade market. The new look introduces a kangaroo jumping around the base of the can and uses silver and a more modern typeface to give the packaging a more contemporary feel, Heineken said.
European Court Caps Budweiser Name Battle
Europe's high court has capped off a beer trademark case by ruling that Anheuser-Busch cannot trademark "Budweiser" beer in Europe. Anheuser-Busch applied to use the Budweiser trademark in the European Union in 1996. The office in charge of such registrations rejected Anheuser-Busch's application. Europe's second-highest court last year agreed, ruling that the Czech Brewery Budejovicky Budvar, due to its history with the Budweiser mark, should have dibs on use of the name, especially in Germany and Austria.
Warsteiner Launches Website Redesign
Warsteiner, an international premium beer brand, is pleased to announce the launch of its new worldwide website, Warsteiner.com, providing a fresh look to the brand, while still keeping Warsteiner’s historic foothold in the brewing industry. Following this debut in Germany, a subsequent website for the United States will launch July 29, with The Netherlands and Italy also taking place this month.
Kirin Buys Stake in Tiger Beer Maker For $974M
Kirin, Japan largest beermaker, said Monday it agreed to buy a 14.7 percent stake in the maker of Tiger beer from Singapore government investment fund Temasek for almost $1 billion. Kirin Holdings Co. will buy 205.5 million Fraser & Neave shares from a unit of Temasek Holdings Ltd. for Singapore dollars 1.34 billion ($974 million), it said in a statement.
SABMiller launches Miller Genuine Draft in Colombia
SABMiller announced that it will be launching its international premium brand, Miller Genuine Draft, in Colombia. Miller Genuine Draft (MGD) is already drunk by consumers in 73 markets around the world and the launch in Colombia will ensure that SABMiller further strengthens its global international premium offering, SABMiller said. Colombia was chosen because its consumers are becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and look for unique and relevant brands with which to associate. In addition, Miller Genuine Draft's smooth and refreshing flavour profile will appeal to local tastes and complement SABMiller's existing portfolio in the country which includes Águila, Águila Light, Club Colombia, Poker, Pilsen, Costeña, Redd's and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
MillerCoors LLC's sales volume dropped 2.4% for the quarter ended June 30 from a year ago, the Chicago-based brewer announced Thursday. The sales decline occurred "in a market that remained soft amid ongoing economic pressures," said SABMiller Plc. The London-based brewer owns 50% of MillerCoors, which has a brewery and eastern division headquarters in Milwaukee.
Heineken UK rolls out refresh activity to grow sales
Leading beer and cider supplier, Heineken UK has started to roll out a refresh of the identities of some of its biggest brands in a bid to
grow the category. Heineken UK has launched major packaging investment across its brand portfolio to help retailers boost profits through merchandising and display. It has pinpointed brand packaging as a major influence in shopper purchasing decisions in the beer and cider aisle; packaging can be an effective way for retailers to create impactful displays which help shoppers to find the big brands easily. Ultimately this means shoppers have a more satisfying shopping experience.
Soccer World Cup makes Bud more popular
Anheuser-Busch InBev says Budweiser is getting more and more a global icon due to its success of the World Cup marketing program. Budweiser was the seventh time the tournament's official beer, but the first under the company's new formation.AB Inbev wantes Budweiser to be become a worldwide brand like Coca-Cola.
Kempinski opens first 5-star hotel in Yinchuan with an own micro brewery
Yinchuan's first international five-star hotel in the city, Kempinski Hotel Yinchuan, is bringing remarkable European flair to the local market. The food and beverage offer ranges from the Paulaner Brauhaus Restaurant with homemade beer to traditional Chinese cuisine, the all-day dining restaurant Café Berlin, Lobby Lounge, and Kempi Deli. The hotel is the oanly one with an own inhouse miro brewery in Yinchuan.
Probably the best-looking brewery in the world...
Carlsberg lands 'iconic' heritage status. The Carlsberg brewery in Northampton is one of several examples of "iconic" buildings in the county to be featured in a collection of contemporary architecture created across the East Midlands in the past 50 years.
Canada: Barley Production 2010/11
The first survey-based forecast of 2010 barley production is 182 million bushels, down 8 million from the previous projection and down 45 million from the 2009 crop. Planted area was down 301,000 acres from earlier intentions and down 595,000 acres from 2009. Harvested acreage is estimated at 2.5 million acres and is down 567,000 acres from 2009. The expected decline in production is a result of the lowest planted acreage on record and the lowest expected harvested acreage since 1883. The average barley yield is forecast at 71.6 bushels per acre, up from last month's trend-based projection of 66.9 bushels. If realized, the 2010 yield would be second only to last year’s record of 73.0 bushels per acre. As of July 4, 85 percent of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition, compared with 77 percent last year at the same time.
Heineken Considering Brewing in Ethiopia
Heineken Beer may be on its way to Ethiopia, reports Capital. A delegation from the Netherland’s Heineken Holding, producer of the internationally renowned beer brand visited Ethiopia this week intending to put up their factory here in Ethiopia jointly with Kangaroo Industrial Group, a major local distributor of the brand. A Team of the delegation led by East African marketing manager of Heineken stayed in Addis Ababa for three days last week. The delegation met with owners of Kangaro Industrial Group which currently supplies Heineken to the local market.
Carlsberg raises stake in Minsk brewery to 47 percent
Danish brewer Carlsberg raised its stake in the Minsk-based Olivaria Brewery and expected the Belarusian market to be stable in 2010. The company paid an unspecified amount to raise its stake in the brewery to 47 percent from 30 percent, in line with its aim of being the majority shareholder in its joint ventures.
Heineken Named Favorite Beer in Asia
Heineken was voted the No. 1 beer in the 2010 Asia's Top 1000 Brands survey. The survey was conducted by market researcher TNS and Media Magazine on 3,322 consumers aged between 15 and 64 in 10 Asian countries including Korea, Australia, China and India. The premium Dutch beer brand was followed by Denmark's Carlsberg, China's Tsingtao, and Tiger from Thailand. The top five brands across all categories were Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Canon.
SABMiller Launches Pilsner Urquell in the Netherlands
This month SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers, launches the original pilsner Pilsner Urquell in the Dutch market. This reflects the growing number of consumers in the Netherlands who seek to discover new, but authentic, experiences. The heritage, provenance and premium positioning of Pilsner Urquell is ideally suited to appeal to these consumers.
Research aims for winter barley suitable for distilling market
Researchers at the Scottish Crop Research Institute are attempting to improve the quality of winter malting barley for distilling by transferring some of the improvements seen in spring barley to the winter crop. The distilling sector required barley with a low grain nitrogen, an absence of glycosidic nitrile (GN), and to produce a higher level of spirit yield, Bill Thomas explained. "But historically winter barley doesn't give these characteristics."
Sapporo seeking for US beer brand
Japanese brewer Sapporo Holdings is seeking for a premium beer brand in the United States to expand its North American market share and offset declining demand in Japan, a company executive told.
India's UB plans to produce Heineken locally by next fiscal year
India's UB GROUP firm United Breweries Ltd on Monday said it is planning to locally produce Dutch beer brand Heineken by next fiscal year besides launching a refurbished 'Tiger' brand in India this year. "Probably, we will start selling (locally brewed) Heineken by next financial year," United Breweries Limited (UBL) Senior Vice-President (Marketing) Samar S Sheikhawat told reporters
Anheuser-Busch InBev wins dispute with Modelo
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA said Monday it has a won an arbitration dispute with Grupo Modelo, and investors said the saga's closure could set the stage for more deals among the world's top brewers.
Barley, not wheat, bears brunt of EU downgrade
Barley, rather than wheat, has borne the brunt of European Union weather setbacks, cutting yield prospects for a crop whose prospects were already curtailed by the lowest sowings in 50 years. US Department of Agriculture beancounters made only a token cut of 1.1m tonnes, equivalent to 0.8%, in their estimate for the EU's wheat harvest in their latest set of monthly crop revisions.
Carlsberg approved to buy 12.25% stake in Chongqing Brewery
Chongqing Brewery Co, a leading beer supplier in China, on Monday announced that its shareholders have approved Carlsberg Group's plan to acquire a 12.25% stake in the company, sources reported. Carlsberg will buy the stake from Chongqing Beer Group, parent of Chongqing Brewery.
SABMiller launches entrepreneurship programme in Colombia
Bavaria, the Colombian subsidiary of world leading brewer SABMiller, is addressing the problems faced by small entrepreneurs as they try to grow their businesses.
The new initiative builds on Bavaria’s Destapa Futuro entrepreneurship programme, which has already been running for three years. Destapa Futuro has supported the creation of 184 businesses and invested over US$6 million in training, mentoring and assessing business plans for more than 1,000 entrepreneurs.
Foster's to launch 'Good Call' ad campaign
Heineken UK is set to launch its latest advertising campaign for Foster's lager tomorrow (3 July), designed to play on Australia's assumed laid back approach to life.
SABMiller launches Miller Genuine Draft in South America
Peru will be the first market in South America to begin selling its iconic Miller Genuine Draft brand, the brewer announced. Miller Genuine Draft is now available in 72 countries around the world and has become the most sold beer in SABMiller's portfolio of global brands, according to a statement. It is anticipated that Miller Genuine Draft will be popular with Peruvian consumers because of their strong connection with American heritage and iconography. The brand will target 18-29 year old male and female consumers and will initially be launched to selected bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Peru's capital city, Lima.
SABMiller creates educational opportunities in Honduras
SABMiller, one of the world’s leading brewers, is providing an education for children of sugar cane workers in Honduras.Cerveceria Hondurena, SABMiller’s Honduran subsidiary, set up the ‘Azunosa’ school with the aim of trying to ensure that the sugarcane fields which supply its soft drinks operation are not worked in by under 18 year olds.
Carlsberg reaches impasse with Chongqing Brewery Company
The World's fourth-largest brewer, Danish brewer Carlsberg, met another impasse in its purchase process of China's Chongqing Brewery Company (CBC) Tuesday. The firm exposed that, as the acquiring party, its Hong Kong branch was not qualified to acquire a firm since it reported consecutive losses for three years, according to media reports.
Africa's growing thirst a draw for global brewers
While small compared to most mature markets - and even other developing ones - Africa is still attracting plenty of attention from global brewers seeking to tap into the continent's steadily growing thirst for beer. Breweries and brands are sprouting like mushrooms from Johannesburg to Juba as multinational giants like SABMiller, Diageo and Heineken seek to build out long-standing local presences into larger regional ones using products old and new alike. And with good reason: While hundreds of millions of Africans are still trapped in dire poverty, economic development and political stability have pulled increasing numbers of the rest into higher levels of prosperity and given them the discretionary income that comes with it.
Brewer Budvar reports 40 pct jump in pretax profit
Czech state-owned brewery Budvar -- which has been fighting a long legal battle over the Budweiser brand -- said Wednesday its 2009 pretax profit jumped 40 percent despite a slight fall in annual production. Budejovicky Budvar NP said it earned 298.6 million koruna ($14.1 million) before tax. Budvar spokesman Petr Samec attributed the result to a weaker local currency and an increase in the beer's price.
SABMiller Helps Farmers In Sudan
Brewer SABMiller PLC has won nearly $1 million to develop a beer brewed with cassava and to source the root plant locally to help small-scale farmers in Sudan. The brewer, known for brands such as Miller Lite and Grolsch, said in a news release Friday the money comes from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. SABMiller will contribute more than $2 million — bringing the total investment to about $3 million.
Pilsner Urquell available in the Netherlands
Before Pilsner Urquell was developed in 1842, beers tended to be dark and murky, SABMiller said in a statement. The new pilsner was the first gleaming, golden beer in the world. From now on Grolsch will take charge of all Pilsner Urquell distribution, marketing and sales activities in the Netherlands.
AB InBev to roll-out Stella Artois Black
Lager lovers will soon be able to sample a new product from AB InBev: Stella Artois Black. The 4.9 per cent beer, which is not black at all but rather a golden brew, will be produced in and imported from Belgium. The brewer said it will be available in “selected on-trade locations” from the autumn.
SABMiller commissions new brewery in Warnervale, Australia
SABMiller has announced that Pacific Beverages, its joint venture in Australia with Coca-Cola Amatil, has commenced brewing at its new $105 million Bluetongue brewery in Warnervale, Australia. The new brewhouse will enable the production of a combination of the domestic brands in addition to SABMiller's brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Peroni Leggera, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill and Grolsch.
SABMiller Sustainability Report: Water Use and CO2 Emissions Fall by 4%
SABMiller has reduced both its water use and CO2 emissions by four percent per hectoliter of beer produced compared to the previous year, according to the company’s 2010 Sustainable Development Report. The brewer also cut its energy use per hectoliter of beer produced by 3 percent compared to the previous year. Full performance scores for each of its operations by region are available at www.sabmiller.com/sam.
Bavarian Brewer BHB Seeks $5.5 Million in Munich IPO
BHB Brauholding Bayern-Mitte AG, a German beer and beverage company, seeks to raise about 4.48 million euros ($5.5 million) in an initial public offering in Munich next month. BHB will use the proceeds to accelerate its regional expansion “as a further consolidation among Bavaria’s 674 breweries is to be expected,” management board member Gerhard Bonschab said at a press conference in Munich today. The company will also use the funds to repay debt, he said.
Heineken Lets Beer Drinkers Customize Their Bottles
Heineken drinkers on the Emerald Isle have the chance to buy the most expensive bottles of Heineken ever produced--probably. For a thimbleful under $38 you get a six-pack of bottles that you can customize yourself. The digital marketing campaign is the brainchild of the AKQA agency, and it allows drinkers to add text and image of their own onto 42 different bottle designs.
Tanzania Breweries Profit Rises 14% as Premium-Beer Sales Grow
SABMiller Plc’s Tanzanian unit posted a 14 percent increase in full-year profit as sales of higher-margin premium beers increased. Net income rose to 92.4 billion Tanzanian shillings ($63.7 million) in the 12 months through March, from 80.8 billion shillings a year earlier, Tanzania Breweries Ltd. said in a faxed statement today in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital. Revenue climbed by the same margin to 528 billion shillings.
Carlsberg acquires additional 12.25% stake in Chongqing Brewery
Carlsberg A/S, the world’s fourth- biggest brewer, agreed to pay 2.39 billion yuan ($349 million) to raise its stake in Chongqing Brewery Co. by 12.25% to 29.71 percent. The acquisition brings Valby, Denmark-based Carlsberg closer to a controlling interest in a company with 15 plants and operations in seven Chinese provinces.
Carlsberg attains momentous position amongst the world’s best
Arecent consumer study conducted by Reputation Institute declared Carlsberg as one of the world’s most reputable company, thus reinforcing Carlsberg’s brand promise to its consumers. With a qualifying score of 70.31, that allows a brand to gain membership on Reputation Institute’s list of world’s most reputable companies, Carlsberg has successfully set its position as a company recognized for building strong relationships. This year the World's Most Reputable Companies list also includes Google, Sony, The Walt Disney Company, BMW, Daimler/Mercedes-Benz, Apple, Nokia, IBM, The Coca- Cola company Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Singapore Airlines, Samsung Electronics, Procter & Gamble.
SABMiller launches Grolsch in Romania
This month SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers, launches Grolsch in Romania. The decision to launch the brand reflects the fact there are a number of Romanian drinkers who don't currently have a beer that suits their needs and lifestyles, SABMiller said in a statement.
Crown and SABMiller Launch an Innovative Convertible Can for FIFA World Cup
A convertible can will be introduced just in time for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June. The South African Breweries Limited (SAB Ltd), SABMiller plc’s South African subsidiary, is introducing a new innovation in beer packaging. The can that converts into a drinking cup, developed by Crown Holdings, Inc., is the first of its kind as the entire lid of the can is removed to open. The innovation removes the need for glassware or the care and cleaning of glassware.
Ethiopian Beer Drinking to Rise 15% per year in the next 5 years
Beer drinking in Ethiopia will grow by about 15 percent per year over the next five years as a growing population has more money to spend, Access Capital said. Ethiopians currently drink 4 liters of beer each year, compared with 12 liters in Kenya and 25 in Cameroon, the Addis Ababa-based research company said in an e-mailed note today.
AB InBev looks to sell off brands in UK
The website Business Sale Report notes that Anheuser-Busch InBev is taking steps to dispose of most of its United Kingdom beers. Brands for sale are Flowers, Boddingtons and Bass Ale. Bass Ale, established in 1777, has lost appeal with drinkers and has also suffered from a lack of marketing as AB InBev devotes its attention to its global lagers.
Foster’s May Be $11 Billion Target After Wine Spinoff
Foster’s Group Ltd.’s plan to spin off its wine unit may prompt bids from SABMiller Plc, Asahi Breweries Ltd. and other global beermakers attracted to the wider profit margins in Australia, fund managers said. The brewing business may be worth more than A$13.5 billion ($11 billion) and draw interest from Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Sapporo Holdings Ltd. of Japan, said Theo Maas, who helps manage A$5 billion at Arnhem Investment Management in Sydney.
SABMiller’s China partner profitable
China Resources Enterprise, the Chinese partner of SABMiller , said yesterday first-quarter profit increased almost ninefold as its retail business improved and it made money selling some units. Net income in the three months ended March increased to HK3,73bn ($478m) from HK417m a year earlier, China Resources said . Profit from continuing operations rose 62% to HK716m, it said. China Resources is concentrating on its consumer businesses to tap growing demand in China.
Carlsberg becomes Euro 2012 official sponsor
Carlsberg's rights include exclusive marketing rights for alcoholic drinks inside Euro 2012 venues, and global marketing rights for the European Under-21 Championship in 2011, being held in the brewer's home market, Denmark.
AB InBev to expand Budweiser in Russia
Just Drinks is reporting that Anheuser-Busch InBev has bought back its license to brew and sell Budweiser in Russia as. The company is looking to regain market share by improving its presence in the country's premium beer sector. Sun InBev, a Russian subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, will produce and sell Budweiser.
SABMiller Zimbabwe will spend $112 million in the next 2 years
SABMiller's Zimbabwe unit will spend $112 million in the next two years to ramp up output, the chief executive said, as it bets the recovery from economic crisis will boost demand for beer and soft drinks.
SABMiller reports 1.5% profit rise
SABMiller said its annual profit in the year ending March 31 climbed 1.5% to $1.91 billion, with revenue including its share of the MillerCoors venture rising 4% to $26.35 billion. Excluding tax, interest and amortization, profit for the maker of Miller, Peroni and Snow beer rose 6% to $4.38 billion.
Budweiser brewery gains 3,000-solar panel array
The maker of Budweiser beer has installed a solar power system on the roof of its brewery in Newark, New Jersey, featuring 3,000 solar panels. At peak production, the system will deliver nearly 5% of the brewery’s electrical demand.
Molson Coors to launch draught beer in time for the World Cup
Molson Coors is launching a new draught beer for the off-trade, Home Draught Kegs designed to fit into a home fridge. Made available in time for the FIA World Cup, the 10-pints keg will be rolled out next month, and available at various supermarkets including Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. The £8m launch will be made available in three of Molson Coors’ brands - Carling, Coors Light and Grolsch.
San Miguel Net Profit Rose 7% In First Quarter
San Miguel Corp., the Philippines' largest food and beverage conglomerate, said Monday its first-quarter net profit rose 7% from a year earlier, helped by higher sales of beer and hard liquor in the local market as well as double-digit growth in operating income. The conglomerate that is now diversifying into heavy industries to drive future growth said net profit in the January-March quarter rose to 2.90 billion pesos ($64.3 million) from 2.70 billion pesos in the year-earlier period, while sales rose 7% to 44.7 billion pesos from 41.9 billion pesos.
SABMiller to serve up a cup-can
SABMILLER has patented an easy-to-open beer can that converts into a drinking cup when the top has been removed, part of an effort by the world’s second- largest brewer to reduce waste and violence at sporting events. The container would be introduced at the Soccer World Cup next month, Norman Adami, MD of SABMiller’s Johannesburg- based unit, said yesterday.
Frank Massen Appointed CEO of Carlsberg Deutschland
Frank Massen (45) has been appointed CEO of Carlsberg Deutschland effective as of 14 May. He comes from a position as Managing Director of the Trinks Group. Frank Massen has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and sales. He has held various positions in companies such as Unilever Germany, SmithKline Beecham and United Distillers.
Carlsberg Group reports net profit for Q1
Carlsberg Group has reported that a net profit for the first quarter of 2010 was DKK471 million. Net revenue for the first quarter of 2010 was DKK11 billion, compared to DKK11.8 billion for the first quarter of 2009, a decrease of 7%. Operating profit for the first quarter of 2010 was DKK735 million, compared to DKK788 million for the first quarter of 2009.
MillerCoors unveils new Miller High Life packaging
MillerCoors LLC is introducing new packaging for its Miller High Life brand.
The new packaging for High Life and High Life Light will feature what MillerCoors management has deemed “a cleaner, more streamlined look,” while maintaining the Miller logo, “Girl in the Moon” imagery and “Champagne of Beers” tagline. Read more: MillerCoors unveils new Miller High Life packaging - Denver Business Journal:
Molson Coors Brewing Company Enters Joint Venture Agreement
Molson Coors Brewing Company has announced that it has entered into an agreement for the purchase of 51% controlling interest in a joint venture with Hebei Si’hai Beer Company. The total cash investment for the purchase is $40 million. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the joint venture will have control over the Si’hai brewing operations. This includes the company’s contract brewing business and the provision of opportunities for the expansion of the sales and distribution of a portfolio of brands led by Coors Light and regional Si’hai beers.
Anheuser-Busch InBev's profit drops 34%
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV announced today that its first-quarter net profit dropped 34% to $475 million compared with $716 million in the year-ago period. Turnover edged up to $8.3 billion from $8.19 billion.
Molson Coors Q1 profit up 38% despite volume dip
Molson Coors Brewing Co. posted sharply higher profits in its latest quarter Tuesday despite lower beer volume and greater expenses, with a one-time tax gain boosting results. The Denver-based beermaker reported first-quarter profit of $104.6 million, or 56 cents a share, up 38 percent from its income of $75.7 million, or 41 cents a share, in the same quarter of 2009.
Anheuser-Busch renews partnership with PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR and Anheuser-Busch, Inc. announced on Monday an extension of their longstanding marketing partnership by three years. As part of the agreement, Michelob ULTRA is the "Official Beer of the PGA TOUR" and O'Doul's the official non-alcohol brew, both through 2013. Anheuser-Busch has been an official marketing partner of the PGA TOUR since 1994.
Carlsberg is promising to deliver 16 sporting legends as part of a new World Cup advertising campaign, under the strapline “Probably the best team talk in the world...”. The brewer is keeping exact details of the TV ad under wraps until it is aired on Saturday 8 May during the Football League playoff coverage on Sky, but appearances from 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton, Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Clive Woodward have been confirmed.
Heineken completes acquisition of FEMSA beer businesses
Heineken N.V. today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the beer businesses of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., following approval from all relevant anti-trust authorities and shareholders of Heineken N.V., Heineken Holding N.V. and FEMSA.
SABMiller and AB InBev brewing favourites for World Cup
There's no trophy at the end, but Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller are likely to emerge as the brewing winners of the football World Cup starting in June. SABMiller should benefit from higher sales in hosts South Africa, where it has an 89 percent share of the market, while AB InBev stands to profit from its first World Cup sponsorship since its merger and a good showing from the Brazil team.
SABMiller to Build New $34 Million Brewery in Namibia
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- biggest brewer by volume, plans to build a new plant in Namibia for $34 million to push its Castle and Castle Lite brands further into the country. SAB has been importing beer into Namibia for more than 20 years, the London-based company said today in an e-mailed statement. The brewer will own 60 percent of the Namibian unit with 40 percent to be awarded to local partners, including three charitable trusts in a “black economic empowerment initiative,” it said.
Budweiser Limited Edition FIFA World Cup 2010
World Cup sponsor Budweiser is producing a new bottle as part of its package of activity around the tournament. The UK only limited edition FIFA World Cup Trophy Bottle was launched this month and features the iconic gold trophy. The aluminium bottle has been designed to feel cold in the hand, allows for less spillage and the 473ml size means customers can make fewer trips to the bar.
Heineken revenues drop 3.5% in Q1 2010
In the firt quarter 2010 the sold beer volume of Heineken drop by more than 5%. On the other hand the EBIT grew mid-single digit as the effect of cost savings, positive pricing and sales mix exceeded that of lower volume.
SABMiller quarterly beer sales climb 2%
Beer sales edged up in the most recent quarter, helped by a recovery in emerging markets, brewing giant SABMiller said Tuesday. Comparable lager volumes for SABMiller rose 2% in the fourth quarter ending March 31, compared to flat sales for the year.
SABMiller to bid for minority stake in Chongqing Brewery
SABMiller Plc, the world's second-largest brewer, plans to bid for a 12.25% stake in Chongqing Brewery Co<600132>, which is currently 17.46%-owned by Carlsberg Group, the Economic Observer reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter as saying. On Wednesday, Chongqing Beer (Group) Co, the largest shareholder of Chongqing Brewery, said that it plans to sell 59.30 million shares, or a 12.25% stake, in Chongqing Brewery, adding that domestic and overseas bidders should submit bidding documents within in ten working days after the announcement.
Diageo admits importing malt from Britain to make Guinness
The Diageo group has admitted it has imported malt from Britain for Guinness prompting an angry reaction from Irish malting grain growers. Diageo and Irish malting barley growers have been at loggerheads for a number of years over the price the company pays for malting barley and last year there were a number of protests on the issue.
Anheuser-Busch InBev to spend RMB 650 mln on Sichuan plant
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world’s leading brewer, last week held a foundation laying ceremony for its first brewery in Southwest China. The plant, which will be located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, will cost RMB 650 million. It will have an area of 136,000 square meters and will produce 300,000 tons of beer annually. The plant will be put into operation in June 2011.
7-Eleven to sell private-label beer
7-Eleven might not know a lot about brewing -- it's reportedly leaving that to City Brewing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin -- but it does know beer, given that a huge chunk of industry sales take place at convenience stores. The company confirmed that the new product is a premium beer selling at a budget price but wouldn't provide further details. Unfortunately for chains like 7-Eleven, their prime demographic, the key beer-drinking crowd, has been the segment hit among the hardest by the recession, says Beer Marketer's Insights president Benj Steinman. Think male, age 21 to 27, blue-collar workers, and then think about the decline of industrial jobs.
Mexico's Grupo Modelo forms JV with U.S. food giant Cargill
Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading beer producer and exporter, announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with U.S. food giant Cargill at Modelo's malt plant in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Mexican company will have a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, to be called Integrow Malt LLC, while the remaining 49 percent will be held by Cargill.
Grupo Modelo said workers at one of its key plants in Tuxtepec, Mexico, have been on strike since the beginning of April. Modelo, Mexico’s largest brewer and the maker of Corona, is half owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Last month, an analyst said A-B InBev is likely to buy the other half of Grupo Modelo this year for about $10.8 billion. Modelo said the union wants to negotiate issues that were not originally included in the labor contract revision but did not identify the issues.
Carlsberg workers end workplace drinking strike
Carlsberg workers have returned to their jobs after a three-day wildcat strike by warehouse and production workers in Denmark to protest new rules limiting workplace drinking.
Chinese brewer Tsingtao sees net profit leap in 2009
Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., one of China's leading beer makers, Friday announced a 2009 net profit of 1.25 billion yuan (183.1 million U.S. dollars), up 79.2 percent year on year. Its sales revenue rose 12.5 percent year on year to 17.76 billion yuan due to strong market demand, the Shanghai-listed firm said in its 2009 annual report. The brewery, based in Qingdao in eastern Shandong Province, attributed the quicker net profit growth pace to rising sales and lower costs. The falling prices of imported barley and other production materials last year helped the firm to cut costs, said the report.
Speaking at the Cartagena World Economic Forum, the CEO of beer brewer SABMiller announced that Colombia is now the company's most profitable beer market worldwide, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The Andean nation's beer sales were some of the least affected and fastest to recover from the global economic downturn, which hit the beer industry hard, said the company's CEO, Graham Mackay, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Latin America in Cartagena. The Colombian government hiked the tax on beer from 3% to 14% from February 1st 2010, and has plans to raise it to 16% from January 1st 2011.
Carlsberg And AB InBev In Talks For India Alliance
Two global rivals may be exploring sharing of production facilities to push ahead in a challenging market. Global brewing giants and rivals Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) and Carlsberg A/S may have discussed the possibility of an alliance centered around sharing of production and distribution platforms in India's rapidly growing beer market, said at least two sources familiar with the developments.
Budweiser unveils its biggest-ever on-pack promotion for the World Cup
Budweiser, Official Beer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, today unveiled its largest ever on-pack promotion: Predict & Win.
Running across 10 million packs in the UK, Predict & Win will support Budweiser's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ sponsorship by engaging and bringing new and seasoned fans together to celebrate the greatest tournament on earth. James Watson, Marketing Director, Budweiser Western Europe said: "We're celebrating our official sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ with our largest ever on-pack promotion designed to engage consumers in the run up to and during the tournament.
Coors Light expands distribution of Home Draft system
After successful testing in limited markets, Coors Light has announced expanded distribution of its new Coors Light Home Draft system, allowing legal-drinking-age consumers to literally 'tap the Rockies' and enjoy draft beer from their own refrigerator. The Coors Light Home Draft system is CO2 pressurized, providing 16 12-ounce pours of real draft beer. With more than one-third of legal-drinking-age consumers preferring draft beer over bottled or canned beer, this package provides a true draft beer experience, delivering a consistent smooth pour with minimal foam. It fits perfectly inside your fridge and stays fresh for up to 30 days.
San Miguel’s malt beer wins Monde gold medal
San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) has included the seal of the highly prestigious Monde Selection Awards in the label of the San Miguel Premium All-Malt Beer to signify the gold medal received the brand received last year from the international award-giving body for finished food and beverage products. Launched only in August 2008, it was the first attempt for SMB’s premium beer in the Monde Selection Awards.
The Comisión Federal de Competencia, the anti-trust regulating authority under the Ministry of Economy, Mexico, recently approved the deal between FEMSA, formally known as Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B de C.V., one of the largest brewers in the country, and Heineken N.V., the largest brewery in Europe, for the acquisition of the beer operations of the former.
SABMiller Intends to Stick With South African Gaming Venture
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- largest brewer, has no immediate plans to dump its South African gaming assets after the proposed merger of its Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd. unit with Gold Reef Resorts Ltd. SABMiller will keep its 39.7 percent stake in the enlarged company for at least six months after the transaction, Gold Reef Chief Executive Officer Stephen Joffe said today. “I don’t know if they are a seller after that.” SABMiller spokesman Jonathan Oates said there is “no short- or medium-term intention to dispose of any shares in the new combined entity.”
Carlsberg crowned Malaysia’s Most Preferred Beer
Malaysian consumers have chosen once again to place Carlsberg as their most preferred beer brand in the country in two prestigious brand awards. The brand won Gold Award in the Beverage – Alcohol category at the inaugural Putra Brand Awards 2010, a consumer research that measures the most preferred brand in Malaysia. Carlsberg also won the “Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award”, an award it has won for 11 years in a row.
Diageo plans to start brewing Guinness in South Africa
Diageo plans to brew its Guinness beer in South Africa. The new brewery at Sedibeng, south of Johannesburg, built by a joint venture of Diageo and Heineken, started brewing its first Amstel and Windhoek beers late last year. This year the joint venture will start brewing Guinness and Heineken's Strongbow cider.
SABMiller to sell beer at South African fan parks during World Cup
Brewer SABMiller will provide beer at fan parks during the 2010 Fifa soccer World Cup, after reaching an agreement with the organisers of the month long tournament in South Africa. The decision will enable SABMiller's South Africa unit to sell between 8-10 million beers, which will account for 40,000-50,000 hectolitres of beer.
When Molson Coors Canada went looking to be innovative in the beer industry, the company set its sights on bubbles. The Montreal-based firm, part of the Molson Coors Brewing Co. (NYSE: TAP), launched its newest beer, M, in the Maritimes Friday at the Moncton Press Club. Molson explained that through a patent-pending microcarbonation process, the firm injects carbon dioxide through smaller, finer bubbles to achieve an ideal level of carbonation for the new beer.
Anheuser-Busch offering buyouts to brewery workers
Anheuser-Busch Inc. said Friday it is offering early retirement packages to union workers at its U.S. breweries. The beermaker has a mjor brewery in Fort Collins.
SABMiller will increase production capacity in China
SABMiller Plc and its Chinese partner, which make the country’s best-selling beer, will pursue acquisitions and increase production capacity to boost growth in the world’s most populous nation. Building capacity in China, which had 593 breweries in 2009, remains “relatively cheap,” Ari Mervis, managing director of SABMiller’s Asia operations, said in Beijing. The venture will also continue to open new breweries, he said.
Algeria aims to export barley for the first time of 40 years
Algeria wants to export 300,000 tonnes of barley in its first foreign sale of the grain in 40 years, an agriculture ministry source said on Thursday. lgeria's state cereals agency OAIC will handle the sale, Agriculture Minister Rachid Benaissa told reporters on Thursday.
Molson Coors offers World Cup support for pubs
The global brewer is offering pubs two different kits from May onwards. The Match Planning Kit is designed to help pubs plan and promote matchdays and includes a World Cup match planner, external banner, upcoming games empty belly posters, a World Cup Quiz kit and pint carriers. The Choose Your Colours Kit aims to help pubs take advantage of non-England games by encouraging promotions using Molson Coors’s portfolio of world beers including Mexico (Sol), Holland (Grolsch) and USA (Coors Light) items.
Drinking less beer and more water is usually a good diet plan -- unless you're the world's largest beer brewer. Instead, Anheuser-Busch InBev is planning to make more beer while reducing water use. Every liter it produced in 2007 required about five times as much water to produce it. Faced with growing water scarcity around the world and increasing pressure to cut consumption, the company plans by 2012 to ratchet down that ratio to 3.5 liters of water per liter of beer, a 30 percent reduction, it announced today. Already, it says, it's about halfway to that goal.
San Miguel Intends To Sell Brewery Stake To Kirin
San Miguel (SMC) has said that it is ready to sell its 51% stake in beer-manufacturing subsidiary San Miguel Brewery to Japanese partner Kirin Holdings (Kirin). However, no official offer from Kirin has been received.
Construction spurs expansion for Great Western Malting
The beer malt maker, a subsidiary of Australian grain handler Graincorp Malt, will hire 10 more people in the next two months to support the relocation of its North American headquarters from Omaha, Neb., to Vancouver, Jay Hamachek, director of North American business development for Great Western, told Port Commissioners on Tuesday. Two of those positions, in construction and environmental management, will help the company make way for a new rail access line that will cut through the heart of its facility.
China's malting barley imports could jump 50%
China's imports of malting barley may jump by up to 50% this year as its brewing industry – the world's biggest – returns to higher consumption rates after a push into low-alcohol beers aimed at women drinkers. The Canadian Wheat Board, one of the world's biggest sellers of the grain, has pegged China's malting barley imports at 1.6m-1.8m tonnes, compared with 1.2m tonnes last year.
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer, said it faced a challenging start to 2010 because U.S. consumers were drinking less. The maker of Budweiser, Stella Artois and Becks unveiled mixed fourth-quarter earnings buoyed by a sharp rise in Brazil sales and said it expected to sell slightly more beer this year than last. But profit growth would be only a single-digit percentage in the first quarter before increasing through 2010.
SABMiller May Get Wold Cup Boost at Anheuser’s Expense
SABMiller Plc may sell 12 million more units of beer at this year’s soccer World Cup if it capitalizes on the decision by Anheuser-Busch InBev NV not to sell Budweiser at fan parks in the nine host cities. SABMiller, which dominates South Africa’s beer industry, began talks with FIFA after Anheuser-Busch said in January it wouldn’t supply the parks. SABMiller needs to conclude talks within about 10 days so that it can organize the transport and additional brewing capacity, Alastair Hewitt, the head of SABMiller’s World Cup strategy, said in an interview in Johannesburg yesterday.
Carlsberg UK signs brewing deals with rivals
Carlsberg UK has signed a deal with Marston’s that will see the Wolverhampton brewer produce Tetley’s cask ale after the closure of Carlsberg’s Leeds brewery next year. Carlsberg has also announced it has agreed a long term brewing partnership with Molson Coors which it said “will ensure that the majority of Tetley’s production will stay in Yorkshire”.
Carlsberg launches outdoor ad as part of World Cup push
The brewer, which is the official beer of the England Team, is launching the nationwide outdoor campaign, created by Billington Cartmell, today (1 March), coinciding with England’s friendly game against Egypt. It will run for two weeks across 48 sheets, Adshels and Phone boxes.
Anheuser-Busch InBev gets $17.2B for refinancing
Anheuser-Busch InBev said Friday it obtained $17.2 billion in long-term bank financing to refinance its $54 billion loan for the acquisition of Anheuser-Busch in 2008. The new financing consists of a $13 billion facility agreement that provides for an $8 billion, five-year revolving credit facility and a $5 billion, three-year term facility.
Tsingtao Brewery sees FY net up more than 75% from year earlier
Tsingtao Brewery Co. said its 2009 full year net income is estimated to have risen 75 percent to 85 percent compared with its profit in 2008. Tsingtao attributed the growth to improving its “brand integration” and product mix, strengthening management and cutting costs. These factors helped to increase production, sales and profit, according to the statement.
Heineken's Irish sales down 6.8%
Irish people drank less beer as the recession bit deeper last year, cutting sales and profits at multi-national brewer Heineken’s businesses in this country. The brewer said that in Ireland, the “severe effect of the recession meant beer consumption declined by high single digits”. The company said it increased its share of the Irish market. Volume sales were down 6.8 per cent, but still outperformed the market, allowing it to grow its share.
SABMiller moves its global procurement to Switzerland
SABMiller will relocate its global procurement arm to Zug in Switzerland. One of the most important reason for this decision is the better tax situation in Switzerland than in London.
Asia Pacific Breweries Q1 revenue up 10%
Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) has reported 10% increase in revenue for the first quarter ended 31 December 2009 compared to the same quarter last year due to stronger sales volume. Net profit for the quarter was SGD70.1m, an increase of 56% compared to same quarter previous year. Group profit before interest, tax and exceptional items (PBIT) recorded a significant gain of 50% or SGD43.7m to SGD131m.
SAB Miller withdrew brand over label concerns
SAB Miller stopped importing one of of its brands because it did not contain enough health and unit information. The global brewer said that is just how seriously it takes the voluntary labelling scheme. It re-iterated that all of its UK brands contain the five key elements agreed voluntarily with the Government — unit information, pregnancy advice, a message about responsible drinking, a logo and link for Drinkaware and the NHS recommended limits.
Anheuser-Busch InBev may refinance $13B in loans
AB InBev is in talks with banks to refinance $13B in loans. The deal could be one of the biggest syndicated loans in the US of the year.
Asia Pacific Breweries acquires stake in Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle C
Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (APB), a Singapore-based producer and marketer of beer, has acquired an 87.3% stake in Grande Brasserie de Nouvelle Caledonie S.A., a New Caledonia-based producer and distributor of beer, from Heineken International B.V. and Heineken Brouwerijen B.V.
Greencore to sell malt business for up to €116m
Greencore has signalled a further move away from its Irish business and an increasing focus on the UK and US convenience food markets with the announcement that it is to sell its malt business to French co-operative Axéréal Union De Coopératives Agricoles in a deal worth up to €116.25 million. The disposal, which had been flagged, will net the Irish-listed company €112 million upon completion, subject to a €5 million reduction for net debt and about €5.6 million to fund a pension deficit at its UK pension scheme.
SABMiller Expands in Bottled Water
SABMiller Plc said it acquired Rwenzori Bottled Water Ltd. of Uganda as part of a strategy to buy beverage businesses other than beer producers in Africa. Rwenzori, based in Kampala and named after a mountain range that lies between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a 70 percent share of the Ugandan bottled-water market and had sales of about $18 million in its last financial year.
Stella Artois returning to Lancashire brewery
The world-famous lager is to be produced at the giant Anheuser-Busch Inbev brewery in Samlesbury after a two-year absence. The kegging line is running again after being mothballed and 24 workers have been taken on to man it.
MillerCoors 4Q profits & sales drop
MillerCoors LLC saw fourth-quarter declines in both earnings and sales as volumes slipped across every brand category, the brewing joint venture's partners said Tuesday. MillerCoors, the, joint venture comprising the former Miller Brewing Co. of Milwaukee and the former Coors Brewing Co. of Golden, Colo., reported that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2009, increased to $102.2 million, up from $54.1 million in the same period the year before. Underlying net income, which excludes special items, including the costs of the June 30, 2008, integration of Miller and Coors, decreased 21.6 percent to $106.1 million compared with $135.3 million in the same period a year ago, co-owners SABMiller and Molson Coors Brewing Co. said.
Kirin says M&A very important for growth
Japanese beer maker Kirin Holdings said on Monday that mergers and acquisitions were very important to its growth strategy.
SABMiller Czech Unit Posts 1.9% Sales Volumes Fall For 2009
Plzensky Prazdroj AS, a Czech unit of SABMiller PLC, Monday said sales volumes dropped 1.9% on the year to 10.53 million hectoliters in 2009, largely due to a drop in sales in its domestic market and despite a rise in international sales.
San Miguel Brewery completes purchase of parent's overseas beer business
San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) has completed the acquisition of the international beer business of its parent conglomerate San Miguel Corp. San Miguel, partly owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings, financed the acquistion by external debt for about $300 million.
PepsiCo Jordan launches new non-alcoholic malt drink BARIO
In line with its dedication to providing a wide array of products to the Jordanian consumer, PepsiCo-Jordan, the winner of the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence/Private Sector, announced the launch of 'BARIO', its new non-alcoholic malt drink. The unique beverage is being offered to the local market in four flavors; strawberry, lemon, apple and pineapple, and was launched under the slogan "Give in".
Heineken plans to close Czech Louny brewery
Dutch brewing giant Heineken has said that its planning to close its Louny Brewery in Czech Republic due to falling demand for beer in the country and the group's global strategy to cut costs. According to the company’s plans up to 59 staff from Heineken's 987-strong workforce in Czech Republic are set to lose their jobs following the move.
SABMiller wants to grow through acquistions in Latin America
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- largest brewer, said there will be more opportunities to grow through acquisitions in Latin America after missing out on the beer unit of Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB. Losing the auction of the Mexican brewer to Heineken NV “is not the end of the world,” SABMiller’s Latin American President Barry Smith said today at a London seminar. “I still think there are acquisition opportunities in Latin America.”
SABMillers African Beers Workers To Join Strike March -Union
Workers at SABMiller PLC's (SAB.JO) beer division in South Africa will join striking colleagues at the soft drinks arm in a protest march to the company's Johannesburg head office tpday, their labor union said. The workers plan to hand over a memorandum to SABMiller Chief Executive Officer Graham Mackay calling on him to intervene in the wage strike at the Amalgamated Beverage Industries unit that began Dec. 22, the Food & Allied Workers' Union said.
SABMillers African Beers Workers To Join Strike March -Union
Workers at SABMiller PLC's (SAB.JO) beer division in South Africa will join striking colleagues at the soft drinks arm in a protest march to the company's Johannesburg head office tpday, their labor union said. The workers plan to hand over a memorandum to SABMiller Chief Executive Officer Graham Mackay calling on him to intervene in the wage strike at the Amalgamated Beverage Industries unit that began Dec. 22, the Food & Allied Workers' Union said.
Burger King to Sell Budweiser at a new Whopper Bar
Burger King announced last week that it is about to begin selling beer, an effort to better compete with casual dining restaurants. The burger giant will begin selling Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors products at a new Whopper Bar opening next month in South Beach, Florida, the company's first U.S. location to sell beer. Beer will be sold in special aluminum bottles and cost $4.25. As part of a Whopper-beer combo, the total will be $7.99, roughly $2 more than the same combo meal with a fountain drink.
Carlsberg invests in Bulgarian business
Carlsberg Bulgaria, the local unit of the Danish brewery group, will acquire Blagoevgrad-based municipally-owned bread and bakery products maker Hlyab i Hlebni Izdelia, Blagoevgrad town hall said. The news was confirmed by Carlsberg Bulgaria executive director Alexander Grancharov, who said that a part of the new facility will accommodate new production lines and warehouses, but the plans have not been finalised yet.
AB Inbev production had come to a complete halt
Belgian workers have blocked the entrances to the company's large plants in Leuven and Liege for 13 days and for a week at Hoegaarden in protest at AB InBev's plan to shed a net 263 of its 2,700 Belgian workforce. Two mediation attempts have failed to break the deadlock. Today the production came to a total standstill.
SABMiller Volumes Stop Falling on Latin America, China Strength
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- biggest brewer, said beer volumes stopped falling in the third quarter as the economy improved in Colombia and sales growth continued in China and Africa. Volumes, stripping out acquisitions and disposals, were unchanged in the quarter, the London-based company said in a statement today.
AB InBev talks to unions fail - blockade continues
Talks to resolve a blockade of Belgian breweries by workers of Anheuser-Busch InBev have failed, and the protests are set to continue into a second week. The beer-making giant held mediated talks with union representatives on Thursday, but with both sides sticking to their position, no result was achieved.
Anheuser-Busch launches Low-Calorie Beer in the US
Anheuser-Busch announced earlier this week that its low-calorie beer, Select 55, will launch nationwide February 1. Tested since last August in 14 cities, the premium light, American-style lager is brewed with caramel malts and a blend of imported and domestic hopping, offering a crisp, clean finish.
Carsberg Group strengths positions around Kazakhstan
Baltika Breweries, one of the leading breweries in Russia owned by Carsberg Group, signed a license agreement with Kazakh brewery Derbes (also owned by Carsberg) to use its trademarks, as well as know-how and technologies for the production of Baltika’s flagship beer brands "Baltika" and "Neva" in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The agreement is valid until the end of 2029.
Vietnam beer market to increase by 15% this year
Vietnamese beer producers will sell about 2.7 billion litres beer in 2010 to meet the rising demands of local consumers. According to an estimate by the Sai Gon Alcohol, Beer and Beverage Corporation (Sabeco). Sabeco, which currently accounts for roughly 35 per cent of domestic market share, also anticipated that the consumption of beer in the domestic market would have a growth rate of roughly 15 per cent in 2010 and in the next few years.
AB InBev may sell stake in Crown Beers
AB InBev, which is exploring an exit or a significant stake sale, is seeking a valuation of $30M for the brewery. AB InBev NV may consider sale of shares in its brewery Crown Beers India Pvt Ltd.
Heineken buys FEMSA Beer Unit for $7.7 Billion
Heineken NV agreed to buy the beer division of Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB (FEMSA)in an all-stock deal valued at 5.3 billion euros ($7.7 billion) to tap faster sales growth in Latin America. The Amsterdam-based brewer will issue new shares to give Femsa a 20 percent stake in Heineken Group. The acquisition gives Heineken one of only two beer makers in Mexico, the world’s fourth-most profitable market, and reduces the company’s reliance on slower-growing European markets.
Heineken close to buy the beer business of Femsa
Heineken NV is near on a deal to buy the beer business of Femsa for about US$8 billion, people familiar with the matter said, in what would be a surprise finish to the auction of the Mexican beer maker and continue a wave of consolidation in the industry.
Anheuser-Busch InBev to cut jobs in Europe
Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to cut up to 800 jobs across western Europe, or about 10 percent of its 8,000 workers there. Employees in Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are affected.
Philippines San Miguel to buy subsidiary`s overseas beer unit
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) announced that the Philippine beer subsidiary, a joint venture partnership with Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (TSE:2503), has signed a share purchase agreement with the parent company to acquire SMC's international beer business subsidiary, San Miguel Brewing International Limited (SMBIL).
SABMiller to Invest U.S.$16 Million in New Malting Plant in Uganda
Global brewer, SABMiller plc is to invest $16 million in a malting plant in Uganda next year, following a successful bid to convert locally grown barley into brewing malt.
grain handler and trader Graincorp expects to earn between $180 million and $210m next year, according to its initial earnings guidance. Recently purchased United Malt Holdings -- which was renamed Graincorp Malt -- is expected to contribute $100m- $120m to group EBITDA. Announcing annual results last month, managing director Mark Irwin said he expected half the company's future earnings to come from value-adding to barley and wheat.
Carlsberg’s Baltika recognized as best-selling brand in Russia in 2009
Baltika, Russia’s one of the largest beer brands owned by Carlsberg Group recognized as best-selling premium brand in the country since the beginning of the current year. According to initial estimates the total Baltika’s sales in Russia this year has amounted to 76,8 billion rubles ($USD 2,55 billion), suggests a new market research.
Guiness brewery in Dublin in fire
A fire at Dublin's famed Guinness brewery badly damaged a storage building Monday and left two firefighters hospitalized with respiratory problems, emergency officials said.
Carlsberg announces expansion plans
Brewing giant Carlsberg has revealed how it plans to expand its Northampton brewery, following the decision to close its Leeds site. The Danish firm announced in November last year that it planned to close its Leeds brewery and confirmed the decision earlier this month.
SABMiller to build $16m malting plant in Uganda
SABMiller's Ugandan subsidiary, Nile Breweries Ltd, is to build a malting plant on the back of a successful initiative to convert locally grown barley into brewing malt. Construction will start in January 2010 on Nile Breweries' existing site in Jinja, and is expected to be completed towards the end of the year.
Coors Light starts distribution in Trinidad & Tobago
Last Monday Molson Coors Brewing Co. announced that it will start selling its brand Coors Light in Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad & Tobago will be the tenth country within Carribean where Coors Light is sold.
Sapporo to enter Vietnam beer market
Japan's Sapporo Holdings said on Thursday it would enter the Vietnamese market by taking a 65 percent stake in a beer joint venture with Vietnam National Tobacco Corp to tap its fast-growing market. It marks the first major overseas expansion in three years by Sapporo, the smallest of Japan's four major brewers, as bigger rivals Kirin and Suntory have been aggressively snapping up overseas businesses to grow beyond a shrinking domestic market.
Carlsberg may invest $40 million in construction of new brewing plant in Ukraine
Danish beer giant Carlsberg is considering the possibility to construct a new plant in Ukraine in the Kharkiv region, according to general director of the Russian investment group "Melon" Sergei Pirozhnikov.
Asahi to rebrand as upscale beer in Cambodia
Asahi, one of Japan’s leading brewers, said it will raise its beer prices in Cambodia to match with its international market positioning. ASAHI Breweries Ltd plans to reposition its flagship beer brand in the Cambodian market as a premium quality beverage to take advantage of increasing domestic demand for premium beer.
Heineken’s CEO predicts consolidation of global beer market
Nearly a quarter of the beer market is expected to consolidate in the near future, according to CEO of Dutch brewing company Heineken Jean-Francois van Boxmeer. He also added that Heineken will also take part in that process.
Bulgaria Kamenitza, AB InBev Breweries Sale Completed
Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI.BT) announced on Wednesday it has completed the sale of its operations in Central Europe and the Balkans to private-equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The deal is valued at USD 2.23 B in cash, bonds and minority shares.
"SAPPORO Space Barley" Beer Is Launched Onto The Market
Sapporo Breweries Ltd. is launching sales of the world's first beer produced using malt made 100% from "space barley," the progenies of spaceflight barley seeds, This limited offer is exclusive to the Internet and proceeds will go to charity. Applications to purchase the beer, which is dubbed "SAPPORO Space Barley," can be made from December 3 (Thu), 2009 on the dedicated web page set up on our company's website. Two hundred and fifty successful customers will be selected from among the applicants by lottery.
Carlsberg cuts 4 brands in Germany
Carlsberg cuts 4 brands in Germany and aims to focus on the northern part of Germany. The Danish company will scrap Feldschloesschen, Grenzquell, Lüneburger and Moravia out of its 27 brands in Germany.
SABMiller looking to expand brand portfolio
SABMiller is considering expanding its range of UK brands by launching one of its 200 global premium beers in a bid to boost market share. The brewer said it is currently conducting research with retailers and consumers to assess which of its global beers could be successfully introduced in the UK.
Heineken invested 170 million euros in Russian beer plant
Heineken has invested more than 170 million euros in the expansion and modernization of its Russian "Volga" brewery plant located in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, local media reports. The production capacity of the plant has increased to more than 50 million decalitres of beer per year. The modernization has allowed Heineken to transfer to Nizhny Novgorod some of its premium beer brands, which previously were produced at the capacities of "Heineken Brewery" plant in St. Petersburg, such as “Heineken» and «Amstel».
Stella Artois launches online video series
Stella Artois, the InBev-owned lager, has launched an online TV show to promote its green credentials. The Recyclage de Luxe series will be broadcast from the Stella Artois YouTube page and follows the style of its recent advertising activity with a continental 1960s theme.
Molson Coors Launches M, the World's Only Microcarbonated(TM) Lager
Molson Coors launches Molson M, the world's only Microcarbonated(TM) lager beer. Created in Montreal, Molson M is a revolution in brewing. This one-of-a-kind beer is brewed using Molson Coors' innovative microcarbonization process. This revolutionary process, unique to Molson M, results in a genuine, premium quality lager with 4.9% alcohol/volume with a taste that goes down well!
Dolf Van den Brink (36) was announced as the new US CEO of Heineken. He is the third U.S. chief executive officer in about two years for Heineken.
Carlsberg finally launches female friendly Eve drink
Carlsberg’s female friendly drink Eve will get a full on-trade UK launch in April 2010, following successful trials in Manchester. Eve is a light, fruity, sparkling alcoholic drink that is low in alcohol and calories at just 3.1% abv and 123 calories per 250ml bottle. It comes in two flavours, passion fruit or lychee, and it is brewed in the same way as a lager.
Tsingtao Brewery to consolidate cooperation with Asahi Breweries
Tsingtao Brewery Co, China's second-largest beer brewer, and Japanese alcoholic beverage producer Asahi Breweries Ltd announced on a a news conference in Tokyo that they consolidate their cooperation. Tsingtao Brewery will share more than 50 production plants and its sales network to help Asahi Breweries promote its brand. Meanwhile, Tsingtao Brewery will be able to use Asahi Breweries' production facilities in China to improve its production efficiency.
Heineken UK unveils two biomass plants
Heineken UK launched a new biomass plants at Royal Brewery in Manchester. The beer and cider company has also installed a second plant at John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster. The investment in the two 4.7MW plants stands at around £35 million, which it claims makes it one of the largest single investments in renewable technology by a non-utility company in the UK.
SABMiller: First half year earnings increase higher than expected
SABMiller PLC posted a 6% rise in adjusted first-half earnings today and said that while tough trading conditions will continue in the second half of the year it should benefit from easing currency and cost pressures.
Philippines: San Miguel Brewery to put up new 20 million US$ bottling plant
San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), the flagship unit of diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp., is spending around 20 million US$ to put up a new bottling plant in line with an ongoing expansion program to further spur sales.
Heineken looking for a new ad agency
Scottish & Newcastle UK, owned by Heineken, is looking for a new advertising agency to launch its Strongbow Gold cider in international markets.
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV might spend U$7 billion to buy Corona
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world's largest beer brewer, has plans to buy Mexican beer Corona as the next takeover target in an attempt to repeat the formula to grow income through cost-containment in a stagnant market.
Asia Pacific Breweries Posts Record Profit of S$172.4 million
Compared with FY2008, attributable net profit after exceptional items (ANP) registered a record S$172.4 million, an increase of S$48.6 million or 39%, due to an improvement in attributable net profit before exceptional items (APBE) of 20% or S$26 million to S$158 million. Another factor that contributed to the higher ANP is an exceptional gain of S$14.4 million from a compensation fee derived from the termination of a business development project as well as the sale of Liquorland Limited, a chain of liquor retail stores in New Zealand. Excluding APB's share of an impairment charge#on Kingway Brewery Holdings Ltd (Kingway) recorded in FY2008, translation differences and gestation losses*, organic APBE increased 6%.
AB InBev Profit Growth Slows as U.S. & Russia Beer Sales Drop
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world’s largest brewer, reported slowing third-quarter profit growth after cost cuts failed to offset declining beer sales in markets from the U.S. to Europe.
Carlsberg Elephant Beer celebrates 50 years
November 2009 marks the anniversary of the Carlsberg Elephant Beer. Fifty years after its creation, Carlsberg Elephant is a true Carlsberg classic and some might even call it a design icon.
Heineken increases its beer volumes in UK
Heineken has reported its beer volumes are improving in the UK market and it has increased its market share in beer and cider to around 29%.
Tanzania Breweries Limited invests $62m in new plant
Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) has announced an expenditure of about US $62 million (Tsh 82 billion) for the construction of a modern facility which is set to boost production capacity by 22 percent. The construction of TBL's modern facility in Mbeya will make this Tanzania's fourth SAB Miller factory. SAB Miller is now ranked second among the largest beer producers in the world. Other plants owned by SAB Miller, a South African company, which are operated by its local subsidiary Tanzania Breweries Ltd, are located in the lake zones of Mwanza and Arusha. The main plant is located in Dar es Salaam.
GrainCorp raises $600m for malt purchase
GrainCorp has completed a $600 million capital raising to fund its purchase of the world's fourth largest malt manufacturer, United Malt Holdings. A book-build for retail clients finished on Thursday with new shares priced at $6.50 each.
MillerCoors notes a 37% higher profit
MillerCoors LLC Wednesday reported a 37 percent increase in third-quarter profit as the joint venture trimmed costs and grew revenue modestly.
Carlsberg buys rest of Vietnamese Hue Brewery
Danish brewer Carlsberg said on Wednesday it would buy the half of Vietnamese Hue Brewery that it does not already own to boost its position in the Vietnam beer market.
Carlsberg quarterly net profit up 22%
Danish beer maker Carlsberg said Wednesday that third-quarter net attributable profit rose to 1.49 billion Danish kroner ($295 million), from 1.2 billion kroner last year. Revenue declined to 16.4 billion kroner, from 18.4 billion kroner at the same point a year ago. Beer volumes increased by 6% to 88.9 million hectoliters.
Tsingtao net profit jumped 93 percent in the third quarter
Tsingtao Brewery, China's best known beer brand, said on Thursday its net profit jumped 93 percent in the third quarter, as barley costs remained soft and the country's beer consumption continued to recover. Analysts had been expecting Tsingtao, which competes with Heineken, Carlsberg, Kingway Brewery, and Snow Beer brands, to post strong growth in earnings due to the lower price for barley.
Obolon and Slavutich Carlsberg Group to resume beer exports to Belarus
The largest Ukrainian breweries Obolon and Slavutich Carlsberg Group will resume beer exports to Belarus, according to Ukrainian media. Currently both companies account for nearly 90% of the total Ukrainian beer exports to Belarus. All the, shipments were halted in the middle August due to problems with the Belarusian beer distributor"Aramis and K" Company.
Trouble is coming up for the Russian beer industry
Alcohol abuse has long been a chronic problem of Russian society. And the government has now decided to step up its campaign to tackle the issue by proposing to increase the excise duty on beer by a whopping 200 per cent next year, and by a further 10 per cent and 20 per cent in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
SABMiller spends $370m in Africa
This year SABMiller Plc is investing $370 million in Africa in its beer and bottled water business to tap into growth in the continent which has been less hit than other areas by the global downturn. Next year $200m will follow.
Scottish and Newcastle Extends RFID Beer Keg Tracking Solution
InteliTap Limited today announced that Scottish and Newcastle would be upgrading their existing keg tracking solution and enhancing its agreement with brewing supply chain experts InteliTap. The tracking and management offering has been constantly improved and evolved by InteliTap (intelitap.com) not only in technology terms, but also as regards the critical supply chain information for an entire industry that they have captured, analysed and applied successfully for nearly 8 years.
Kirin closes two production plants in Japan
Kirin Holdings Co., the Japanese brewer in talks to merge with Suntory Holdings Ltd., will end production at two domestic breweries as beer sales decline. The Tochigi and Hokuriku plants will close after the peak production period in 2010, Kirin said in a statement today.
Heineken still in talks to buy Femsa
Dutch brewer Heineken has held discussions to buy the brewing operations of Mexican conglomerate Femsa, the Financial Times reported.
Carlsberg to launch new beer brand in Bulgaria
Carlsberg Bulgaria has officially introduced its new branded dark beer called "Shumensky Тemno”. The product will appear in the local market in early November in PET bottles with 0,5 and 2 litres volume. The new drink, according to the company, will be positioned for the middle-price segment of the market. At the same the company will suspend the production of another drink of the same line "Shumensky Cherveno" due to the low demand for the product.
Chinese private equity Giant Buys into Tsingtao Brewery
A securities investment allocation trust established by China Resources SZITIC Trust Co., Ltd. on September 2 recently bought into Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., according to the largest Chinese beer maker. Ended October 12, the trust, one of the largest private equities (PEs) in China, had held 8.09 million shares in Tsingtao Brewery, ranking the seventh among all the tradable share holders of the brewer.
SABMiller sales went down in first half of 2009
SABMiller has reported that lager volumes for the first six months ended September 30, 2009, on an organic basis, declined by 1% compared to the prior year, while soft drinks volumes were 1% ahead.
SABMiller's a-brewing in Mexico
Brewing giant SABMiller is in talks with the family shareholders of Femsa Cerveza about an equity stake in an enlarged group, a move that would give it a strong lead in the race for the Mexican brewer.
Anheuser-Busch InBev to sell central European
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV (ABI) has signed a definitive agreement to sell its central European operations to CVC Capital Partners Group SICAV-FIS S.A., a UK-based private equity firm, for an enterprise value of approximately $2,231 million and additional rights to a future payment estimated to be as much as $800 million contingent on CVC's return on its initial investment.
Anheuser-Busch Inbev, PepsiCo To Make Joint Purchases In US
Beer maker Anheuser-Busch Inbev NV and food and beverage company PepsiCo Inc. agreed to jointly purchase goods and services for their U.S. operations to get more competitive prices.
The purchases may include information-technology hardware, office supplies, travel services, transportation, and maintenance, repair and operating supplies.
Tsingtao Reports Strong Jump In Profit
Tsingtao Brewery, China's largest beer maker, has said its net profit for the January-September period rose an estimated 75-85% year-on-year, based on Chinese accounting standards, without giving any specific figures.
Carlsberg commits to cask with new Christmas beer
Carlsberg UK is claiming that its launch of a special edition Christmas cask beer signals its long-term commitment to the cask version of Tetley’s. Tetley’s Northern Cracker is now available to the on-trade nationally.
Carlsberg gets cracking on fifth India brewery
It’s the Nordic leap of faith in India’s beer story. Carlsberg has started work on its fifth brewery in the country, signalling the
fastest ramp-up by any international brewer in the local market. The $20-million plus brewery will come up in Andhra Pradesh with monthly capacity of half-a-million cases.
Anheuser-Busch InBev to sell parks for up to $2.7 billion
Anheuser-Busch InBev said Wednesday that it plans to sell its 10 amusement parks to The Blackstone Group, the world’s largest private-equity firm, for up to $2.7 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire Anheuser-Busch InBev's subsidiary, Busch Entertainment Corp., the second-largest entertainment park operator in the United States with 25 million annual visitors. Wednesday's announcement caps weeks of speculation about Blackstone buying the brewer's theme parks.
GrainCorp Buys United Malt For $655M
GrainCorp will acquire United Malt Holdings (UMH) of the U.S. for $655 million, Financial Times reports. The Australian grain storage and handling group purchased the world’s fourth largest commercial malt producer from buy-out firms, Champ Private Equity and Castle Harlan.
Anheuser-Busch introduces wheat beer US-wide
Anheuser-Busch rolled out Bud Light Golden Wheat US-wide Monday in an effort to tap into the surge in popularity of sweeter beers and wheat beers from craft brewers. Bud Light Golden Wheat marks the third brand extension under the Bud Light name following launches of Bud Light Chelada and Bud Light Lime in 2008.
Carlsberg eyes bigger slice of smaller Russian market
Danish brewer Carlsberg could grow its Russian beer market share if a tax increase proposed by the Russian government takes effect, but the overall Russian beer market would shrink, Carlsberg's chief executive said. 'This would be bad for the total market but we should be able to take market share,' CEO Jorgen Rasmussen told Reuters by telephone.
Radeberger buys 70 percent stake in Bionade
Radeberger, Germany's largest privately owned brewery group, has bought a 70 percent stake in German organic soda drink maker Bionade for an undisclosed sum, setting the stage for a move into international markets.
Femsa in talks with SAB and Heineken over unit
Femsa, the Latin American beverage group, is in talks to sell its beer business to either SABMiller or Heineken as it looks to shed brands such as Dos Equis and Sol and focus instead on its Coca-Cola operations. The Mexican company hired Rothschild, the investment bank, months ago to consider its options for the beer unit, and the families that control Femsa appear more willing to entertain a sale of the business than they have in the past, say people close to the matter.
Ball pays $577 million for 4 Anheuser Busch plants
Plastic and metal packaging company Ball Corp. has completed its acquisition of four Anheuser-Busch InBev plants for $577 million, the two companies said Thursday.
Coors Light taps into Costa Rica
Coors Light is on its way to Costa Rica. The Golden, Colorado-based beer with the slogan “Tap the Rockies” has officially tapped into the Costa Rican beer market, the U.S. company said last week. Molson Coors Brewing Company announced that it is teaming with distributor Agencias Feduro, based in San José, and will begin to sell the “silver bullet,” a nickname for the silver Coors Light can, in upcoming weeks.
Lion Nathan announces new National Foods MD
The Managing Director of Lion Nathan Australia, Andrew Reeves, is set to take the position of MD of dairy and juice group National Foods. Last week Ashley Waugh, the current Managing Director of National Foods, announced his intention to move on from the firm.
Great Western Malting taps into craft beer market
Great Western Malting Co. is brewing up a business expansion at the Port of Vancouver. After searching for production sites from Salem, Ore. to Ridgefield, the beer malt company settled on space at the port for a third location for Country Malt, a subsidiary that supplies craft brewers from similar facilities in New York and Chicago.
Inbev Romania idles production of Blaj plant
As of October 1, the activity of the brewer’s bottling plant in Blaj will be suspended by the end of March 2010. The 110 workers of the plant, mainly those in production, will take temporary layoff. The plant has a headcount of almost 200.
Vietnam: Carlsberg to raise stake in Habeco
Denmark-based brewery Carlsberg is planning to increase its stake in domestic company Ha Noi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Co (Habeco) from 16 per cent to 30 per cent.
World's largest beer festival Oktoberfest begins in Germany
Germany's 176th Oktoberfest is underway, with six-million visitors from around the world, expected at the 16-day beer festival. Today Oktoberfest opened its doors. It will take place in Munich until the October 4.
Lion investors approve Kirin buyout
IT was last drinks for Lion Nathan yesterday as shareholders overwhelmingly approved a a $3.5 billion buyout by the biggest stakeholder, Japanese brewing giant Kirin. Lion Nathan will be merged with Kirin's Australian dairy products, food and juice business, National Foods, and become a $7.5bn arm of Kirin, known as Lion Nathan National Foods, under Lion chief Rob Murray.
Suntory shows interest for Orangina
Japan's third-biggest brewer Suntory is in talks about buying the Orangina soft drinks business from its private equity owners, Blackstone and Lion Capital.
Carlsberg and The FA agree new sponsorship deal
Brewer Carlsbery UK and The Football Association have agreed a four-year extension to their sponsorship deal, which will take the partnership to 19 years.
SABMiller got a brewing licence for Namibia
It took 10 years for SABMiller to get the licence to brew beer in Namibia. Now SABMiller can compete with Diageo.
BEST Special malts from BESTMALZ / New malt roasting house
Individually brewed beers reflect the individuality of breweries and the diversity of beer. Many beer specialities increasingly use special malts. As a result of this trend we have decided to build a malt roasting house in addition to the new logistics centre. The new plant will be used to produce many different special malts in small and large batches. Caramel and roasted malts in particular can be produced and supplied with a colour spectrum ranging from 7 to 1,500 EBC (3 to 550 Lovibond) in line with specific customer wishes.
U.S.: More breweries than any other country
The Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, reports that the U.S. now boasts 1,525 breweries. 30 years ago there were less than 100 breweries registered in the United States.
San Miguel: Five-fold net profit jump on asset sales
The Philippines' San Miguel Corp said on Tuesday its net income surged five-fold in the second quarter from a year ago, boosted mainly by the sale of a more than 43-percent stake in its flagship brewery arm.
AB InBev sells Scotland's Tennent's lager to C&C
Anheuser-Busch InBev will sell its Scottish and Irish Tennent's Lager units to Ireland's C&C group plc for 180 million pounds (US$292 million).
Bud drinkers to create Chinese New Year ad
Anheuser-Busch InBev has invited consumers to pitch ideas for a Bud TV spot that will run during the Chinese New Year in February 2010, Advertising Age reported Wednesday.
Anheuser-Busch Plans to Raise Most U.S. Beer Prices
Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the world’s largest brewer, plans to raise prices for most of its U.S. beer to blunt higher costs. The plan has met with “general acceptance” from retailers, Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Budweiser beer, said today in an e-mailed statement. It confirmed an earlier report by the Wall Street Journal.
Grolsch takes off onboard British Airways
Passengers flying with British Airways will be able to enjoy Grolsch while they travel, following a deal to serve the Dutch lager onboard BA aircraft. The three-year distribution and marketing deal will also see SABMiller-owned Grolsch listed in BA’s premium lounges, including the new state-of-the-art facilities in London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Heineken profit up 20 per cent in first half of 2009
Dutch brewer Heineken NV reported a 20 per cent increase in net profit for the first half of 2009 after booking a one-time gain on the repurchase of distressed debt at one of its subsidiaries. The net profit was US$700 million.
Foster’s anounces 2nd-Half Profit on Beer
Foster’s Group Ltd., Australia’s biggest brewer, turned to profit in the second half after winning sales on new beers and making smaller writedowns.
Carlsberg picks Manchester to trial Eve in £500k push
The discerning female imbibers of Greater Manchester have been chosen as the (no doubt willing) guinea pigs for a new product test by drinks giant Carlsberg. The firm is looking to use the city area as a test bed for its Eve alcoholic drink - a low calorie beverage in either passion fruit or lychee flavour.
Suntory to launch Japan’s third non-alcoholic beer
Japan’s Suntory Liquors Ltd, a subsidiary of Suntory Ltd, has announced the upcoming late September launch of a non-alcoholic drink that will taste similar to its existing Suntory Fine Zero beer.
Craft breweries going strong in slow economy
Despite the ongoing recession, people are still willing to invest in craft beer as indicated by a new report released by the Brewers association, and local craft breweries are no exception.
Anheuser-Busch InBev makes rises more than 10%
Anheuser-Busch InBev on Wednesday said second quarter profit rose 13 percent to $1.1 billion, helped by sales of stakes in brewing companies, but cautioned that the recession was flattening beer consumption in key markets worldwide.
Global beer production rises 1.2%
Brewers in major countries produced 181.10 million kiloliters of beer in 2008, up 1.2% from the previous year and an all-time high, Kirin Holdings Co said Tuesday. China retained its position as the world’s largest beer producer for the seventh straight year, with its output topping 40 million kl for the first time at 41.03 million kl, up 5.5%. The United States and Russia came second and third, respectively, with 23.01 million kl and 11.40 million kl.
Anheuser-Busch plans big launch for Bud Light Golden Wheat
It appears that Anheuser-Busch is planning a large launch for the latest spin-off of Bud Light. Teasers for the new brand will break over Labor Day weekend, A-B president Dave Peacock wrote in a memo to wholesalers and salespeople. A-B has lined up major media properties. The music segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live will be owned by Bud Light Golden Wheat, and Anheuser-Busch will be “exploring other impactful ideas to seed the brand with consumers,” Peacock wrote.
SABMiller Invests $100 Million in Zambian Unit
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- largest brewer, will double production capacity at its Zambian operations by the end of 2009 after spending $100 million over two years refurbishing its plants in the country.
Carlsberg to end sponsorship deal with Liverpool
After more than a decade of support, Carlsberg may be ready to abandon its sponsorship deal with English Liverpool.
Kirin Group Plans To Merge Lion Nathan With Its National Foods Dairy Business
Japan-based Lion Nathan, a brewer company, would transform into one of Australia’s food and beverage groups, succeeding the takeover by Kirin Group. Kirin Group's Australian operations would be renamed Lion Nathan National Foods, provided shareholders of brewer Lion Nathan accept their takeover proposal.
Tsingtao’s First-Half Net Rises 68% as Costs Fall
Tsingtao Brewery Co., China’s second- biggest beer maker by volume, said first-half profit rose 68 percent as the declining price of barley cut manufacturing costs.
Carlsberg Profit Rises 37% on Bigger Cost-Cuts After S&N Deal
Carlsberg A/S, the Danish brewer of Tuborg and Baltika beer, rose in Copenhagen trading after beating analysts’ profit estimates on higher beer prices and improved profitability in Russia, its biggest market.
Molson Coors 2Q Profit More Than Doubles
MillerCoors, the venture between SABMiller and Molson Coors that sells Miller and Coors in the U.S., said its second-quarter profit rose to $304.9 million from $174.6 million, helped by fewer charges and a year-earlier loss on the sale of a company-owned distributorship.
Russia: SABMiller beer sales fall 9 percent
Brewing giant SABMiller saw sales of its beer in Russia fall 9% by volume in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008, the company said in a press release.
Is Coca-Cola buying Germany's Bionade
US soft drink giant Coca-Cola is eyeing a takeover of the pioneering German healthy soft drink label Bionade, according to a report in Handelsblatt on Friday.
Asahi Breweries Profit Rises 17%
Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan’s top- selling beermaker, said first-half profit rose 17 percent, helped by the sale of a stake in a Chinese beverage venture. Net income was 22.1 billion yen ($232 million) for the six months ended June 30 from 18.9 billion yen a year earlier, the company said in a statement today. Sales gained 0.6 percent to 670 billion yen.
Carlsberg Malaysia To Buy Singapore Ops
Carlsberg Malaysia has announced that it has offered to buy the Carlsberg Singapore unit, in a deal worth 370m ringgit ($105.5m) in cash. The company said it expects to complete the purchase by 1 November.
Austrua: Ottakringer and Vöslauer to unite
Beer maker Ottakringer Brauerei AG and mineral water producer Vöslauer AG are to merge, the family brewery chief Sigi Menz announced.
Warsteiner Reinforces Brand Strategy with New Product Design
Warsteiner, the core brand of the Warsteiner Group, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated debut of its new product designs, available on the complete Warsteiner product line including bottle labels, cans and packaging materials, beginning this August.
SAB Miller aiming for beer with longer shelf life
Producing beer with a longer shelf life is one of the possibilities that will be investigated at a £2m research facility commissioned by SAB Miller. Announcing that a pilot brewery will be built within Nottingham University’s School of Biosciences, SAB Miller this week claimed the project would allow the global brewer to “push the boundaries of conventional brewing technology”.
MillerCoors Tests a Draft-Beer Box for the Fridge
MillerCoors LLC has begun testing the sale of $20 draft-beer systems for consumers to drink at home, part of a string of new products and package innovation from beer giants grappling for market share in a crowded, slow-growing industry.
German beer consumption declines by approx. 5%
The Veltins company said it believed German beer consumption declined more than 5 per cent in annual terms in the first half of the year, with higher-priced brands like its own worst affected. Michael Weiss, vice president of the Federation of German Brewers, said it was the worst decline in the industry's modern history. The Czech Republic overtook Germany in per-capita beer consumption years ago.
AB Inbev units draw just one bid
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has received only one bid for its central and eastern European operations from CVC Capital Partners, the private equity group, throwing the auction into doubt. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and TPG, the US private equity groups, had expressed interest in the assets, which include 11 breweries in Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.
SABMiller announces target to reduce emissions by 50%
SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers, announced that by 2020 it will reduce fossil fuel emissions from its beers by 50 percent per liter of beer produced.
MillerCoors Recycles 98% of All Brewery Waste
Moving towards zero waste operations, MillerCoors has reused or recycled 98 percent of all brewery waste, including glass, paperboard, plastics, metals and byproducts, according to its 2009 Sustainable Development Report.
SABMiller invest $125m to build new Angolan plant
SABMiller planned to invest $125 million (R1bn) in a new brewery and soft-drink factory in Angola, the brewer said on Friday. The facility would produce 500 000 hectolitres of beer and 200 000 hectolitres of soft drinks annually, said Samuel Jeronimo, the manager of the company's Angolan unit.
First Namibian microbrewery opens
In its dire quest to meet diverse tastes of the ever-budding beer consumers in Namibia, a first microbrewery that caters for unique individual tastes, slid its doors open in Windhoek last week Wednesday.
SABMiller Cuts Growth Targets For The European Beer Volume
SABMiller Plc, the world’s second- biggest brewer, cut its forecast for European sales growth. European beer sales by volume will increase 2 to 4 percent in the years through 2013, less than a previous forecast of 4 to 6 percent growth, SABMiller executives said today at an investor briefing in London, where the brewer is based.
KKR sells stake in Korean Oriental Brewery to Affinity
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co KKR.UL has reached a deal to sell half of the equity in Korean Oriental Brewery, which it agreed to buy for $1.8 billion, to Affinity Equity Partners.
Heineken announces Stefan Orlowski to lead UK business
In his new role, Stefan will report to Didier Debrosse, Regional President, Western Europe, and will join the Western Europe management team.
SAB Miller Targets 25% Reduction in Water Used in Brewing
By 2015, SAB Miller, which markets more than 200 brands of beer and is the world’s largest bottler of Coca-Cola products, hopes to reduce by 25 percent the amount of water used to brew each hectoliter of beer.
Sapporo Breweries to launch Yebisu Stout Creamy Top
Sapporo Breweries has announced that it will launch a new variety of stout next month, following the loss of its exclusive distribution rights for Guinness.
Carlsberg sells Braunschweig Brewery in Germany to Oettinger Brauerei
Carlsberg Deutschland has announced the sale of the brewery in Braunschweig to Oettinger Brauerei GmbH effective as of 1 August 2009. Oettinger acquires the brewery with all production employees (approximately 150), all related assets as well as a number of discount and private label brands.
MillerCoors opens its $21.8M headquarters in Chicago
MillerCoors LLC officially opened its headquarters in Chicago Friday in a project estimated by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's office to cost $21.8 million. The new headquarters, at 250 S. Wacker Drive, for the joint venture that combines Milwaukee's Miller Brewing Co. and Colorado's Coors Brewing Co. will bring 325 jobs to Chicago, according to a Daley press release.
MillerCoors scores 98% recycling rate
MillerCoors re-used or recycled 98 percent of all brewery waste — including glass, plastics and byproducts — according to a 2008 sustainability report the brewing company released Monday.
ABB Grain Ltd is expanding in Australia
ABB Grain Ltd will start work next month on a new malt house and grains packing facility in Sydney's outer western suburbs. The grain packing facility is scheduled for completion in July next year and the malt house will start receiving barley for malting in the first quarter of 2011.
SABMiller will reduce fossil fuel emissions from its beers by 50% per litre of beer produced by 2020, it said on Friday.
Kirin Completes Sale Of Pernod Ricard For EUR 378m
Le Delos InvestIII, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Societe Paul Ricard, buys Kirin stake in Pernod Ricard. The 3.74% stake has a value of approximately EUR378m.
Heineken in Talks for a South African maltery
Heineken NV, the world's third-largest brewer, is in talks with South African investors who will build a barley-malting facility at its new brewery in South Africa and a deal is expected soon, a company official said on Tuesday.
Heineken In Talks To Merge Two Czech Subsidiaries
Heineken has announced plans to merge its local Kralovsky Pivovar Krusovice brewery with beverage group Drinks Union. According to local reports, citing Jiri Danek, head of Heineken's Czech business, the merger is expected to be completed in the first half of 2010 at the latest.
Efes Brewery will increase its Capital in Russia
Efes Breweries International N.V. announced that the General Shareholders' Meeting of Moscow Efes Brewery, EBI's operating subsidiary in Russia, resolved to increase MEB's share capital through issuance of additional shares of up to 455,729,167.00, amounting to USD 200,000,000.
Kirin gets FIRB approval for Lion Nathan takeover
Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings has received the all clear from the Foreign Investment Review Board for their takeover of Australia’s second largest brewer - Lion Nathan.
Australia: New malting plant to sate Asian beer mania
Australia's largest maltster, Joe White Maltings, expects to start construction of a new barley malting plant at Minto in southern-western Sydney by the end of June to service the rapidly expanding Asian market for beer. The plant should be completed by February 2011 and will process 110,000 tonnes of malting barley a year to lift Joe White's total capacity thoughout Australia to 610,000 tonnes, with about 500,000t of that exported.
Heineken plans to malt barley in South Africa
Heineken was in talks to build a barley malting plant at its new local brewery in South Africa and a deal was expected soon, a company official said yesterday. Peralt van der Merwe, the director for business and legal affairs, said Heineken was negotiating with "a major corporation" to build the facility.
Brewer Inbev looking for Borsodi Buyer
The Belgo-Brazilian beer company Inbev, a unit of global beverage giant Anheuser-Busch Inbev, is seeking to sell its 11 breweries in central and eastern Europe, including the Borsod Brewery in Bocs (NE Hungary), the daily Nepszabadsag reported on Monday.
Heineken to close two Czech breweries
Heineken NV, the world's third-largest brewer, said on Monday it would close two breweries in the Czech Republic.
London-based brewer SABMiller expected four plants that it planned to open in Africa to bring in more profit than its other 10 around the world because the continent was least affected by the international financial meltdown, Graham McKay, the chief executive, said last week.
Asahi Breweries to Consolidate Presence via Tsingtao Brewery
Asahi Breweries Ltd. China representative tells journalists on June 11, 2009 that the company presently does not consider adding or reducing holding in Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, a leading brewer in China.
Anheuser-Busch to launch Bud Light Golden Wheat
Anheuser-Busch is launching a wheat version of Bud Light this fall as it looks to keep growing the momentum of its best-selling brand by tapping into the growing wheat segment.
Heineken names new S&N UK boss
Heineken has appointed Stefan Orlowski, currently the brewer’s group commerce director, as managing director of Scottish and Newcastle UK.
Carlsberg Completes Sale Of Arendal Brewery
Carlsberg Group’s company in Norway, Ringnes has finalised an agreement to sell the brewery in Arendal to a group of local investors. Ringnes will reportedly keep a 20% share in the company.
Russia to export brewing barley
Russia has all opportunities to completely meet the domestic demand and become the exporter of brewing barley, declared Daniel Briman, the council chief of the Union of Russian brewers, on June 7. According to him, the decrease of the sowing areas in Europe, the growth of consumption markets in China, India and the South-East Asia are the main backgrounds for such situation.
Tsingtao Brewery to buy Jinan Beer for RMB 250 mln
Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd plans to purchase Jinan Beer Group for RMB 250 million, sources reported, citing an insider close to the situation as saying.
Paulaner HP USA Acquires Distribution Rights to Paulaner® and Hacker-Pschorr®
Paulaner Brauerei GmbH & Co KG, Munich, Germany, is pleased to announce its formation of a new U.S. importer. After an exhaustive review of many prestigious U.S. beer importers, Paulaner has decided to import its beers once again through a subsidiary company to be known as PAULANER HP USA. Until 2003, Paulaner had been servicing the U.S. market through its wholly owned subsidiary.
Molson Coors names new CEO of Molson in Canada
Dave Perkins, 55 is the new president and chief executive officer of Molson Canada.
Carlsberg, the Danish brewer, intends to expand in Asia to help reduce its exposure to a volatile Russian beer market, its chief executive said in an interview with the Financial Times on Wednesday.
SABMiller plans cheap beer for Africa
SABMiller, the parent company of Uganda’s Nile Breweries in Jinja is embarking on a strategy to make beer more affordable.
MillerCoors to burst Bud’s bubble
MillerCoors, SABMiller’s US joint venture, is hoping to take advantage of the economic slump with an offensive on rival Anheuser-Busch InBev, the US’s leading brewer.
Carlsberg Malawi Limited (CML) which is under the Bottling Brewing Group Limited (BBGL) on Wednesday introduced a super premium brand, Carlsberg Chill. Carlsberg Chill joins Turbog beer in the super premium segment among the imported brands of Carlsberg.
Kirin Holdings acquires 43.24% stake in San Miguel Brewery
Kirin Holdings Company Limited, a Japan-based producer of alcoholic beverages, has acquired 4,479.62 million shares in San Miguel Brewery, Inc., a producer of beer, from San Miguel Corporation, a food, beverage, and packaging company.
Russian second largest brewery opens new plant in Siberia
Russia's second largest beer producer, SUN InBev, has opened a brewery near the Siberian city of Irkutsk, a company spokesman told RIA Novosti.
Carlsberg: Aldaris is one of the key breweries of the group in Europe
Carlsberg Group brewing company wishes to consolidate its position on the Latvian market, as Carlsberg Group Vice-President Esko Pajunen said during a visit to Latvia yesterday.
SABMiller aiming for 100% stake in Kompania Piwowarska
SABMiller, the second largest global beer producer, intends to acquire a stake of around 30% in Kompania Piwowarska, the largest brewer in Poland, from Jan Kulczyk, the well-known Polish investor. In turn, Mr Kulczyk will receive 3.8% of SABMiller shares, worth around $1.1bn. As a result of the transaction, SABMiller will become the sole owner of the Kompania Piwowarska group, which owns popular brands such as Tyskie, Zubr and Lech.
Anheuser-Busch foundation gives $3 million to Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University has announced a $3 million gift from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation -- the largest donation to date for a $35 million expansion of SLU's School of Law and the largest-ever individual gift to SLU from A-B in its corporate history.
BEST information on processing barley malt crop 2010
There have been sporadic reports in recent weeks of difficulties in processing barley malt crop 2010. On the one hand these involve the degree of cloudiness of worts and beers, and on the other hand difficulties during clarification and saccharification of the worts concerned.
For this reason we have compiled the following information:
BEST Special malts from BESTMALZ / New malt roasting house
Individually brewed beers reflect the individuality of breweries and the diversity of beer. Many beer specialities increasingly use special malts. As a result of this trend we have decided to build a malt roasting house in addition to the new logistics centre. The new plant will be used to produce many different special malts in small and large batches. Caramel and roasted malts in particular can be produced and supplied with a colour spectrum ranging from 7 to 1,500 EBC (3 to 550 Lovibond) in line with specific customer wishes.
Confirmation of the Regulations (EC) 1829/2003 and 1830/2003
No genetically modified raw materials at BESTMALZ
[overview]
Heineken Serenades on Valentine's Day
03.02.12 - Heineken is helping ignite romance this Valentine's Day with the launch of a fun new Facebook application called "The Serenade". Based on the brand's second global film "The Date," the new app enables Heineken consumers to send humorous personalized songs to potential partners, inviting them on a date. Available in twenty languages, "The Serenade" is designed to put love in the air and smiles on faces around the world. Millions of adult consumers across the globe will be able to participate and create their own Serenade songs via Heineken's Facebook page. [more]
Carlsberg UK rolls out San Miguel Fresca
01.02.12 - Carlsberg UK is rolling out its first brand extension to San Miguel in a bid to compete with summer-time lager brands such as Sol, Corona and Brahma. The new sub-brand, San Miguel Fresca, is described by Carlsberg as a "refreshing, crisp sunshine lager, best served chilled with a wedge of lime". "Fresca" is a word often used in Spain to describe a thirst-quenching, chilled drink. The product, which has an ABV of 4.4%, will be available to the on and off-trade from next month. [more]
Grainexx Market Report 05/2012
31.01.12 - At the World Economic Forum in Davos Germany once again got numerous criticism of the handling of the EU crisis. It occurred the impression of a cry for help for a financial
savor of the EU but Mrs Merkel seems to be here remarkably unimpressed. Equally unimpressed is the market by the latest downgrade of the rating agency Fitch for Slovenia, Belgium, Cypres and the major player Spain and Italy.
European banks stop the payments and the export financing of shipments to Iran resulting in 10 cargoes with grain/oilseeds, which are unable to discharge and are not yet paid.
The EU and the US are stopping for several months the oil imports from Iran. This was countered with the threat of an export ban for 15 years, this pushed the oil prices. [more]
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