Asahi
Asahi Launches Calpis Water In China With KSFB
Asahi Group Holdings signed a franchise agreement with China’s KSF Beverage Holdings to launch Calpis Water in mainland China by May 2025, marking Calpis’s debut in the Chinese market. Asahi will oversee product development, branding and marketing, while KSFB manages manufacturing, distribution and sales. The partnership aligns with Asahi’s strategy to grow internationally and focus on non-alcoholic beverages. With China’s soft drink market valued at $151.5 billion in 2022 and driven by a growing middle class, both companies aim to tap into this expanding market. Asahi also plans to broaden the Calpis lineup in China, fostering mutual growth and long-term value through this strategic alliance.
Brands
Lucozade Launches Ice Kick With Jude Bellingham
Lucozade Sport launched Ice Kick in collaboration with England and Real Madrid soccer star Jude Bellingham. It features a citrus blend with Bellingham’s goal celebration shown on the bottle. Developed with Bellingham’s input, the drink provides carbohydrates and electrolytes to hydrate and fuel during and after exercise. The launch was revealed through a social-first campaign. Available only at Sainsbury’s at launch, Ice Kick will roll out to other retailers soon.
Britvic
Lipton Enters Kombucha Market With Bold New Flavours
Lipton launched its first kombucha range in the UK, marking a bold move into the fast-growing category. The new Lipton Kombucha comes in three flavors—Strawberry Mint, Raspberry and Mango Passionfruit—blending fermented tea, natural fruit and tiny bubbles for a low-sugar, low-calorie drink. With the kombucha market growing 39% since COVID and now valued at £33 million, Lipton aims to attract both new and seasoned kombucha drinkers. Available in 250ml cans and multipacks, the product targets both on-the-go and at-home consumption. The launch is supported by the “Kombucha-cha-cha” campaign.
J2O Launches Limited-Edition Dragonberry For Summer
J2O launches a limited-edition Dragonberry flavour for summer 2025. Blending blackberry and dragon fruit, J2O Dragonberry is available in major UK retailers through September. The bold flavor and vibrant packaging aim to attract Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, 90% of whom favor seasonal products. As dragon fruit gains popularity, J2O helps retailers tap into trending tastes while boosting sales. The brand, already recognized by over 87% of shoppers, has grown £2 million in RSV during 2024.
Carlsberg
1664 Launches Alcohol-Free Bière 0.0% In UK
Carlsberg Britvic launches 1664 Bière 0.0% in UK retail this April, following a successful on-trade debut. This alcohol-free beer delivers the same rich, balanced taste as the original, making it suitable for any occasion. Available in 6x330ml sleek cans at major retailers like ASDA, Tesco and Waitrose, it joins a growing portfolio of low & no alcohol options. A multimillion-pound marketing campaign will support the launch across TV, digital and outdoor platforms.
Companies
Finnish Breweries Hit By Strikes Over Work Conditions
Nearly 1,000 workers at Finnish breweries owned by Royal Unibrew, Carlsberg and Olvi are striking in response to disputes over work conditions and pay. Employees at Hartwall’s Lahti brewery, Carlsberg’s Sinebrychoff site, and Olvi’s Iisalmi brewery began walkouts on March 23, with strikes lasting until March 28. The workers oppose the introduction of ten-hour shifts, the use of unlimited temporary labor and extended working hours without overtime compensation. While the companies have prepared for the disruption, operations will be partially affected, though no major product shortages are expected.
Asahi Expands US Presence Amid Tariff Concerns
Asahi Group Holdings is expanding its US operations to reduce exposure to potential tariffs under President Trump’s trade policy. It’s investing $35 million to produce its flagship Asahi Super Dry beer at a Wisconsin plant, with production starting soon. CEO Atsushi Katsuki said tariff threats, especially on European goods, influenced this shift. Previously imported from Italy, the beer may now be made locally to avoid tariff impacts. Asahi also aims to grow its US market share, which lags behind other regions.
Japanese Companies Brace For US Tariff Threat
Japanese firms, including Suntory, are taking proactive steps in response to potential US tariffs. As President Trump hints at targeting Japan, companies are shifting production, stockpiling inventory in the US and reevaluating supply chains to mitigate risks. Suntory said it shipped tequila from its Mexican brands to the US before 25% tariffs were imposed on Mexico and Canada. It’s also considering shifting sales of Scotch whiskies from the US to Europe, and selling more American whiskey in the US market. Ongoing trade tensions have led to increased demand for tariff expertise, with Japanese companies seeking professionals to navigate the changing landscape. Despite the uncertainties, Japan’s trade minister is expected to seek tariff exemptions during an upcoming visit to Washington.
Lotte
Lotte Chilsung Faces Profit Decline Amid Economic Challenges
At Lotte Chilsung Beverage's 58th Annual General Meeting, CEO Park Yoon-ki revealed the company’s mixed financial performance for 2024. While sales surged by 24.8% to 4.25 trillion won, profitability declined sharply. Operating profits fell by 12.2%; net profits dropped 64%. Park attributed these challenges to global geopolitical risks, high interest rates, inflation and rising business costs. Despite these setbacks, the company remains focused on investing in brand strength, future opportunities and expanding internationally.
LOTTE Launches Kiwi-Flavored Saero Dare Soju
LOTTE Chilsung Beverage will launch its new soju product, Saero Dare, in April. This innovation blends domestic kiwi juice with Saero to reduce the bitterness of traditional soju, offering a sweet and tangy flavor with a light green color. The alcohol content remains at 12 degrees, similar to Saero Apricot. The product label features a fruit tree and "Saero Gumi" to maintain continuity with the Saero series. Emphasizing Korean characteristics, Saero Dare sets itself apart from other fruit-flavored alcoholic drinks. Before its official release, customers can sample it at the "Saero Dowon" pop-up store in Apgujeong Rodeo, starting in late March.
RJ Corp
VBL’s SBC Beverages Acquisitions In Holding Pattern
Varun Beverages Limited provided an update on its proposed acquisitions of SBC Beverages Ghana Limited and SBC Tanzania Limited. The long stop date for both deals has passed, but certain conditions remain incomplete. VBL entered into Share Purchase Agreements with Ghana Bottling Company Limited and Tanzania Bottling Company SA to acquire 100% equity in the respective companies. However, regulatory approvals, including clearances from PepsiCo Inc., are still pending. As of March 31, 2025, no formal extension has been signed for the agreements, placing the transactions in a temporary holding pattern. VBL has promised to provide updates on any further developments.
Suntory
Suntory PepsiCo Thailand Outlines 2025 Growth Strategy
Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) aims for continued growth with its "Must Win" strategy, targeting the Thai market. It achieved an 8.2% annual growth rate from 2018 to 2024, exceeding the sector's average. To expand, SPT will invest in new product launches, including low-sugar beverages, and strengthen its supply chain and marketing efforts. Sustainability is a priority, with commitments to reduce water use and increase recycled PET bottle adoption. Additionally, the company plans to focus on carbonated drinks, ready-to-drink teas and energy drinks. By 2030, it aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and achieve 100% rPET usage in half of its total production.
Suntory Boosts Investment And Expansion In Asia-Pacific
Suntory Beverage & Food plans to expand its production capacity in Thailand and Vietnam, targeting growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Between 2024 and 2026, SBF will invest approximately US$2 billion, with 40% allocated to the Asia-Pacific markets. It’s constructing a new factory in Vietnam and adding two production lines in Thailand. Despite challenges like a stagnant economy in Thailand, SBF aims to drive growth through product innovation and marketing. SBF expects a 9% annual growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region from 2023 to 2026, exceeding industry forecasts. Additionally, SBF will introduce ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages to Oceania in the future.
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