Asahi
Sub Zero Alcoholic Cola Relaunches For Gen Z And Nostalgic Fans
Carlton & United Breweries in Australia revived the iconic 1990s drink, Sub Zero, with a modern twist. Now available as Australia’s first zero sugar cola and vodka premix, the new version combines zero sugar cola with five-times distilled vodka. Aimed at Gen Z, the 4.5% ABV drink appeals to those seeking a sugar-free, easy-drinking option, while also drawing in fans of the original. Ben Haysman, Sub Zero's marketing manager, highlighted its role as a pioneer in Australia's ready-to-drink market. Alongside this launch, CUB is also reintroducing Foster’s Classic lager in Australia. Sub Zero is available nationwide in stores, pubs and clubs.
Asahi Shokusai Launches In Korea With Kwon Nara As Ambassador
Lotte Asahi Liquor launched Asahi Shokusai, a premium beer, in South Korea, following a successful limited release earlier this year. Actress Kwon Nara serves as the brand ambassador. Asahi Shokusai, with its unique full-aperture lid, blends five types of hops, including the French Aramis variety. The 5.5% ABV beer in 340ml cans offers a complex taste and an instant foam on opening, for an experience like draft beer. It earned the Grand Gold award at the prestigious Monde Selection competition in 2023.
Britvic
Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Launches Cinnamon Roll Flavor For Autumn
Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, owned by Britvic since last year, introduced a limited-edition HFSS-compliant cinnamon roll-flavored iced coffee for autumn, tapping into consumer interest in seasonal flavors. Britvic’s research showed that 32 percent of consumers under 45 seek more exciting flavors in ready-to-drink coffee. Russell Goldman, managing director at Britvic, highlighted the strong seasonal connection with cinnamon and the company's commitment to releasing new, trend-driven flavors to engage consumers. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Cinnamon Roll has been available at Morrisons stores in the UK since mid-September 18.
Carlsberg
CMA Reviews Carlsberg's £3.3 Billion Britvic Acquisition
UK's Competition and Markets Authority opened a consultation regarding Carlsberg's £3.3 billion acquisition of Britvic to evaluate whether the takeover might significantly reduce competition in the UK market. Interested parties had until September 24 to submit comments on the potential impacts of the merger. The deal was Carlsberg's third attempt to acquire Britvic after previous bids were rejected. Carlsberg aims to leverage the acquisition to enhance its commercial operations and create Carlsberg Britvic, an integrated beverage company. Alongside this acquisition, Carlsberg is also acquiring Marston’s 40 percent stake in their brewing joint venture, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company
Carlsberg Expands In China With Sustainable Brewery And Innovation Hub
Carlsberg opened a new brewery in Foshan Sanshui, Guangdong Province, strengthening its presence in China and supporting the company’s focus on emerging markets and premium product growth. The brewery emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly innovations like rainwater collection and solar-powered air conditioning. Alongside boosting production with its 5 million hectoliter annual capacity, the brewery features Carlsberg’s first development center outside Europe, focusing on product innovation and brewing technology as it seeks to compete in a market still dominated by local brands.
Companies
Suntory Oceania Opens $400m Beverage Manufacturing Hub In Queensland
Suntory Oceania began production at its new $400 million beverage manufacturing facility in Queensland, Australia. Over a 17-hectare site, it will serve as a distribution hub for over 40 brands and includes advanced bottling and canning lines capable of filling 180,000 cans per hour, producing Suntory’s popular ready-to-drink brands, such as Jim Beam and Cola, alongside soft drinks like V Energy. CEO Darren Fullerton highlighted the increased capacity, control and innovation opportunities the site provides. Equipped with sustainable features such as solar panels and water recycling, the facility will be fully carbon-neutral. It will also handle Suntory's alcohol portfolio, with full operations slated for mid-2025, marking a major step in the company's regional expansion.
Suntory Oceania Launches Maximus Zero Sugar Grape Sports Drink
Suntory Oceania introduced Maximus Zero Sugar Grape in Australia, expanding its range of sports drinks in the growing "better-for-you" category. This release taps into the rising consumer demand for low- and no-sugar options, with the diet sports drink sector's market share nearly doubling in three years. Lisa Pearce, Head of Hydration and Nutrition, said the product, which combines technological advancements and consumer feedback, delivers a zero-sugar option without compromising taste. One-liter Maximus Zero Sugar Grape is available nationwide in independent grocery stores, petrol stations and convenience stores.
RJ Corp
Varun Beverages Invests $50 Million In DRC Pepsi Facility
Varun Beverages announced $50 million in investment for a new Pepsi production facility in Kiswishi City, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s located in the first private Special Economic Zone in the DRC and is poised to be one of the largest consumer-focused foreign direct investments in the country’s history. Spanning 15 hectares, the plant aims to create thousands of jobs while catering to the growing demand for Pepsi beverages in the region. Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Chairman of Varun Beverages, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and confidence in the Congolese market.
Suntory
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I Reports Seventh Year Of Profit Growth
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I posted a seventh consecutive year of profit growth, with pre-tax profits rising from £100.7 million in 2022 to £109.1 million in 2023. Turnover grew to £542.9 million from £517.5 million on strong UK and European sales. Despite challenges from inflationary cost pressures, gross profit grew but margin dipped two points to 48 percent. Cost-savings, including reduced administrative expenses, resulted in a higher operating profit. Suntory continues to focus on long-term revenue strategies and inflation mitigation while strengthening customer relationships and operational efficiency. Management acknowledged the tough economic environment but remains committed to enhancing its business and brand positioning.
Suntory Global Spirits Launches Route-To-Market In Singapore
Suntory Global Spirits introduced ‘Route-to-Market’ in Singapore, its first direct commercial venture in Southeast Asia. Led by Senior Commercial Manager Ronald Lim, the new in-market team will focus on expanding distribution, brand-building and enhancing Suntory’s local footprint in premium spirits. The move follows the 2023 opening of its Singapore office and aligns with the company’s growth strategy in the region. With Singapore’s robust GDP and demand for premium brands, Suntory sees significant potential in the market. The RTM aims to streamline operations, improve trade relations and create direct pathways to wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce, supporting Suntory's ambition to be the world’s leading premium spirits company.
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