Asahi
Asahi Zeitaku Shibori Targets Growing Japanese RTD Demand
Spirits-based RTDs are outpacing global vodka sales, growing 14% in the US during 2025, according to IWSR data. Japan ranks as the world’s second-largest RTD market by volume, and Asahi Group notes rising international curiosity toward Japanese RTDs. Its Zeitaku Shibori ("Premium Squeeze") brand blends vodka, sparkling soda and 10% real fruit juice in peach, lemon, and mango flavors. Innovation manager Naomi Kamiyama described the brand as targeting "a calm, lower-tempo moment," with roughly 100 calories per can and 4% ABV. Shibori launched in New Zealand last September and the US this January, with wider US retail expansion planned this summer.
Asahi Brings Calpis Brand Into Indian Beverage Market
Asahi Group Holdings signed a franchising alliance with Varun Beverages Limited to introduce its CALPIS brand into India, marking the company’s first entry into the country’s non-alcohol, non-carbonated beverage market. Starting in the second half of 2026, an RTD dairy-based product will launch under the CALPIS name in Original and Mango flavors. First created in 1919, CALPIS is a fermented milk beverage known for a "refreshingly sweet and tangy taste." Asahi will handle product development and technical support. Varun Beverages will oversee manufacturing, distribution and sales.
Brands
Lotte Chilsung Raises Beverage Prices On Key Brands
Lotte Chilsung Beverage will raise shipping prices on 44 items across 12 brands, including Chilsung Cider and Pepsi-Cola, by an average of 5.3%, its first adjustment in about two years. Chilsung Cider prices will rise roughly 4.3%, Milkis about 6%, Cantata 5.7% and Hot6 around 4%. Pepsi-branded products made with imported concentrate will increase to reflect currency effects: Pepsi-Cola will go up about 5%, Gatorade 6.3% and Mountain Dew 6.1%.
Lotte Chilsung Launches New Pepsi Extra Fizz Drink
Lotte Chilsung Beverage launched "Pepsi Extra Fizz," a new product featuring enhanced carbonation designed to deliver a stronger, longer-lasting fizzy sensation. Lotte uses Pepsi’s proprietary technology to create fine carbonation bubbles while preserving the brand’s traditional flavor profile. It contains about 30% less sugar and calories than original Pepsi, and packaging highlights bursting carbonation bubbles along with "EXTRA FIZZ" and "Sugar & Calories 30% Down" text. It will be sold in 355ml cans and 500ml PET bottles through Chilsung Mall, other online retailers, department stores and convenience stores nationwide.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Launches New Global Mr Somersby Ad Campaign
Carlsberg introduced a new global marketing campaign for its Somersby cider. "Time Out From the Bullshit" features a character called Mr Somersby and spans television, video-on-demand, out-of-home, digital, social media and point-of-sale materials, positioning the drink as a break from modern pressures such as life coaches and wellness influencers. Activity also covers Somersby Zero, released in February. Global vice president Laurent Cayet said the platform positions the brand as "a necessary, joyous disruption in a world of manufactured perfection." In first-quarter results announced in late April, Carlsberg’s "beyond beer" portfolio, which includes Somersby, saw volumes decline 2% year over year, even as overall group sales rose 3.6% in the quarter.
Carlsberg May Pursue $700 Million India Listing Plan
Carlsberg A/S is reportedly preparing to file draft papers for an initial public offering of its India unit as early as this month. A potential listing could raise up to $700 million through a secondary share sale, with Kotak Mahindra Capital, JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup advising. Carlsberg representatives declined to comment in detail but said the company is exploring options, including an IPO. Carlsberg India, the country’s second-largest brewer with about 22% market share, operates 14 breweries nationwide.
Companies
Suntory Oceania Adds New Jim Beam RTD Drink
Suntory Oceania expanded its Jim Beam bourbon brand with a new RTD bar-serve beverage combining bourbon and cola flavors, in a 250ml slimline can with 10% alcohol by volume, offering a higher-strength option within the brand’s pre-mixed lineup. Sold in four-packs with a recommended retail price of $35, it is available nationally through Coles, Liquorland and select independent retailers. Senior marketing director Johnny Morgan said the Bar Serve format "reproduces a standard bar-mixed beverage profile for mobile consumption during social gatherings," adding it builds on the brand’s history of "bringing people together."
Asahi Launches Limited Edition Mango “Luxury Milking” Chuhai
Asahi Breweries plans to release a Premium Limited Edition Mango variant for its “Luxury Milking” RTD. It contains juice from a mango fruit and comes in a 350ml can. Containing 4% alcohol, 11.2g pure alcohol and 11% juice, it will launch nationwide on July 14.
Lotte
Lotte Chilsung’s Saero Soju Tops 800 Million Bottles In Korea
Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s zero-sugar soju brand "Saero" surpassed 800 million bottles sold since its September 2022 launch. Saero avoids fructose and uses distilled soju to preserve the traditional flavor, with the bottles featuring Korean-inspired porcelain-like grooves. Lotte Chilsung carried out its first product renewal earlier this year, switching to 100% domestic rice distillate and adding five amino acids to differentiate the drink from competitors. Saero’s lineup also expanded with fruit-flavored versions including Saero Apricot, Saero Darae and, most recently, Saero Omija. Brand marketing centers on its ambassador character "Saerogumi" and experiential pop-up stores, including a Seoul escape-room-themed event that drew more than 1,000 daily visitors.
Suntory
Suntory Invests £14.5m In New UK Blackcurrant Facility
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I announced a £14.5 million investment in a new blackcurrant processing facility in Ledbury for the Ribena brand, supporting British blackcurrant farming through modernized fruit preparation. The new site introduces vapor recompression evaporators, membrane filtration and automated handling systems to improve efficiency and traceability. It’s part of a broader £57.5 million supply chain investment program that includes upgrades at Suntory’s Coleford factory and a planned £25 million manufacturing line in 2027.
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