Asahi
Asahi Launches Smart Drinking Bar In Seoul
Asahi Brewery is expanding its “Sumadori” smart drinking campaign by opening a limited-time bar in Seoul offering non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks. Aimed at younger generations who prefer lighter drinking options, it reflects a growing trend among Korean and Japanese youth to enjoy alcohol-free social experiences. The original Sumadori Bar in Tokyo already welcomed 70,000 visitors. Asahi, in partnership with Dentsu Digital, created the Sumadori brand to modernize drinking culture. The Seoul bar will operate from July 19 to 31, alongside new locations in Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka.
Brands
Carlsberg Launches 1664 Bière 0.0% Across UK Retail
Carlsberg Britvic launched 1664 Bière 0.0%, an alcohol-free beer, in UK retail stores during April, in 6x330ml cans at ASDA, Tesco and Waitrose. It already gained popularity in nearly 500 pubs and will soon feature a branded draught fount for On Trade. Consumer testing praised its taste, comparing it favorably to the UK’s leading alcohol-free beer. The launch will be supported by a multimillion-pound marketing campaign across TV, outdoor and digital platforms.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Britvic Brings 7Up Pink Lemonade Variant To Shelves
Carlsberg Britvic introduced 7Up Pink Lemonade, a new zero-sugar drink blending lemon, lime and raspberry flavors. It’s the first 7Up line extension since 2020 and aims to meet rising consumer interest in flavored carbonated drinks. The visually appealing pink drink is designed to attract both loyal fans and new shoppers seeking refreshing, low-sugar options. It will be sold in various formats including 330ml cans, 500ml bottles and multipacks, starting with select retailers before expanding widely.
Carlsberg Expands In Myanmar’s Changing Beer Market
Carlsberg is strengthening its presence in Myanmar’s beer market, where international brands are gaining popularity following the 2021 military coup. Its local brand, Yoma—known for its high alcohol content and affordability—resonates with budget-conscious consumers. To expand its appeal, Carlsberg plans to introduce Tuborg, aiming to attract Myanmar’s brand-aware drinkers.
Robinsons Adds Orange & Mango To RTD Portfolio
Robinsons launched a new Orange & Mango flavor in its RTD range. Available in 500ml bottles with no added sugar, the new variant joins Raspberry & Apple and Blackberry & Blueberry options. Orange flavors already account for 37% of Robinsons' sales, making this launch a strategic move to expand its £22 million RTD line. Backed by a £1 million advertising campaign and in-store sampling, the rollout aims to boost visibility and drive growth over the summer. It’s available in major retail outlets in both standard and price-marked packs.
Companies
Asahi Focuses APAC On Whiskey, Water and Non-Alcohol
Asahi plans to grow its product portfolios for whiskey, water and non-alcoholic beverages in Japan, South Asia, South East Asia and Oceania. Nikka Whisky will be positioned as a key driver for long-term growth, investing in unblended whiskey production and global branding. In Japan, Asahi will introduce a new app-linked water dispenser, WATER BASE, to encourage sustainable consumption, and it’s also focusing on the low-to-no alcohol market, creating products like sugar-free non-alcoholic beverages to attract health-conscious consumers. Asahi expects growth in South Asia and South East Asia, driven by a young, diverse population, offering low-sugar and low-alcohol options to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Suntory Shifts Strategy Amid US Tariff Pressures
Japanese drinks giant Suntory plans to change its global marketing strategy as it braces for a possible trade war resulting from US tariffs. Nobuhiro Torii, the company’s new president, says Suntory will focus on producing and selling beverages locally to avoid rising excise duties, especially for spirits like whisky and tequila. While Suntory previously expanded through large acquisitions, Torii now prioritizes organic growth and investment in existing brands. The company is considering redirecting Scotch whisky sales to Europe and already boosted tequila shipments to the US to beat tariff hikes. Despite global trade tensions, Suntory remains confident in the resilience of the beverage market and aims to adapt to shifting economic conditions.
Carlsberg Boosts Poretti With Bold New Campaign
Carlsberg invested millions in its Italian lager brand Poretti to boost its growth and reinforce its identity in a crowded beer market. Poretti will be supported in 2025 by a major advertising campaign set in Northern Italy, designed to be bold and humorous. It will run across TV, digital, cinema and social media, supported by events like a sensory launch at Frameless in London. Carlsberg sees Poretti as key to staying competitive in the growing world lager category, especially among experience-seeking drinkers aged 25–59.
RJ Corp
Varun Beverages Opens New Plant In Prayagraj
Varun Beverages started commercial production at its new facility in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The plant will produce carbonated drinks, juice-based beverages and packaged water to meet rising demand, especially in North India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, in a move supporting VBL’s strategy to boost supply chain efficiency and expand its footprint in high-growth markets. In 2024, VBL saw a 24.7% revenue increase, with strong volume growth in India and globally. VBL is also investing in its South African subsidiary Bevco to reduce debt and support expansion.
Suntory
Suntory Launches La Casera Spanish RTD In UK
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is expanding with the UK launch of La Casera, a Spanish wine-based RTD beverage. Available in red and white wine variants mixed with soda and lemon, La Casera will first appear in WH Smith and on Amazon before reaching convenience stores this summer. Produced in Toledo, Spain, the drink offers a refreshing twist designed to appeal to UK consumers looking for a light, social aperitivo-style option. It follows the UK debut last year of Suntory’s Japanese alcohol brand –196.
More...
Copyright 2025 Business360, Inc.