Ambev
Ambev Tests Lemon Beer In Southern Brazil
Ambev launched Flying Fish, a premium lemon-flavored beer with low bitterness, in three southern Brazilian states: Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The company aims to attract consumers who find traditional beers too bitter and prefer lighter, refreshing drinks. The launch is part of Ambev’s Beyond Beer strategy, which focuses on beverages outside classic beer styles. Ambev chose the South for its strong beer culture, busy summer tourism and event calendar. The company will use sales data and consumer feedback to decide whether to expand the product nationally.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Hong Kong Expands No-Alcohol Range
Carlsberg Hong Kong launched an expanded No & Low-Alcohol and Beyond Beer portfolio, available from January 2026, targeting consumers seeking moderation, especially during Dry January. Key products include Carlsberg 0.0, Poretti Zero and Erdinger Alkoholfrei, alongside alcohol-free mixers and functional beverages. Carlsberg will support the rollout with retail promotions, tasting booths, food delivery partnerships and loyalty programs across Hong Kong.
Companies
Ambev Opens Glass Plant In Paraná
Ambev opened a new glass bottle factory in Carambeí, Paraná, with an investment of about R$1 billion. With capacity for producing up to 600 million units per year, it will supply breweries across Brazil. Ambev says there will be around 400 ongoing roles at the plant. The factory will mainly serve premium and non-alcoholic beer brands and will operate using 100% renewable electricity. Ambev also plans to use recycled glass in production.
Carlsberg, Meituan Link Dining And Delivery
Carlsberg Asia partnered with Meituan to connect premium dining with on-demand beer delivery across China. This will be Carlsberg’s first collaboration with Meituan’s Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. Selected restaurants will offer Carlsberg beers for on-site dining and quick delivery. The partnership uses Meituan’s data and logistics network to create food-and-beer pairings tied to specific occasions. Initial rollouts focus on major Chinese cities, with plans to expand to other Asian markets.
Lotte
Local Groups Urge Talks On Lotte Plant
The Gwangju Employers Federation calls for public discussions and long-term planning following Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s plan to close its Gwangju plant, warning that the closure could lead to job losses and population decline in the region. It urged local government, labor unions and civic groups to form a consultative body to seek alternatives, including reversing or partially maintaining operations. The plant has operated since 1984 and handles small-batch and pilot production.
Zero-Sugar Soju Passes 700 Million Bottles
Sales of Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s zero-sugar soju brand Saero exceeded 700 million bottles within three years of its launch. Introduced in 2022, the product contains no added fructose and includes distilled soju to preserve traditional taste. It gained popularity among younger consumers for its mild flavor and reduced alcohol scent. Lotte expanded the lineup with fruit-flavored versions and invested heavily in design, pop-up stores and storytelling-based marketing. Saero also introduced nutrition labelling, uncommon in the category.
Lotte Chilsung Wins Major Ad Awards
Lotte Chilsung Beverage won four awards at the 2025 Korea Advertising Awards for campaigns across branding, design and digital communication. Winning projects included the eco-friendly “Icis Pinknic” exhibition, a renewed water brand campaign, a music series on YouTube for Chilsung Cider and a pop-up store for zero-sugar soju brand Saero. Campaigns focused on consumer experiences rather than traditional advertising. Lotte Chilsung said the recognition reflects its effort to build stronger emotional connections with consumers through cultural, design-driven and experiential marketing initiatives.
Market News
Asahi Buys Diageo’s Kenya Business
Asahi Group Holdings agreed to buy Diageo’s Kenya operations for $2.3 billion, including Diageo’s majority stake in East African Breweries and its interest in a local spirits business. The deal marks Asahi’s first direct investment in Africa. Diageo will retain licensing agreements so local operations can continue producing brands such as Guinness, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan. Diageo said the sale supports its plan to reduce debt and focus on core assets.
Suntory
Suntory Opens Beverage R&D Studio In Sydney
Suntory Oceania opened SOzo Studio, a new R&D facility in Sydney, focused on beverage innovation. It includes laboratories for small-scale production, sensory testing rooms and collaboration spaces, and will support development across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands, including energy drinks, coffee, RTD products and beer. Suntory’s Sydney team will work closely with R&D teams in Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
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