Asahi
As Asahi Purchase Of CUB Closes, A “Tough Business Environment” Settles In
Japanese brewer Asahi Group Holdings, which closed its acquisition of Australia’s Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) in early June, is facing a “chilling business environment,” thanks in large part to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Tokyo-based brewer bought CUB and other assets from Anheuser-Busch InBev, for A$16 billion ($11 billion), making it the top beer company in Australia with nearly 40 percent of the market. But a shifting beer business environment coupled with the coronavirus pandemic dampened Asahi's sales by volume in locked-down Australia by 40 percent in April. One market observer predicts Australian beer sales will fall 13 percent in 2020 and will not rebound to the 2019 level until at least 2023. "We're facing a tough business environment with the coronavirus crisis, but we will seek further growth as a premium beer brewer," said Asahi President Akiyoshi Koji.[Image Credit: © Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.]
Brands
Beam Suntory Unveils New Canadian-Exclusive Northern Keep Vodka
Beam Suntory’s Canadian division last month launched a new vodka available only in Canada. The new spirit, distilled five times at Beam Suntory's Alberta Distillers facility, is produced using rye and winter wheat grown in the country. For each bottle of 80-proof Northern Keep vodka sold, the company will make a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada to "protect five square-feet of ecologically-significant land." A 750 ml bottle is priced at C$34.95 ($25.85). In late 2018, Beam Suntory unveiled a Japanese vodka, Haku, in the U.S.[Image Credit: © Beam Suntory, Inc.]
Carlsberg
Marston’s Shareholder Approval Moves Acquisition By Carlsberg Forward
Shareholders of British brewer Marston's have voted in favor of the merger with Denmark beer maker Carlsberg, creating a new firm called the Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company. The new business will be a brewing and distribution company, with current Carlsberg U.K. managing director Tomasz Blawat as the chief executive officer. Carlsberg U.K. and Marston's will be the only stakeholders in the new firm, with the former being the majority shareholder, owning 60 percent of the equity. Marston's will own the remaining 40 percent and also receive a cash payment of up to £273 million ($335 million). Marston's owns 1,400 pubs across the country, including the Pitcher and Piano chain.[Image Credit: © Marston's PLC]
Companies
Carlsberg Expects Major Water Savings At New Brewery Recycling Plant
Carlsberg expects the newly-opened water recycling plant at its brewery in Fredericia, Denmark, will reduce average water consumption from 2.9 hl of water per hl of beer produced to 1.4hl of water per hl of beer. The new plant will also reduce the brewery’s energy consumption by 10 percent through its own biogas production and the recycling of hot water. Carlsberg also claims that the new plant will accelerate its efforts towards achieving zero water waste, as announced in its Together Towards Zero sustainability program, established in June 2017. The new Fredericia plant is the result of a public-private deal with the Danish partnership for Resource and water-efficient Industrial food Production (DRIP).[Image Credit: © Carlsberg Breweries A/S]
Suntory’s New Environmental Target: Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 2050
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Suntory Group has boosted its “environmental vision” or goal to net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. The company said it will implement renewable energy solutions, use next-generation infrastructure options, and work with supply chain stakeholders to realize a carbon-free society, while maintaining current energy conservation measures, including water sustainability and climate change initiatives.[Image Credit: © WebWire/SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED.]
Carlsberg Partners With 7-Eleven In Hong Kong On Special Beer Promotion
Visitors will be able to sample a rotating selection of Carlsberg brews, beginning with Elephant Strong, Carlsberg Export, and Unfiltered, an unfiltered, full-bodied pilsner. Visitors between June 24 and July 21 can receive a limited-edition Carlsberg beer glass set when spending $60 or more.[Image Credit: © Carlsberg Breweries A/S]
Suntory
Beam Suntory Hires Merchandising Company IMG To Find Licensing Opportunities
Beam Suntory is seeking new strategic licensing arrangements for its Jim Beam bourbon brand after partnering with global merchandising company IMG. An example of successful merchandising arrangements is last year’s licensing deal with Utah creamery Beehive cheese to launch Basil Hayden's bourbon-infused cheese. The company said targeted licensing categories will include experiential, fashion, home, gift, memorabilia, grilling, and bourbon-flavored foods. IMG’s job is to develop licensing deals and merchandising opportunities for Jim Beam, and for other bourbon brands Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's, Booker's, Legent, and Little Book. IMG also works with Anheuser-Busch InBev.[Image Credit: © Beam Suntory, Inc.]
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