Asahi
LOTTE Asahi Liquor, an Asahi Group Holdings subsidiary, is introducing Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can in South Korea, following its success in Japan. The 340ml beer can, designed with a special interior coating for a natural foam when opened, provides consumers with the taste of draft beer served at bars or restaurants. The product's popularity led to temporary supply constraints, but after expanding production capacity, year-round distribution resumed in Japan, where a 485ml version was also introduced. Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can also received international recognition and is now being released in limited quantities in South Korea, with plans for a market-specific version there coming soon.
AE Brands Korea, the regional branch of Asahi Europe & International Ltd., has introduced a new lager called Kozel White in South Korea. The company aims to replicate the success of its dark beer, Kozel, by appealing to Korean consumers' innovative and creative tastes. Kozel White 3.5% alcohol content lager is described as having fruity notes and a refreshing taste. South Korea has been chosen as the test bed for the product due to its growing importance in the brewer's global operations. After evaluating sales trends, the company plans to expand the product to Europe in 2024.
Brands
Jennifer Lopez has introduced THE HOUSE OF DELOLA LLC, a company she founded to create and launch high-quality, ready-to-enjoy cocktails. Suntory is a minority investor and the global distribution partner. Delola offers spirit-based, full-flavored cocktails made with natural botanicals, lower calorie than traditional cocktail drinks, and gluten-free. The first release, "DELOLA SPRITZ," includes three original cocktails. Delola will be available in premium embossed glass bottles and distributed through fine grocery stores, spirits establishments, restaurants, and bars. Carrying the vision of elegant and effortless entertaining, Delola aims to offer consumers a refreshing and flavorful option for gatherings and relaxation and will launch first in the US before expanding overseas in the coming years.
Britvic
Britvic Ireland has entered into a £2.5 million power purchase agreement with Flogas Enterprise, ensuring that Ballygowan, an iconic Irish water brand, will be produced using renewable electricity generated from wind. The agreement allows Britvic to directly purchase renewable electricity from the Sonnagh Old Wind Farm, enabling the Newcastle West factory and 75 percent of the company's electricity needs to be powered by renewable sources. This move aligns with Britvic's sustainability goals and represents a significant investment in achieving 100 percent sustainability across its operations in Ireland.
Carlsberg
Danish brewer Carlsberg exceeded sales expectations in the first quarter, driven by robust beer sales in China. As a result, the company has raised the lower end of its full-year profit guidance range and now anticipates organic operating profit growth between minus 2 percent and plus 5 percent. The improved performance in China, particularly during the Chinese New Year period, has bolstered Carlsberg's optimism for the upcoming quarters. The company also noted a 12 percent increase in revenue per liter sold globally, indicating a preference for more premium beers as consumers return to bars and restaurants following pandemic-related restrictions. Carlsberg is cautious about consumer reactions to higher prices and ongoing high inflation, especially in Europe.
Companies
Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland, which produces Ribena, has initiated a research project in collaboration with the University of East Anglia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in blackcurrant farming through regenerative practices. The project aims to improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration and enhance plant resilience. By adopting regenerative farming techniques, the project seeks to minimize external inputs, optimize plant nutrition, and utilize organic and novel inputs for fertilization and crop protection. The initiative, supported by Suntory Holdings Limited, intends to establish sustainable production practices for blackcurrants and serve as a blueprint for other crops in the future.
Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company, Carlsberg's majority share venture in the UK, has acquired the local rights to the Kronenbourg beer brand from Heineken, which has held the licence since 2008. Under the agreement, Heineken will continue to handle the brewing and packaging of Kronenbourg until 2024 when it will transition to CMBC. The move aligns with CMBC's strategy of supporting premium brands and expanding its portfolio. Heineken, on the other hand, will maintain a commercial arrangement to stock the Kronenbourg brand at the UK on-premise sites it operates under the Star Pubs & Bars banner.
Suntory
Suntory Beverage & Food Spain, known for brands like Schweppes and La Casera, posted a 21 percent increase in turnover in 2022, reaching €412 million, following a 26 percent jump in 2021. The growth can be attributed to the recovery of the hospitality sector and increased consumption post-pandemic. To achieve their target of €500 million in sales by 2025, Suntory Spain is focusing on low-alcohol beverages and delicate flavors for aperitifs and outdoor settings. The company's R&D center in Tordera, Barcelona, has been instrumental in developing exclusive flavors and new products, such as La Casera vermouth and cider. These innovations are expected to contribute to double-digit growth for the brand.