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Bottler News

Tracking Competitor Developments

Asahi

Asahi's Q3 Growth Driven By Beer Demand

Asahi Group Holdings reported a 2.2 percent revenue increase to JPY2.17 trillion and a 2.3 percent rise in core operating profit in Q3FY2024, fueled by premium pricing strategies and strong beer sales globally. Domestic growth stemmed from beer demand and tax-driven market shifts, while international sales of Super Dry grew 14 percent, with a strong performance in Europe. Challenges persisted in Oceania, where profit fell 13.3 percent despite price adjustments. Asahi plans to bolster its beer-adjacent categories like ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic beverages to sustain future growth.

Brands

CMBC Launches Shipyard Session Pale Ale In UK

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company introduced Shipyard American Session Pale Ale to the UK market, a 3.4% ABV brew from Maine’s Shipyard Brewery. Featuring bold American hops like Chinook and Cascade, the ale delivers tropical fruity aromas and caters to moderation-conscious drinkers. Available in 500ml bottles and 400ml cans in four- and 10-packs at major retailers, it expands the established Shipyard range. 

Britvic

Britvic Thrives Amid Health Trends, Awaits Carlsberg Deal

Britvic reported 9.5 percent revenue growth to £1.89 billion and a 15.2 percent EBIT increase for FY2024, with EBIT margin up 60 basis points to 13.2 percent, driven by demand for healthier drinks and emerging brands like Plenish. UK consumers, especially younger generations, fueled growth in low-calorie and non-alcoholic options. Strong performance in Brazil and 52.1 percent average growth in emerging brands contributed significantly. Investments included a £25 million distribution upgrade and a new canning facility. CEO Simon Litherland highlighted robust market performance and innovation as Britvic prepares for its £3.3 billion acquisition by Carlsberg, expected in early 2025. 

Carlsberg

Carlsberg Finalizes South Asia Acquisition

Carlsberg acquired the remaining third of Carlsberg South Asia Pte Ltd for $744 million, securing full ownership of Carlsberg India and a 99.94 percent stake in Nepal's Gorkha Brewery. The deal includes a $50 million set-off and $207 million retained by Carlsberg for potential claims under the agreement. This acquisition solidifies Carlsberg's presence in South Asia.

Companies

CMBC Cuts 11 Beers, Faces CAMRA Backlash

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company will delist 11 beers in the UK, including eight cask ales, due to declining demand. Some beers, like Banks’s Mild and Jennings Cumberland Ale, will remain available in alternative formats. CMBC emphasized its commitment to cask ale while balancing sustainability and consumer preferences. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, criticized the decision, citing concerns over diminishing UK brewing heritage and reduced consumer choice, especially amid plans to close Banks’s Brewery in 2024.

Carlsberg Malaysia Marks 55 Years With Green Investment

Carlsberg Malaysia celebrated its 55th anniversary by investing RM343 million in brewery upgrades to enhance sustainability and innovation. This largest-ever investment includes RM200 million for advanced bottling and canning lines and RM140 million for energy-efficient production technologies, targeting zero carbon emissions by 2030. Managing Director Stefano Clini emphasized the brewery’s role as a pioneer in sustainable brewing. The transformation aligns with Carlsberg’s global "Together Towards Zero and Beyond" goals.

Clear Bottles Redefine South Korea’s Beer Market

South Korea’s beer industry is shifting to clear bottles, with Oriental Brewery, Lotte Chilsung and Hite Jinro adopting the trend to showcase freshness and clarity. This move coincides with growing competition in the light beer segment, driven by demand for lower-calorie options. OB leads the market with Cass Light and premium Michelob Ultra.

Carlsberg Anticipates Challenges In China, UK And France

Carlsberg expects China’s beer market to decline further in 2025 despite government stimulus efforts. CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen cited price competition and a shrinking category for challenges in France, while UK sales were impacted by supply-chain issues and declining sales in ales, although Brooklyn Lager performed well. Carlsberg’s Q3 revenue rose 1.3 percent organically, but volumes dipped slightly. The company awaits regulatory approval for its £3.3 billion Britvic acquisition but plans no immediate changes to its UK operations beyond integrating Britvic if the deal proceeds.

Lotte

Lotte Chilsung Profit Falls Despite Revenue Growth

Lotte Chilsung Beverage reported Q3 net profit of 44.5 billion won, a 34.4 percent decline year-on-year, missing market expectations of 51.3 billion won. Operating income fell 6.6 percent to 78.7 billion won, while revenue rose 28.3 percent to 1.06 trillion won.

RJ Corp

Varun Beverages Expands Footprint In Africa

Varun Beverages, a major PepsiCo franchisee, acquired full ownership of SBC Tanzania and SBC Beverages Ghana for Rs 1,431.1 crore in total, bolstering its African presence. VBL also plans to acquire the remaining 39.93 percent stake in plastic cap maker Lunarmech Technologies for Rs 200 crore, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. The acquisitions aim to capitalize on Africa’s growth potential and expand VBL’s beverage and snack businesses. VBL is also raising Rs 7,500 crore via a qualified institutional placement to fund growth and strategic expansions.

Suntory

Suntory Launches Tokenized Beer With NFTs For Collectors

Suntory Group is offering tokenized Premium Malt’s bottled beer in the Japanese market. The limited-edition 715ml beer, aged in Yamazaki Whisky barrels, will feature near-field communication technology. When customers open the bottle, they receive a Non-Fungible Token as a certificate of consumption, creating a unique digital collectible. This innovative initiative, announced at Thailand Blockchain Week by Suntory’s Chief Digital Innovation Officer, Rio Inaba, and Ava Labs’ Roi Hirata, combines premium beverage experiences with digital innovation through Avalanche blockchain technology.

Suntory Partners For Green Hydrogen Project In Chūbu

Partnering with Japan’s Central Hydrogen and Ammonia Association, Suntory is developing hydrogen and ammonia supply chains in the Chūbu region, to integrate green hydrogen into Suntory’s manufacturing processes, supporting the company's commitment to sustainability. The project will focus on creating stable and safe energy supply chains in Chūbu, a region with numerous manufacturing industries. This move follows Suntory’s energy-efficient upgrades at its Hakushu distillery, including water conservation and solar power integration. 
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