Asahi
Asahi Launches Zeitaku Shibori RTD In US
Asahi’s premium RTD brand Zeitaku Shibori is being manufactured in Wisconsin, marking the first time Asahi RTD products are produced in the US. Zeitaku Shibori is a vodka-based drink containing 10% fruit juice and around 100 calories per can. Its Lemon and Peach flavors were developed jointly by Japanese and US teams. Distribution will begin in selected US markets through Wismettac. Asahi acquired the Octopi site in 2024 and invested more than $35 million in production upgrades.
Brands
Carlsberg Refreshes Tuborg Branding Across Regions
Carlsberg launched a redesigned visual identity for its Tuborg brand across Europe and Asia, with global rollout planned through 2026. It includes brighter colors and new graphic elements intended to modernize the brand while retaining recognizable features, and targets younger consumers. Carlsberg said the refreshed identity supports its wider strategy and aims to strengthen brand presence in competitive markets.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Sells Stake In Tibet Joint Venture
Carlsberg agreed to sell its 50% stake in Tibet Lhasa Brewery to its Chinese partner, Tibet Development, for 292 million yuan, pending approvals. The joint venture began in 2004 but faced disputes that affected operations and financial performance. Carlsberg previously wrote down the value of its investment and reclassified it as a financial holding. The divestment does not signal withdrawal from China, which remains the company’s largest market. Tibet Development said full ownership would improve management control. The transaction also includes settlement payments related to earlier legal disputes.
Carlsberg Launches Lower-Alcohol Beer Platform
Carlsberg Denmark’s new “session” beer platform focuses on lower-alcohol products. Its first release is Carlsberg Nordlyst, with 2.5% alcohol, about half that of a traditional pilsner. Carlsberg cited research showing many Danish consumers are moderating alcohol intake and the new range aims to provide more choice for beer drinkers while maintaining flavor. Nordlyst is rolling out across retail and hospitality channels, alongside another session product, Jacobsen Barbaras Easy IPA at 3.5% ABV. Carlsberg defines the session category as beers with roughly half the alcohol of standard versions.
Carlsberg India Expands Mysuru Brewery Capacity
Carlsberg India installed a new canning line at its Mysuru brewery with an investment of ₹100 crore. It can produce about 22,000 cans per hour and forms part of the company’s ₹350 crore expansion plan in India. The brewery produces Carlsberg and Tuborg brands and plays a central role in the company’s regional supply network. Carlsberg said the investment aims to increase capacity, improve efficiency and support local employment and excise contributions.
Companies
Carlsberg Poland CEO Discusses Industry Shift
Carlsberg Poland’s CEO said alcoholic beer consumption is declining while non-alcoholic beer continues to grow, citing demographic change, shifting consumer preferences and regulatory pressures as key factors affecting the market. The company says it supports measures to reduce harmful drinking and is investing in non-alcoholic and flavored beers, which now drive much of its growth. He expects alcoholic beer sales and the alcohol content in beer to continue to decline, and also sees potential for beers with “functional benefits”.
Suntory BOSS Coffee Launches Summer Campaign
Suntory BOSS Coffee’s new marketing campaign in Australia and New Zealand positions the brand as an “Official Coffee of Summer”, highlighting everyday seasonal activities and promoting RTD iced coffee as a convenient option. BOSS uses a flash-brew process that rapidly cools freshly brewed coffee to preserve flavor and aroma. The campaign runs across digital, outdoor, social and retail channels. Suntory said the initiative targets a broad range of consumers and emphasizes convenience and everyday consumption occasions during the summer period.
Suntory Names New Global RTD President
Suntory Global Spirits appointed Davin Nugent as president of its global RTD category, bringing over 25 years of beverage industry experience, including roles at AB InBev and Mark Anthony Brands. He will oversee brands such as On The Rocks and the -196 RTD line, which has shown strong growth. Suntory said the appointment supports its strategy to expand in the global RTD market. Nugent will focus on product innovation, market expansion and adapting taste and design for local markets. The company introduced more than 10 new -196 products alone in 2025.
Kenyan Court Challenge Targets Diageo-Asahi Deal
Kenyan beer distributor Bia Tosha asked the High Court to block Diageo’s planned $2.3 billion sale of its 65% stake in East African Breweries Limited to Asahi. Bia Tosha seeks to pause the transaction until a separate competition dispute involving Diageo and its subsidiaries is resolved. Diageo has been reducing assets in Africa as part of broader financial and strategic changes. EABL said the legal action has no direct connection to the sale and stated that operations would remain independent regardless of ownership changes.
Lotte
Lotte Highlights Strong Sales Of Zero-Sugar Soju
Lotte Chilsung reported strong sales for its fructose-free zero-sugar soju brand Saero, launched in 2022, exceeding 700 million bottles in cumulative sales within three years. The company supported the brand with marketing initiatives including themed pop-up stores in several cities, where consumers could experience the product and related promotions. One long-running pop-up in Seoul attracted more than 40,000 visitors. Lotte credits consumer interest and word-of-mouth for driving early growth.
Suntory
Suntory Makes Multi-Beverage Business In Oceania Official
Suntory officially launched its multi-beverage business in New Zealand as part of the broader Suntory Oceania strategy, covering spirits, RTDs, soft drinks, water, coffee and energy beverages. Executives said the integrated structure allows faster innovation and localized production. Suntory operates production facilities in Queensland and Auckland, including a carbon-neutral site in Australia. Growth areas include RTDs, energy drinks and premium spirits, while demand for smaller pack sizes is increasing.
Suntory Explores Cross-Category Flavor Innovation
Suntory Global Spirits is experimenting with flavor by combining elements from different spirits categories. Recent projects include finishing bourbon in tequila barrels, aging tequila in Japanese whisky casks and launching RTD cocktails using Japanese vodka and whisky. The company said these techniques aim to create new flavor profiles while maintaining familiar characteristics. RTDs remain a key focus, with premium positioning and collaborations with bartenders shaping product development. Jing Mertoglu, VP of insights and analytics at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “It’s a mix of anchoring the familiar, but I also want to layer in something they’ve never had before.”
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