drinks company news
City Snapshot: Diageo returns to growth as markets recovery from lockdown
Drinks giant Diageo is restarting its programme to return £4.5bn to shareholders as its first-half performance benefitted from strong trading across its global markets. Plus, on a busy morning, Coca-Cola HBC updates on its Q1 performance, Marston’s names a new CEO, Compass Group reports its first-half results and Ahold Delhaize reveals Q1 figures.
Plenish set for major retail push following acquisition by Britvic
Plant-based drinks maker Plenish is set to take on Alpro and Oatly as part of a major retail push by new owner Britvic following its acquisition this week.
Straight & Narrow seeks £100k from crowd ahead of ‘disruptive’ low & no launch
The brand is pushing for funding to launch a 13-strong range of non-alcoholic spirits
New ‘competitive’ online drinks retailer to cut out wholesalers
Launched by three ex-industry professionals, the online drinks marketplace promises producers and consumers a ‘fair deal’
India to import UK apples and pears in new trade link-up
The agreement is not as comprehensive as a free trade deal but will reduce non-tariff barriers on fruit
Lyre’s worth more than £100m as it raises extra funding for growth
The business plans to use the new funds to boost its presence overseas from 43 countries currently to 60 by the end of the year, as well as investing in its manufacturing capabilities in the UK, Europe and the US, and helping to prepare for the reopening of the global hospitality sector as restrictions ease.
opinion
Cannabrew raises £200k from the crowd to win supermarket listings for CBD beer
Elliot Horner started the Lancaster-based business in 2019 after recognising the growing trend for CBD products
Optimistic Heineken promises ‘we’ll meet again’
Heineken proved smart and opportunistic with last week’s ‘Don’t drink and start a league’ social media spots
Textiles 2030: fashion industry pledge is a smart solution with some serious backers
Fast fashion is unlikely to go anywhere. So Wrap was savvy to get the likes of Primark and the supermarkets on board with its latest sustainability initiative
As the low & no category takes off, are retailers getting it right?
The latest episode of the Convenience Mix podcast focuses on the untapped opportunity for driving low & no sales
Budweiser’s dog delivers renewable energy message
A dalmatian’s ears and chops flutter in the breeze, backed by the simple, sublime sound of Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind
DRS delays are a chance to regroup and to go further and faster
There will be mixed feelings about the delay in the rollout of a DRS, first in Scotland and now England
Lockdown is the perfect time for food & drink brands to bring in new shoppers
Many shoppers are searching for a bit of novelty for their trolley, says Darryl Hinksman, head of business development at Westons Cider
Supermarket alcohol must evolve from own-label to own-brand
Successful retailers in BWS are building brands that can compete with well-established spirit brands, says Graham Gibson, director at Alcohol Solutions
Camden Town Brewery faces identity challenge following full AB InBev integration
AB InBev has done wonders for Camden’s reach. But, as two senior figures take a back seat, the brewer could risk losing its independent character
Jack Daniel’s serves up a rush of satisfaction
Jack Daniel’s new ad begins, not unexpectedly, with a bartender pouring a serve of JD over ice
Can Carlsberg pull off a shift to becoming a ‘total beverage’ supplier?
It’s encouraging to see Carlsberg embracing the future in a sensible, progressive way
Estrella Damm underlines ocean commitment with moving dance
The underwater ad, called ‘Soul’, aims to reinforce the brand’s commitment to protect the oceans
The post-coronavirus world is the perfect opportunity for beer exports to become greener
Beer exporters have long stuck to tried and tested business models. But now there is appetite for change, says Francois Sonneville, a senior beverages analyst at Rabobank
Calorie labelling on booze is much needed – but doesn’t go far enough
Brands need to be clearly labelling everything – calories, carbs, sugar and fats, says Tom Bell, director and founder of SkinnyBooze and SkinnyBrands
When will Coca-Cola loosen its lips on its plans to move into booze?
The EH Canning brand could cover cocktails, wine or – more likely – hard seltzer
Peroni’s positive message is warmly welcomed
We Brits don’t really know how embedded in Italian culture ‘La Passeggiata’ – an evening, social stroll – really is
The Carlsberg-Marston’s joint venture will back both businesses where they need support
Carlsberg and Marston’s new joint venture, announced this week, deserves a toast
Pubs must overcome a series of hurdles before serving up post-lockdown pints
The government’s dream of ‘continental-style’ drinking will need practical support to become a reality