The nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest has filed suit against MillerCoors Brewing Company, formerly Miller, over its alcoholic energy drink, Sparks. The CSPI has been concerned with the contents of the drink, which reportedly has more alcohol than regular beer and contains “unapproved additives”, including the stimulants caffeine and guarana. The lawsuit is asking the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to stop MillerCoors from selling the controversial drink,... ...Read more »
Leading Australian winery Wolf Blass has been honoured with the International Red Winemaker of the Year award at the 2008 International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London. Wolf Blass was selected as International Red Winemaker of the Year by a highly credentialed judging panel of more than 370 winemakers, merchants and writers from around the world. Over a two week period, the panel blind tasted more than 9000 wines from 40 different countries, further evidence of the calibre of the IWC competition. Chris... ...Read more »
Just like works of art, wine is now being subjected to advanced testing to establish its authenticity. Nuclear scientists from the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNSR) in France have unveiled a new tool to detect fake vintage wines on behalf of London’s Antique Wine Company (a leading rare wine merchant). Ion beams are directed at the bottle to roughly determine how old they are and where they originated. According to the CNSR, the process is like checking the painter’s signature... ...Read more »
Speak to founder of Snowy Mountains Brewery (SMB) Kevin O’Neill and there is no doubt that two topics will dominate the conversation - beer and snow. For these are his passions, and Kevin O’Neill is one of those people whom most admire, some with a hint of jealously, because he is living his dreams and passions everyday through his work. Kevin reports that the idea for SMB came from the knowledge that many ski resorts around the world had their own unique beer, something that was lacking... ...Read more »
Claims by Coopers Australia that they sell “Australia’s greenest beer” have been questioned by consumer advocates CHOICE, with The Age reporting that a complaint about ‘greenwashing’ has been registered with the ACCC. Greenwashing, which involves the overstating of the environmental credentials of a product, has been under the spotlight this year as manufacturers and marketers seek to capitalise on heightened consumer interest in environmentally friendly products. The... ...Read more »
Victoria’s Regional and Rural Development Minister, Jacinta Allan, announced a $67,200 grant last week to help the Victorian Wine Industry Association to conduct research that will help the industry plan for future growth.”The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victoria’s food and wine industry continue to grow,” advised Ms Allan. “Victoria’s wine industry is a key contributor to the state’s economy with an annual turnover of about $1.3 billion and... ...Read more »
Coca-Cola Amatil, Australia’s largest soft drink bottler, has reported their first half profit after tax has risen 22% to $171.9 million. The distributor of Coca-Cola in Australia advised that stronger cash control one of the reasons for the increase. New beverage products added impetus to the results, with the Mother re-launch, Kirk’s Ginger Beer, Powerade Edge and Recovery and Glacéau - which is likely reap sales 4 times the original forecasts - among the successful new products introduced... ...Read more »
A major step forward in efforts to protect Scotch Whisky in one of its most exciting, emerging markets has been welcomed by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Following an SWA application, the Chinese Trade Mark Office under Administration of Industry & Commerce (AIC) has agreed to protect ‘Scotch Whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI) by registering it as a ‘collective trade mark’ in China. As a result, there will be nationwide official protection of the description ‘Scotch... ...Read more »
The Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, reports beer sales from American craft brewers continue to grow despite a softening economy and challenges with raw materials supply and pricing. Craft beer dollar sales during the first half of 2008 increased 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2007. The Brewers Association attributes this growth to a grassroots movement toward fuller flavored, small batch beers made by independent craft brewers. According... ...Read more »
Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., owner of the Jim Beam brand and the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world , and Hornitos Tequila (a Sauza brand, which is owned by Beam Global) have proclaimed new technology partnerships will enable the company to evolve with consumers ever changing needs. Hornitos believes they have found new ways to connect with consumers on-premise and in their daily lives through mobile and product technologies. Buy Your Amigo Hornitos As of August 1, 2008,... ...Read more »