Despite a fragile economy, American consumers continue to see alcoholic beverages as an affordable indulgence. The Nielsen Company offers its outlook on alcoholic beverage trends as the critical holiday season approaches: Restaurants and Bars Hurting With consumers staying in and entertaining at home more often, the on-premise sector - restaurants, bars and nightclubs - is facing serious challenges. Consumers are going out to eat less often, as evidenced by a recent Nielsen survey, where two-thirds... ...Read more »

The Federal Workplace Ombudsman has announced a national campaign targeting the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, taverns, bars and clubs throughout Australia will be randomly audited to ensure workers are being properly paid, with the three-month long campaign to begin next week. Workplace inspectors in all states and territories will be checking to ensure compliance with: • Rates of pay (including casual rates and minimum rates) • Penalty loadings (weekend, late nights) • Allowances •... ...Read more »

According to bartenders, if you want to persuade patrons to try new drinks the most effective strategy is to offer special price promotions. Over 70 per cent of bartenders in a recent Technomic survey agree that this is a suitable approach for launching new offerings, particularly in neighborhood bars, at nightclubs that offer entertainment, and in casual-dining restaurants. Only half of the bartenders surveyed agreed that in-store signage was an effective way to drive sales of new drinks. “While... ...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 »

The City of Sydney is hoping new measures will help stimulate activity and interest in CBD laneways and forgotten spaces.A report to Council’s Cultural Community Services Committee on Monday 28 July 2008 recommends offering business development grants of up to $30,000, encouraging the creation of small retail, service and hospitality businesses. Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the City will also host a new temporary laneway art program By George! from October 3, as part of this year’s... ...Read more »

Manchester United Food and Beverage (MUFB) is planning a raft of restaurants and bars in the Korean capital and beyond as the club looks to build on the success of its franchises in Indonesia. Arguably the most popular sporting club in the world, Manchester United gave exclusive rights to Singapore-based MUFB Asia to own, operate, license and develop a chain of Manchester United Restaurant & Bars in the Asia-Pacific region. The venues typically provide Asian, English and American food, while... ...Read more »