The non-profit Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation (AER Foundation) today presented a report to the Australian Government calling for urgent reform of taxes on wine in Australia. The report “Alcohol Taxation Reform – Starting with the Wine Equalisation Tax”, was produced by leading economic consultants the Allen Consulting Group, commissioned by the AER Foundation. The AER Foundation report claims that Federal Government would earn an extra $1.5 billion by applying similar tax... ...Read more »

Lion, the Kirin-owned food and drinks company, has experienced challenging conditions and declining revenue across its businesses in Australia and New Zealand over the last six months, ending March 31 2011, according to its latest financial figures reported on August 5, 2011. The report shows declines in Lion’s beer, spirits and wine divisions in Australia and New Zealand, and in its dairy and drinks division: Beer, spirits and wine divisions in Australia and New Zealand delivered earnings before... ...Read more »

Kirin-owned dairy and drinks giant, Lion Nathan National Foods, today announced its intention to rebrand its three divisions – Lion Nathan Australia, Lion Nathan New Zealand and National Foods – to a single new brand, Lion. All three will use the Lion brand, but the company said that to distinguish informally as required, National Foods will be known as Dairy and Drinks, while the Lion Nathan businesses will become Beer, Spirits and Wines, Australia, and Beer, Spirits and Wines, New Zealand. Lion... ...Read more »

Lion Nathan National Foods announced its results for the quarter ended 31 December 2010, with tough results across the board. Revenues for National Foods and Lion Nathan Australia were both down 11%, to $729.8 and $430.2 respectively. White milk volumes declined 11% for National Foods, and Lion Nathan’s 4% higher per-litre price was also knocked out by lower volumes. Only Lion Nathan New Zealand delivered increased revenue, up 9% at NZ$204.7 million. “Rising interest rates and power costs,... ...Read more »

The latest in beer technology was flowing – and free falling – at Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) new zero gravity research facility today.Queensland University of Technology researchers have been testing the effect of zero-gravity on the carbonation and palatability of beer in space, using a microgravity “drop tower”, in an attempt to quench the thirst of the burgeoning space tourism industry. Alongside more serious experiments for NASA and other international... ...Read more »

Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) will provide up to 4000 cartons of Great Northern beer to hard working State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service volunteers to say thank you for their continuing efforts in helping Queenslanders throughout the flood disaster. CUB Queensland General Manager Cameron Levick said it was a privilege to make the beer available to SES volunteers and Rural Firefighters who have assisted during this crisis in Brisbane as a part of its ‘Flood, Sweat and Cheers’... ...Read more »

Local flavour is the preferred beer of travellers and locals alike, with both tourists and residents preferring to drink local brews. In research conducted by SABMiller during this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa, some 87% of visiting fans said that, when travelling abroad, they want to try different beers and steer clear of brands from their own country. The majority of the 700 people polled from 30 different countries expressed a preference for locally produced beers which add to the... ...Read more »

Foster’s Group has announced a new lineup of key appointments for its planned demerged beer and wine businesses, Foster’s and Treasury Wine Estates. The company said that work on the potential demerger was progressing well, and that if the demerger took place, it could be expected in the first half of 2011. After a market search and assessment process, Foster’s said it has nominated John Pollaers for CEO of a demerged Foster’s beer business, and David Dearie for CEO of Treasury... ...Read more »

Carlton & United Breweries and Carlsberg Group, Brewer of Denmark’s world famous lager, have extended a long-term exclusive license to sell and market Carlsberg brands in Australia. “Since 2007, we have proudly marketed and distributed Carlsberg brands in the Australian market and we are delighted to extend the relationship”, said Carlton & United Breweries Managing Director John Pollaers. “We are very pleased with Carlsberg’s performance and look forward to continued growth for... ...Read more »

Fosters today released its 2010 Sustainability Report, detailing actions by the company regarding environmental and corporate social responsibility made this year. Among the company’s actions for the year were savings on energy and water, responsible drinking programs and carbon offset donations. “Our Energy & Water Efficiency Program has continued to drive improved performance,” said Fosters CEO Ian Johnstone. “More than 20 energy saving projects are expected to save around... ...Read more »