Kirin Holdings has cut its sales and profits forecast for the first half of 2010. Kirin expects net sales to be JPY43bn (US$492m) for the six months to the end of June, 14% lower than previously predicted, the Japanese drinks giant said today (26 July). It added that net profits are expected to be JPY26bn, 7% lower than its earlier forecast, with operating profits set to be 14% lower at JPY29bn. “The revision is due to smaller dividend income from affiliates than initially forecast,”... ...Read more »

The High Court of Australia has ordered Lion Nathan National Foods to scrap the word ‘Barefoot’ on its Barefoot Radler beer range, after losing a trademark case against US wine giant E. & J. Gallo Winery. Gallo is the current registered owner of the registered trade mark ‘Barefoot’ and took the brewer to the Federal Court more than two years ago, claiming Lion Nathan’s Barefoot Radler brand infringed Gallo Winery’s ‘barefoot’ trademark, used to... ...Read more »

The wine industry’s national environmental assurance program has signed up more than 100 members in its first 100 days. Launched on December 7 last year, EntWine Australia has received the strongest early support from grape growers, particularly in South Australia. “This is a very heartening response to a new, voluntary program given that it has been the busiest time of the year for the wine sector,” said the Manager of Natural Resources with the Winemakers’ Federation of... ...Read more »

The head of National Foods has admitted the Australian dairy group is still “some distance” off generating “acceptable” returns as the company integrates local firm Dairy Farmers. National Foods managing director Andrew Reeves said the coming together of the two companies during 2009 had created a “leading branded dairy and juice business” - and he insisted the combined group was “well-positioned” to invest in its business. While Reeves said National... ...Read more »

The National Marketing Director of brewer Lion Nathan, Margaret Zabel, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities after six years in the position. Zabel’s role will be assumed by NSW Regional Director, Matt Tapper, who will take over at the beginning of March. Mr Tapper has been with Lion Nathan since 1997. The management reshuffle will see Tapper’s position filled by WA Regional Director Frank Arangio, who, in turn, will be replaced by Brett Grebert. Zabel will continue to work part-time... ...Read more »

Geoff Ricketts, current Chairman of Lion Nathan, has welcomed the public recognition bestowed on Sir Douglas Myers in this year’s New Year Honours, with the former Chairman of the brewer made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand.”As Chief Executive and Chairman of Lion Nathan, Sir Douglas led the creation of one of New Zealand’s first and, arguably, most successful trans-Tasman companies,” Mr Ricketts said. “Sir Douglas understood the potential for New Zealand... ...Read more »

Woolworths, Wesfarmers and Lion Nathan have been among the big winners when it comes to brand value gains over the past year, with Woolworths claiming top spot as Australia’s most valuable brand owner. The research by Brand Finance showed half of the top ten most valuable brands were indeed companies with strong links to the food and beverage sector. Beyond Woolworths, Coles owner Wesfarmers, soft drink maker Coca-Cola Amatil and brewers Lion Nathan and Foster’s made the top ten. Wesfarmers,... ...Read more »

Lion Nathan, Australia’s second largest brewer, has delivered a 13 per cent increase in net profit after tax on the back of a 7.1 per cent rise in sales. The maker of Tooheys and XXXX, which was recently acquired by Kirin Holdings, said the result was a sign of the success of the strategy implemented five years ago. “Five years ago we decided to invest in our most valuable assets; our brands, our people and our breweries and we made a commitment that the investment would be followed by... ...Read more »

Lion Nathan will officially be delisted from the ASX at the close of business tomorrow. An employer of over 3,000 in Australia and New Zealand, Lion Nathan’s roots trace back to New Zealand with the 1914 creation of New Zealand Breweries. After building up a significant business in New Zealand the company looked to Australia for growth, with expansion taking a major step forward in 1990 with the purchases of Tooheys Brewery and Castlemain Perkins. Since then they have further extended their... ...Read more »

Kirin Holdings’ purchase of Lion Nathan was implemented today, ensuring the creation of the largest supplier of food and beverages to Australian supermarkets. Kirin’s operations in Australia will now be merged under the name of Lion Nathan National Foods, although the day-to-day operations of the two firms are unlikely to change greatly. The headquarters of Lion Nathan will remain in Sydney, while the headquarters of National Foods will still be in Melbourne. Lion boss Rob Murray will... ...Read more »