A study by Roy Morgan has shown increased consumption of cider and spirits in 2009, and a drop in the number of drinkers of ready-to-drink premixed beverages, known as RTDs or ‘alcopops’. In December 2009, the estimated number of cider drinkers in Australia was up 45%, to 549,000, over an estimated 379,000 at the same time in 2008 – around 3.3% of Australia’s drinking-age population.  Spirits consumption was up 4.6%, with an extra 200,000 new drinkers. The RTD market lost... ...Read more »

Lion Nathan Australia (LNA) has announced today that its spirit and ready-to-drink brands, McKenna Bourbon and Inner Circle Rum, will be sold in Australia exclusively through Bacardi-Lion, the 50/50 joint venture between Lion Nathan and Bacardi Martini, from October 1. Andrew Reeves, LNA Managing Director, indicates the decision was made to strengthen the portfolio of Bacardi-Lion. “Following the successful launch of McKenna Bourbon and Inner Circle Rum through LNA and the widespread distribution... ...Read more »