News Page:    <<   1  2  3  4  5  6   >>  Sources: --- all --- Company news drinktec 2009 E-Malt.com Search News:     10.11.2009   Romania: Summer beer sales down 1.5 mln hl yoy     ( E-Malt.com ) Romania’s brewers sold 1.5 mln hl of beer less this summer as compared to the same period in 2008, Ziare.com posted on November, 2. The nation’s beer market has fallen to the level of 2005, according to analysts. “It is possible, nevertheless, that beer sales will recover in the last quarter of this year,” Shachar Shaine, head of United Romanian Breweries Bereprod, said.   10.11.2009   The Czech Republic: Gambrinus recognized as true Czech Beer     ( E-Malt.com ) The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) awarded the most popular Czech beer, Gambrinus, permission to use the registered geographical name "Czech beer." Brewer Plzeňský Prazdroj communicated on November, 2. "Receiving the certified authorisation to use the registered geographical name Czech beer is, without a doubt, proof that Gambrinus brews high-quality beer, thanks to the use of modern production equipment in combination with traditional recipes. Also, the name Czech beer has been a big international success for the Czech beer industry and I believe that it will contribute to maintaining the Czech beer phenomenon in its traditional understanding," says Jan Hlaváček, main brewer at the Gambrinus brewery. The term "Czech beer" is officially protected by a geographical name (CHZO), which was granted by the European Commission in response to demands made by the Czech union of breweries and malt plants. The system of protecting the name of an agricultural or a food product was established by the European Union in 1993 with the aims of protecting producers from competitors who plagiarise, and of protecting consumers from unwanted deceit. Protected names also serve to promote quality. The conditions for using the name Czech beer are: • place of production: at a brewery located in the Czech Republic; • place of origin and composition of basic ingredients (including contextual specification in percentages): malt (from approved harvests of barley), hops (from the Žatec, Ústí nad Labem, Tršicko regions, from the Žatec medium-ripening červeňák [a type of hops], Sládek, or Premiant), water (from local sources with specified hardness), brewer's yeast (brewer's yeast for lower fermentation of beer); • classical production of beer, based on specification – that is decoction, one to three malting processes, decantation, and boiling of hops. After the boiling of hops finishes, it will cool to a fermentation temperature, then it is aerated and brewer's yeast will be added. Fermentation has to take place in two phases. After finishing the second fermentation phase, the beer is filtered and put in barrels. Unfiltered beers can be also produced; • indicators of quality of final products. The designation of Czech beer was awarded by the CAFIA to three other local breweries from the Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. portfolio – these are Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel and Radegast.   10.11.2009   United States: States raising alcohol content in beer     ( E-Malt.com ) A growing number of states are moving to allow higher alcohol content in beer, USA Today reported on November, 3. Alabama and West Virginia have passed laws increasing the legal alcohol-by-volume cap for beer from 6% to as high as 13.9% this year. Similar efforts are underway in Iowa and Mississippi, two states with very restrictive limits on the sale of high-alcohol beer, said Sean Wilson, former president of Pop the Cap, North Carolina's successful grass-roots effort that raised the state's limit in 2005. The average alcohol content in beer is 4.65%, according to a 2002 study by the Alcohol Research Group in Emeryville, Calif. Twenty states still place some kind of limit on the amount of alcohol in beer, Wilson said. Paul Gatza, director of the national Brewers Association based in Boulder, Colo., said limiting alcohol content restricts flavors and styles because "you can't put as much malt or other sugars in your beer as you may want to." Some efforts to change beer laws are led by consumers, Gatza said. In Iowa, for example, the Iowa Brewers Guild and a consumer group called Lift the Limit are working to change the state's law on alcohol content in beer, Guild President David Coy said. David Rosenbloom, president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in N.Y., said the more alcohol, "the faster you get drunk and the longer you stay drunk. ... There's no evidence that people will drink less, or fewer beers." Chuck Hurley, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said, "Our chief concern is that (higher-alcohol brews) be properly labeled so people understand it takes fewer beers to become intoxicated." Gatza said consumers of specialty or microbrewed beers, also known as craft beers, "don't drink to get drunk. They drink to appreciate the flavors." Ohio was among the first to raise beer alcohol-content rules when it pushed the allowable alcohol-by-volume to 12% in 2002, Gatza said. Georgia followed in 2004, then North Carolina in 2005 and South Carolina in 2007. Alabama passed the Gourmet Beer Bill in May, state Rep. Thomas Jackson said. The bill increased the cap from 6% to 13.9%. West Virginia upped its maximum legal alcohol content for beer in April from 6% to 12%. Vermont raised the cap to 16% and Montana to 14% last year. Craft beers, typically stronger, tend to be more expensive. An average case of Budweiser costs $17.76, according to Information Resources, a market research group. Midrange higher-alcohol beers cost $24-$40 per case, Gatza said.   04.11.2009   Larox China Celebrates Inauguration     ( Company news ) Larox celebrated the inauguration of the company's brand new production plant in Suzhou on October 16. The official ceremony gathered together Larox's customers, partners, local authorities, company management and employees. With the establishment of a subsidiary Larox shows firm and long-term commitment to supply efficient, high-quality filtration solutions to Chinese customers. “As a leading global supplier of industrial filtration solutions, Larox's strategy is to grow, and to offer local service worldwide. China is a very important market for us, and we want to service our Chinese customers in the best possible way”, says Mr. Topi Karppanen, President and CEO of Larox Corporation, “Larox has been represented for many years in China by its local agent Filterox, but opening a subsidiary demonstrates that Larox really has a long-term commitment in China. Our presence in China enables us respond better to customers' needs, monitor better market developments and emerge with new applications.” - Growing Market With the growth of the Chinese Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Process industries, the demand for high quality filtration solutions has been increasing steadily. “China is facing increasing pressure to improve its industry's energy efficiency. There are ambitious targets and programs aimed at reducing energy consumption and emissions. This drives demand for efficient filtration technology. Larox is very well positioned to offer competitive solutions to help our customers reduce costs, consume less energy and improve process performance in many ways,” says Mr. Karppanen. Larox's production plant is located in Suzhou Industrial Park in Jiangsu province near Shanghai. “This is a very good location close to many customers, suppliers and skilled labor, with well developed logistic facilities”, says Mr. Su Xugui, Managing Director of Larox China. A total of 30 new employees were recruited to the China office to support the existing 15 Larox China employees and the global Larox team. - Celebrating Larox China The official inauguration ceremony was held at the Larox Suzhou plant, at the production facilities, where the guests were welcomed to the grand opening with traditional Chinese dragon dancers and drum beat. The welcoming words were expressed by Mr. Topi Karppanen, President & CEO of Larox. Throughout the inauguration ceremony the importance of the China office to Larox was emphasized. “Larox was established by my father Nuutti Vartianen in 1977, and the first Larox deliveries to China took place in the mid 1980's. Already in the mid 1990's Larox had plans to establish a subsidiary in China in form of joint venture. As the establishment did not happen then, I am very pleased to see the China office and production facilities being established now. China has always been good market to Larox” stated Mr. Timo Vartiainen, Chairman of the Larox Board of Directors in his opening ceremony speech. Mr. Vartiainen also informed the audience about the business acquisition arrangements between Larox and Outotec and stated “Larox China will get great new opportunities through Outotec, but let us concentrate tonight on celebrating this great event of Larox China”. - Fruitful cooperation “Whatever the name may be, I am sure Larox China will be successful” said Mr. Lars Backström, Ambassador of Finland, at the beginning of his speech, referring to the Outotec acquisition over Larox, announced on the day before. The ambassador emphasized the cooperation between Finland and China and how the Suzhou Industrial Park would become a center of that cooperation. At the moment China is the fourth biggest importer to Finland and possibly in the future, Finland could increase their import share in China. “The cooperation between the two countries has been long-term and especially the Non-ferrous cooperation between Finland and China has been fruitful and beneficial for the industry”, complemented the Deputy Secretary General of China Non-ferrous Metal Industry Association Mr. Pan Wenju, who is also a long-term friend of the Vartiainen family. A small Finnish hub has already been formed in the Suzhou Industrial Park (S.I.P) and the future is seen prosperous. “I would like to compliment the Larox Management on their wise decision on establishing a subsidiary here” stated the Chairman of the Suzhou Industrial Park, Mr. Yang Zhiping. After the official opening, the guests were treated with traditional Chinese dinner and performances of Jiandang dance and acrobatics show. The Larox customers and stakeholders were offered an evening full of experiences and excitement. The topmost thought after the party was a feeling of community, success and Larox spirit. The Larox team spirit reflects on the Larox operation and customer orientation. "Our customers in China will benefit in many ways from the fact that the company is now operating through a local subsidiary. We will have a local spare parts warehouse in Suzhou, which means that our response and delivery times will be much faster than before. We offer local service and customer support in in local language, and our customers can pay us in local currency. This change is highly appreciated by our customers who will not have to worry about currency exchange matters anymore”, Mr. Topi Karppanen concludes. (Larox Corporation)   04.11.2009   Water Alarm Instrument WWG    ( Company news ) Picture caption: The WATCHDOG Water Alarm instrument WWG monitors unwanted water spillages and protects the user from costly water damages The new WATCHDOG Water Alarm WWG from AFRISO is designed to detect electrically conducting liquids in rooms and areas where burst pipes, leakages, back flows and flooding may occur and also for the monitoring of catchment areas, manholes, pipe and cable ducts as well as transport and storage locations. The Water Alarm WWG consists of a control unit, a wall mounting rail probe or an alternative floor mounting probe, which are connected to the controller up to a distance of 50 m. The control unit contains all indication and operating elements as well as two voltage-free output relays. If an unwanted leakage of an electrically conducting liquid occurs, visual and audible alarms are initiated and an alarm mute facility is provided to silence the audible alarm either at the control unit or from an external location. The Water Alarm WWG will revert back to normal operation only when the sensing probe is dry again. The WATCHDOG Water Alarm WWG is supplied with 230 VAC and is designed for simple wall mounting but may also be installed in consoles or control panels (using an optionally available mounting frame). WATCHDOG Alarm Instruments can also be retro-fitted with a special sealing set which makes them suitable for use in dirt laden or spray water areas (IP 54). In order to achieve maximum operational safety, AFRISO Event Reporting Systems can also be connected to the Water Alarm WWG. The user of the installation is then notified immediately via the Internet, by Email, SMS or phone, if an alarm condition occurs. (Afriso-Euro-Index GmbH)   02.11.2009   Africa: SABMiller expects ‘gouble-digit’ growth from its cheaper African brands     ( E-Malt.com ) SABMiller Plc, the world’s second-largest brewer, is aiming for “double-digit” growth over the next two-to-three years from the less expensive brands it sells in Africa such as Raiz and Eagle lager, Bloomberg communicated on October, 28. To fuel increased sales, the company plans to cut beer prices in its “affordable category,” Mark Bowman, the head of the brewer’s African unit, said without being specific. The unit excludes South Africa. The maker of Grolsch and Miller Genuine Draft said Oct. 15 that first-half beer sales fell as markets from Europe to South Africa shrank. Declines were less than for rivals Heineken NV and Carlsberg A/S because of SABMiller’s broader presence in more resilient African and Asian markets. Those two regions have the “strongest organic growth prospects,” over the next three- to-five years, with Africa also having potential to outperform, SABMiller Chief Executive Officer Graham MacKay said. “Africa has a very relaxed attitude to alcohol, with very few taboos over its consumption,” Mackay said. “In Africa, about 70 percent of beer consumption is of illegal beer, so we represent a very small portion of the pool and we believe there are big opportunities to grow.” SABMiller will reduce its capital spending in Africa to $200 million in 2011, from the $370 million it plans to spend by the end of its current fiscal year in March, Bowman said. The level of capital expenditure in the region meant the brewer’s African operations have not been “very cash generative” over the past one-and-a-half years, he added. In an effort to secure the supply of ingredients needed to make beer, SABMiller has agreements with 20,000 farmers across the continent where the brewer provides a “guaranteed market and a guaranteed price,” Bowman said.   02.11.2009   Australia: Lion Nathan expands James Boag’s beer line     ( E-Malt.com ) Lion Nathan has unveiled its first new beer under the James Boag’s trademark, a new super premium brand called James Boag’s Pure, The Shout posted on October, 23. The mainstream brewer acquired the boutique Tasmanian brewer on January 2 last year for A$325 million in what the company described at the time as a “highly strategic and complementary acquisition” with a “strong portfolio and geographic fit”. The brand will be available to the trade immediately and is expected to be made available to consumers from November 9. According to Boag’s Operations Director, Phil Hargans, the new brew features the best Tasmania has to offer. The launch of James Boag’s Pure has been timed to coincide with the key summer selling period and will be supported by an integrated campaign featuring a brand new television campaign (TVC). The company has also invested more than A$20 million in expanding the iconic Boag’s Brewery on the Esk River, with a new state of the art brewhouse currently in testing stage and on track to open in early December. James Boag’s Pure will hit the shelves with an RRP of A$57.99 per carton and A$17.99 for a six-pack.   02.11.2009   Canada: Brick Brewing launches a compliment to its Red Baron brand     ( E-Malt.com ) Brick Brewing Co. Limited announced on October, 28 the launch of a new Red Baron Light beer. Brick Brewing Company has crafted Red Baron Light to compliment their already successful Red Baron Lime and Red Baron Lager line up of premium blonde beers. Like the Red Baron family, Brick will be launching Red Baron Light in a clear glass bottle. "Both Red Baron Lager and Red Baron Lime have been a big hit for us" said George Croft President and CEO. "Consumer interest in a more flavorful light beer drove our decision to develop and launch Red Baron Light, and we are pleased to make the beer available to Ontario beer drinkers as an addition to an already great tasting and equally great looking Red Baron family of beers," added Croft. Brick Brewing Co. Limited is Ontario's largest Canadian-owned and Canadian-based publicly held brewery. The Company, founded in 1984, was the first craft brewery to start up in Ontario, and is credited with pioneering the present day craft brewing renaissance in Canada.   02.11.2009   Japan: Kirin taking measures for Guinness to surge in smaller restaurants     ( E-Malt.com ) Japan's Kirin Brewery Co. is working with British liquor producer Diageo Plc to expand sales of Guinness black beer to smaller restaurants by installing newly developed compact beer "surgers", AsiaPulse communicated on October, 26. Beer surgers use ultrasonic waves to put a foam head on beer poured from commercial-size cans. The versions predominantly used until now have been around 50cm tall, making it difficult to install them in small local pubs and bars. The new surgers are just 13cm wide and 5cm tall, allowing them to be placed on counters or in kitchens without taking up much space. Before year's end, Kirin plans to increase the number of stores with beer surgers by 30 per cent to 20,000. The Kirin Holdings Co. group acquired sales rights to Guinness products in June. To this point, it has primarily sold the British brand in large restaurants, but it is hurrying to bring it to local pubs and other small venues by using the compact surger. Unlike drinks poured by servers from casks, beer sold in commercial-size cans is given a head by the surger and then supplied to the customer. For that reason, making the surger smaller was seen as key to cultivating small restaurants and thereby boosting Guinness sales volume.   02.11.2009   Perfect Monitoring of Rooms and Storage Facilities    ( Company news ) Photograph: Perfect monitoring of rooms with AFRISO 2 devices (ÖWWG 3 and EMS 220): If unwanted liquids are detected, the person in charge is immediately notified via the internet, e-mail, SMS or phone The new AFRISO WATCHDOG ÖWWG 3 oil/water alarm unit signals unwanted accumulations of water, fuel oil, diesel, motor oil, vegetable oil, transformer oil as well as antifreeze agents, emulsion or oil-water mixtures. It is used to monitor heating connection rooms, oil storage connection rooms, water connection rooms, laundry rooms, drip trays, shafts, channels or pipes. ÖWWG 3 consists of a control unit and a flexible PTC thermistor probe. In the case of an alarm, visual and audible alarms are triggered and the unit is locked. The device is unlocked at the unit itself, however, unlocking is also possible externally from a distance of up to 100 m. The oil/water alarm is intrinsically safe and self-monitoring. Short-circuits and cable breaks in the probe cable are detected. In the case of a power failure, the de-energising output relay transmits a signal to additional devices or pumps. The unit can be integrated into existing communication and building control systems. The oil/water alarm unit is TÜV-tested and has the Technical Approval Z-65.40-339 of the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt). To ensure perfect room monitoring and a maximum of operational safety, ÖWWG 3 can be connected to the AFRISO EMS 220 event reporting system. In the case of an alarm, the person in charge is immediately notified via the internet, e-mail, SMS or phone. Early detection of unwanted liquids can save private households a lot of hassle and money and companies and operators of industrial facilities disastrous accidents with severe consequences to persons and the environment. (Afriso-Euro-Index GmbH)   29.10.2009   Krones publishes its nine-month report for 2009     ( Company news ) Business is being hit by the worldwide financial crisis. In the year’s first nine months, sales fell by 22.8 % to 1,364.0 million euros, while pretax earnings were at minus 26.9 million euros. Krones is targeting a break-even result in the year’s final quarter. Krones AG, the world’s market leader in the beverage filling and packaging sector, has seen its business hit by the worldwide financial crisis during the first nine months of 2009. Although the company is performing better in the crisis than the market as a whole, the key financial indicators show a significant deterioration on the successful previous year’s levels. From January to September 2009, sales were 22.8 % down on the preceding year’s equivalent figure, at 1,364.0 million euros. While sales in Germany itself and the rest of Europe were significantly down on a like-for-like comparison, revenues in the rest of the world were emulating 2008’s high level after nine months of this year had elapsed. Krones achieved relatively gratifying figures in the regions of Africa/Near East and Asia, plus China and South America. In the first nine months of 2009, the severe cyclical downturn meant that clients’ propensity to invest was low. During the period under review, order bookings dropped by 24.4 % to 1,414.4 million euros (preceding year: 1,870.4 million euros). Despite the unfavourable business environment overall, there were also regions from which numerous orders continued to flow, prominent among them China, Africa and South America. Order bookings from Eastern Europe, the CIS nations and from North America, by contrast, remained well below the preceding year’s equivalent figures. In the third quarter of 2009, order bookings, at 540.4 million euros, were now only 13.9 % below the preceding year’s level. Compared to the second quarter of the ongoing business year, Krones’ order bookings rose by 17.6 % in the July-to-September period. On 30 September 2009, the company’s order backlog, at 887.8 million euros, was 10.9 % down on a like-for-like basis. - Krones with a 25.4-million-euro loss after nine months Krones’ earnings during the year’s first nine months were hit by the less-than-easy market conditions and the concomitant fall in sales. Since the drops in volume and prices were particularly substantial in the year’s first half, the savings achieved by the “Conversion” programme were not sufficient to avoid a loss after three quarters of the year, during which the company recorded pretax earnings of minus 26.9 million euros (preceding year: 126.8 million euros). Consolidated earnings fell in the period under review from 86.8 million euros in the preceding year to minus 25.4 million euros. This corresponds to earnings per share of minus 0.85 euros (preceding year: 2.75 euros). Despite the loss suffered in the year’s first nine months, Krones achieved a free cash flow of 26.8 million euros, and possesses a consistently sound financial and asset structure. On 30 September 2009, the equity ratio, at 40.9 %, was well above the sectoral average. In addition, it is meanwhile apparent that the cost cuts achievable by means of the “Conversion” programme are set to be higher overall than originally anticipated. - Krones is targeting a break-even result in the fourth quarter of 2009 Prospects for the business cycle have improved in recent months. Most pundits are predicting that the economy will continue to recover. The filling and packaging industry, too, has seen its slump bottom out, and is now experiencing a modest recovery. Krones is accordingly facing the future with cautious optimism. However, certain adverse factors still persist. Clients continue to encounter problems in financing their planned investments, because loans are increasingly difficult to obtain. In addition, the profitability of the orders involved is sometimes less than satisfactory, because prices are still coming under pressure due to the significantly downsized volume of the market as a whole. Krones will purposefully progress the efforts synergised in its “Conversion” action programme, with which the company has since the fourth quarter of 2008 been proactively countering the consequences of the downturn. Since “Conversion” is already bearing fruit, and order bookings have recently shown signs of recovery, the company is confident of achieving a roughly break-even result in the fourth quarter of 2009. For 2009 as a whole, Krones is expecting its sales to fall by 20 to 25 % compared with the preceding year. The loss for the year in relation to sales will be in the very low single-figure range. Thanks not least to the highly encouraging feedback from Krones’ appearance at the drinktec, the industry’s premier trade fair, the Executive Board is predicting that next year the company will be back on the road to success. From today’s perspective, the Executive Board is confident that sales next year will grow and pretax earnings will be once more in the black. The complete quarterly report for 3/2009 can be retrieved under: http://www.krones.com/downloads/Q3_2009_d.pdf (Krones AG)   29.10.2009   WATCHDOG Overfill Alarm System NB 220 QSA    ( Company news ) Photograph: The AFRISO WATCHDOG overfill alarm system NB 220 QSA prevents overfilling of tanks with water-polluting liquids. (DIBt: Z-65.11-193) The AFRISO WATCHDOG overfill alarm system NB 220 QSA, consisting of the level sensor type 76...(A, C, E, M, N) and the transducer NB 220 QSA which serves as a level controller, is designed to prevent overfilling of tanks with water-polluting liquids. The overfill alarm system may be used with stationary tanks for storing inflammable and non-inflammable water-polluting liquids (such as fuel oil EL, biodiesel, diesel, gear oils, hydraulic oils and vegetable oils). The level sensors may be used for fluid temperatures of –25 °C to +50 °C (version H up to +80 °C). Operational safety is high since the unit continuously monitors the characteristic of the level sensor and checks for short circuits and cable breaks between the level sensor and the level controller. If a signal is generated, the filling process is interrupted and the unit triggers audible and visual alarms. Control lamps as well as a test and a reset button at the front ensure easy operation. The NB 220 QSA transducer is supplied with AC 230 V; 2 voltage-free changeover contacts (1 can be reset) are available for alarm and control devices. The overfill alarm system is optionally available as NB 220 QSA-AC 24 V for supply with AC 24 V or as NB 220 QSA-DC 24 V for 24 V direct voltage. The additional device type 907 Z can be connected to the transducer as an additional control unit to enable connection to a tank lorry with a filling system. The WATCHDOG overfill alarm system NB 220 QSA has the Technical Approval Z-65.11-193 of the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt).   26.10.2009   BG: Carlsberg Bulgaria to launch a new dark beer, suspend production of another due to low demand    ( E-Malt.com ) Carlsberg Bulgaria has officially introduced its new branded dark beer called Shumensky Тemno, FoodBizDaily reported on October, 22. The product will appear in the local market in early November in PET bottles with 0.5 and 2 litres volume and will be positioned for the middle-price segment of the market. The new beer is described as dark, full bodied with alcohol content of 5.5%. At the same the company will suspend the production of another drink of the same line Shumensky Cherveno due to the low demand for the product. The formula of "Shumensky Тemno” was chosen after a series of consumer surveys and responds to the traditional taste preferences of the Bulgarian consumers, said the marketing director of Carlsberg Bulgaria Kamen Aleksov. Currently Shumensky brand maintains 16% share of the Bulgarian beer market, while in its “home regions» (Shumen, Razgrad, Targovishte, Silistra, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse) it has a 24% share. For the first six months of 2009 Carlsberg Bulgaria has already invested EUR11 million in the modernization of its Bulgarian plants, planning to make further investments by the end of the year. Meanwhile Carlsberg Bulgaria itself is controlling about 27% of the Bulgarian market and had the same data last year.   26.10.2009   China: AB InBev China’s core brands enjoy double-digit sales growth in the summer season     ( E-Malt.com ) Harbin and Budweiser beers, two core brands of Anheuser-Busch InBev China, reached "double-digit" sales volume growth for the summer season, buoyed by the firm's comprehensive marketing initiatives and expanding geographical reach, China Daily reported on October, 19. "Our aggressive distribution expansion of Harbin brands to untapped regions by using AB InBev's sales network has almost doubled sales increases for the peak selling season in its traditionally strong market in the Northeast," Rex Wong, vice president of marketing and new products for AB InBev China, said. Wong said the firm will expand its marketing investment in Harbin to more provinces such as Guangdong, Zhejiang and Hunan. The goal is to reach 187 different markets this year and 200 by 2010, up from 157 markets in 2008. "We will make it a national beer rather than a local brand," Wong said. In 2004, what was then Anheuser-Busch took over Harbin Brewery, China's oldest and then fifth-largest brewer, for almost $720 million. According to research firm Euromonitor International, the total sales volume of Harbin beer grew 5 percent in 2008, to equal the overall market increase rate. "Its summer sales have surpassed our anticipation of 10 percent in 2009, probably due to its expanding distribution in supermarkets and wider advertising reach geographically," said Joy Huang, Euromonitor's alcohol analyst based in Shanghai. Huang said Euromonitor expected the overall beer sales volume in China to rise 5.7 percent this year. Wong said Budweiser beer, another mainstay brand under Belgium-based AB InBev, also enjoyed "double digit" growth in China in the same period, even though its growth rate was not as strong as Harbin. "It's not easy for high-end brand Budweiser to have such growth in light of its already established leading position in China," Wong said, crediting the growth to intensive marketing promotions such as the Bud Music Kingdom campaign to attract young consumers. Euromonitor reported that Budweiser topped China's premium beer market with 46 percent market share in 2008. Euromonitor anticipates the brand will increase by 9 percent in sales volume this year. "We're now actively seeking dealers and expanding our distribution to penetrate inland and into smaller areas," Wong said. But analysts said the road to lower-tier cities could be rough. "Budweiser's main strength is in coastal cities. Small cities and towns are more familiar with local brands, with their low cost and high recognition," Huang said. Beer market data provider Plato Logic projected per capita beer consumption in China will reach 35 liters per capita in 2010, up from 17.5 liters in 2000.   26.10.2009   UK: Only 300 bottles of luxury Australian lager to be available to UK consumers later this month    ( E-Malt.com ) A luxury Australian lager is set to hit UK shores later this month, Morning Advertiser posted on October, 23. The limited edition Crown Ambassador Reserve Lager will sell for £35 a bottle and only 300 individually numbered bottles from the 2009 vintage will be made available to UK consumers. Brand owner, the Foster’s Group, claims the beer is more than worthy of its “Champagne” price tag. “The cost reflects the hand-crafted and personalised approach to brewing, the quality of ingredients and impeccable presentation,” said master brewer John Cozens. “Crown Ambassador Re-serve lager is suited to those amongst us who like to treat ourselves and our friends to small luxuries that taste outstanding.” The 10.2% abv lager can even be aged like a fine wine. If kept correctly (at or below 15°C) it will develop and mature for up to 10 years, though Cozens says he expects it to reach its peak at around five years. It should be drunk in a large red wine glass to be fully appreciated, he added. The beer is said to have a velvety smooth taste with sweet caramelised malt characters and traces of vanilla and curry leaf.   26.10.2009   United States & Germany: New German-American beer to be released next spring     ( E-Malt.com ) America’s leading craft brewer Boston Beer Co. will team up with a venerable German brewery to jointly brew a new craft beer to be marketed in Germany and the U.S. next spring, The Associated Press communicated on October, 21. Boston Beer CEO Jim Koch and Josef Schraedler, managing director of Weihenstephan announced this week that their two companies have been working together for two years on the beer, which they will make and market jointly. It has yet to be named, but will be marketed in bottles with corks instead of the usual metal caps. The Weihenstephan brewery, owned by the state of Bavaria, dates back to 1040 when Benedictine monks began making beer at their cloister outside Munich. The new beer will also follow Germany's famed Reinheitsgebot, an ancient purity law — since 1516 — which stipulates that beer can be brewed with only four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast. "We're creating a brand, a product that never existed before, a very premium brand," Koch said. "Beer can stand with dignity and respect with the best of wine and spirits," he said, without elaborating on brewing style or price.   23.10.2009   GOOD WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR US! Sealed Ink Cup series of TAMPOPRINT® AG    ( Company news ) Our Sealed Ink Cup series with its attributes „reliability and cost-effectiveness“ has already excited thousands of our customers. The classic machine among the tampon printing machines has gained acceptance weathering many storms from all over the world to this day. The "Sealed Ink Cup E" machines operate based on the well-proven and patented hermetically sealed ink/doctoring process (also known as "hermetic"-System). And it is now able to do much more ... The Sealed Ink Cup in its latest „E“ version is electropneumatically driven and can be fully integrated into an automated system. The operator panel has now a selector switch for 1-/2-/3-fold printing and continuous run, 2 buttons for “Start” or „Fault acknowledgement“ and „Stop“, as well as an electronic piece counter. With the standard TAMPOPRINT® interface the machine can be driven by an automation. An ink residue pick-up system can also be integrated as an option. The original idea was improved We have taken the wishes of our customers into consideration in two ways: Nothing is too good to be improved. You can now use the Sealed Ink Cup series more flexibly. The only thing that has not changed is the price. (TAMPOPRINT® AG)   19.10.2009   Rwanda: New Turbo King beer to hit the shelves within the next two weeks     ( E-malt.com ) Rwandese brewer Bralirwa (Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda) has unveiled a new beer called Turbo King, All Africa reported on October, 16. According to Alexander Koch, the Commercial Director of Bralirwa, Turbo King will be commercially launched within the next two weeks. "Our consumers needed a strong beer, richer in colour with heavy ingredients and now here we have it," Koch said. Bralirwa is jointly controlled by the Heineken Company with a 70 percent stake and government with a 30 percent interest. The bralirwa range of brands includes Primus, Mützig, Amstel, Guinness, Heineken and is the license holder of the products range of the Coca Cola Company in Rwanda. "The 72cl battle of Turbo King will be sold at Rwf 800, and will be distributed in the whole country just after the grand launch," Koch said. In 2008 over $6 million was invested in its Gisenyi brewery to increase capacity and further improve quality. The production capacity is currently 1,100,000 hl per year and over 130 million of bottles are produced annually under the highest quality controls. "The market in Rwanda is growing double digit, and we hope that the economy will continue to grow healthy and we are happy to be part of the development," Koch said.(E-malt.com)   19.10.2009   United Kingdom: Carlsberg’s launch of a special edition Christmas cask beer...     ( E-malt.com ) seen as commitment to Tetley’s brand. Carlsberg UK claims that its launch of a special edition Christmas cask beer signals its long-term commitment to the cask version of Tetley’s, The Publican posted on October, 12. Tetley’s Northern Cracker is now available to the on-trade nationally. CAMRA and beer lovers across the country have long expressed concerns that the closure of the Leeds site, expected in 2011, will mean brewing of Tetley’s cask ale would wither and possible cease altogether. But a statement from Carlsberg UK said: “This is the first piece of news in a major campaign for the Tetley’s brand to be unveiled over the coming months, as Carlsberg UK continues to support and invest in this vital part of its industry-leading beer portfolio.” Paul Davies, Carlsberg UK head of brands, added of the new 4.3 per cent ABV beer: “Tetley's is a jewel in the Carlsberg crown, and we are very excited by the launch of this seasonal ale.” (E-malt.com)   19.10.2009   United States: New Corona Extra & Corona Light 24-ounce can packages aiming at..     ( E-malt.com ) growing single-served segment. Crown Imports has announced the launch of new Corona Extra and Corona Light 24-ounce can packages aimed at the $3.2 billion single-serve segment of the beer business, PRNewswire reported on October, 15. "This occasion based business already represents nearly 13 percent of dollar share in the off-premise channel. Based on the growing demand from consumers and retailers for single-serve options, we see a great opportunity for Corona in this space," said Jim Sabia, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Crown Imports, Corona's exclusive U.S. importer. According to IRI data, over the past four years import brands in the 24-ounce single-serve segment have averaged 13.3 percent case sales growth versus 4.7 percent for domestics, accelerating faster than the category case trend by nearly seven fold. The Corona Extra 24-oz can will arrive at retail in 26 initial markets this month with the Corona Light can to follow shortly thereafter. The Corona Extra and Corona Light 24-ounce cans are targeted to 21-44 year-old General Market and Hispanic drinkers from the service and manufacturing trades. "Our consumer research indicates these consumers see Corona as a reward. Our 24-ounce cans offer a new trade-up option for drinkers looking for a premium beer experience," Sabia said. The previously introduced Corona Extra 24-ounce single-serve bottle is currently a top ten package amongst all 24-ounce packages according to IRI. Primary channels of distribution for the new Corona Extra and Corona Light 24-ounce cans are convenience, drug, liquor and grocery stores. "Convenience stores especially may benefit from the incremental purchase occasions and additional traffic the Corona Extra and Corona Light 24-ounce cans would deliver," reports Bruce Jacobson, Executive Vice President of Sales for Crown Imports. IRI reports indicate that single-serve 24-ounce packages represents close to 11 percent of the case volume sold in the convenience store channel, making it a key package in a channel designed around convenience and immediate consumption. Crown continues to invest in new packages and options suitable for the off-premise channel and at-home consumption opportunities. According to the Beer Institute, the off-premise channel currently delivers 82 percent of beer industry volume and may lead category resurgence in the year ahead. (E-malt.com)   19.10.2009   WWF and Novozymes put climate on the agenda in the living room    ( Company news ) WWF Denmark and Novozymes want to take the climate debate into the living rooms of consumers. They have therefore teamed up with Game Inventors to develop a game that turns the focus onto how we as consumers can help fight global warming. On Monday October 19 at 14:00 CET the Rethink Tomorrow board game will be launched at the Arnold Busck bookshop in Lyngby Shopping Centre. Visitors will be able to meet Gitte Seeberg, Secretary General of WWF Denmark, and Claus Stig Pedersen, Senior Director and Head of Sustainability Development at Novozymes. They will jointly answer questions on the partnership between Novozymes and WWF Denmark, and on the development of the board game. WWF Denmark will receive the proceeds from the game, while the buyer will get one year’s free membership of WWF Denmark. ”We have called the game Rethink Tomorrow because there is a need to question traditional conventions if the climate challenge is to be overcome. We must all look at our daily lives and ask ourselves whether there is anything we can do differently,” says Claus Stig Pedersen. He explains that the purpose of the game is to get the climate issue on the agenda in the living rooms of consumers. By giving consumers more information, he hopes to equip them to change their behavior and make a difference for the environment. ”If the climate challenges are to be overcome, we must work together across some of the traditional boundaries such as those between companies, NGOs and consumers,” says Claus Stig Pedersen. ”Companies can deliver climate-friendly solutions, NGOs can push legislation and public opinion to the fore, and consumers can ultimately determine whether there is a market for climate-friendly products.” WWF Denmark works with a large number of companies that want to make a difference. ”We're proud to be working with Novozymes, which is taking some big steps in the right direction for the environment,” says Gitte Seeberg. She explains that WWF Denmark and Novozymes are already working together to create awareness of green growth. ”Among other things, we have teamed up on the report Industrial Biotechnology, which maps how biotechnology and enzymes can be used to reduce CO2 emissions.” (Novozymes A/S)   16.10.2009   ITALIAN PREVIEW AT SIMEI ‘09 - The new Roll Adhesleeve in demo version for ......    ( Company news ) ..... high-performance bottling lines Pet bottles tests on a running conveyor loop, Hall 22 stand n.10 Performance time : h. 10,00-11,00-12,00—15,00-16,00-17,00 Roll Fed labelling machine simple as an ADHESIVE one! The first major innovation is the elimination of the use of the hot melt which hallmarks this machine offering the following advantages: - environmental: absence of fumes produced by heating the hot melt (to around 150°C); - sanitary: it is no longer necessary to utilise solvents to clean the label application cylinder (having eliminated the hot melt no residual glue is left to clean) - ecological: the absence of hot melt makes the label free from any contamination, so 100% recyclable, together with the bottle and the cap. The second important innovation is the method of label cut which is no longer effected by fixed cutting blades interacting with rotary ones, in this way several BIG PROBLEMS are easily solved: - Adjustments: no necessity to adjust the cutting unit for various film thicknesses, considerable changes in the ambient temperature, no worn out blades etc. - Replacements: it takes only 10 minutes (at most) to replace the cutting devices without tools or adjustments! The life of the new cutting devices is much longer than the classical cutting system; - Efficiency: 100% elimination of production stops, potentially due to imperfect label cut, film stretching with consequent reduction of its thickness, different film thicknesses due to an excessive quantity of paint on a reel, etc. The new cutting devices do not require any servicing or adjustment. Films with thicknesses different from standard ones can be used. Roll Adhesleeve uses film thicknesses lower than the films that are normally used on the classic Roll-Fed labellers and allows a “reduction of the label costs” SIMPLY THE FUTURE OF “ ROLL FED “ LABELLING (P.E. Labellers S.p.A.)   12.10.2009   Canada: Molson Coors launches Canada’s lowest calorie beer     ( E-Malt.com ) Molson Coors has introduced new Molson Canadian 67, a specially brewed light beer with only 67 calories per bottle - making it the lowest calorie beer in Canada, CNW reported on October, 5. That's about half the calories of a glass of wine or a single mixed drink and one-third fewer calories than light beer, the company said. "As more health-oriented Canadians take a calorie-conscious approach to their eating habits, they now have a beer choice that fits with this lifestyle," says Stephanie DeSutter, Senior Brand Manager, Molson Canadian. "Molson Canadian 67 lets men and women enjoy a great tasting beer with a calorie count they can feel good about.” Education around calorie consumption is becoming increasingly important to Canadians. According to a recent independent sample of nearly 2,000 light beer drinkers across Canada conducted by Molson Coors Canada, 61 per cent of consumers said that calories are an important consideration to them when it comes to choosing alcoholic beverages. However, only 39 per cent said that they always or sometimes know what the calorie content is of the beer that they consume. Molson Canadian 67 is specially brewed for Canadian beer tastes by blending two-row malted barley, a touch of wheat, and a triple hopping method using four different varieties of hops. The result is a light beer with rich colour, creamy foam, and the clean flavour you expect from other light beers with only two-thirds the calories. "Molson Canadian 67 is Canada's first hybrid light beer, combining flavour and lightness. Now Canadians can have their beer and drink it too," says DeSutter. "Molson Canadian 67 can be an ideal partner for those that enjoy a casual beer after a run, a game or hitting the gym. Post activity or out socializing, it makes the ideal wingman." Molson Canadian 67 is now available at select retailers and accounts across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. It will be available nationally by the end of November. Currently in Ontario, the 12-pack retails for C$19.95 and the six-pack, available only at the LCBO, retails for C$9.95.   12.10.2009   India: SABMiller India introduces a new managing director     ( E-Malt.com ) Beer giant SABMiller has named Paolo Lanzarotti to head its Indian operations as managing director, at a time when the world’s most ‘aggressive brewer’ deals with a critical phase in its local operations, The Economic Times posted on October, 9. Mr Lanzarotti moves into the fastest-growing and possibly the most difficult beer market, after spearheading the brewer’s operations in Slovakia. Mr Lanzarotti replaces Jean Marc Delphon de Vaux, who left SABMiller a few months back, even as the brewing giant’s market share suffered sharply due to a combination of factors. India’s second largest brewer after United Breweries (UB) will now also have to reckon with global peers like Carlsberg and Budweiser who have gradually begun making inroads into the domestic market. SABMiller’s fourth MD in a little over ten years will take on the reigns when the world’s second largest brewer, after the two global rivals Anheuser-Busch and InBev merged, needs proactive leadership in India. A top honcho at a rival beer firm said that SABMiller’s greatest need was a visible face at the lead to battle complexities of the Indian market. Barring Richard Rushton, during whose tenure the company effected significant buyouts to emerge as number two, no other managing director has held a high-profile stint in this latent beer market, he added. Industry estimates suggest that SABMiller, which held over 36% of national beer volumes, has seen its market share slump below 30% following a deadlock with state authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It had also exited a contract-bottling arrangement with an associate of Mohan Meakin in Tamil Nadu, another key market. SABMiller emerged as India’s second largest brewer after snapping up Shaw Wallace Breweries, the makers of Haywards 5000 strong beer and Royal Challenge premium lager, in 2003. Subsequently, it went on to acquire Foster’s India operations to bolster its portfolio, in effect raising a challenge to UB’s stronghold. At this point, Mr Lanzarotti’s immediate concern would be to regain momentum and prevent ceding of ground to new rivals such as Carlsberg. India’s beer consumption was estimated at 174 million cases (of 7.8 litre each), or 13.75 million hectolitres, making it possibly the eighth largest market in Asia in FY09. However, the domestic per capita consumption of the beverage is only at 1.3 litre compared to 78 litre in Slovakia, which has a population significantly lower than Bangalore metro.   12.10.2009   Japan: Kirin Brewery again raises sales target for its alcohol-free beer hit    ( E-Malt.com ) Kirin Brewery Co. is forced to expand production in order to meet the permanently growing demand for its Kirin Free beer, The Independent reported on October, 8. Launched in April, when it was described as the only beer in the world with 0.00 percent alcohol, expectations were initially modest for a brew in a nation which famously enjoys a drink or two. The brewer originally set an annual sales target of 630,000 cases of the new beer, each case containing the equivalent of 20 633-mililiter bottles. That estimate was quickly raised to 2.5 million cases, but this week Kirin again hiked the figure to 3.5 million cases. "We have been really pleasantly surprised by the demand from Japanese consumers, but we do think the new drink meets people's needs nowadays," Kumi Nakano, a spokeswoman for Kirin, said. The company has even been obliged to run full-page adverts in daily newspapers apologising to consumers for shortages of the drink due to its unexpected popularity. "There are many reasons why people are choosing to drink Kirin Free," Nakano said. "Many people do not much like the effects of alcohol but still like the taste of beer, so this is perfect for them, while other people feel obliged to drink after work with their colleagues and do not want to drink alcohol." Another reason the company has identified for the trend towards no-alcohol beer is a police crackdown in recent years on drunk-driving. Pregnant women also apparently like the brew, while it also does not hurt that it is cheaper than regular beer. A 350-mililiter can of Kirin Free costs about Y150 (€1.14), while a competitor charges around Y220 (€1.68) for a can of the same size. Since the launch of Kirin Free - and its runaway success - Japan's other big brewers have jumped on the alcohol-free bandwagon. Asahi Breweries unveiled its Point Zero on September 1, followed by Suntory Holdings' Fine Zero on September 29. The newest arrival is Sapporo Breweries' Super Clear, the latest version of which went on sale on September 30 and also contains no alcohol.   12.10.2009   Peru: SABMiller’s subsidiary launches new premium beer     ( E-Malt.com ) Cusqueña Beer is bringing a new beer variety to the Premium market: Cusqueña Red Lager, SABMiller communicated on October, 1. "Cusqueña is a Premium beer, different and innovative, which researches client's preferences constantly. Cusqueña Red Lager is a product of that research and has been developed for the consumer who is looking for new flavour experiences as well as the opportunity of tasting a special beer", Enrique Rosas, Director of Worthmore Brands of Backus, stated. With Cusqueña Red Lager Special Edition, Backus reasserts its strategy of financial management with the launching of highly distinguished products that add value to the participating categories. Cusqueña Red Lager Special Edition will be present in Lima as well as eight cities nationwide: Chiclayo, Pucallpa, Cusco, Huancayo, Arequipa, Trujillo, Piura and Tacna, at multiple selling points, traditional wineries, supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, restaurants and bars.   08.10.2009   BEGEROW receives the CONFRUCTA-award 2009    ( Company news ) From left to right: Rainer Junker (BEGEROW), Evi Brennich (CONFRUCTA), Christa Tesch (BEGEROW), Joachim Schröder (BEGEROW) BECOPAD awarded as the most innovative product in the fruit juice sector “And the winner is BECOPAD”, was called out on 15 September this year in the BUGA lounge near the exhibition grounds of Munich. The CONFRUCTA-award of the same publisher was awarded to BEGEROW within the scope of the IFW, which was held parallel to the drinktec in Munich. Evi Brennich, managing director of the CONFRUCTA publisher: „The jury of the editors chose to award the CONFRUCTAaward 2009 to BEGEROW out of good reason - represented through their managing director Mrs. Christa Tesch - for her merits and for the over many years of problem orientated development of the first mineral free filter medium BECOPAD.“ On the following day and within the program of the congressional event IFW, F&E group manager Günther Geiger presented the auditorium with an interesting technical lecture on the award winning product BECOPAD. The CONFRUCTA award is awarded to individuals, companies or institutions that moved something in the fruit juice branch and have created new impulses through new innovations or the development of new fruit juice processing, whose quality and consumption of fruit juice has been influenced positively. (E. Begerow GmbH & Co)   07.10.2009   A real revolution in the field of Roll-Fed labelling!    ( Company news ) We have converted the labeller from Hot-Melt to pressure-sensitive adhesive application! The two MACROPROBLEMS peculiar to this type of labelling machines have been eliminated in one go. Standard Roll-fed machines utilise: 1) HOT MELT – Glueing the label edges by means of a glue roller is known to present some disadvantages: - glue spray and relevant cleaning of the application cylinder; - deposit of residual films or labels in the glue regulator (production stops due to cleaning operations); - periodic cleaning of the pads during the working shifts; - oily fumes produced by the glue heating (150°); 2) LABEL CUT – till today, on all roll-fed machines, the label cut is performed by interaction of rotary cutting blades and one or two fixed ones. The difficulties in the adjustment of the blades during their replacement (4 to 6 hours) are well-known, as well as the production stops due to imperfect label cut. ROLL-ADHESLEEVE is the cheapest and most ecological solution in the field of Roll-fed labelling. It uses reels already featuring glue strips, which are applied to the label during the film converting process. KYOTO PROTOCOL 2008/2012 – 5% REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS - Due to a reduction in electrical energy use compared with a standard Roll-Fed machine, along with the use of plastic films up to 20 my thick as well as to the elimination of the hot-melt use, it is possible to reach a considerable reduction of the CO2 emissions, fulfilling 5% the out of the Protocol. (P.E. Labellers S.p.A.)   07.10.2009   ISP launched new products and new service platform at Drinktec 2009    ( drinktec 2009 ) New granular Polyclar® stabilisers and “Perfect Stabilisation System” demonstrate the company’s market-leading commitment to clarity ISP Global Beverage Services™; maker of market-leading Polyclar stabilisers for beer, wine, juice, juice condensates, and malt extracts demonstrated its ongoing leadership in beverage stabilisation with the launch of innovative products, technologies, and services at Drinktec 2009. Experienced ISP brewmaster-technicians staffed the ISP booth and introduced prospective and returning customers to the suite of ISP market-leading stabilisation services and technologies. New granular formulations of Polyclar stabilisers for beer and wine were on display, as was the ISP Hazetester, the cornerstone of the ISP “Perfect Stabilisation System” for beer. - Clean and clear technology ISP launched its signature granular Polyclar stabiliser for beer, formulated with 100% polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), as well as three new granular Polyclar products for wine: Polyclar Prevent, Polyclar Cure, and Polyclar Wine. Formulated as PVPP-blends, the new granules for wine address the varying stabilisation and filtration needs of winemakers. “Our new granular Polyclar stabilisers for beer and wine make our clean technology even cleaner,” says Mika Unting, ISP Senior Manager of New Business Development for Europe and certified brewing engineer. “Like all of our stabilisers, they do not cause chemical interactions, contain no enzymes or GMOs, are 100% removable by filtration, and require no additive labeling.” ISP invented PVPP stabilisers in the late 1960s and was first-to-market with the technology, “We continue to innovate our technologies for the benefit of our customers,” says Mustafa Rehmanji, ISP Global Beverage Market Director. “Here we are first-to-market yet again, now with granular formulations that are low dust, fast wetting, and make for easier and more efficient slurrying of stabilisers.” - Service innovators for the industry ISP brewmaster-technicians also demonstrated the company’s service capabilities with the ISP Hazetester, the cornerstone of the ISP “Perfect Stabilisation System.” Developed in conjunction with a leading European optics institute, the portable ISP Hazetester measures tannoids and haze-sensitive proteins to determine a beer’s unique profile. “I travel to breweries throughout the UK and Europe sampling beer with the ISP Hazetester,” says Sonya Broderick, ISP Business Development Manager for Europe. “Through repeated sampling, we acquire data, recommend the best-fit stabiliser from our family of Polyclar stabilisers, and optimise dosage rates. Customers are thrilled when they realise how effectively ISP can help them drive time, costs, and complexity out of the stabilisation process.” ISP technologies take optimisation even further by guiding brewers through every aspect of stabilisation, including the most efficient method and time to add Polyclar. “We can help implement a novel mixing technology that delivers accurate, even, and fast dosing of Polyclar stabilisers perfectly timed between fermentation and filtration for maximum stabilisation performance,” continues Broderick. “It completes the package.” For more information, please contact Mika Unting, ISP Senior Manager of New Business Development for Europe, at munting@ispcorp.com or +49.2236.9649.291. (ISP)   05.10.2009   Finland: Finland travellers’ private imports of alcohol grow in the first eight months of this year     ( E-Malt.com ) According to a TNS Gallup survey of travellers’ private imports, imports of beer, cider and intermediate products increased by approximately 25% (in terms of litres) during the January–August period of 2009 on the corresponding period of 2008, Finland’s leading brewer Hartwall communicated on September, 23. Strong alcoholic drinks accounted for just over half, that is, 54 per cent, of travellers’ total private imports of alcohol. Beer accounted for 17 per cent and mild wines for just over 12 per cent. Ciders, long drinks and intermediate products accounted for 5, 7 and 5 per cent respectively. Although travellers’ private imports of alcohol began to decline from late 2005, they took an upswing at the beginning of 2008 – at the same time as alcohol taxation was increased in Finland. This growth continued during the January–August period of 2009 after the new rise in alcohol taxation in January 2009. Travellers continue to purchase most of their alcoholic beverages on ships or in Estonia. During the January–August period of 2009, passenger numbers to Estonia have remained at the same level as in the corresponding period of 2008.   05.10.2009   Mexico: FEMSA to increase beer prices by 11% if the government raises taxes    ( E-Malt.com ) Mexican brewer and bottler FEMSA would be forced to raise its beer prices by 11 percent if a government plan to raise taxes is approved, Genaro Borrego, the company's head of corporate affairs, was quoted as saying by Reuters on September, 29. "It's an excessive proposal," Borrego said. "The proposal would mean that for every peso of beer sold, 50 centavos would go to the tax man." Mexican President Felipe Calderon has proposed a 2 percent sales tax on all products, including currently exempt food and medicine. He also wants to increase income tax and existing taxes on goods like beer, soft drinks and cigarettes. FEMSA, the rival of Grupo Modelo, makes Bohemia, Tecate and Dos Equis brand beers. Grupo Modelo makes Corona brand. The proposals have been criticized and may be altered before being passed by Congress, where Calderon lacks a majority. Congress is expected to vote on the plan by October 31. Borrego, who once led the Institutional Revolutionary Party, the main opposition party currently in Congress, said the proposed tax plan would deeply hurt some of the country's oldest businesses. "This means lower (beer) volumes that would hurt an industry that has been in the country for over 100 years and has always paid taxes," said Borrego. FEMSA has had weak sales this year because of the recession, but some of its units, like convenience store chain Oxxo, have rapidly expanded.   05.10.2009   United States: Bud Light Golden Wheat to hit store shelves nationwide on October, 5     ( E-Malt.com ) Anheuser-Busch, the US division of the world’s number one brewer AB InBev, announced it will introduce a new Bud Light Golden Wheat beer nationwide on October, 5. The brewer said the launch was inspired by consumer interest in a more flavorful light beer and the growing popularity of wheat beers. “Bud Light has the unique ability to introduce wheat beers to a broader audience of beer drinkers,” said Mike Sundet, senior director of Bud Light brands. “With the personality of Bud Light, Bud Light Golden Wheat appeals to light beer drinkers who seek a variety of flavor options from their beer.” Whether garnished with an orange or enjoyed straight from the bottle or in a glass, Bud Light Golden Wheat offers a light wheat-malt sweetness upon first sip, which quickly gives way to a refreshingly crisp, citrus finish. Following successful launches of Bud Light Chelada and Bud Light Lime in 2008, Bud Light Golden Wheat marks the third brand extension under the Bud Light name, offering light beer drinkers options suitable for diverse palates and drinking occasions with the quality they expect from the world’s best-selling light beer. “Bud Light Golden Wheat is not a craft beer, but captures the refreshment of the wheat beer style while remaining consistent with Bud Light’s product attributes that beer drinkers enjoy,” Sundet said. “Our Innovations and brewing teams have worked for almost two years developing Bud Light Golden Wheat from consumer insight and perfecting it to Bud Light standards.” Brewed at Anheuser-Busch’s Baldwinsville, Cartersville and Fort Collins breweries, Bud Light Golden Wheat contains 118 calories, 4.1 percent alcohol by volume (also available in 3.2 percent ABW) and is available in 12-ounce glass bottles, 22-ounce single-serve bottles and draught. Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Belgium-based leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.   05.10.2009   World: SABMiller to push Grolsch beer globally     ( E-Malt.com ) SABMiller is preparing a new global campaign for its Grolsch beer, Marketing Week posted on October, 1. The new campaign will focus on newer international markets and features ‘The Mark’, a new symbol derived from the Grolsch logo that will appear on Grolsch products. Ronald van Amerongen, international brand director for Grolsch says: “We wanted to find a way to move Grolsch from a brand with the iconic swing top, to a brand which is a global icon in itself”. The campaign comprises of experiential and outdoor activity as well as a television and cinema advertisement created by London agency The Bank. The ad follows a man’s journey through life with The Mark featuring as a recurring symbol, highlighting meaningful moments along the way. SABMiller acquired the Grolsch business and brand in February 2008. In the UK, it is distributed and marketed by Molson Coors. Molson is preparing to launch a separate push in the UK. The £13m campaign will push the brand’s premium credentials and taste and uses and feature the beer’s iconic swing top bottle with the strapline “Taste. Amplified”. Dave Griffiths, brand director at Molson Coors, says there are “ongoing discussions” about adopting The Mark symbol in the UK.   01.10.2009   NSF International Becomes First North American Certification Body to Receive ANSI .......    ( Company news ) .... Accreditation for Both BRC and SQF Standards ANSI Expands NSF’s SQF Accreditation to Include BRC to Help Clients Improve Food Safety Throughout the Supply Chain NSF International today announced that it is the first organization in North America to obtain both British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation from ANSI, the authority on U.S. standards and conformity assessment systems, expands the scope of NSF’s Global Food Safety Initiative* (GFSI)-recognized accreditation to include BRC, enabling NSF to help more companies throughout the food supply chain strengthen their quality assurance programs. GFSI has emerged as a way to better address the safety and quality of the global food supply. NSF offers certification to GFSI-benchmarked food safety standards, such as BRC and SQF. These global food safety certification systems promote consistency across the supply chain and provide independent certification that a product, process or service complies with international, regulatory and other specified standards. BRC, a GFSI-benchmarked food safety standard developed by the British Retail Consortium, integrates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, factory environment, process control, quality management system, product control and personnel training. Adding BRC accreditation through ANSI enables NSF to provide clients with the food safety certification services they need to compete in today’s global marketplace. Also recognized under the GFSI-benchmarked standards, SQF is designed to provide certification that food safety and quality management systems comply with international and domestic food safety regulations. NSF International is recognized by the SQF Institute as an approved certification body and accredited by ANSI to provide SQF certifications. NSF was one of the first certifiers to receive SQF accreditation from ANSI. Receiving ANSI accreditation to both BRC and SQF illustrates NSF’s commitment to excellence in certification program management with BRC, SQF and other global food safety standards. “NSF has trained over 38 new auditors to BRC and SQF over the last 18 months and is now in the unique position to offer audits a few weeks out rather than several months out. This proactive approach helps address the audit availability issue that the demand for GFSI-benchmarked audits has far exceeded the supply of available auditors,” said Tom Chestnut, Vice President, Supply Chain Food Safety and Quality. To achieve BRC accreditation, NSF underwent a field audit review and a quality systems process audit at NSF headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The activities included the review of documentation, records, personnel qualifications, training programs, as well as extensive interviews with NSF staff. “BRC is very pleased to work with NSF as a key partner in satisfying the demand for the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety,” said John Kukoly, Senior Technical Marketing Representative in North America for BRC. “Our accredited certification bodies, like NSF, have stepped up to the challenge of providing qualified auditors for this program, as its popularity in the Americas continues to increase. We are proud to recognize NSF for their work and dedication to the BRC program.” NSF also offers certification to other food safety standards, including GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practices), International Food Standard (IFS), Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), among others. NSF lead auditors have been trained and qualified in each of these standards and specialize in specific food areas. (NSF International)   30.09.2009   POST DRINKTEC EDITORIAL P.E. LABELLERS S.p.A. - The revolution has begun    ( drinktec 2009 ) P.E. Labellers with its presentation of the new Roll-Adhesleeve machine at the recent Drinktec trade show has deeply marked the future of the Roll-fed innovation market. Many field experts have greeted enthusiastically the simplification introduced by P.E. Labellers with this machine. Announced months ago, this new entry has been finally introduced to the line operators that immediately saw the solution for their problems. No more production stops, jamming or daily cleaning; to sum up an unfailing and easy to use labeller. Many are the advantages: the elimination of hot melt, the possibility of handling 20my film, a cutting system without the need for any adjustment as well as lower energy consumption and maintenance. Many are the label international manufactures open to welcome this new technology with a range of films made of different materials: OPP, PET, PVC, HDPE. Mr Negri, P.E. Labellers president, has symbolically started the industrial production of this new labeller; strengthened by an order portfolio granting employment and turnover growth of the enterprise for years in the forefront. We will be glad to welcome you at the Italian Preview at the CIBUSTEC 2009 exhibition from 27th to 30th October 2009 (Hall 5 – Stand I018). (P.E. Labellers S.p.A.)   28.09.2009   Canada: Mountains come between Molson Coors and Labatt beers     ( E-Malt.com ) The use of iconic mountain images in beer ads has added another chapter to Canada’s recent beer disputes. Molson Coors Brewing Company has launched a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in federal court against Labatt, saying the mountain imagery on their new ads for Labatt's Kokanee beer infringes on the copyrighted images Molson uses on some of their products, Canadian Press communicated on September, 20. The new Kokanee graphic looks too much like the one portrayed in the background of Coors Light products, Molson Coors claims, seeking C$10 million in damages. But Jamie Humphries, marketing director for Kokanee, said the lawsuit came as a surprise because the mountains have been part of the Kokanee brand for four decades. Humphries says the new graphic is the same Kokanee Glacier that the beer is named after. He says the brewery is confident they're on the higher legal ground.   28.09.2009   India: Asia Pacific Breweries launches two beers in the West Bengal markets    ( E-Malt.com ) Asia Pacific Breweries – Pearl Private Limited, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (APBL), recently launched its popular brands Tiger beer and Cannon 10000 in the West Bengal markets, Imagesfood.com posted on September, 7. Having launched the two premium brands in the West Bengal markets, Asia Pacific Breweries is all set to capture a significant presence in the region during the grand festivities that will encapsulate the state in the coming months. Speaking about the development Chetan Gupta, Marketing Manager – India, Asia Pacific Breweries (Pearl) Pvt. Ltd. said, "The growth registered by West Bengal over the past two years has been very encouraging. With the success of our brands in various parts of the country and our goal of being a leading brewer in India, it is only natural to expand our footprint to Eastern India, starting with West Bengal. We have a quality portfolio with world acclaimed Tiger Beer catering to the premium mild beer drinker, Cannon 10000 catering to the mainstream strong drinker and Baron’s Strong Brew that plays in the premium category of strong beer redefining consumers expectations. We are confident of gaining a sizeable share of the East India beer market." Tiger Beer will be priced at Rs 35/- for 330ml and Rs. 60/- for 650ml and Cannon 10000 330ml priced at Rs. 28/- and 650ml priced at Rs 48/-, it is reported.   28.09.2009   New Zealand: Beck’s now brewed under licence in New Zealand     ( E-Malt.com ) Famous Beck’s beer is now being made in New Zealand by Lion Breweries instead of being imported from its home in Germany, Otago Daily Times communicated on September, 23. The local brew is already on tap, and it is now replacing the bottled beer on retail shelves. The only perceivable difference between the two will be freshness, and the fact that a new label says it is made under licence in New Zealand. Beck's is made in 13 other countries, including China. Besides Beck’s, other international brands are produced under licence in New Zealand. Lion has produced Stella Artois here for the past nine years, and Kilkenny and Guinness for 18 years. Independent Breweries produces the Danish Carlsberg and Tuborg brands, and DB produces the Dutch Amstel and Heineken brands. Beck's owner, Belgium-based AB InBev (which also owns the Stella Artois, Budweiser and Hoegaarden brands, among others) provided the all-important yeast which gives a beer its distinctive flavour, and the same German hops are being used. Beck's is a relatively pale brew, and the biggest problem has been to find a New Zealand malt which produces the required light hue. In the meantime, Australian malt is being imported. The same light green bottle is being used and, like most beer bottles, it is being imported.   28.09.2009   Puerto Rico: Second locally produced beer on the way to Puerto Ricans     ( E-Malt.com ) Puerto Ricans will soon be able to taste a second locally produced light beer, Associated Press communicated on September, 17. Cervezas del Sur expects to launch a light beer next year after securing a nearly $13 million loan to establish a $20 million brewing company in the southern coastal city of Ponce, it is reported. The beer is yet unnamed, and it will be sold only in the U.S. Caribbean territory, said Luis Alvarez, of Mendez & Co., the principal shareholder of Cervezas del Sur. Some 45,000 litres of beer a year would be produced, he said. Cervezas del Sur would provide 80 percent of the investment and a North Carolina-based investment group the remainder, Alvarez said. Some 30 jobs would be created. The beer would compete with Medalla, produced by Cerveceria India, a brewery that was established in 1937 in the western coastal city of Mayaguez.   22.09.2009   Japan: Kirin, Suntory to submit merger plan to regulator     ( E-Malt.com ) Kirin Holdings Co. and Suntory Holdings Ltd. plan to ask the Fair Trade Commission for a preliminary investigation into whether their proposed merger runs counter to the Antimonopoly Law, Kyodo News cited industry sources saying on September 8th. Kirin and Suntory have been in talks to reach agreement as early as this year on integrating themselves into one of the world's largest beverage makers. But as their combined share of Japan's beer market would exceed 50 percent, they are concerned about whether the FTC would approve the deal. If the FTC gives its preliminary approval to the proposed merger, the talks may make progress, according to the sources. Kirin spokeswoman Marina Totsuka and Suntory spokeswoman Naoko Tsuda both declined to comment on the progress of merger talks when contacted by Bloomberg News. Japan's beer market has shrunk 15 percent in volume terms in the past decade as the nation's population rapidly ages -- a demographic shift that has prompted Suntory and Kirin to aggressively diversify out of Japan and away from beer. Kirin and Suntory said in July they had begun preliminary talks to create a food and beverage giant with around $40 billion in annual sales, and a Kirin executive said last month that the two could agree as early as this year to a merger. Kirin Holdings rose 2.1 percent to 1,381 yen after Suntory said it was in talks to buy soft drinks maker Orangina from its private equity owners.   22.09.2009   Russia: Russian leader orders restrictions on beer. Beer to be bottled in 0.33l     ( E-Malt.com ) President Dmitry Medvedev is ordering new restrictions on the sale of beer and similar beverages in what appears to be his first effort to battle Russia's rampant alcoholism, The Associated Press communicated on September 11. Medvedev has publicly decried Russia's drinking problem and its effect on the nation's well-being. The planned new restrictions would bar the sale of beer in cans or bottles larger than 330 ml. The new rules apply to "light alcohol" beverages but not to wine, vodka or other hard liquors. The proposals also include tougher sanctions against retailers who break alcohol sale laws, which may lead to criminal proceedings against repeat violators. The law will as well enable regional authorities to introduce restrictions on the times, conditions and locations of alcohol sales. Beer and other low alcoholic drinks are currently sold in Russia in cans and bottles with volume ranging from 100 ml to five liters and more. The Russian Public Chamber said in a report in June that around 500,000 Russians die from alcohol-related deaths annually. A study published in June in The Lancet medical journal found that drinking has caused more than half of deaths among Russians aged 15 to 54 since the 1991 Soviet collapse. The average Russian drinks 17 liters of spirits a year, with some 2 billion liters of alcohol being consumed in Russia annually. Alcohol is also involved in some 80% of murders and 40% of suicides in Russia, the report said. The pollster VTsIOM has said that 65% of Russians would support an anti-alcohol program, with 34% totally in favor of a campaign and 31% "likely to support it." Only 8% of respondents were against the initiative and 17% preferred to say no to any campaign with 10% unable to answer. The pollster said more women were in favor of anti-alcohol measures, RIA Novosti commented. The most popular measure among respondents (63%) was a ban on selling alcohol to under-21s. A ban on alcohol advertising was also popular at 57%, with 47% voting for a campaign promoting healthy lifestyles. Some 34% of respondents said drinking alcohol and being drunk in public places should also be made a criminal offense. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the architect of sweeping reforms in the late 1980s, also raised concern in June: "We are destroying ourselves, and then we will look for those who destroyed our country, for those who made us drink. The situation is such that we must take control." Gorbachev briefly introduced prohibition in the Soviet Union in 1985 in an attempt to put a halt to the rampant alcoholism that was already taking its toll on the nation's economy and health system, which resulted in an increase in people drinking home-made alcohol and cleaning fluids.   22.09.2009   UK: Carlsberg’s cask version of Tetley’s Bitter has a future, despite the proposed closure     ( E-Malt.com ) Carlsberg UK boss Isaac Sheps has given the clearest indication that the cask version of Tetley’s Bitter has a future, despite the proposed closure of the Leeds brewery where it is made, The Publican published on September 13th. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and beer lovers across the country have long expressed concerns that with the closure of the Leeds site, expected in 2011, brewing of Tetley’s cask ale would wither and possible cease altogether. But, speaking today, chief executive Sheps said the cask version was not only secure, but that next year would see new marketing support for the product and its keg variant. “We have been looking to outsource production of Tetley's, including the cask ale variety, for some time,” said Sheps. “We have been in talks with brewers in Yorkshire who have the capacity to brew the cask version. I can promise CAMRA it will not disappear.” Sheps declined to "name names", although speculation has surrounded the likes of John Smiths in Tadcaster as well as brewers further afield, including Manchester's JW Lees. Sheps added that Carlsberg, which today unveiled a seven-year supply deal with managed pub chain JD Wetherspoon, was not looking to sell the brand, rather it wanted to buy production capacity. Bob Stukins, CAMRA's national vice chairman, said he welcomed the news concerning Tetley's and expressed the hope that brewing of the brand could "remain in its Leeds heartland".   22.09.2009   USA: Anheuser-Busch rolls out India Pale Ale     ( E-Malt.com ) Anheuser-Busch introduced an India Pale Ale on Monday as part of its Michelob line, St. Louis Business Journal posted on September 14th. The all-new Michelob Rye India Pale Ale is part of Michelob Brewing Co.’s new fall and winter sampler pack, which also features pale ale, porter and Bavarian-style wheat. India Pale Ales are known for their hoppy flavors. “We crafted Michelob Rye P.A. using feedback on many versions of the recipe that we shared with beer enthusiasts at beer festivals across the country,” Michelob brewmaster Adam Goodson said in a statement. “Rye is a challenging grain to use in brewing and adds considerable malt flavor complexity compared to barley alone.” Michelob Brewing Co.’s small research brewery is located next to Anheuser-Busch’s historic St. Louis brewery. At any given time, up to 50 different beers are being brewed in this brewmasters’ playground.   14.09.2009   MWV Unveils New Beverage Multiple Packaging Solutions at Drinktec 2009    ( drinktec 2009 ) Combo Systems Deliver Superior Versatility, Speed and Efficiency At Drinktec 2009 in Munich, MeadWestvaco (NYSE: MWV) unveils its next-generation packaging machinery solutions, extending MWV’s long-term experience and global capabilities in the beverage and liquid food industries. Complementing its full range of beverage packaging and machinery solutions, MWV is proud to present the OneTech®2 Combo, the MiniTech, and Ultima systems. The machinery innovation showcased at Drinktec 2009 was designed to meet customers’ most stringent requirements. MWV offers its new Combo solution, in-line secondary and tertiary packaging, which provides improved line efficiency and significant footprint reduction. The Combo option is available across MWV’s product line, including these systems highlighted at Drinktec 2009: - The OneTech2 machine delivers superior versatility and flexibility, optimized to run a wide range of primary containers, as well as various secondary and tertiary packaging configurations. The multipack options which can all be run on this one machine include MWV’s Duodozen®, Cluster-Pak®, and BasketWrap® carriers. These multipacks can then be loaded into tertiary shipping packages. The OneTech2 system offers improved line efficiency through footprint reduction and high flexibility. - Capable of running up to 600 multipacks per minute, the new MWV Ultima is the industry’s fastest multiple packaging machine for can-pack wraps. It enables customers to customize their line to run multiple configurations of cartons, including 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-can packs – semi-enclosed or fully enclosed. - The MiniTech solution, utilizing robotic product loading to enhance flexibility, enables MWV to extend its global portfolio and offer a fully comprehensive line of beverage packaging systems to cover its clients’ needs. “At MWV, we understand the markets we serve and are able to anticipate and address our customers’ needs,” says Bill Cecil, vice president, Global Beverage Innovation. “We are very proud to present our latest machinery innovation, further improving our customers’ speed-to-market, production performance and cost efficiency.” In fast-paced markets, adaptability and flexibility are fundamental for successful brand execution. Exceeding customer needs is at the center of MWV innovation, which is driven by extensive market research and deep consumer insight, Strong customer partnerships, a consumer market-focused approach and deep knowledge of the beverage and liquid food industries enables MWV to address these requirements and deliver turnkey packaging solutions that deliver solid performance in terms of versatility, line speed, and production efficiency. At Drinktec 2009, MWV will also be displaying a wide variety of commercial multipacks produced for the world’s leading beverage and liquid food marketers. Please visit MWV in Hall A2, Stand 502, at Drinktec 2009 from September 14-19, 2009, to discover more about our global innovation, unique packaging design and broad range of printing capabilities. (MWV MeadWestvaco)   10.09.2009   BASF at Drinktec 2009 in Munich    ( drinktec 2009 ) - Azo dyes can be replaced by nature-identical carotenoids from BASF - Environment-friendly filtering of beer with Crosspure - Universal Formulas make global marketing easier - Safety and traceability in focus With the range extending from light yellow to deep orange and bright red, there is a wide variety of colors of soda pops, fruit juices and all kinds of sports drinks and other refreshing drinks on supermarket shelves. Yet it is not just the color of drinks that helps persuade the consumer to buy; healthy additives are also part of the present trend. BASF will be demonstrating its extensive expertise in this area at Drinktec 2009 in Munich, Germany from September 14 through 19 (Booth 335 in Hall B1). It offers its customers from the beverage industry more than 20 different drink ingredients, which not only contribute to consumers’ health, but also provide an attractive color: healthy vitamins and carotenoids in juices and soda pops assist balanced and healthy nutrition, whilst carotenoids also give drinks the required color. For its customers in the brewing industry, BASF offers filtering aids that make beer clear and stable. Brilliant colors and high stability thanks to Lucarotin and LycoVit from BASF A bright lemon yellow despite storage under neon light on the supermarket shelf? The stability of the color of drinks depends on various parameters: on the exposure to light, on the temperature, on the interactions between the ingredients, on the degree of homogenization and on the pH value. Compared with coloring foodstuffs such as red beet and natural coloring agents such as curcumin or artificial azo dyes, BASF’s nature-identical carotenoids are considerably more stable. Furthermore, they are not dependent on the pH value of the medium or the degree of homogenization. The formation of collars of water or rings around the neck of the bottle and deposits of solid ingredients (sedimentation) at the bottom of the bottle can also be prevented with the BASF products. Coloring agent can also settle readily on the neck of transparent PET bottles. The removal of such undesirable discoloration can only be achieved with a large input of energy and time, resulting in increased costs prior to refilling. There is a solution to the problem: BASF’s extremely stable carotenoid formulations prevent this staining effect reliably. They do not require plastic bottles to be pretreated in any special way and also, in many cases, do not require any modification to the drink recipe, e.g. with the help of hydrocolloids. BASF’s carotenoids offer further advantages. Industrial production ensures a high and, above all, consistent product quality. As antioxidants they protect the drink, do not react with vitamin C and have only little effects on the taste. BASF offers two different carotenoids: beta-carotene (Lucarotin®) and, more recently, also lycopene (LycoVit®), which was approved as a novel food in the European Union (EU) in April 2009. Approval for LycoVit as a coloring agent in the EU is expected shortly. Clear enjoyment in spite of storage Consumers appreciate clear, pure specialty drinks, so clarifying and separating procedures are essential in the production process. Prior to filtering, beer contains proteins and polyphenols from the stems of the hops, which are responsible for the bitter taste. After a short time, depending on their concentration, they form complexes, which lead to cloudiness and alter the taste. Filtering aids such as BASF’s innovative Crosspure®, a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, not only clarify beer during production in one step, but also remove haze-forming polyphenols that are responsible for subsequent clouding of the beer during storage. Thus, Crosspure provides a convenient, economical 2-in-1 solution. Filtration with Crosspure is an environment-friendly alternative to the use of kieselguhr, because Crosspure can be regenerated continuously and used in existing filtration units. After filtration the insoluble Crosspure is separated off completely from the beer. BASF’s Universal Formulas give food industry customers more flexibility More flexible applications, higher cost-effectiveness: BASF offers its food industry customers vitamin and beta-carotene formulas that are approved for use in every region of the world. Customer-friendly BASF Universal Formulas make it easier for internationally operating food producers to market their products in different regions, while continuing to meet specific regional market requirements. BASF formulas for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K as well as beta-carotene and water-soluble vitamin B12 for use in beverages, foods and dietary supplements are suitable for use all over the world and so are highly flexible in their applications. Labels such as halal, kosher, vegetarian, etc. apply across the entire range of Universal Formulas, so there is no need for different labels for different regions. Another advantage for customers: the ingredients of Universal Formula products are accepted in every region. This enables more flexible product interchange in the event of local and regional product shortages and reduces complexity in the supply chain. Customers who use our Universal Formulas no longer need to maintain multiple stocks of different product types for different regions. Especially in these times of global economic hardship, BASF offers its customers a high degree of flexibility coupled with cost management benefits. S.E.T. – safety and traceability in focus Especially where food and drink are concerned, consumers want to know what they are buying and what ends up in their stomachs. The requirements to be complied with by manufacturers are therefore correspondingly high in terms of safety, quality, traceability, and environmentally benign manufacture of individual products and ingredients. A method that makes all these aspects transparent is now being offered by BASF: the S.E.T. initiative allows manufacturers to trace exactly which ingredients were used and which conditions applied in the manufacture of a product. S.E.T. stands for ustainability, eco-efficiency and traceability and is based on the certified eco-efficiency analysis. Eco-efficiency analysis analyzes the entire life cycle of a product or manufacturing process. The process therefore includes aspects such as environmental pollution and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to the products themselves and their precursor products. This method is also used by the Eco Institute in Freiburg, Germany. In S.E.T., this principle is also applied to beverage ingredients, making sustainability tangible. The data generated in eco-efficiency analysis of our products are available to our customers. That way, customers can see at any time whether and to what extent the starting materials they use to manufacture their products are sustainable. The data are accessible to all customers anywhere in the world via GTNet® (Global Traceability Network), a global platform used in the food industry for targeted sharing of product information. In this way, BASF helps its customers to meet consumers’ growing expectations in terms of the sustainability and traceability of food products. (BASF SE Global Sales Beverage Processing Polymers)   03.09.2009   NSF International Highlights Educational Resources During National Food Safety Education Month    ( Company news ) In celebration of National Food Safety Education Month in September, NSF International, a not-for-profit, public health and safety organization, is highlighting some of its food safety programs to help raise awareness and support for food safety education throughout the year. The month-long awareness campaign, initially developed by the National Restaurant Association, focuses on the importance of food safety education in the restaurant and foodservice industry. “National Food Safety Education Month is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of food safety practices, not only in our own kitchens, but also in the daily practices of the growers, manufacturers, distributers, foodservice professionals and retailers of our food,” said Kristen Holt, NSF Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality programs. NSF was founded in 1944 with the mission to standardize sanitation and food safety at a time when the United States had no national sanitation standards. Today, NSF continues this dedication to food safety and education by providing auditing, testing, training and certification services throughout the food industry. NSF’s food safety education programs and services include: - NSF Center for Public Health Education: The NSF Center for Public Health Education (CPHE) offers open enrollment food safety training, as well as onsite/customized food safety training courses. This includes Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Manager, NSF HealthGuard Food Manager, and ISO 22000 food safety management systems. For more information about these food safety trainings and others, visit NSF International's CPHE Web site. - NSF Global Food Safety Certification and Education Program: This NSF program provides certification and education covering food, packaging, consumer goods, storage, and distribution, for primary producers, manufacturers, and distributors to global food safety standards such as Safe Quality Foods (SQF), British Retail Consortium (BRC), Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) and others. The goal of the initiative is continuous improvement in food safety supply chain management, which is consistent with the overall goal of the services that NSF offers. For more information about SQF and BRC education and training programs, visit NSF International's CPHE Web site. - Small Farm Food Safety Program: NSF is involved in developing an affordable, technically sound, risk-based program to support small farms and growers throughout the United States. NSF recently trained 15 representatives from Michigan State University’s Agricultural Extension Service to provide support assistance to small growers in the State of Michigan. - The Food Epprentice Experience™: The Food Epprentice Experience™ is a new series of food safety leadership forums designed to bring together Michigan's next generation of food industry leaders to develop solutions that will boost the safety of our food supply and foster economic growth. Paragon Leadership, a leadership development firm, and NSF will host the first one-day forum on October 1, 2009, at NSF International. Additional information can be found on NSF’s Web site. - NSF/USDA Food Safety Conference: NSF International and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are teaming up to further educate consumers and industry about the dangers of foodborne illnesses and how to prevent them. The conference will take place March 23-26, 2010, in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit this Web site for more information on the conference. - NSF Food Safety Leadership Awards Program: NSF International’s Food Safety Leadership Awards Program recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the food safety industry. Each year nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of jurors, and winners are announced at the Food Safety Summit in Washington, D.C. Click here to see the 2009 winners. NSF provides services throughout the food industry, including the following segments: produce, seafood, organics, supermarket and foodservice, home and industrial food equipment, food processing and distributing, as well as dietary supplements and bottled beverages. (NSF International)   02.09.2009   Larox to Establish a Subsidiary in India     ( Company news ) Larox will establish a subsidiary in India with the aim of increasing the company's market share in the growing Indian market. The new subsidiary will be responsible both for Larox's aftermarket services and filter sales development. "We have been active in India already for over 20 years and have built a solid customer base with the help of our local representatives. Establishing our own subsidiary will help us develop our aftermarket services and deepen our customer relationships. We will offer local service, in local language and currency. Thanks to the local spare parts stock and permanent staff we will be able to service our customers better and faster, and we will be able to offer faster and better support also to our local representatives in new equipment sales", says Mr. Karppanen, President & CEO of Larox Corporation, "For the filter sales, we will continue to work in close cooperation with our local agents as they have the best, in-depth knowledge of the Indian market potential." "India is a very important market for Larox, and strengthening our presence there is part of our growth strategy. The country has huge population, fast economic growth and major reserves of natural resources such as iron ore, coal and zinc. Many of our Indian customers are today among the global leaders in their business sector. With the growth of the Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Process Industries, there is a constantly growing demand for filtration equipment and services. In addition, India faces major challenges in energy efficiency, and this drives demand for more efficient filtration technology that enables savings both in energy and water consumption”, Mr. Karppanen says. Our aim is to increase our market share of this growing market, and also benefit from the local qualified engineering and manufacturing resources." Larox's subsidiary in India will be located in Bangalore and it is expected to be fully operational during the 2nd quarter of 2010 at the latest. (Larox Corporation)   01.09.2009   Brazil: Beverage Association request antitrust investigation into AmBev’s bottling policy     ( E-Malt.com ) Brazilian brewers have requested that antitrust regulators investigate the bottling policy of Companhia de Bebidas das Americas, or AmBev, Dow Jones reported on August, 21. The Brazilian Beverage Association, or Abrabe, complained that Ambev has broken convention by engraving the company name on its reusable one-litre bottles. By engraving the name, AmBev unfairly increases loyalty among resellers, Abrabe claims. "You can't forget that AmBev has a dominant position in the market. As a result, small moves [by the company] can cause big losses for the competition," said Paula Forgioni, Abrabe's lawyer. AmBev, the local unit of the Belgium-based AB InBev NV, commanded 69% of the Brazilian beer market in June.   01.09.2009   India: Budweiser now available in the north     ( E-Malt.com ) Beer lovers from North India are now able to taste America’s flagship beer – Budweiser – just for Rs30 a pint, The Financial Chronicle posted on August, 26. Belgium-based world's largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev has already introduced the beer in the southern part of the country including in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka ¬ after InBev bought out US-based Anheuser-Busch (AB) in November 2008 in a $52 billion transaction. Over 1.5 million cases of Budweiser were sold in 2008-09. The American lager was only available as an import in hotels before its launch in south India. Budweiser would compete with Copenhagen's Carlsberg and Tuborg beers, which retail for Rs 35 a pint. The price difference between these foreign-origin beers may benefit Budweiser. "Pricing is a factor that may help Budweiser eat into other beers' market share that are priced in the same segment," says Sandeep Verma, director of Delhi-based Institute of Bar Operations and Management. He added the international acceptance of the beer will soon create a different segment altogether in the Indian market. AB InBev India sells beers like Stella Artois, Beck's, Leffe and Hoegaarden, among others at the moment. These beers are brewed in Hyderabad along with Budweiser, where the company has a brewery. The company is expected to ramp up production of the beer, following its launch in north India this week.   01.09.2009   Mexico & United States: Grupo Modelo to keep Corona beer prices steady despite .....    ( E-Malt.com ) ....consumers turning to cheaper brands Grupo Modelo SAB, Mexico’s largest brewer, plans to keep Corona beer prices steady at a time when U.S. drinkers are being tempted by less expensive beers, Bloomberg reported on August, 21. According to Modelo’s chief financial officer Emilio Fullaondo, the brewer intends to remain “very disciplined” with promotions. The company’s export shipments, mostly Corona to the U.S., declined 5.3 percent in the first six months of this year. “The strategy is to maintain our prices in general terms,” Mr. Fullaondo said. Promotions “will be very focused and very practical so as not to lose the price level we feel our products should maintain.” The premium price of Corona, the best-selling imported beer in the U.S., has helped Mexico City-based Modelo’s export revenue reach about 40 percent of total sales. U.S. consumers bought less imported beer in the 52 weeks ended July 12, pushing case sales down 2.1 percent, according to Information Resources Inc., a Chicago-based researcher. Case sales of sub-premium domestic beers jumped 2.6 percent in the same period. Corona case sales dropped 5.7 percent, while Anheuser-Busch InBev NV’s Bud Light Lime increased more than fourfold, IRI said. Corona is often served with a lime wedge. Modelo won’t reduce marketing spending either, Fullaondo said. The company is resurrecting its more successful ads from the 1990s, instead of creating new ones, to help stretch marketing dollars, he said. “Part of our long-term strategy is to continue building the brand-equity of our brands,” Fullaondo said. “We’re not going to take away that support.” Many beer makers are reluctant to cut prices or offer big promotions because they face higher input costs, such as grains and aluminum, said Lauren Torres, an analyst with HSBC Holdings PLC in New York. Costlier imports such as Corona can’t do much with price to keep consumers from switching to domestic brands during a recession, she said. “You don’t want to degrade the brand and price it at a sub-premium beer price because that will make the consumer, when times are good again, say, ‘Why should I pay for this when I remember it being in line with the cheaper brands?’” she said. The company is increasing the number of outlets for draft beer sales of Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo, a dark beer, to counter an increase in draft sales of Leuven, Belgium-based AB InBev’s Stella Artois, Fullaondo said. Modelo will start operating a new brewery in the northern state of Coahuila on schedule at the end of the first quarter of 2010, the CFO said. The plant will begin with annual capacity of 5 million hectolitres and can increase that to 10 million hectolitres. The company’s existing plants are operating at more than 80 percent capacity, he said. Fullaondo said he’s helping formulate a policy on hedges and derivatives that will be submitted to the board. The company incurred a charge of 2.32 billion pesos ($180.2 million) in the second quarter for cancelling hedges on the dollar-peso exchange rate and natural gas, causing net income to fall 47 percent from a year earlier. The new hedging policy will probably be adopted this year, he said. Fullaondo declined to say if any types of hedges would be banned under the new policy. “You don’t have to demonize them,” he said, referring to hedges. “These are instruments that have been in the market for many years and under certain circumstances they are instruments that, if used correctly, are useful.”   Buyers' Guide: Raw materials   Raw materials for malt and beer production   Raw materials for non-alcoholic beverages production   Malts Machines and installations   Malt production machines and installations   Beverage production machines and installation   Pub breweries machines and installations   Filtration and separation   Filling and cleaning equipment   Packing and transportation systems   Machines and installations, misc.   Labelling and finishing mach., recording equipment, hardware Operating and laboratory equipment   Measuring equipment   Regulation systems   Control and processing systems   Measurement and control technology, misc.   Containers, tanks and accessories   Fittings and pumps   Disinfection and cleaning equipment, CIP systems   Laboratory equipment   Drive components, drives, couplings Energy management, working and packaging materials   Energy management: supply and disposal   Process materials   Labelling, packing materials and aids   Beverage containers and packages   Environmental protection, recycling and industrial safety Catering equipment   Dispensing systems and vending machines   Catering furniture and accecories   Tents and accessories Transport and sales vehicles   Dispensing and sales vehicles   Transport vehicles and equipment Organization and advertising   Organization, logistics, EDP and consulting services   Advertising media and promotional articles Trade press, associations, institutes, institutions   Trade journals   Associations, institutes, institutions Database | Registration | Journal | News | Advertising | Publishing house products | Forum | Links | Publishing house

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