Marketing Week
Alcohol

Diageo apologises for BrewDog award veto

Wed, 9 May 2012

Smirnoff maker blames a ‘serious misjudgement’ by staff after allegations that it vetoed an award BrewDog was set to win.

Havana Club readies global experiential push

Fri, 4 May 2012

Rum brand Havana Club is to launch a series of pop-up ‘Mojito Embassy’ bars in cities across the world in a bid to attract new consumers to the cocktail category. 

Carling launches £2m Zest campaign

Tue, 1 May 2012

Carling readies summer music campaign for its recently launched low alcohol beer.

Ab InBev global CMO Burggraeve departs

Fri, 27 Apr 2012

Top marketer for the world’s biggest brewer resigns from post to explore ‘entrepreneurial opportunities’.

Carlsberg launches on-pack Euro 2012 campaign

Wed, 25 Apr 2012

Official England football team sponsor Carlsberg teams up with Darren Bent, Leighton Baines and Ashley Young for on-pack promotion.

Pernod Ricard to launch wine cocktails

Fri, 20 Apr 2012

Pernod Ricard to launch Jacob’s Creek-branded range of wine cocktails this summer.

Budweiser launches augmented reality app

Thu, 12 Apr 2012

Beer brand puts FA Cup in the hands of fans with augmented reality feature for tournament app.

Heineken sets date for return to TV

Tue, 3 Apr 2012

Heineken readies latest phase of its global Open Your World campaign.

Kopparberg unveils its 'biggest ever' launch

Mon, 2 Apr 2012

Swedish cider brand Kopparberg eyes long-term success in the UK with launch of new variant.

Profile: AB InBev CMO Chris Burggraeve

Wed, 28 Mar 2012

The CMO of the world’s biggest brewer on creating 30 million ‘brand fans’.

Greene King IPA gets refresh

Mon, 26 Mar 2012

Greene King kicks off multi-million advertising campaign to capture younger drinkers entering the real ale category.

Magners is made in the dark

Fri, 23 Mar 2012

Magners out to prove making cider in the dark isn’t counter-productive.

Minimum alcohol price meets resistance

Fri, 23 Mar 2012

Government plan to introduce a 40p per unit minimum price has been dismissed as “misguided” by retailers and producers.

AB InBev shifts spend from TV to social

Wed, 14 Mar 2012

Budweiser owner says traditional channels such as television are becoming a ‘secondary medium’ to social media channels.

Molson Coors launches Carling Zest

Fri, 9 Mar 2012

Molson Coors extends Carling brand with citrus lager to spur summer sales.

AB InBev cites social media for profit boost

Thu, 8 Mar 2012

AB InBev says ‘Fans First’ social media marketing strategy boosted profits in 2011.

Brand equity must drive communications

1 March 2012

‘Why Guinness and Cadbury are going back to branding basics’

Major brewers ramp up marketing spend for premium brands

Mon, 20 Feb 2012

Heineken and Molson Coors go head-to-head for dominance in the premium lager market.

Diageo hails marketing strategy for sales bump

Thu, 9 Feb 2012

Diageo says brand building investment, particulary in emerging markets, helped boost sales despite “uncertain” economic environment.

Heineken to use James Bond to stir the digital conversation

Wed, 8 Feb 2012

Daniel Craig’s James Bond will front the next phase of Heineken’s ‘Open Your World’ campaign, as part of the beer brand’s long-standing tie-up with the movie franchise.

DOH extends Change4life to combat alcohol abuse

Mon, 6 Feb 2012

The Department of Health has launched the first alcohol awareness campaign to use the Change4Life brand.

Kingfisher eyes UK growth with grassroots cricket sponsorship deal

Thu, 2 Feb 2012

World beer, Kingfisher, sets in motion plans to become ingrained in grassroots cricket to boost off-trade sales.

Heineken readies Facebook Valentine’s push

Wed, 1 Feb 2012

Heineken is launching a Valentine’s Day themed Facebook app as part of a social media strategy that will see the beer brand launch a series of tactical campaigns designed to appeal to young men.

Former Diageo exec Slay to head up Carlsberg UK

Fri, 27 Jan 2012

Carlsberg, the world’s fourth biggest brewer, has hired Benet Slay, former managing director for Diageo Northern Europe, to head up its UK business.

Diageo readies Guinness Mid-Strength UK release

Mon, 23 Jan 2012

Drinks giant plans limited UK release for Guinness Mid-Strength variant next month.

Bacardi celebrates 150th anniversary with year-long experiential drive

Wed, 18 Jan 2012

Bacardi will host a series of parties around the world throughout this year to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Heineken connects global creative talent to design anniversary bottle

Fri, 23 Dec 2011

Heineken is to use Facebook to source the design for a limited edition bottle to celebrate its 140th anniversary next year.

Heineken bids to make responsible drinking “aspirational”

Mon, 12 Dec 2011

Heineken takes responsible drinking message global with ads that aim to make moderate drinking aspirational.

Diageo sponsors free London NYE travel

Fri, 2 Dec 2011

Diageo enlists Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton to promote its free travel drive.

Drambuie to launch “surreal” campaign

Mon, 28 Nov 2011

The drinks brand hopes to encourage a new generation of drinkers to reconsider it by creating a sense of intrigue.

SABMiller plans to share global digital best practice

Tue, 22 Nov 2011

SABMiller seeks to bolster global coordination of digital marketing activity.

Chivas Regal banks on long-form content to resonate with young males

Wed, 9 Nov 2011

Watch the two videos here

Heineken names UK marketing chief

Tue, 1 Nov 2011

Heineken UK has drafted in Jacco van der Linden to oversee marketing for brands including Foster’s, Heineken, Strongbow and John Smith’s.

Why ‘brand me’ is your winning career move

27 October 2011

Working out your next move: Talented young marketers meet the industry’s power players to talk leadership, career development and ’brand me’.

Strongbow puts user-generated-content at the heart of integrated campaign

Fri, 21 Oct 2011

Strongbow will run thirty different versions of its new TV spot, which will all feature user generated content from its Facebook followers.

Asda criticised for selling 50p lager

Mon, 17 Oct 2011

Supermarket under fire for its Budweiser offer, which is said to contradict its push for responsible drinking.

Budweiser refreshes can design

Thu, 6 Oct 2011

Beer brand hopes design change will help it shift away from being seen as All-American to becoming “truly global”.

SABMiller looks to boost global integration

Thu, 29 Sep 2011

SABMiller drafts in WPP man to lead global marketing integration.

Football League eyes new League Cup sponsor

Tue, 27 Sep 2011

Update: The Football League is to begin discussions with potential League Cup sponsors after Carling’s exclusivity period ends.

Val Kilmer to star in first Grolsch film

Thu, 22 Sep 2011

Grolsch hopes film initiative will align the brand with creativity and innovation.

Alcohol brands beef up social media regulation

Tue, 20 Sep 2011

The world’s biggest alcohol producers agree new guidelines for self-regulation of digital marketing.

Domino’s partners with Virgin Wines

Mon, 19 Sep 2011

The pizza company hopes wine tie up will help make its Gourmet range a luxury dining experience.

Guinness "The Flag"

Thu, 15 Sep 2011

Watch the campaign.

Carlsberg readies Euro 2012 campaign

Thu, 1 Sep 2011

Carlsberg is readying the first phase of its UEFA Euro 2012 sponsorship activity, with a campaign designed to ramp up support for the England team.

Kronenbourg 1664 ad rapped for brewed in France claims

Wed, 31 Aug 2011

Heineken UK has been forced to drop a press ad claiming its Kronenbourg 1664 beer is brewed in France.

Diageo’s premium focus boosts sales

Thu, 25 Aug 2011

Diageo, which owns Smirnoff, Guinness and Johnny Walker, has reported a rise in sales and volume for year ended 30 June 2011, driven by premium whisky brands and emerging markets.

Foster’s increased brand investment boosts performance

Tue, 23 Aug 2011

Australian beer company Foster’s, says increased investment in its brands and marketing have helped improve the company’s performance as it hopes to stave off a hostile takeover bid by SABMiller.

Madonna signs deal with Smirnoff owner Diageo

Thu, 18 Aug 2011

Smirnoff has drafted in Madonna to take part in a global initiative that asks revellers worldwide to share tips about nightlife in their town or city, the first partnership in a long-term deal the singer and concert promoter Live Nation have signed with the vodka’s owner Diageo.

AC/DC Back in Blanc with new wine business

Wed, 17 Aug 2011

Australian rock band AC/DC are set to launch a new range of wines, with varieties named after their best-selling hits.

Brands are welcomed on to the stage

18 August 2011

Funding cuts in the arts and entertainment sectors have made the public more accepting of brand involvement, but the role consumers require of them is so much more than as bankrollers.

Carlsberg boots Heineken out of Arsenal’s Emirates

Fri, 12 Aug 2011

Arsenal has signed Carlsberg for the next three seasons as its first ever official beer partner.

Carlsberg stresses Liverpool FC links with stadium experience

Fri, 12 Aug 2011

Carlsberg has overhauled its “brand experience” at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield stadium to reinforce its long-standing association with the club.

AB Inbev buoyed by Stella Cidre success

Thu, 11 Aug 2011

AB Inbev claims that Stella Cidre, its first foray in to the UK cider category, has grabbed a 16% share of the premium cider market after just three months on the shelves.

Pink, frilly beer won't tempt female drinkers

04 August 2011

Molson Coors’ bid to woo women with a ’feminine’ beer shows just how misguided and clumsy gender targeting can be.

Alcohol industry calls for clarification on unit comms

Tue, 26 Jul 2011

Alcohol industry and health campaigners are hoping a new inquiry on ’safe’ drinking guidelines will lead to better Government communication campaigns, ending years of public confusion how much booze is ’ok’.

Carlsberg eyes growth for Staropramen after acquisition

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

Carlsberg is set to ramp up marketing activity to grow Czech lager Staropramen after acquiring the right to market the brand in the UK from rival AB-Inbev.

Molson Coors to refresh beer market with Carling revamp

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

Molson Coors has unveiled details of a 7.3m relaunch of its flagship Carling brand with new positioning, packaging and a sub-brand as it looks to shore up its share of a declining market.

Carling unveils £7.3m repositioning

Tue, 19 Jul 2011

Molson Coors is readying a £7.3m relaunch of its flagship Carling brand with new packaging, marcomms and sub-brand in a bid to arrest declining market share.

Diageo partners with Pharrell Williams to launch liqueur

Fri, 15 Jul 2011

Diageo is launching a new liqueur brand targeting women in partnership with hip-hop star Pharrell Williams.

Diageo GB chief exits in restructure

Wed, 13 Jul 2011

Diageo’s British chief, Simon Litherland, is to leave the drinks maker as the company continues the overhaul of its European management structure.

SAB Miller opts for a global approach to digital

Mon, 11 Jul 2011

SAB Miller is to ramp up its use of digital marketing for global brands such as Miller Genuine Draft and Peroni as it looks to “think digitally” when planning communications.

Carlsberg glass promotion victim of own success

Wed, 6 Jul 2011

Carlsberg has been slammed by the advertising watchdog for failing to provide enough pint glasses to support an on-pack prize promotion.

Diageo switches to category-led marketing approach

Tue, 5 Jul 2011

Diageo is to overhaul its Western European marketing structure to become category led in a move that sees territory marketing director roles scrapped.

Heineken seals mobile and video deal with Google

Fri, 1 Jul 2011

Heineken has penned a global partnership with Google that will see it increase its YouTube activity and use mobile as its primary marketing channel in emerging markets.

Do you want to advertise how much data you hold?

23 June 2011

Marketers are finding that their internet ads provide a more detailed customer analysis than evenmedia buying agencies hold.

Diageo CMO says brands need to go local in emerging markets

Tue, 21 Jun 2011

Cannes: Strategies for emerging markets need to become more grass-roots and locally oriented, Diageo chief marketing officer Andy Fennell told an audience at the Cannes Lions Festival.

Tennent’s pushes role in founding of T in the Park music festival

Fri, 17 Jun 2011

Watch the ad here.

Budweiser looks to FA Cup to build brand

Thu, 16 Jun 2011

Budweiser has a been unveiled as the title sponsor of the Football Association’s flagship club football tournament, a partnership both are hoping will grow the respective brands in the UK and internationally.

Carlsberg looks to Rooney to boost sales

Wed, 15 Jun 2011

Carlsberg is set to increase the use of England players in its marketing activity after expanding its deal with the Football Association.

Diageo funds Government pregnancy awareness drive

Mon, 13 Jun 2011

Guinness and Smirnoff owner Diageo is to fund an initiative to alert mums-to-be about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

New opportunities in Africa's beer market

Wed, 1 Jun 2011

Why the new African middle-class could be your next target audience: click here to read the cover featureOpportunity International specialises in the microfinace industry,

Madness slow the pace for Kronenbourg ad

Tue, 31 May 2011

Watch the ad here.

Kronenbourg sets up stall with Absolute’s Dave Gorman

Thu, 26 May 2011

Heineken UK has signed a deal with Absolute Radio for its premium lager brand Kronenbourg 1664 to sponsor the station’s Sunday morning show.

Guinness launches cross-platform 1759 campaign

Wed, 25 May 2011

Guinness has launched a cross-platform campaign using the 1759 brand to encourage users to go online and prepare for a night out.

Heineken launches Twitter-powered Champions League ads

Tue, 24 May 2011

Heineken is readying a range of Twitter-powered world maps to appear on outdoor digital sites to promote its sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League final.

Case study: Courvoisier’s escapist strategy that drives sales

Wed, 18 May 2011

See how brands are helping consumers escape reality in our cover story, click here To learn more about the phenomenon which combines a fusion of live theatre and cinema - Secret Cinema,

Stella ad directed by Wes Anderson

Fri, 13 May 2011

Watch it here

Brands feeling the pinch need to tailor offers

05 May 2011

As consumers work harder at saving money, brands that understand their customers’ needs will come out on top, according to research seen exclusively by Marketing Week.

Magners man has a beard of bees

Mon, 18 Apr 2011

Carlsberg rolls out global positioning

Tue, 5 Apr 2011

See the new ad here.

Cobra Beer to double marketing spend

Tue, 29 Mar 2011

The owner of Cobra Beer plans to almost double marketing spend on the brand in 2011 after posting its first ever full year profit.

Alcohol industry slams “baffling” budget

Wed, 23 Mar 2011

The alcohol industry has described Chancellor George Osborne’s decision to press ahead with a planned 7.2% increase in alcohol duty as a “disappointing” and “baffling” measure that will put further pressure on the ailing pub sector and hit sales in shops.

Whyte & Mackay appoints first global marketing chief

Tue, 22 Mar 2011

Whyte & Mackay has appointed its first cross portfolio marketing director to develop and plan marketing activity globally.

Alcohol industry to ban school ads

Mon, 14 Mar 2011

The alcohol industry has vowed to stop advertising their brands within 100 metres of schools as part of its “Responsibility Deal” with the Government.  

Asda slammed for “glamorising” alcohol strength

Fri, 4 Mar 2011

Asda has been forced to change the packaging of one its own-label ciders after it was rapped for “glamorising” the alcoholic strength of the drink.

AB Inbev credits marketing for UK lift

Thu, 3 Mar 2011

AB Inbev says Budweiser’s sponsorship of the World Cup and new product launches helped boost share and volume sales in the UK last year.

Stella Artois 4% steams ahead in new ad

Mon, 14 Feb 2011

Watch Stella Artois’ latest ad here.

Why Stella and cider is not a good mix

10 February 2011

There is method in…Stella’s cider push

Thu, 3 Feb 2011

Stella to launch cider brand

Wed, 2 Feb 2011

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB Inbev) is to launch a cider brand under the Stella Artois brand name to tap into the growing popularity of the drink.

Heineken global campaign pushes brand's 'open-minded' nature

Wed, 19 Jan 2011

Watch the latest Heineken ad here.

Alcohol industry calls on marketers to judge irresponsible ads

Tue, 11 Jan 2011

The Portman Group is overhauling the way it appoints members to its Independent Complaints Panel by advertising for new recruits.

Walkabout tries to revive loyalty to bars

Fri, 17 Dec 2010

Australian-themed bar chain Walkabout has launched what it claims is a “pioneering” online loyalty programme to boost repeat custom in the declining on trade sector.

Vodkat to rebrand after Diageo settlement

Wed, 15 Dec 2010

Vodkat will relaunch under a new brand name next year after parent company Intercontinental Brands (ICB) settled its two-year dispute with Diageo.

Grolsch makes sweet Christmas music with bottles

Thu, 9 Dec 2010

Watch the Grolsch Christmas campaign here.

Drinkaware readies fresh social marketing drive

Thu, 9 Dec 2010

Drinkaware is seeking an advertising agency as the industry-funded alcohol awareness service looks to bolster social marketing activity.

Carling ad escapes censure after Heineken complaint

Wed, 8 Dec 2010

An advertisement for Molson Coors’ Carling that claimed its cans could “lock in great taste” has been cleared after rival Heineken complained it was misleading.

Advertising campaigns go green

Tue, 7 Dec 2010

Honda and Heineken are bidding to reduce the environmental impact of their advertising campaigns following the launch of new technology by Starcom MediaVest Group.

Christmas alcohol sales to dip

Fri, 3 Dec 2010

Alcohol sales over Christmas are forecast to drop as a report unveils that the festive season is becoming steadily less profitable for producers and retailers.

Pernod Ricard pulls Absolut from Revolution calendar

Wed, 1 Dec 2010

Pernod Ricard has pulled its Absolut vodka brand from a charity calendar that features “real-life bar staff” posing seductively in lingerie.

Premium beer brands need a local flavour

2nd December 2010

In the week that ActionAid levelled a serious accusation against SABMIller, the brewing giant’s head of marketing Nick Fell tells Mark Choueke why the business is venturing down a different marketing path to its rivals

Luminar readies Karaoke brand to boost fortunes

Tue, 30 Nov 2010

Nightclub operator Luminar Leisure, owner of the Oceana and Liquid brands, is to launch an in-club Karaoke brand as it continues to try and revive its struggling business.

Mitchells & Butlers hails marketing as food sales jump

Tue, 23 Nov 2010

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), owner of the Toby Carvery and Harvester pub restaurant brands, says that “effective” marketing will help it through the “uncertain” economic environment next year.

European spirits makers look to push single responsible drinking message

Wed, 17 Nov 2010

Spirits producers in the EU have moved to demonstrate their commitment to promoting responsible drinking by setting out a Europe-wide “roadmap” to achieve a common approach by 2015.

Molson Coors to boost “female-friendly” beer offering

Fri, 5 Nov 2010

Molson Coors will launch a range of beers for women next year to exploit the £160m untapped market of female beer drinkers.

Budweiser unveils new "together" ad

Mon, 25 Oct 2010

Watch the new Budweiser ad here.

Molson Coors rethinks Carling positioning to broaden appeal

Wed, 20 Oct 2010

Molson Coors is to evaluate the positioning of its flagship brand Carling next year in an attempt to broaden the lager’s appeal.

Only here to put cheer back into beer market

21 October 2010

The chief executive and marketing director of Molson Coors talk to Lucy Handley about getting more people into beer, going global and keeping Carling at number one in the sales charts

Alcohol industry hits out World Cup at ad study

Tue, 19 Oct 2010

The alcohol industry has slammed renewed calls for a blanket ban on alcohol advertising as “disproportionate.”

Magners hails marketing as volumes grow

Tue, 12 Oct 2010

Magners owner C&C Group says that the multimillion pound repositioning campaign launched for the cider in March has helped return the brand back to volume growth in the UK for the first time since 2007.

Coca-Cola unveils new GB marketer as consultation process ends

Wed, 6 Oct 2010

Coca-Cola has completed its pan-European consultation process and has promoted Zoe Howorth, marketing director for Schweppes and Flavours, to the new role of GB market activation director.

Budweiser Brew No. 66 unveils launch TV commercial

Fri, 1 Oct 2010

Budweiser is unveiling a new TV and cinema commercial, called Less Bubbles, as part of the launch campaign for Budweiser Brew No. 66.

Diageo: Responsibility, relationships and overcoming risk key to innovation

Wed, 29 Sep 2010

The Annual: Marketers need to overcome the fear of taking risks to drive product innovation and growth for their companies, according to Diageo’s global innovation head.

Beck’s lines up music promotion across its brands

Mon, 27 Sep 2010

Beck’s is launching a sales promotion across three of its brands to further cement its relationship with art and music.

SABMiller readies Kozel launch

Mon, 20 Sep 2010

SABMiller is to launch Czech lager Kozel in the UK as it looks to exploit the growing popularity of lower-strength lagers.

Diageo GB names general manager for reserve brands

Fri, 17 Sep 2010

Diageo Great Britain (Diageo GB) has appointed marketer Sarah Miles to the position of general manager of its reserve brands.

Q&A with Pernod Ricard marketing director Vlastimil Spelda

Wed, 15 Sep 2010

Pernod Ricard plots Christmas marketing blitz

Wed, 8 Sep 2010

Pernod Ricard has unveiled a raft of marketing initiatives, including the first ever television campaign for its Chivas Regal brand, as the wine and spirit giant looks to exploit the additional sales opportunities Christmas brings.

Miller Brands in world beer growth push

Wed, 8 Sep 2010

Miller Brands, SAB Miller’s UK and Ireland business, is working with retailers and pub companies to grow the world beer category.

William Grant sets up global marketing office to boost portfolio

Tue, 7 Sep 2010

William Grant & Sons is looking to ramp up the global marketing of its non-scotch brands with the establishment of a new global marketing office.

Alcohol industry attacks Scottish minimum price proposals

Fri, 3 Sep 2010

The alcohol industry has hit out at the Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce a minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol.

Anti-drunkenness campaign readies fresh push

Thu, 2 Sep 2010

The drinks industry is launching the latest stage of its £100m social marketing campaign aimed at changing young people’s attitudes towards drunkenness.

Diageo to back below cost booze ban

Tue, 31 Aug 2010

Diageo is said to be ready to back banning the sale of alcohol below cost.

Diageo hails Guinness marketing as GB sales rise

Thu, 26 Aug 2010

Diageo says high-profile marketing campaigns for its Guinness and Baileys brands helped lift sales by 9% in the UK last year.

Bulmers launches pub garden finder app

Tue, 24 Aug 2010

Bulmers has launched a mobile app that directs users to the nearest pub with a garden as part of the latest phase of its Bulmers Summer campaign.

Carlsberg vows to up marketing spend as World Cup boosts share

Tue, 17 Aug 2010

A World Cup marketing push for the Carlsberg brand has helped parent company Carlsberg Group increase its market share to 16% in the UK.

Bacardi names Cadbury's Bomhard EMEA president

Fri, 13 Aug 2010

Bacardi has appointed former Cadbury commercial chief Stefan Bomhard to the position of regional president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

AB Inbev sees Budweiser World Cup boost

Thu, 12 Aug 2010

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB Inbev) says it will continue to invest in growing its brands after reporting a 4.1% sales increase in the second quarter of the year.

Tennent’s ad pushes Old Firm sponsorship

Mon, 9 Aug 2010

Watch the newest Tennent’s ad here.

Heineken brings online ad to TV

Mon, 9 Aug 2010

Check out the latest Heineken ad here.

Diageo retail arm tasks Saatchi X with Smirnoff project

Thu, 5 Aug 2010

Diageo Global Travel & Middle East (GTME) is to work with shopper marketing specialist Saatchi & Saatchi X on a range on international projects, including one for Smirnoff.

Bavaria hires Mickey Rourke to make non-alcoholic beer cool

Mon, 2 Aug 2010

Dutch brewer Bavaria is enlisting hard-drinking actor Mickey Rourke to star in its TV ads for alcohol-free beer, which breaks today (2 August).

AB-InBev bullish after losing Bud trademark case

Fri, 30 Jul 2010

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB-InBev) insists the decision to deny its flagship Budweiser brand a European Union-wide trademark will have “no effect” on business.

Asda calls for a new deal on alcohol

Thu, 22 Jul 2010

Asda has become the first supermarket to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in a bid to help tackle misuse.

Carling signs £2m sponsorship deal with Scottish FA

Wed, 21 Jul 2010

The Scottish Football Association has signed a four-year sponsorship deal worth £2m with brewers Carling.

Below cost booze ban could be law by Nov 2011

Wed, 14 Jul 2010

A ban on the below cost sale of alcohol could be in place by November 2011 under an “overhaul” of the licensing laws promised by the Home Office.

Johnnie Walker appoints new global brand director

Fri, 9 Jul 2010

Diageo has appointed Gavin Pike as global brand director for Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky.

What next for the battle between Mongoose and Cobra?

Fri, 9 Jul 2010

Wells and Young’s’ claim that its new Mongoose beer brand uses theoriginal recipe for Cobra Beer are unlikely to be the subject of a legalchallenge, according to lawyers, but the brewer needs to be careful that itsmarketing does not attract regulatory scrutiny.

Tequila wants to break out of party perception

Wed, 7 Jul 2010

Brown-Forman wants to change the perception of tequila from a drink to be consumed in shot form on celebratory nights out to a drink to be savoured.

Four Roses and Clash magazine go back to prohibition era

Mon, 5 Jul 2010

Clash magazine is teaming up with bourbon brand Four Roses to create a series of Speakeasy style summer music events.

Stella brand aims to capture upmarket drinkers

Tue, 29 Jun 2010

AB InBev UK is to launch Stella Artois Black to widen its portfolio with a product for the premium market.

FIFA drops charges against ambush marketing girls

Wed, 23 Jun 2010

FIFA has dropped its case against two women accused of taking part in an ambush marketing stunt by Dutch beer brand Bavaria at the World Cup.

Halewood launches adult soft drink

Mon, 21 Jun 2010

Halewood International is to launch “a soft drink for real men” as the drinks maker looks to fill a gap in the soft drinks market.

Tennent’s celebrates heritage in TV campaign

Fri, 18 Jun 2010

C&C Group is to launch the first major push for Tennent’s lager since it bought the brand last year.

Metro partners with Blossom Hill for Wimbledon-themed campaign

Thu, 17 Jun 2010

Metro has partnered up with Blossom Hill for a two-week campaign, promoting the brand as the official wine of the 2010 Wimbledon Championship.

ITV sacks Earle over links to World Cup ambush marketing ploy

Tue, 15 Jun 2010

ITV has fired the football commentator Robbie Earle after it emerged that tickets he had been given for family and friends had been passed on to a third party - reportedly a Dutch beer brand that then used them in an ambush marketing campaign.

Fuller’s backs minimum pricing for alcohol

Fri, 11 Jun 2010

Drinks producer and pub company Fuller’s has backed a minimum price for alcohol, a move that puts the London Pride owner at odds with much of the drinks industry.

Guinness unveils football themed ads in run up to World Cup

Mon, 7 Jun 2010

Guinness is to capitalise on World Cup fever by unveiling a series of press adverts, using famous images from previous tournaments.

Carlsberg rolls out final Team Talk push ahead of World Cup kick off

Fri, 4 Jun 2010

Carlsberg is launching the final stage of its high-profile 'Team Talk' campaign, with a national radio and poster drive, which will break in early June and run throughout the World Cup.

Cobra tempts consumers into enjoying a curry

Thu, 3 Jun 2010

Cobra Beer is unveiling a £5m advertising campaign playing heavily on its association with curry.

Diageo marketing chief urges marketers to sound like "business people"

Wed, 2 Jun 2010

Diageo chief marketing officer Andy Fennell says the marketing discipline undersells itself when it promotes the discipline as merely the provider of “creative services”.

Support for minimum alcohol pricing gains strong ally

Tue, 1 Jun 2010

Support for a minimum price on alcohol is set to gain a powerful ally this week in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).

Architect behind a global brand-building mission

3 June 2010

With marketing held responsible for company growth at Diageo, CMO Andy Fennell relies on a strong sense of what will succeed - and a team of 950 marketers - to make the most of an annual budget worth almost £2bn.

Bacardi appoints Unilever’s Lagnado as chief marketer

Wed, 26 May 2010

Bacardi has appointed former Unilever marketer Silvia Lagnado as chief marketing officer.

Beck’s Vier ties with emerging artists

Mon, 24 May 2010

Beck’s Vier is collaborating with up-and-coming artists and musicians for an on-trade summer marketing campaign that will target drinkers throughout the UK.

Rival supermarkets fail to back Tesco minimum price call

Fri, 21 May 2010

The UK’s major supermarkets have followed Tesco’s lead in backing the Government’s plan to ban below cost price alcohol but have stopped short of joining calls for a minimum unit price.

Tesco backs minimum price for alcohol

Fri, 21 May 2010

Tesco has called on the Government to consider introducing a minimum price for alcohol in a bid to tackle alcohol abuse.

Bulmers launches new outdoor campaign for Summer Blend

Wed, 19 May 2010

Heineken-owned premium bottled cider brand Bulmers is launching an outdoor campaign for its new limited edition variant SummerBlend.

World Cup sponsor messages failing to cut through

Wed, 19 May 2010

Most sponsors are still failing to connect with football fans despite their huge investment and with the FIFA World Cup less than a month away, According to a new survey of over 1,000 UK football fans, unprompted awareness of Coca-Cola (32%), Adidas (19%) and McDonald’s (14%) is strong. However, the remaining official FIFA partners and sponsors have “failed to get onto people’s radar”.

Molson Coors to launch draught beer in time for the World Cup

Tue, 18 May 2010

Molson Coors is launching a new draught beer for the off-trade, Home Draught Kegs designed to fit into a home fridge.

Government ditches DCSF rebranding

Fri, 14 May 2010

The Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF) has rebranded as the Department for Education.

Test Tube Drinks Survive Portman Group Inquest

Tue, 11 May 2010

Alcohol can still be sold in test-tubes following an inquiry under the Portman Group Code into whether this packaging causes people to drink rapidly.

Carlsberg unleashes England “Team talk” ad

Sun, 9 May 2010

Carlsberg, the official beer of the England football team, has unveiled its World Cup ad that features a panoply of sporting stars and can be seen by clicking into this story.

Beefeater Gin appoints Publicis Modem for digital activity

Thu, 6 May 2010

Beefeater Gin has appointed Publicis Modem to handle its digital advertising account.

Kopparberg readies music campaign to broaden appeal

Wed, 5 May 2010

Kopparberg UK is to launch a campaign for its fruit cider brands featuring unsigned rock band The Joy Formidable as it looks to broaden its appeal to young music-loving drinkers.

Molson Coors revenue up as marketing spend rises

Wed, 5 May 2010

Molson Coors, owner of the Carling, Coors Light and Worthington’s brands, says UK revenue increased 8.7% in the first quarter.

Drinks firms more alert to responsible marketing

Wed, 28 Apr 2010

Alcohol industry body The Portman Group says that drinks producers are becoming more aware of the importance of socially responsible marketing after reporting a 40% jump in requests for advice last year.

Magners readies “quirky and humorous” Pear campaign

Mon, 26 Apr 2010

C&C Group is bringing the positioning of its Magners Pear brand in line with the Magners masterbrand’s recently unveiled fresh strategy.

“Offensive” Government alcohol ad cleared

Wed, 21 Apr 2010

A Government marketing campaign that shows children talking about getting drunk and having sex has avoided censure following complaints that it is offensive.

AB-Inbev looks for kicks from Bud 66

Mon, 19 Apr 2010

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB-Inbev) is to extend the Budweiser brand with a new drink targeting consumers in their early 20s.

Liqueur brand plots lifestyle magazine to target women

15 April 2010

Dooley’s Original Toffee & Vodka cream liqueur is launching a consumer lifestyle magazine as part of a direct marketing initiative to target 24- to 40-year-old women.

‘Ave it’ again as Peter Kay returns as face of John Smith’s

Mon, 12 Apr 2010

John Smith’s is to bring actor and comedian Peter Kay back as the face of its ale.

Fosters hands £7m ad account to Adam & Eve

Thu, 8 Apr 2010

Heineken UK has appointed Adam & Eve to handle the £7m UK advertising account for Fosters.

Strongbow readies fresh Grafters push

Thu, 1 Apr 2010

Strongbow is set to launch the latest stage of its “Bowtime for Grafters” campaign with a new television campaign that shows British workers winning awards for their hard work.

Diageo appoints marketing director for British business

01 April 2010

Drinks giant looks within as vice-president for Smirnoff makes the step up.

Diageo to launch Windhoek in UK

Mon, 29 Mar 2010

Diageo is upping its efforts in the UK lager market with the introduction of Namibian brand Windhoek.

Can the alcohol industry truly tap into what women want?

Fri, 26 Mar 2010

The alcoholic drinks sector has traditionally been dominated by men. On and off trade, men have preoccupied the minds of innovators and marketers in the industry. However, it seems that drinks makers are waking up to the fact that there is an untapped opportunity to grow their business by serving female drinkers better.

Magners vows to cover cider duty increase and unveils new positioning

Fri, 26 Mar 2010

Magners owner C&C Group has promised consumers it will absorb the 10% increase in cider duty as it unveils a new television campaign that repositions the cider brand as unconventional but traditional.

Diageo to launch Easter campaign

Thu, 18 Mar 2010

Diageo is launching an in-store campaign to drive sales of its premium spirits.

Alcohol industry goes on offensive over call to ban social media marketing

Wed, 10 Mar 2010

The Institute of Social Marketing (ISM) has come under fire from the alcohol industry again after a report by one of its doctors led to calls for a ban on alcohol promotion on social media sites.

Gaymer bows to pressure and brings back Dry Blackthorn

Fri, 5 Mar 2010

Gaymer Cider Company has bowed to public pressure and brought back its Dry Blackthorn cider brand after dropping it last year.

Boujis’ owner recruits Whyte & Mackay brand chief

Thu, 4 Mar 2010

Bars and clubs owner the Ignite Group has appointed former Whyte & Mackay global brands director Simon Baker as its new marketing director.

Coors Light to promote new cold activated can on TV

Thu, 4 Mar 2010

Coors Light is to run a special re-edit of its successful 2009 Coors Light television advertisement to coincide with the launch of its new cold activated can

Anheuser-Busch InBev records "significantly better" 2009 after completing takeover

Thu, 4 Mar 2010

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer responsible for brands including Stella Artois and Becks, has reported a “significantly better” 2009 after profit rose to $4.6bn (£3bn) from $1.9bn (£1.3bn) in 2008, buoyed by its decision to increase marketing spend by 2.1% globally.

Cameron continues attack on “commercial messages” at party conference

Mon, 1 Mar 2010

Broadcasters and retailers need to change to help curb the sexualisation of children, according to Conservative Party leader David Cameron.

Heineken and Carlsberg to increase marketing spend

Tue, 23 Feb 2010

Heineken and Carlsberg are both readying marketing drives to boost market share despite reporting mixed performances for 2009.

Tuborg pushes sponsorship of Glastonbury on-pack

Mon, 22 Feb 2010

Beer brand Tuborg is supporting its sponsorship of Glastonbury by running an on-pack promotion offering five pairs of tickets to the sold-out festival, as part of a £1m summer marketing campaign.

Diageo to launch £5m premix TV ad campaign

Wed, 17 Feb 2010

Diageo Great Britain is launching a £5m TV advertising campaign to promote its new premix range, which launches next month.

Alcohol industry welcomes alcohol sponsorship report

Thu, 11 Feb 2010

The alcohol and advertising industries have welcomed a study that claims that a ban on alcohol sponsorship would not curb underage alcohol abuse.

Government alcohol campaign targets teens

Fri, 5 Feb 2010

The Department for Children, Schools & Families, (DCSF) is to launch the next phase of its alcohol and families campaign with a cinema advertisement.

Southern Comfort to sponsor True Blood

Wed, 3 Feb 2010

Southern Comfort has signed up to be the sponsor of True Blood, ahead of the show’s second season premiere on FX later this month.

Carlsberg trots out the Tetley Huntsman

Tue, 2 Feb 2010

Carlsberg UK is to bring back the Tetley’s Huntsman icon to help champion its classic cask ale and is developing an outdoor campaign to support the brand.

Government wants health warnings on booze bottles

04 February 2010

Alcohol brands could be forced to display health warnings on labels under measures being considered by the Department of Health.

DoH partners with charities to warn of “unseen” dangers of alcohol

Thu, 28 Jan 2010

The Department of Health has joined forces with three leading charities to launch a £6m campaign to highlight how alcohol misuse can lead to a range of health problems not just liver disease.

Baileys signs up with Desperate Housewives

Tue, 26 Jan 2010

Diageo Great Britain (GB) is to sponsor the new series of Channel 4’s Desperate Housewives.

M&S pulls alcohol ads on children’s website

Tue, 26 Jan 2010

Marks & Spencer has been criticised after its adverts for alcohol appeared on a website targeting young girls.

Marketers: tougher ad restrictions on the way

28 January 2010

Marketers are expecting further advertising restrictions whichever party wins the General Election this year.

“Immoral” supermarkets are creating alcoholics, says top Tory

Mon, 25 Jan 2010

Supermarkets are encouraging alcohol abuse by selling drink cheaply, according to former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith.

Alcohol industry slams “misleading” report

Thu, 21 Jan 2010

Industry bodies have accused a report that claims drinks companies are bending existing rules on marketing to young people of resorting to “slurs and innuendos” and being full of “ill-founded distortions”.

Labour and Conservatives ready irresponsible drinking clampdown

Tue, 19 Jan 2010

Both Labour and the Conservatives will outline measures to crackdown on irresponsible drinking today (19 January).

Putting a new face on your brand

21 January 2010

Calling time on TV advertising for alcohol brands looks more likely after a Health Select Committee’s report last week. But an allout ban need not spell disaster for this already promotionally fettered industry: it could lead to new highs of creative strategic thinking.

New report into marketing of alcohol criticises parliamentary evidence base

Fri, 15 Jan 2010

A new study on the impact of marketing on alcohol consumption heavily criticises the evidence base being used to create national health policy and in turn push for further regulation.

Foster’s ties up with Australia Day for pub promotion

Thu, 14 Jan 2010

Foster’s is launching an Australia Day game card promotion in pubs and clubs.

How to keep your spirits upmarket

14 January 2010

The owner of Courvoisier is using the cognac’s rich heritage, classy cocktails and a social network of rising stars across the UK to build the brand. By Joe Fernandez

Diageo chief and ASA slam alcohol misuse proposals

Fri, 8 Jan 2010

Diageo has hit back at the proposals in today’s Health Select Committee report that posits greater restrictions on alcohol pricing and promotion

Minimum pricing for alcohol essential, says Health Committee

Fri, 8 Jan 2010

Minimum pricing for alcohol and sweeping changes to the regulation of advertising alcoholic drinks have been proposed by a group of influential MPs.

Stella installs pop-up window displays

Fri, 18 Dec 2009

Stella Artois is installing pop-up window displays in the next phase of its Recyclage de Luxe campaign to reposition itself as an environmental brand.

Guinness and Google Earth create virtual world game

Fri, 18 Dec 2009

Diageo has launched the latest phase in the repositioning of its flagship Guinness brand by partnering with Google Earth to create a virtual game.

Heineken withdraws White Lightning

Tue, 15 Dec 2009

Heineken UK has withdrawn its White Lightning cider just months after relaunching the brand as a “responsible” alternative to cheaper super-strength white cider drinks.

Alcohol information service receives funding boost

Mon, 14 Dec 2009

Drinkaware has confirmed details of its new funding structure that will enable the alcohol information service to boost its marketing efforts.

Tia Maria returns to TV

Thu, 10 Dec 2009

Liqueur brand Tia Maria is to return to UK television screens with advertising for the first time in six years following its sale earlier this year.

Carlsberg readies Christmas campaign

Wed, 9 Dec 2009

Carlsberg is launching a national press and radio campaign that imagines the lager brand’s idea of the perfect Christmas television schedule.

Brands ramp up World Cup activity for draw

Fri, 4 Dec 2009

Several brands have launched World Cup-themed marketing activity to coincide with the draw for the finals taking place in South Africa later today (4 December).

Alcohol body urges ban on 18% beer

Thu, 3 Dec 2009

An 18.2% strength beer brewed by an independent Scottish brewer is facing a ban after drinks industry body The Portman Group concluded the drink’s marketing is “irresponsible”.

Drinkaware launches interactive festive campaign

Tue, 1 Dec 2009

Drinkaware, the UK charity set up to reduce alcohol harm, launches its annual December festive campaign today in a large-scale interactive examination of the nation’s drinking habits.

Stella Artois launches green Christmas campaign

Sun, 29 Nov 2009

Inbev UK has launched the latest phase in the repositioning of Stella Artois as an environmentally friendly beer brand with a Christmas campaign that offers consumers the chance to save a tree.

Alcohol industry calls for involvement in public health policy

Thu, 26 Nov 2009

The alcohol industry should contribute to the development of public health and Government initiatives to tackle alcohol misuse, according to two of the world’s biggest drinks producers.

Heineken appoints new group commerce director

Fri, 20 Nov 2009

Heineken N.V has appointed Procter & Gamble marketer Alexis Nasard as group commerce director taking global responsibility for marketing and sales.

Leagas Delaney appointed for Glenfiddich relaunch

Fri, 20 Nov 2009

William Grant & Sons is understood to have appointed Leagas Delaney to handle the global relaunch of its Glenfiddich whisky brand.

SABMiller looks to increase UK brand portfolio

Fri, 20 Nov 2009

SAB Miller is considering expanding its range of UK brands by launching one of its global premium beers in a bid to boost market share.

Molson Coors appoints ZenithOptimedia

Tue, 17 Nov 2009

Molson Coors has appointed ZenithOptimedia to handle its media planning and buying account.

Greene King picks Hertz boss to head retail brands

19 November 2009

Greene King has appointed former Luminar and Hertz Europe marketer Christian Poole to help build its retail brands.

Cobra Beer launches fresh brand push

Tue, 10 Nov 2009

Cobra Beer’s new owner has unveiled details of its first major push for the recently relaunched brand as well as announcing the appointment of BMB to handle advertising.

DSCF appoints 23red for alcohol brief

Thu, 5 Nov 2009

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has appointed 23red to work on an anti-binge drinking initiative that aims to change young people’s attitude towards drunkenness.

Guinness introduces “Bring it to life” strapline

Wed, 4 Nov 2009

Guinness introduces the new strapline “Bring it to life” to its brand advertising in its latest television campaign.

Marketers give backing to rules on online alcohol ads

05 November 2009

Marketers have given their backing to rules governing the advertising of alcohol online.

Portman Group issues online guidelines for booze brands

28 October 2009

The Portman Group has published a guide that aims to stop alcohol brands using digital marketing to target underage consumers or encourage harmful drinking.

Alcohol body offers advice on digital marketing

Mon, 26 Oct 2009

The Portman Group has published a guide that aims to stop alcohol brands targeting underage consumers or encouraging harmful drinking through their digital marketing.

Diageo invests £5m in premium spirit push

Wed, 21 Oct 2009

Reserve Brands Group (RBG), the Diageo division which overseas the marketing of its premium spirits brands, is investing £5m in new Christmas activity.

Football authorities accused of naivety over alcohol sponsorship

Fri, 16 Oct 2009

The Premier League and Football League have been accused of naivety over their claims about the impact of alcohol sponsorship on young people.

Supermarkets call for flexible alcohol tax policy not minimum pricing

Thu, 15 Oct 2009

A flexible approach to taxation rather than imposing a minimum price per unit of alcohol is the best way to deal with alcohol misuse, according to some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets.

C&C Group appoints The Red Brick Road to revive Magners

Wed, 14 Oct 2009

C&C Group has appointed The Red Brick Road to handle the UK advertising account for its Magners brand.

Crabbie’s to sponsor British Comedy Awards

Tue, 13 Oct 2009

Halewood International is to launch a Christmas push for the recently launched alcoholic ginger brand, Crabbie’s with a television campaign and sponsorship of the British Comedy Awards.

Bacardi ads entertain the global spirit of adventure

14 October

Bacardi is to launch a global campaign to position the brand as the drink of choice for fashionable and adventurous young people.

Magners owner reviews marketing spend

Thu, 8 Oct 2009

C&C Group, owner of Magners, is reviewing its marketing budget after reporting a 10.5% dip in revenues for the first half of its financial year.

Pilsner considers first UK TV ad push

Wed, 7 Oct 2009

SABMiller is considering the launch of the first UK TV ad for its Pilsner Urquell brand as part of its wider global repositioning plans.

National Trust extends into branded food and drinks

Mon, 5 Oct 2009

The National Trust is launching a range of branded British food and drinks as part of a long-term brand extension strategy.

SABMiller readies fresh global positioning

Thu, 1 Oct 2009

SABMiller is preparing to reposition its Grolsch beer globally as a “maverick” brand.  

Alcohol industry promotes marketing codes

Mon, 28 Sep 2009

Alcohol industry body the Portman Group has launched a campaign to raise awareness of its code on marketing standards and complaints process

Molson Coors readies £13m Grolsch push

Fri, 25 Sep 2009

Molson Coors is to launch a £13m marketing campaign for the Grolsch brand.

Marketing chief handed Beam brands responsibility

Wed, 23 Sep 2009

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, owner of the Jim Beam and Courvoisier Cognac brands, has appointed former Unilever marketer Kevin B George as senior vice-president and global chief marketing officer.

Diageo trials lower alcohol Guinness

Tue, 15 Sep 2009

Diageo is trialling a lower alcohol strength Guinness variant in Scotland as part of its commitment to promoting responsible drinking.

Pernod Ricard restructures marketing team

Fri, 11 Sep 2009

Pernod Ricard UK has cut 36 sales, marketing and communications roles and replaced the marketing chief of its wine division in a restructure.

Alcohol industry in quandary over web marketing

Thu, 10 Sep 2009

The alcohol industry’s hangover seems only to get worse and worse. If it isn’t critics demanding a crackdown on sales promos, it’s doctors saying they shouldn’t be advertising at all. And in the online sphere, drinks brands may find little sanctuary in their own websites.

Alcohol ad ban would be “seismic”, but it is unlikely

Wed, 9 Sep 2009

Marketers are warning of the “seismic” effect that a ban on advertising alcohol and the prohibition of sponsorship of sporting and music events by alcohol brands would have on media owners and rights holders.

Update: Doctors call for a complete ban on alcohol ads

Tue, 8 Sep 2009

Britain’s top doctors are calling for a total ban of alcohol advertising and in a bid to tackle alcohol misuse among young people.

Diageo readies Baileys festive campaign

Fri, 4 Sep 2009

Diageo Great Britain is extending its Christmas marketing efforts for flagship liqueur brand Baileys in a bid to boost sales of the drink during the crucial final quarter.

Rioja marketers encourage wider consumption

Thu, 3 Sep 2009

Wines from Rioja, the marketing body for UK Rioja producers, is launching the next phase of its Talk Rioja press and outdoor advertising campaign next week.

Grant’s inks Classic FM deal

Tue, 1 Sep 2009

Whisky brand Grant’s has signed a sponsorship agreement with radio station Classic FM as part of additional marketing investment in the run up to Christmas.

Smarter drinking campaign launched

Tue, 1 Sep 2009

Drinkaware has unveiled details of the industry’s “Campaign for Smarter Drinking” on the day new laws banning several drinks promotions are introduced in Scotland.

DoH urges people to cut out booze in September

Fri, 28 Aug 2009

The Department of Health (DoH) is asking drinkers to abstain from alcohol in September as part of its ongoing Know Your Limits campaign.

Diageo marketing spend down

Thu, 27 Aug 2009

Diageo says global sales increased by 15% in its last financial year despite a drop in the “challenging” European market and a reduction in marketing spend.

Guinness ramps up marketing for birthday

Wed, 26 Aug 2009

Diageo is ramping up marketing activity for Guinness with a fresh direct mail and sales promotion campaign as the brand’s 250th anniversary approaches.

Budweiser points to good times

Tue, 25 Aug 2009

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB Inbev) has switched to a social theme for the first campaign for its flagship Budweiser brand since the company formed last year.

Marston’s launches triumphant final Ashes ad

Mon, 24 Aug 2009

Beer brand Marston’s, the official beer of the national cricket team, has unveiled the final press advertisement in its Ashes-themed ‘England Has It’ campaign to celebrate victory over Australia.

Carlsberg trials drink for women

Tue, 18 Aug 2009

Carlsberg UK is trialling a new drink aimed at women.

AB Inbev appoints Publicis agencies

Tue, 18 Aug 2009

Anheuser-Busch Inbev has appointed two Publicis Groupe agencies to handle global creative duties for its Beck’s brand.

Diageo in copyright dispute with Sainsbury’s

Mon, 17 Aug 2009

Drinks group Diageo has launched legal action against Sainsbury’s over alleged copyright infringement of its Pimm’s brand.

Diageo marketer takes on global Baileys role

Fri, 14 Aug 2009

Diageo has appointed the marketing director for its British division, Philip Almond to the role of global brand director of Baileys.

AB Inbev hails “vital” marketing role in sales bump

Thu, 13 Aug 2009

Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to boost marketing investment after acknowledging the “vital” role it played in lifting first-half revenues.

Jack Daniel’s unveils Cola mix

Mon, 10 Aug 2009

Spirits manufacturer Bacardi Brown-Forman has launched Jack Daniel’s & Cola in a can.

Stella Artois pushes green credentials

Fri, 31 Jul 2009

Stella Artois is to launch a new “eco-friendly” promotional campaign in an attempt to push its green credentials.

Pubs slam “ill conceived” alcohol promotions code

Wed, 29 Jul 2009

Government plans for a mandatory code on the promotion and sale of alcohol have been slammed by the British Beer & Pub Association (BPA).

BrewDog's 18.2% beer is condemned by charity

30 July 2009

Alcohol Concern has condemned drinks maker BrewDog after the launch of what the brewer calls the “UK’s strongest beer”.

Sainsbury’s defends booze campaign snub

Mon, 20 Jul 2009

Sainsbury’s has defended its decision not to sign up to the Government-backed “Campaign for Smarter Drinking”.

Molson to launch “biggest ever” Coors Light push

Wed, 15 Jul 2009

Molson Coors is to launch a £3.5m marketing campaign for its Coors Light brand.

Cinema alcohol ad rules fail children, says charity

Fri, 10 Jul 2009

Current restrictions on alcohol advertising at the cinema are being ignored putting children’s health at risk, according to a leading alcohol charity.

Molson Coors commits to reducing packaging

Tue, 7 Jul 2009

Molson Coors has become the first brewer to fully commit to reducing packaging after signing up to the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Drinkaware anxious about funding

Thu, 2 Jul 2009

Drinkaware is in talks with the alcoholic drinks industry over its future funding after revealing it faces a £2m shortfall this year.

MPs to probe industry on alcohol ads

Wed, 24 Jun 2009

Advertising watchdogs and the alcohol industry will be asked to explain how effective self-regulation has been in curbing under-age drinking next week by a group of influential MPs.

Retailers reject criticism of alcohol promotions

Wed, 24 Jun 2009

The British Retail Consortium has rejected claims from a coalition of health bodies that cut-price alcohol promotions could contribute to a health “crisis”.

Heineken names new S&N UK chief

Fri, 12 Jun 2009

Heineken NV has appointed group commerce director Stefan Orlowski to head up Scottish & Newcastle UK as managing director.

Drambuie makeover targets young drinkers

Wed, 10 Jun 2009

Drambuie has relaunched in an attempt to increase its appeal among younger consumers.

Drinkaware relaunches to present facts on alcohol

Thu, 4 Jun 2009

Alcohol charity Drinkaware has relaunched today (June 4) with a new logo and mission to present “the honest facts” about alcohol.

Glenfiddich sets sights on a younger target market

28 May 2009

Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky is aiming to attract younger drinkers with the launch of its first global CRM programme, Glenfiddich Explorers.

Thandie Newton spearheads Martini's repositioning drive

28 May 2009

Drinks brand plans to tap into ‘drinking with sophistication’ trend. By Branwell Johnson