Interbrew brings Brahma to Britain
Interbrew has launched Brazilian beer Brahma in Britain in a bid to help retailers "premiumise" business and harness the growing enthusiasm for genuine imported brands. Brahma, brewed and imported from Brazil, is described as an "easy-drinking" premium lager with a 4.8% abv. It will first appear in leading-edge bars from May, followed by a phased on-trade rollout in 2006.
M&B late licence rejected by council
Mitchells & Butlers has had an application for a 4am licence in Middlesbrough rejected because it would affect the quality of lives of town-centre residents. The Crown pub in Linthorpe road applied for planning consent for 4am opening on Thursdays to Saturdays in response to customer demand.
Friday debut for Nightsafe campaign
A Nightsafe campaign, aimed at reducing alcohol-fuelled disorder, gets underway in Ilkeston and Long Eaton, Derbyshire, on Good Friday. The educational and awareness initiative will utilise high visibility posters in all town-centre venues as well as staff T-shirts to promote the campaign's key message drink in moderation and know your limits.
Thresher offers wine and beer promos
All wine in Thresher Group stores will be sold on a three-for-two promotion by the end of March, including boxes and half bottles. Beers will also be promoted on a permanent basis. Bottled ales will carry a four-for-£5 offer and a 33cl bottle of premium lager will cost 50p in a two-for-£20 deal on cases of 20.
Old Speckled Hen gets drinks message
Greene King has announced it will follow in the footsteps of rival brewers Coors and Scottish Courage by adding a responsible drinking message to all products over the coming year. The message, first to be seen on Old Speckled Hen, will read: "Please take as much care enjoying our beers as we do brewing them. Drink sensibly."
Budweiser appoints new CEO
Tony Jennings is to be Budweiser Budvar UK's new CEO following the departure of John Harley. Jennings will also retain his previous role as financial director. Neville Hall steps up to become sales and marketing director previously he was director of on-trade sales for the company. Jennings said: "I'm delighted to be in harness with Neville. In my experience, building brands is about more than just investing money; it's about deploying knowledge and experience. Neville has tons of both." Jon Whittle remains a director of off-trade sales.
