Sky's the limit for Sheps' Early Bird and Spitfire
Shepherd Neame's Early Bird spring ale is making its seasonal appearance for 2007. The beer is available on draught at 4.3% abv and in bottles at 4.5%, until the end of May. It takes its name from the Early Bird variety of East Kent Goldings hops, grown a few miles from the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham, Kent.
Meanwhile, Spitfire ale drinkers can win a training day with a Spitfire pilot. The competition is being publicised on the brand's website and bottled product, and on beer mats and posters in over 1,000 pubs.
The first prize also includes the chance to adopt a Spitfire for a year, which will involve VIP hospitality at Spitfire displays at Duxford air shows, tours of the Imperial War Museum's historic aircraft collection and a chance to meet people who maintain the aircraft. The promotion will also offer the opportunity to win a year's supply of the ale brand and other instant-win prizes.
Bottlegreen revamps
Bottlegreen Drinks has relaunched its range of 25cl pressé adult soft drinks and added four new flavours: cranberry and açai; blackcurrant and blueberry; pomegranate and elderflower, and Cox's apple. The existing elderflower flavour, and ginger and lemongrass flavour, have been reformulated, while a new label design brings the 25cl bottles into line with the 75cl range.
VK sponsors Ford trophy
RTD brand VK is sponsoring the Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy throughout 2007. The championship gives young rally drivers a platform to launch careers and extends a long relationship between VK owner Global Brands and British motor sport.
Pago offers drinks kit
Licensees can pick up a free long, mixed- drinks kit when they buy three cases of Pago fruit juice wholesale. The kit contains copies of Pago's Long Mixed Drink Guide, 50 menu cards, 100 beer mats, a bar runner, Pago apron, cocktail stirrers, pen and pad, and POS material. Pago UK managing director Tony Harwood said: "Bar and restaurant owners are into the long mixed drinks trend, so helping them to help us is welcomed."