BrandsBriefs

Top Chinese lager eyes UK

Pierhead Purchasing has added one of China's best-selling lagers to its extensive portfolio of world beers. ZhuJiang Pearl River is named after the river that runs by the world's largest brewery in the city of Guangzhou, where 48,000 bottles of the lager are produced every hour. Known in China as "The Great Beer of Guangdong", the 5.3% abv lager is currently enjoying success in North America, Sweden, France and Australia. Pierhead's Michael Cook said: "There has been a surge in interest in Chinese beer, both from drinks companies and consumers. It is a market that is sure to gain even more attention when Beijing hosts the Olympic Games."

'Pretox' drink targets clubs

A drink claimed to prepare the body and process toxins before consuming alcohol has gained listings in top London clubs and style bars. Hailed as the world's first "pretox" drink, Alibi is made from natural ingredients including spring water, milk thistle, artichoke and gingko extracts, added vitamins and amino acids. It can be consumed by itself or as a mixer with alcohol in long drinks and other cocktails.

Britvic launches pomegranate

Britvic Soft Drinks has introduced the first stand-alone pomegranate juice drink to

the on-trade as part of its mixers and

juices range. The new flavour has been added on the back of increasing consumer demand for premium drinks choices and the success of fruit juice in the on-trade. The launch will be supported by a trade marketing campaign showing the flavour's versatility through serving suggestions including vodka and pomegranate, gin and pomegranate, and as in ingredient within cocktails.

Funkin 100% fruit smoothie

Soft drinks firm Funkin has launched a 100% natural fruit smoothie to capitalise on a market worth more than £500m in the UK alone. Just Add Juice is a blend of Funkin purees, and comes with a long shelf-life and no artificial additives. A juice pourer is available for pubs to keep waste down and improve margins.