Scottish Courage: ice cream for the brave

In a surprising foray into a new product category, Scottish Courage is now producing Newcastle Brown Ale ice cream. If the launch is successful it could be the catalyst for a proliferation of increasingly diverse flavors in the ice cream market over the next 12 months.

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Beer and ale: top flavors in new products

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Redhook: a designer look

Redhook Ale Brewery has released new packaging graphics and bottles as it hopes to build upon growing consumer enthusiasm for its specialty brews. The niche player has followed the example of rivals such as Molson by using package innovation to enhance the beer's image and appeal. It is a sensible strategy, as these design elements should appeal to the vital young adult consumer audience.

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Greene King: a purchase riddled with potential

Although Greene King's purchase of Ridley's strengthens its position as both a UK brewer and pub owner, the two activities may not prove complementary in the longer term. Indeed, achieving the brewing units' full growth potential will require investments that a company the size of Greene King can scarcely afford.

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JD Wetherspoon: non-smoking switch may win ashes battle

JD Wetherspoon's revenues have held up despite a declining off-trade market, but margins have been hit by fierce competition and anti-binge drinking measures. Looking forward, the planned UK smoking ban is a major concern: the company is dealing with this threat proactively, but it risks unnecessarily losing revenues while providing competitors with useful learning experience.

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UK beer: evolution, not revolution

CAMRA's claims of an ale resurgence in the UK are exaggerated: almost two-thirds of beer consumption is lager, and dark beers' share is still falling. However, the organization highlights an important change in British tastes. Drinkers now appreciate domestic premium dark beers as sophisticated beverages in their own right, while rejecting mass-market kegged bitters in favor of lager.

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Carlsberg: Tetley's Original ale may find a niche

Carlsberg's decision to launch a new dispensed ale brand, Tetley's Original, in the UK market is a bold one. Beer sales in Western Europe continue to slow and the UK ale market is declining in value. Nevertheless, Tetley's is already a successful brand in the off-trade and, as the world's fourth-largest beer company, Carlsberg has the resources to take a calculated risk.

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Grolsch: a discount too far

Grolsch will no longer supply beer to Albert Heijn at the cut-price rates that the retailer demands. Grolsch is lucky: because of its strong international and on-trade sales, it can afford to take the revenue hit should AH refuse to give in. Few other CPG manufacturers could credibly threaten to walk away from their biggest retail contract.

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Guinness: getting a head in the off trade

Diageo will launch Guinness Draught Surger for retail sale in the UK this week. The new canned version of the popular stout comes with a device that enables consumers to pour a perfectly separated pint at home. By bringing an element of authenticity to at-home drinking occasions, Diageo will be able to tap into the growing off trade, and prepare its Guinness brand for the UK-wide smoking ban.

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New drinks review: liqueurs tap into the green trend

As consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about green issues, it is perhaps inevitable that the beverage industry would take note and focus on making its products more eco-friendly. This month's Productscan database reveals the launch of a liqueur that has taken the unusual step of offsetting its carbon emissions, perhaps highlighting an up-and-coming trend in the consumer market.

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