Coffee: US and Netherlands are growing markets, Germany is not

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Dutch brewers: trouble brewing as the EC flexes its muscle

The European Commission has imposed its seventh largest ever fine on Heineken, and penalized Grolsch and Bavaria, for stifling competition in the Netherlands beer market through coordinated price fixing. Although it is unlikely to impact on each of the company's long-term performance, it should alert the rest of the industry to the fact that anti-competitive action will not be tolerated.

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Grolsch/SABMiller: wetting the appetite for premium lager

SABMiller has halted its recent run of emerging market acquisitions with the purchase of the Dutch brewer Grolsch. With premium lager achieving higher growth in Europe than standard lagers, it is understandable why the company would want to enhance its portfolio of premium brands in this market, despite concerns over growing consolidation in the beer industry.

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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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Heineken: going for an Indian

Asia Pacific Breweries (APB), which is partially owned by Heineken, is seeking to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with CK Jaipuria. As an emerging economy with favorable demographics, there is scope for considerable growth in Indian beer sales. However, given India's comparatively meager beer consumption, it is unlikely to ever be more than a useful niche for Heineken.

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Heineken: sharp decline in profits

Heineken has reported a substantial fall in UK sales for 2008. In particular, some brands acquired from Scottish & Newcastle have not fared well, with the Foster's brand suffering a decline of 10%. The company is looking to cut back sharply on costs, but will need to ensure that it retains a visible market presence, otherwise it risks alienating loyal consumers.

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Hot drinks: flavor of the day

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New drinks review: beer breaks flavor boundaries

This month's selection of innovative new drinks products sees the launch of a variety of novel alcoholic beverages, including a wine in a pouch and beer that is designed to complement challenging food combinations. This shows the original ways in which manufacturers are attempting to gain an edge over the competition.

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New drinks review: coffee, but not as we know it

For decades consumers have been content to drink their tea and coffee in the traditional way; hot with milk, and with little variation from the traditional formulas. Now, however, manufacturers are keen to exploit the rise in demand for healthier alternatives, with Productscan Online reporting on a self-cooling ready-to-drink tea and a coffee made not with coffee beans, but with ramon nuts...

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New drinks review: new packaging to get cool reception

Drinks manufacturers are developing novel packaging to get their products noticed, including new technology which can cool the contents. This month's scout of Productscan records a super-cold soft drink and cooling beer keg, underlining the fact that this technology has the potential to be used in most sectors of the drinks industry.

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