Kirin: Asian expansion on the cards

Kirin is following its Japanese rival Asahi into the rest of Asia. Expanding abroad will provide Kirin with growth opportunities outside a difficult domestic market. However, it will face strong competition from other international brewers - and the controversy over San Miguel's ownership could cause future headaches.

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Kirin: buys stake in San Miguel Brewery

The purchase of a large stake in San Miguel Brewery will allow Kirin to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Asia and benefit from large sales in the Philippines thanks to the established market position of the target company. This deal should advance Kirin's aim to become a market leader in Asia Pacific over the coming years.

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New drinks review: energy drink targets trucker market

The energy drink market is growing rapidly, leading manufacturers to launch a plethora of new flavors that are targeted at a growing number of consumers. One of the more unusual targets seen this month is truckers, an unusual niche that shows how wide-reaching the sector has become.

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New drinks review: ethical beverages continue to court favor

This month's review of new drinks launches from the Productscan database finds that ethical drinks are increasingly being introduced to market. Whether carbon neutral, ethically packaged or with a charitable core, manufacturers are finding that it pays to court consumers' principles in the pursuit of increasing market share.

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New drinks review: soft drink helps smokers get their fix

Aiming to encapsulate the experience of smoking in a bottle, a new tobacco-based beverage heads this month's summary of the most recent innovative launches from the drinks industry. In other news, a novel extract has made its debut in Russia, while in the Philippines the coconut fruit has inspired unusual packaging.

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New food review: sweet and savory flavors head in new directions

This month's rundown of global new food launches sees sweet and savory flavors appearing in an increasing number of unexpected and unprecedented product categories. Products from savory sprinkles to double cheese ice cream and charcoal cheesecake show how manufacturers are turning to unconventional, even counterintuitive, combinations to add an extra sensory edge to their product offerings.

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New household products review: plastic bags make a stand

In this month's rundown of the latest innovations from the household goods industry, new storage solutions have been developed that could see plastic bags take a more permanent place in pantries and food cupboards. Meanwhile, dish detergents are looking to boost premium appeal through the use of moisturizers and upscale fragrances.

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New household products: inflating the market with innovations

A variety of product releases aimed at improving comfort in the home have been noted by Productscan Online this month. These include a flat PVC vase that gains its shape when filled with water, and an air freshener which is said to reduce stress and aid sleeping, and is aimed primarily at young infants and their parents.

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PLA Innovation of the Week: turning "ordinary" rice into "extraordinary" rice

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San Miguel: no half measures

San Miguel, most famous for its leading beer brand, has been expanding aggressively outside this sphere in recent years, and it has now won a lengthy battle with Fonterra to get its hands on National Foods, the largest Australian dairy company. While clinching the deal is good news for San Miguel, it is an ambitious step that is more of a gamble than previous acquisitions.

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