Starbucks: Japanese ideas could cross to US

Shareholders of Starbucks Coffee Japan [STBJF.PK] have approved a change to the corporate charter allowing the sale of alcohol at any outlet. The move comes alongside the debut of a series of new products aimed at reviving sales. Successful introductions could well translate into new offerings in the US.<BR />

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Franklin Estates: it's in the can

Australia's Franklin Estates is preparing to release wine in cans to the US, UK and Japanese markets. While there are many practical benefits to the idea - no spoilage, no need for bottle-openers, no need to finish a bottle - its success depends on good weather, and consumers being prepared accept the unorthodox notion of wine in ring-pull cans.

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Foster's / Southcorp: beer then wine is fine

Foster's and Southcorp [SRP.AX] would fit together well. The company would have Australia's strongest wine brands, a good geographical sales spread, and the scale to compete with Constellation and Diageo. However, there would be little logic in Foster's retaining its low-growth, largely domestic beer business post-acquisition: a move to focus purely on wine would be a good move going forward.

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Foster's / Southcorp: takeover looking likelier

Southcorp has opposed Foster's [FGL.AX] current bid, saying that it undervalues the company, while Foster's says that the new plan overvalues Southcorp. Neither position is particularly surprising. However, the announcement keeps the deal alive, and gives Foster's a reason to increase its offer. It would be wise to do so, given the importance of Southcorp to its future in the wine business.

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Foster's: no hangover from Southcorp struggle

Foster's has posted an encouraging increase in its FY2005 profits, suggesting its integration of Southcorp is proceeding smoothly. Southcorp is set to play a critical role in the group's future development, giving it essential global reach in the wine market. Though renowned for brewing 'Australia's famous beer', we may now have to consider Foster's equally as a vintner.

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Wine & Wine Coolers: top flavors in new products

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Wine & Wine Coolers: top launches by corporation

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2006 "Build a Better Mousetrap" New Product Innovations of the Year

Non-alcoholic beer for dogs, hot dogs made with salmon, cappuccino-flavored cider and light beer fortified with vitamins were some of the more unusual new product innovations reported in 2006 by Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products.

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New drinks launches Oct-Dec: wine cools off

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Wine & Wine Coolers: top flavors in new products

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