Drinks advertising: whetting the wrong kind of appetites

Following a series of ads that breached both good taste and the guidelines of the industry's marketing regulator, the government is considering regulating all alcohol advertising. The industry is naturally keen to avoid this, but current alcohol advertising attitudes will have to change radically to avoid a clampdown.

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On-trade drinking: US market to grow at just 1.3% CAGR

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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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Thresher Group: Blockbuster competition

Thresher Group is looking to become a one-stop shop for all that a consumer could want for a good night in. Alongside its alcoholic drinks range it is planning to offer indulgent meals as well as movies to rent. This move highlights a trend towards offering an occasion-specific proposition and the lucrative potential of targeting 'staying in'.

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Alcohol trade: legal changes to benefit Swedish drinkers

The European Commission has told Sweden it must relax its laws concerning alcohol purchases from abroad, on the grounds that they currently constitute a barrier to trade. While the move will undoubtedly delight Swedish natives, one market set to reap the benefit will be Denmark - especially Carlsberg [CARLb.CO].

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Majestic Wine: bulk buying brings festive cheer

Wine warehouse company Majestic [MJW.L] had a very successful Christmas season as more and more consumers adopted its approach of bulk buying quality wine. Its solid performance was attributable to both higher spending from existing customers and a growing customer base, leaving the company in a strong position for future growth.

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Meal occasions: Ken Hom's oriental wines

Marketed as a complement to Asian food, a new range of wines by Ken Hom mirrors the high end positioning of his recently introduced Asian food line. The celebrity chef's move follows in the steps of a growing number of packaged goods companies that are seeking to assert a connection between food and drinks.

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French wines: consumption concerns in the Bordeaux vineyards

Sales of Bordeaux wines have fallen sharply over the past five years. At the Interprofessional Council for Bordeaux wines this week, many wine producers blamed the new Evin Law banning alcohol advertising, but the drop in consumption may be more directly attributable to changing consumer trends.

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European wine consumption: consumers still prefer a pop

Various attempts have been made by the wine industry to overcome the problem of corking. The most obvious solution, to introduce new bottle stopping materials such as screw tops and plastic corks, have proven unpopular - especially among more discerning wine drinkers. Now, a cork manufacturer has found a way to eliminate the problem and continue using traditional cork.

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