Nestlé opens new Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsule production line in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Credit: Nestlé.
Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Double Cask. Credit: PRNewsfoto/Diageo.
EVMA decides to implement zero sugar level on hot drinks vending machines. Credit: European Vending & Coffee Service Association.
Numerous guests had their first view of the brewing pilot plant at the inauguration ceremony. Credit: © Krones AG.

Nestlé opened Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee capsule production line

Swiss food and beverage company Nestlé opened its new Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee capsule production line in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam.

Nestlé’s new facility is expected to produce nearly 2,500t of coffee per year, which is equivalent to 130 million coffee capsules.

The site will process high-quality coffee beans, which are claimed to be sourced in Vietnam.

AB InBev to import international craft beer brands in US

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) announced plans to import its international craft beer brands to the US.

The company obtained clearance from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for some of the international craft beer variants, which will be introduced to the market at an AB InBev-sponsored craft beer and music festival that is scheduled to take place later this year in New York, US.

Set to begin selling in the US this year, the brands include draft beer labels from Camden Town Brewery in the UK, Cervejaria Colorado of Brazil, Artesanas de Malta y Cebada of Mexico, Newlands Spring Brewing of South Africa, Archibald Microbrewery of Canada and Belle-Vue Brouwerij of Belgium.

Bacardi and Lonely Whale to stop using single-use plastic straws by 2020

Global spirits and wines producer Bacardi partnered with Lonely Whale to remove one billion single-use plastic straws from the drinks market by 2020.

The beverage brand is also planning to review its global supply chain to remove non-essential, non-recyclable single-use plastic waste.

By conducting a series of events and taking part in corporate and brand collaborations worldwide, the company intends to encourage its customers and partners to join the #TheFutureDoesntSuck campaign.

Tequila Don Julio released new double-cask tequila

Diageo’s brand Tequila Don Julio expanded its portfolio with the launch of a double-cask tequila offering a distinctive flavour profile.

The new limited-edition Tequila Don Julio Reposado Double Cask is a variant of the company’s traditional Reposado with additional hints of whisky.

The beverage was matured in American white oak barrels for a period of eight months before being finished for 30 days in casks that were previously used to make Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky. It is the company’s first innovation in six years.

Stonegate to acquire cocktail bar operators Be At One and Novus Leisure

UK-based manager of pubs and bars Stonegate Pub Company signed two separate agreements to acquire cocktail bar operators Be At One and Novus Leisure.

Established in 1998, Be At One operates 33 bars, with 17 sites located in London. The remaining 16 are located across Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Reading and Cardiff.

Upon completion, Stonegate Pub Company intends to operate Be At One as a separate business entity, retaining all of the operational management team and head office staff.

Royal Unibrew in talks to acquire owner of Lorina lemonade

Danish beverage provider Royal Unibrew signed an agreement to carry out negotiations to acquire French company Etablissements Geyer Fréres, the producer and distributor of Lorina lemonade, PureThé and InFreshhh brands.

Under the agreement, Royal Unibrew intends to acquire the French lemonade producer to access the French soft drink market and strengthen its export portfolio.

Etablissements Geyer Fréres currently produces beverage products from its production facilities located in Munster, France.

EVMMA combats unintentional sugar intake for hot drinks machine customers

The European Vending Machine Manufacturers Association (EVMMA) plans to re-configure hot drinks machines to reduce unintentional sugar intake.

EVMMA is a group within the European Vending Association (EVA) that comprises 20 machine manufacturers. Its members made a unanimous decision on the matter at its meeting in June 2018.

Manufacturers typically set up machines in the factory to ensure that the highest quality coffee can be dispensed. As part of this process, sugar is often added to coffee-based beverages to reflect consumers’ taste demands.

Wine Australia unveiled investment plans for Australian wine sector

Wine Australia announced it will invest $67.8m ($50m) to increase the global competitiveness of the Australian wine sector.

The move is part of the firm’s five-year strategic plan, which spans from 2015 to 2020.

The sectors’ free-on-board export value is reported to have increased by 39% from A$1.9bn ($1.4bn) in 2014 to A$2.65bn ($1.95bn) in 2017.

Britvic Ireland expanded Club Zero line-up

Britvic Ireland expanded its Club Zero line with the addition of zero-sugar soft drink, Club Zero Lemon.

Britvic Ireland Club Orange marketing manager Niamh McArdle said: “We’re excited to bring the delicious Club Zero Lemon to Irish consumers. Research has shown that consumers love Club Lemon and are now looking for those unmistakable zingy flavours with zero sugar.

“That’s why we know Club Zero Lemon is the perfect addition to our zero sugar portfolio. This has been an exciting 2018 for Club Zero so far, with Club Zero Super Split returning for a limited run this summer also.”

Krones opened pilot research brewery in Germany

German bottling machine manufacturer Krones opened a new pilot research brewery at its facility in Freising, Germany.

Called Steinecker Brew Center, the €2.6m pilot brewing plant will have a five-hectolitre brewhouse comprising five different vessels.

Krones also intends to provide an option for collaborative brewing, conducting trials and testing new technologies.