Diageo announced it will invest £150m over the next three years to transform its Scotch whisky visitor experiences. Credit: Diageo.
Coca-Cola launches Thums Up Charged No Sugar variant in India. Credit: The Coca-Cola Company.
Lux Row Distillers has opened a new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Credit: Lux Row Distillers.
MillerCoors introduced its Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in a new 12oz slim can in the US. Credit: MillerCoors.

Diageo invests £150m to transform visitor experience in Scotland

Global alcoholic beverages producer Diageo announced it will invest £150m over the next three years to transform its Scotch whisky visitor experiences, as well as promote Scotch whisky across the globe.

Diageo’s main investment will be in a new Johnnie Walker facility in Edinburgh. The company also plans to upgrade its existing network of 12 distillery visitor centres across Scotland.

Diageo’s new Edinburgh facility will be linked with four distilleries Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Caol Ila and Clynelish, which represent the four corners of Scotland and the regional Scotch flavour variations.

UK implements soft drinks industry levy

The UK Government implemented the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) in the country.

The government anticipates the introduction of a new levy on soft drinks will lead to reduction of sugar content in soft drinks and address the issue of UK childhood obesity.

The decision to introduce the SDIL was announced in March 2016, and since then, around 50% of soft drink manufacturers in the UK are reported to have reduced sugar levels in their products.

Beam Suntory acquires ABV Brands in South Africa

Premium spirits company Beam Suntory completed its acquisition of South African spirits distributor ABV Brands after purchasing the remaining 50% stake from founders Ross Calow, Daniel Hawkins and Igor Boyadjian.

With the completion of the acquisition, Beam Suntory will immediately assume full ownership of ABV Brands and the existing staff members of the South African firm will be integrated into Beam Suntory.

Beam Suntory Alliance and Emerging Markets managing director Yuri Grebenkin said: “Throughout our eight-year partnership, ABV Brands has demonstrated that it has the market knowledge, the commercial drive, and the passion for our brands to deliver consistent, aggressive growth in South Africa.

Coca-Cola introduces Thums Up Charged sugar-free variant in India

Coca-Cola India further expanded its portfolio in the country by launching Thums Up Charged No Sugar.

The new beverage is the company’s first home-grown beverage product that is sugar-free variant and has the same strong taste.

Coca-Cola India and South West Asia Public Affairs and Communication vice-president Ishteyaque Amjad said: “Coca-Cola India is accelerating its strategic evolution to become a total beverage company by offering innovative and localised beverage choices to consumers.”

Fonterra Brands and Apollo Foods to produce beverages in New Zealand

Fonterra Brands New Zealand partnered with the start-up Apollo Foods to produce and distribute fruit and dairy beverages in the country.

Both companies intend to capitalise on the growing demand for lifestyle beverages across the globe.

Fonterra Brands New Zealand managing director Leon Clement said: “As high-quality drinks play an increasingly large role in consumers’ diets around the world, New Zealand companies have a real opportunity to create value-adding initiatives across our primary industry sectors.”

Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries launches BLY Silver Rum in US

US-based Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries expanded its portfolio in the US with the launch of BLY Silver Rum.

Officially listed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, BLY Silver Rum has been rolled across stores in Pennsylvania state.

The molasses-based rum is also now available in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland and Washington, DC.

Lux Row opens new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

US-based bourbon producer Lux Row Distillers opened its new 18,000ft² distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The new distillery started bourbon production in January this year and is now officially open to the public.

Currently, the distillery has a production capacity of 20,000 barrels with the ability to increase to 50,000 barrels later in the future.

Glasgow Distillery launches Prometheus 28-Year-Old variant

Scotland’s Glasgow Distillery released the third expression in its Prometheus collection, Prometheus 28-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky.

Only 888 bottles of the new Prometheus expression have been released and each bottle is individually numbered and packaged in a presentation box.

Matured in Sherry Casks and fired by the smoky power of peat, Prometheus 28-Year-Old has a 53% alcohol by volume and offers hints of citrus with red apple and pear, as well as biscuit caramel and warming spice notes.

Foley Family Wines acquires Acrobat wine brand

US-based wine producer Foley Family Wines acquired the Acrobat wine brand from King Estate Winery located in Eugene, Oregon.

The financial details of the acquisition have not been revealed by either company.

Foley Family Wines president Hugh Reimers said: “As Foley Family Wines continues down the path of becoming one of the industry’s top ultra-premium wine purveyors, the addition of the Acrobat brand addresses the strategy of expanding our offerings from the emerging and rapidly growing region of Oregon.

MillerCoors introduces Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in 12oz slim can

US-based brewer MillerCoors relaunched its Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in new 12oz slim cans in the US.

The new light fruit flavoured hard sparkling water is said to be a sugar-free beverage containing only 88 calories per 12oz can.

With the same alcohol content as a traditional light beer, MillerCoors claims that its beverage products are suitable for drinkers who are looking for a refreshing alcoholic option.