Heathrow Airport and Chase partner to launch GB Gin

The UK’s Heathrow Airport and Chase Distillery created a new GB Gin, which will be an airport-exclusive product.

The new gin flavour was created as part of a six-week-long gin festival celebrating the spirit. As part of the partnership, 10,000 dark green bottles of Heathrow Exclusive GB Gin by Chase Distillery were retailed at the airport.

The bottle featured a union flag and prominent GB marking. Heathrow’s retail and service director Chris Annetts said: “Gin is a quintessentially British drink and a really popular choice for our passengers and the Gin Festival is a great way to celebrate this fantastic spirit.”

Carlsberg UK acquired London Fields Brewery

Carlsberg UK acquired London Fields Brewery, which offers a range of craft beers such as Craft Lager, Easy India Pale Ale (IPA), and Shoreditch Triangle IPA.

Carlsberg UK will operate the newly acquired brewery in a joint venture (JV) with US-based Brooklyn Brewery. London Fields Brewery was established in 2011 and will continue to operate as an independent business within the JV.

The company’s craft beer range will become part of Carlsberg’s core portfolio in the UK and also part of its House of Beers range.

Bacardi acquired marginal share in Teeling whiskey

Global Spirits company Bacardi signed a distribution agreement with Ireland-based Teeling Whiskey Company and acquired a minor stake in the business.

Starting from 1 September this year, Teeling’s Irish whiskies will be distributed in certain states in the US through Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, which handles the portfolio of Bacardi brands in the country through its Transatlantic Spirits division.

Teeling Whiskey Company’s founder and managing director Jack Teeling was quoted by thedrinksbusiness.com saying: “The US market is by far the most important market for Irish whisky and it is beginning to go through significant ‘premiumisation’”.

Vrai Vodka Drinks introduced organic craft alcohol beverages

US-based packaged spirits distiller Vrai Vodka Drinks introduced organic craft alcohol beverages Vrai Tangerine, Vrai Green Tea, and Vrai Paloma.

These beverages are available across selected retail outlets in Florida, California, Texas, and New Jersey.

Vrai Vodka Drinks’ managing partner Nicholas Piekoszewski said: “Most other drinks in the flavoured malt beverage or spirits category contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours, and colours and preservatives.

Tonicorp opened new $100m dairy production plant in Ecuador

Dairy company Tonicorp opened its new dairy production plant in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The plant opened with an investment of $100m. Tonicorp is jointly operated by non-alcoholic producer and distributor Arca Continental and global beverage firm Coca-Cola.

With the new plant, Tonicorp is expected to increase its production capacity by up to 150 million litres of dairy products per year.

Pernod Ricard to sell Glenallachie Distillery to Scottish consortium

French spirits group Pernod Ricard signed an agreement to sell its Glenallachie Distillery in Scotland to a consortium led by BenRiach Distillery’s former managing director Billy Walker.

The sale agreement will be executed through the French firm’s subsidiary Chivas Brothers. The Glenallachie consortium also includes Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage.

As per the terms of the agreement, the Glenallachie consortium will take control of Glenallachie single malt brand and White Heather blended scotch brands. The sale will also include relevant inventories to support future development of these brands.

Starbucks to support next generation Colombian coffee farmers

Starbucks announced plans to support the next generation of Colombian coffee farmers by increasing its investments in agronomy and technology training.

The company intends to create new opportunities for coffee-growing communities in the country through a smallholder farmer loan initiative. Starbucks will partner with the Inter-American Developmental Bank (IDB) and contribute $2m to the farmer loan programme.

Starbucks also expanded its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to help around 1,000 young coffee farmers in post-conflict zones to build greater resiliency and expertise.

Coca-Cola India to launch new low cost aerated drinks

Global carbonated drink maker Coca-Cola was set to introduce aerated drinks Kinley Flavours in India.

Confirming the upcoming launch in an email, a Coca-Cola spokesperson was quoted by The Economic Times as saying: “Coca-Cola has developed a new value-based proposition for price-conscious consumers in aerated beverages.

“These new launches will be available in 250ml polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packs at attractive price points. We are doing pilots in select markets and will expand over time.”

US brewer MillerCoors used 15 billion fewer gallons of water last year

US-based beer brewing company MillerCoors reported to having used 15 billion fewer gallons of water across its value chain last year, which is 16.9% less than in 2015 and equivalent to more than 500 million kegs of beer.

Changes in farming techniques have contributed to the reduction, including the introduction of new tools and irrigation initiatives that use less water.

Reportedly, the new techniques have increased brewery efficiencies and helped produce high-quality barley.

GEA to build new milk production facility for AmulFed Dairy in India

GEA secured a contract to construct a new milk production facility for Indian company AmulFed Dairy, a unit of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).

To be built in Gandhinagar in the Indian state of Gujarat, the new plant will be able to produce around 150tn per day of skimmed milk powder and 120tn per day of dairy whitener / baby food. The plant is scheduled to commence production next year.

Currently, AmulFed Dairy markets its milk products under the Amul brand and its baby milk powder under the name of Amul Spray