November’s top news stories

Altia to launch O.P. Anderson aquavit in US

Finnish wine and spirits company Altia partnered with US-based Frederick Wildman and Sons to introduce aquavit O.P. Anderson into the US market by early next year.

Aquavit is a flavoured spirit made with herbs that came to Sweden in the 16th century.

Altia exports senior vice-president Janne Halttunen said: “We are excited to introduce O.P. Anderson to the US market. There is a growing interest in aquavits in the cocktail scene right now, which makes this modern classic very contemporary.”

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Swire Coca-Cola closed acquisition of Denver production centre, US

Beverages seller, producer, and distributor Swire Coca-Cola USA completed an acquisition of the Coca-Cola Production Center in Denver, Colorado.

Announced in September this year, the transaction is said to be part of The Coca-Cola Company’s refranchising process.

Following the acquisition, Swire started operation at the facility. It has enabled the company to further expand its footprint in the US.

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Long Island Iced Tea partners with Kollaras & Co for beverage distribution in Australia

Long Island Iced Tea Corp partnered with Kollaras & Co for the distribution of its beverages in Australia.

Long Island Iced Tea Corp CEO Philip Thomas said: “We are excited to announce another significant step in our international expansion into the Asia Pacific region. This region represents new markets for the company on the doorstep of Asia, which represents 75% of global non-alcohol ready-to-drink (NARTD) tea volume.

“Our new partnership with Kollaras & Co allows us to enter new geographic markets and continue growing our customer footprint for our flagship Long Island Iced Tea brand.”

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Jim Beam introduced smart decanter in US

Kentucky Bourbon whiskey maker Jim Beam introduced new smart decanter JIM in the US market.

JIM is claimed to be equipped shot pouring technology that serves drinks to consumers. The decanter also serves as a virtual voice assistant, featuring the voice of Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe.

JIM includes a compartment for bourbon storage and voice command capabilities.

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The Juice Plus+ Company unveiled new plant-based omega blend

Juice powder concentrates manufacturer The Juice Plus+ Company launched a plant-based blend of oils containing omega 3, 5, 6, and 7, as well as 9 fatty acids.

The new Juice Plus+ Omega Blend is said to contain docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and alpha-lipoic (ALA) omega fatty acids extracted from original algae sources instead of fish sources.

The Juice Plus+ Company product innovation director Liza Pepple said: “Just as most people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables daily, they may also be lacking adequate amounts of high-quality omega fatty acids.

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Unilever to acquire TAZO brand from Starbucks for $384m

Unilever North America entered an agreement with US-based coffee company Starbucks to acquire its specialty tea brand TAZO for $384m.

As per the deal, Unilever will be acquiring the TAZO brand and all related intellectual property, signature recipes, and inventory from Starbucks.

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q4, 2017.

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Chr. Hansen introduced new yellow and orange beverage colours

Danish bioscience company Chr. Hansen added four new colour solutions for the beverage industry, extending its CapColors and ColorFruit ranges.

With the introduction of two orange and two yellow solutions, the company intends to provide a greater number of options for beverage manufacturers.

Chr. Hansen’s natural colours global marketing director Jakob Dalmose Rasmussen said: “At Chr. Hansen Natural Colors, it is our goal to help food and beverage manufacturers meet the increased demand from consumers for natural colour ingredients.”

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Alcohol MUP to be implemented in Scotland

The UK Supreme Court ruled that minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol can be implemented.

Having previously been passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2012, the MUP was challenged by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), an organisation that aims to promote, protect, and represent the interests of the whisky industry in Scotland and around the world.

Scotland Health Secretary Shona Robison has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision.

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MundoVino to import Lapostolle wines in US

Winebow Group member MundoVino became an exclusive importer of Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle wines in the US.

MundoVino will import a wide range of wines from Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle, including Lapostolle Le Rouge, Le Rosé, Grand Selection, Cuvée Alexandre, Collection, Borobo, Clos Apalta, and Le Petit Clos.

MundoVino senior vice-president and general manager Diego Lo Prete said: “We are thrilled to expand our Chilean portfolio to include Lapostolle, a producer whose vision very much aligns with our own to increase awareness of Chile’s superb terroir on the world stage.”

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Arbikie introduced 2017 Vintage Fresh Strawberry Vodka

Scotland’s Arbikie Highland Estate enhanced its terroir vodka range by launching 2017 Vintage Fresh Strawberry Vodka.

Arbikie’s terroir vodka range now includes potato-based vodka Tattie Bogle, wheat-based vodka Haar, and a seasonal fresh-Chilli vodka.

With a 50% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), 2,500 bottles of the new limited edition will be released.

Arbikie distiller Christian Perez-Solar said: “We were keen to create a unique a vodka using fresh strawberries and wheat grown on the farms to make the vodka that provides distinctive notes of butterscotch and biscuit characteristics.”