Corona Extra, though brewed by Grupo Modelo, is 50 percent owned by AB-InBev. Although Grupo Modelo is in an arbitration dispute with AB-InBev over the latter’s acquisition by InBev, recent reports indicate that a resolution of the dispute could see AB-InBev increase its stake in Grupo Modelo. That way, Corona Extra could become part of the AB-InBev portfolio.

Australia’s unwanted wine lake could double in size over the coming years if a large number of the vines planted during the boom times are not torn up, or the fruit left to wither on the vine, media reports say.

The Ziemann Group has received an order to build a turnkey brewery in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The contract for the engineering and construction of a state-of-the-art plant was signed at a formal ceremony on 13 December. The order has been placed by the Chip Mong Group, a family-owned enterprise.

Heineken and the colourful Indian tycoon fell out with each other early last year, when Heineken took over a 37.5 percent stake in UB, India’s largest brewer, which is also 37.5 percent co-owned by Mr Mallya.

Lion Nathan also launched a new beer, Boag’s Pure, a super-premium full-strength lager at 4.5 percent ABV, which is brewed from Tasmanian barley malt, hops and water only with local Southern Hallertau hops used late in the boil to provide aroma.

The Citigroup beverage trends analysis for October 2009 says that sales of RTDs or alcopops have returned to their pre-tax-hike double-digit growth trajectory.

Global energy drink volumes increased by 2 percent in 2008 to 3.9 billion litres, almost double the 2.0 billion litres sold in 2003, according to the latest report from leading food and drink consultancy Zenith International. Average growth over the past five years has been 14 percent a year.

Two brands, Strongbow and Mercury (both Foster’s Group), currently have a dominant grip on the domestic market. Other brewers involved in cider are Lion Nathan with Five Seeds, Little Creatures with Pipsqueak and Gage Roads with Blue Angel. In addition, Suntory Australia imports Magners, the original Irish cider. Included in new domestic lines are low-carb ciders such as Strongbow Clear.

Mr Johnston blamed mistakes by his predecessors Ted Kunkel and Trevor O’Hoy, who paid too much for Beringer Wine Estates and Southcorp respectively, and ill-fated attempts to combine beer, wine and spirits marketing operations for much of the malaise.

An agreement whereby Lion Nathan will undertake the Australian distribution of the Budweiser range of products from later this year has been reached with AB-InBev. The agreement adds to existing arrangements between the companies going back over 20 years and includes a provision for local brewing of Budweiser as demand grows.