Independent Distillers Group is the new name of the former New Zealand-based Independent Liquor operation.

Prior to the release of its first half results, Kirin Holdings, Japan’s second-biggest brewer, issued a profit warning, saying that its first-half profit would fall by a smaller-than-expected 21 percent due to lower promotion costs, and a robust performance from its partner San Miguel.

Brauwelt International is pleased to announce that in the 2007 Australian Honours List our correspondent John Harvey from Adelaide was awarded the medal in the general section of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday announcement on 11 June 2007.

In a move aimed at pacifying disgruntled investors, who think that the company would be better off splitting the beer operation from the wine division than pursuing its flawed multi-beverage strategy, Foster’s CEO Trevor O’Hoy, for the first time, admitted that such an option was worthwhile pondering.

San Miguel has taken investors by surprise when it announced that it was going to get out of beverages and into heavy industries.

It was brewery with a great view. From the brewhouse you could see the Pacific Ocean rolling gently against the shore. Soon no more. Foster’s has decided to economise while making the most of Australia’s efficient transport system.

Singapore’s Asia Pacific Breweries (APB), the maker of Tiger Beer, opened a USD 20 million brewery in the Mongolian capital through a venture with a local partner.

In an effort to claw back some drinkers who prefer premium imported brands like Stella Artois or Beck’s, Lion Nathan New Zealand announced the launch of Steinlager Pure.

Philippine San Miguel Corp. announced that it will close its brewery in Hong Kong in September due to high production and operating costs.

A surge in imported wine is expected to help meet a shortage at the cheaper end of the Australian market, following this year’s small wine-grape harvest.