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.

Ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages (RTDs) have revolutionised alcohol sales in Australia and it is no secret that bourbon RTDs have been a major driver of the success of RTDs in the past five years.

With a population of 82 million and a burgeoning economy, Vietnam has been one of the brewing industry’s “last frontiers”. Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) could make foreign investments easier. However, all the “usual suspects” of the global brewing industry already seem to have a foot or two in the door.

Ah, the promiscuity of brewers. In Australia and New Zealand’s beer duopoly, global brewers don’t seem to mind to be involved in twosomes and threesomes with their competition. Carlsberg is the latest case in point.

InBev announces a long-term joint venture agreement with the local Pepsi bottler, the RKJ group.

Coca-Cola Amatil has announced plans to become the number three player in the Australian beer market by 2012.