Russia | Russia’s – What was this? A flash in the pan? Mercury Retail Holding, the largest ultra-convenience store operator in Russia, announced on 26 October 2021 it would list on Moscow’s stock market. Trading would begin on 10 November. On 3 November, the offer was priced at USD 1.3 billion, which would have given it a market value of USD 12 billion to USD 13 billion.

United Kingdom | Perhaps they were too keen and eager. The UK’s largest craft brewer, BrewDog, has indicated that it will delay a planned GBP 2.1 billion (USD 2.8 billion) flotation amid turbulence in the hospitality industry.

Germany | In the first nine months of 2021, German beer sales dropped 3.9 percent to 65.6 million hl, compared with 68.2 million hl in the same period in 2020. This year’s decline could be deepening, as during the first half of 2021, German brewers sold 2.7 percent or 1.1 million hl less beer than in 2020.

Germany | It was not to be. Only two years after getting into bed with each other, the Munich craft brewer Crew Republic and AB-InBev will go their separate ways again. Reportedly, this decision, which was announced on 25 October 2021, was taken by mutual consent.

United Kingdom | In the Autumn Budget, the UK chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed sweeping changes to alcohol duty, which will reward lower-strength drinks.

Europe | All things considered, AB-InBev had a good third quarter. It sold 3.4 percent more beer in the July-to-September period compared with 2020, which led it to revise its forecast upwards: It now expects annual EBITDA to grow between 10 percent and 12 percent, compared with an 8-12 percent growth forecasted earlier.

Denmark | The beer festival, Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen (MBCC), was hit by several withdrawals, after several ex-employees at Mikkeller alleged sexual harassment and gender bullying at the firm. This was reported by the website goodbeerhunting.com on 11 October 2021.

United Kingdom | One of the UK’s oldest craft breweries, Meantime, is launching a campaign that taps into its craft beer heritage, as it “looks to build a deeper connection with consumers” (in marketing lingo).

United Kingdom | Digitalisation’s boons and risks. A flaw in BrewDog’s mobile app could have exposed personal information of more than 200,000 Equity for Punks shareholders and customers – as well as letting hackers steal beer, if they so desired. The incident was reported on several Geek websites.

Germany | Here we go again. Bloomberg reported that AB-InBev is seeking to offload some of its German beer brands as it focuses on growth beyond beer.