France | Those interested in gaining greater insight into how the brewing and distilling industries use technology to shape a sustainable future, are invited to attend the IBA Masterclass, to be held in Obernai, France, from 11 to 13 September 2019. 

Belgium | Beer consumption has been in decline in Belgium for years. In 2018, Belgians drank 7 million hl beer, an increase of 100,000 hl over 2017, but still a significant decrease from the 8.5 million hl beer consumed in 2010.

Ireland | Held at the Franciscan Well brewpub in Cork on 9 and 10 August 2019, the Fem-Ale Fest is Ireland’s only festival dedicated to celebrating women in the drinks industry.

Germany | After an extensive refurbishment, BrewDog will open the restaurant and beer garden at the former Stone brewery in Berlin on 10 August 2019. The Scottish brewer took over the business and the workforce from Stone in April this year.

Germany – Only around 1.9 billion hl beer were consumed world-wide in 2018. This represents a decline of 38 million hl or 2 percent over the previous year, according to the latest Barth report, released in July 2019.  

Belgium – Rumour has it that AB-InBev is considering selling off business units in South Korea and Central America to cut its massive debt pile after it had to junk its Asia IPO.

United Kingdom | Molson Coors has saved the London craft brewer Hop Stuff from bankruptcy. Hop Stuff merely called it an asset sale. Fact is, Hop Stuff, which was started in 2013, entered into administration in early July 2019.

United Kingdom | Heineken’s pubs business, Star Pubs & Bars, is being investigated by the industry watchdog over suspicions that tenants on rent-only contracts are still forced to stock Heineken beers and sell them at inflated prices.

Germany | Hemp drinks have been around Germany for a while now. But Oettinger brewery, renowned for its economy labels, is the first major brewer to launch a hemp beer mix. Called Hanfkiss (Hemp Kiss), it is a 2.5 percent ABV shandy, infused with green tea, herbs and hemp extracts.

Belgium | AB-InBev has won a multi-million dollar case against the Special Tax Inspectorate (BBI), media reported on 22 June 2019.