We have no idea what possessed them in St. Louis to come up with such a dumb promotion. Desperation, we suspect.

As we never tire of repeating at development cooperation meetings, the brewing and beverage industry is Africa’s major private sector employer. That’s why it is only fair that Heineken was among the ten organisations to receive the 2010 WBD award. According to the judging panel, Heineken impressed by demonstrating that there is a clear link between sound business practices and the Millennium Development Goals.

A federal judge in Chicago ruled in September that Illinois discriminates against out-of-state brewers but he delayed enforcement of his order until 31 March 2011 to allow the Illinois legislature time to act on the matter, it was reported.

AmBev, whose business in Venezuela has been struggling, said in a securities filing that Cerveceria Regional will own 85 percent of the combined business, but that this stake could drop to 80 percent in the next four years.

The course and examination are open to any candidate without prior work or education requirements, although candidates should be well grounded in science and mathematics. While the completion of the IBD General Certificate in Brewing is helpful, it is not required.

SABMiller confirmed that its local subsidiary, Miller Trading Company, and two affiliated distributors have filed the complaint. The brewer said that “current practice restricts its access to the market, limits consumer choice and stifles competition in contravention of Mexico‘s competition laws.”

As part of Craft Brewers, Kona will be able to expand its brand and distribution while maintaining its craft brewery operations in Hawaii. Kona beer for mainland distribution will continue to be brewed by Widmer and Redhook.

Industry observers have been whispering it for some time: “Miller’s clearly having problems. Brands, ahem, well, not doing well. Gotta do something about that.”

The MBAA is pleased to team up with the University of Wisconsin at Madison whose pilot brewery offers students the opportunity to gain a hands-on brewing experience. The beer participants produce during the two-week course will be sampled in the final sensory session. And what’s left will be served at the closing banquet.

Grupo Modelo’s Chief Financial Officer Emilio Fullaondo said in a conference call with analysts that higher spending on marketing and distribution, including advertising related to the 2010 World Cup, pushed up costs. Its operating profit in the quarter slipped 1 percent, while EBITDA, a measure of cash flow, fell 2.2 percent.