beer bits
J2jurado
Guinness's talks over redundancies
Management and unions at Guinness have welcomed an invitation by the
Labour Relations Commission to participate in talks tomorrow on the
company's plans to shed 290 jobs in Dundalk.
"We have continuously indicated our interest in engaging in consultation
and are very happy to go along," Mr Pat Barry, the Guinness corporate
affairs spokes man said.
Workers' representatives on the Guinness joint union forum were also
enthusiastic and sought to put the proposed closure by Guinness of
Dundalk Packaging with the loss of 200 jobs and the shedding of 90
brewing jobs there in context.
The leader of the Guinness Staff Union, Mr Sean Mackle, called on the
company to reconsider its priorities - the expenditure of £3 million in
promoting the Wittnness pop concert in Dublin at the weekend - as
against savings of £2 million a year in Dundalk from its planned
redundancy programme.
The GSU has about 1,000 members affected by the proposed redundancies,
said Mr Mackle, including managers and clerical staff, brewers,
engineers and sales personnel. The ATGWU, SIPTU, TEEU, AEEU and UCATT,
which are also represented on the Guinness joint union forum, between
them have about 800 members in these areas.
"We will be looking for the removal of the threat over Dundalk," said Mr
Mackle, "and engaging in negotiations to examine the overall situation,
and to see if management have a case to make." The joint forum is
currently considering the balloting of union members on industrial
action, and is recommending strike action or a series of oneday
stoppages. The recommendation was a response to Guinness's initial
refusal to enter into negotiations over the proposed loss of 100 jobs at
the Harp brewery in Dundalk.
The unions maintain that an agreement reached with the company in April
provided for 40 voluntary redundancies at the Dundalk plant and
stipulated that brewing there would continue under newly agreed
conditions. While that particular redundancy programme has been
accepted, and is currently under way, the unions are determined to do
everything to ensure that there are no involuntary job losses over and
above what has been agreed.
The LRC initiative was welcomed yesterday by the Minister for Social,
Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, TD for the Louth constituency.
He said: "I and my Louth Oireachtas colleagues had very much exhorted
this type of procedure when we met with Guinness officials recently. I
look forward to meaningful discussions at this forum."
http://vh60009.vh6.infi.net:80/living/docs/briefs080200.htm
New brew goes for strong punch
Is this beer for you? Anheuser-Busch, which added tequila flavoring to
beer to produce Tequiza, then created Doc Otis, a combo of beer and
lemonade, is conducting consumer tests of a beer with whiskey flavor and
another beer with a hint of rum. Such innovation is necessary to
maintain the recent rebound in the beer business says Tom Pirko of
Bevmark, a beverage consulting business. ''People...like to taste new
things,'' he said. ''If you can give it a twist or turn to make it more
attractive, you open up a whole new avenue'' for sales.
http://www.bergen.com:80/food/winemalt200008029.htm
Flavored malt drinks get a hip, new look
Wednesday, August 2, 2000
By SUSAN SELASKY, Special from the Detroit Free Press
Fruity alcohol-laced drinks marketed to the hip and happening are
invading our spaces. Store shelves are practically awash in flavored malt
drinks with such
catchy names as DNA, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Rick's Spiked Lemonade, and
Hooper's Hooch. The industry calls them "alcohol refreshers."
Clever packaging and marketing may be driving some of the interest.
DNA's distinctive, clear bottle has "DNA" in bold, black letters.
Bleeding through -- so to speak -- from the back of the bottle is an
oversized, neon-green thumbprint, repeated on the bottle cap and carton.
"Have you been DNA tested?" asks the come-on on DNA's Web site. This
"wild child of alcoholic drinks" is "pure water that's lost its
innocence."
What self-respecting hipster could refuse that opening line?
No wonder more and more players, from big-time breweries to trendy
soft-drink companies, are throwing their hops in the ring.
Like Gallo's Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers in the Eighties and Adolph
Coors' Zima, a carbonated, clear malt beverage born in the early
Nineties, these drinks are marketed as zesty, lower-alcohol
alternatives.
Sales of refreshers grew almost 10 percent from 1997 to 1998, according
to the most recent industry-tracking figures.
"This year we've seen a proliferation of these alcohol refreshers,"
agrees Gary Hemphill, vice president of the Beverage Marketing Corp., an
industry research and consulting company in New York. "It's a pretty new
category that really gained acceptance in Europe, where it was
developed."
Hooper's Hooch, a malt beverage that comes in lemon and orange flavors,
was launched in Britain in 1995 by Bass Brewers. It was a huge success
there, according to industry reports, and made its U.S. debut two years
later, produced under contract to several breweries, including Joseph
Huber in Wisconsin.
Walk into a bar or party store these days and chances are you'll be met
by a large sign with a big lemon on a black background touting Mike's
Hard Lemonade. A spokesperson says Mike's was expected to sell 300,000
cases in a test-launch in six Northeastern states. It sold more than 2
million.
Like Mike's, which was launched nationwide in February, most of these
drinks are labeled "malt beverages," meaning they contain malt-based
alcohol, just like beer.
Some contain up to 5 percent alcohol in a 12-ounce bottle. But you may
have to get out a magnifying glass to find out what else is in them. The
labels on DNA and Mike's Hard Lemonade list the ingredients, but Rick's
and Hooper's Hooch don't. A search of their labels turns up the words
"flavored beer" in small lettering on the necks of the bottles.
Shelves of party stores are laden with selections. In addition to DNA
and many lemon-flavored drinks, there's raspberry-flavored Sublime. The
Boston Beer Co., which produces Samuel Adams beer, bottles BoDEAN's
Twisted Tea, made with black tea. Doc Otis' is Anheuser-Busch's version
of spiked lemonade.
It's possible these new drinks will enjoy a quick rise in popularity and
then fall flat on their faces. But for now, it looks like the
alternative beverage industry has more in store.
Refreshment Brands Inc. of Danville, Calif., recently introduced Glacier
Bay "vodka refreshers" made with vodka and fruit juices. The company
says the drinks are "light enough for women but hip enough for men."
Available in three flavors, Vodka and Lemonade, Vodka and
Cran-Grapefruit, and Vodka and Orange, the lightly carbonated drinks
have an alcohol content of 5.9 percent. A four-pack is about $6 to $7.
Prices for the other malt beverages vary by brand, running from about $6
to $7.50 for six-packs.
http://www.sltrib.com:80/08022000/wednesda/8553.htm
New Malt Beverages Storming Shelves
Wednesday, August 2, 2000 BY SUSAN SELASKY, KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE
Malt-based beverages such as DNA, billed as the "wild child of alcoholic
drinks," are being marketed to the hip-hop generation as zesty,
lower-alcohol alternatives. (Detroit Free Press)
http://www.peteswicked.com/news/bnews/bnews_200031.html
July 31, 2000 FRENCH BREWERY BOMB THREAT SUSPENDED
Workers at a Heineken NV-owned brewery in France put off their threat to
blow up the brewery if it was closed, pending the results of
negotiations, according to a July 22 Reuters report. The workers
promised to blow up the factory with ammonia canisters if plans to close
it were not reconsidered. Union officials representing the workers
believe the 88 million francs ($12.5 million) Heineken was set to spend
on the closure could be used to make the plant profitable.
INTERBREW HOLDING ON TO TENNENT'S
Interbrew NV of Belgium stated that it has no intentions of selling the
Tennent's Lager brand, according to a July 24 Reuters report. News that
British regulators were calling for the sale of the brand were termed
"misleading" by Interbrew. "We have no intention of selling Tennent's,"
said Interbrew spokesman Corneel Maes. Tennent's, a Bass brand, was
acquired by Interbrew in its purchase of Bass and Whitbread's British
brewing businesses earlier this year. Competition authorities are
concerned with Interbrew's 40% share in the British beer market.
http://www.usahops.org/board/board.cgi?message=75&topic=4
Japan Business Briefs: Asahi Brew Unrealized Sec Loss
Dow Jones Newswires
TOKYO -- Asahi Breweries Ltd. (J.ASB or 2502) had an unrealized loss
worth Y31.38 billion from securities holdings as of the end of its first
half June 30. The loss was calculated by comparing the securities'
current market value and their book value, and would become realized
only if the securities were sold.
Brother Industries Ltd. (J.BRT or 6448) has set up a trust worth Y11.4
billion to which the company has transferred part of its shareholdings.
The establishment is aimed at writing off unfunded retirement and
pension obligations in a lump sum.
Kappa Create Co. (J.KPC or 7421), a sushi restaurant operator, will
reduce the size of the trading lot for its stock to 100, from the
current 1,000, effective Oct. 2, to boost the liquidity of its shares
and expand the range of investors.
http://www.beer.com/news/ent/mov/2000/08/01/965170463942.html
When nudity goes too far
8.1.2000 By BILLY WARDEN,beer.com
Marlon Brando naked. It's an image so horrifying that simply bringing it
up should be a crime against humanity. Yet it may be coming your way.
You see, reports from the set of Brando's new flick, The Score, have the
ample actor doing his scenes pants-less to ensure that the director
doesn't shoot him in his full, gargantuan glory. At this point, he wants
to be a strictly chest-up actor.
But Marlon's full-monty shennanigans will probably soon be available for
public consumption. These days, any time a star disrobes, somebody seems
to be there with a camera -- which is why the Web features revealing
shots of everyone from Leo to Princess Di. No doubt, you'll soon have
the chance to visit the "Marlon in all his Marvelousness" site.
Celebrity culture has become one big streak. Even home decorating
magazine, In Style, features an annual nude celebrity spread called
"What's Sexy Now." Stars from Goldie Hawn to Rick Schroder grin and
(tastefully) bare it. And that's a furniture and fashion magazine we're
talking about. On "Survivor," the ultra-annoying Richard parades around
without so much as a well-placed coconut shell. Not only is nothing
sacred, nothing's covered anymore either.
Here then are the most ignominious moments in the history of the
Hollywood skin trade. Some stars were captured starkers without their
consent. Some let it all hang out willingly and lived to regret it.
Either way, these moments made getting caught with your pants down at
least as dramatic as most Oscar winning Best Pictures:
KATHY BATES, At Play in the Fields of the Lord: I have nothing against
big-boned gals. In fact, big-boned gals are an under-appreciated source
of beauty and inspiration. But Kathy Bates does her sisters no favors in
this 1991 epic by covering her baring bod with mud and doing a demented
watusi with a jungle tribe. Yes, this really made it into the final cut
of a major movie.
MICHAEL DOUGLAS, Basic Instinct: Co-star Sharon Stone stole most of the
headlines with her infamous "look everybody, no panties!" shot, but
Douglas was close behind. While Stone's flesh-baring made her a star,
Douglas' naked instinct become the subject of basic ridicule. Sandra
Bernhard, quite the exhibitionist herself, recently said the sight of
the nude, over-40 Oscar-winner made her sick. Since the backlash, Michae
l has kept his belt buckled.
MADONNA, from starving artist to starving for attention. When she was a
struggling unknown, Madonna worked as an "artist's model," otherwise
known as a naked subject for leering guys with cameras. When those
photos surfaced years later, the by-then famous Madonna was not too
happy. Yet she topped herself in the pretentious nudie flick, Body of
Evidence, and her self-produced book of bare-all shots called, in
typical discreet fashion, Sex. Her fans call it "provocative pop art."
Realists call it "desperate."
ROB LOWE, the Democratic Convention in Atlanta. This kinky video may be
Lowe's most widely seen work. During a convention year like this, you
have to wonder if he has the urge to pick up where he left off with some
new "running mates."
GWYNETH PALTROW & BRAD PITT, the Clothing Optional Getaway: At least
they thought it was a getaway. In reality, an eager shutterbug was on
the trail, snapping away as the stars strolled back from an innocent
skinny dip. Magazines printed the photos, and even though they used
modesty-granting little black bars, the message was clear: Stars are
meat, and the media's gonna sell 'em anyway it can.
OLIVER REED & ALAN BATES, Women in Love: Robert DeNiro putting on
hundreds of pounds to play fighter Jake LaMotta has nothing on these two
when it comes to dedication. In this 1969 drama, Reed and Bates wrestled
nude for their art. Well, art is one thing. But for the sake of
humanity, let's hope this one misses out on the Martin Scorcese
restoration thing. For those who don't know, Reed played the cagey ole
trainer in Gladiator. Thankfully, he kept his toga on.
FARRAH FAWCETT, Au Naturel Art: An Angel in the '70s, Farrah closed out
the '90s by stripping down, covering herself in paint and rolling around
a canvas. Yes, that's hell.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000802/11/odd-madam-dc
Brothel 'Madam' May Be Stripped of Assets
August 2, 2000 LONDON (Reuters) - A 64-year-old woman charged with running
three
north London brothels could be stripped of earnings worth up to seven
million pounds, British newspapers said on Tuesday. They said Josie Daly,
whose ads for "saunas" appeared in the British Transport Police magazine and a
trade paper for the emergency services, was warned by a judge on Monday that
she faced a "substantial financial penalty" and confiscation of her assets.
The newspapers said Daly lived in a 700,000 pound ($1.05 million) house,
owned a white Rolls Royce and six other properties, including a rundown
hotel and a hostel where prostitutes lived in between shifts at her
saunas.
She pleaded guilty to three charges of controlling prostitution for gain
but said she had been too ill to check what was happening in her three
sauna parlors.
Judge Barrington Black, delaying sentencing until September, said Daly
was not going to jail but would face a stiff penalty.
http://www.newscientist.com/nl/0805/pants.html
FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT?
In Japan, a top sportswear maker may have unwittingly come up with the
high-tech alternative to a cold shower. The firm's new briefs, Icetouch,
are designed to dissipate heat and can be relied upon to keep the groin at
a comfortable temperature (a constant 1 degree Celsius cooler than any
cotton equivalent, to be precise).
J2jurado
EU to decide on Interbrew/Bass referral by Aug 22
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Wednesday it would decide
by August 22 whether to refer the planned acquisition by Belgium's Interbrew of
the brewing activities of Britain's Bass Plc to the UK authorities.
Britain's Trade Secretary Stephen Byers on Tuesday requested that the
Commission, the EU's antitrust watchdog, refer the deal back to the UK on the
grounds it raised distinct competition concerns in Britain. The Commission was
originally due to rule on the acquisition by August
8. The extension is automatic if national authorities request
juristiction over a merger or acquisition.
"The deadline for the Commission to rule has been extended
automatically...until August 22, by which date the Commission has to decide
whether to refer it back or keep it in Brussels," Commission spokeswoman
Amelia Torres told reporters.
Interbrew announced on June 14 it would buy Bass' beer unit for 2.3 billion
pounds ($3.43 billion), making the family-owned Belgian firm the world second
biggest brewer. It said the deal would give it a 32 percent share of the
British market. It bought Whitbread's brewing division in May for 400 million
pounds.
http://www.beer.com/news/bee/new/2000/08/02/965228412638.html
Redhook reports 14% increase in Q2 shipments
SEATTLE (PRNewswire) -- Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated (Nasdaq: HOOK)
announced that it sold 58,700 barrels in the second quarter of 2000, a
14.2% increase compared to 51,400 barrels in the 1999 second quarter.
Sales increased to $10,408,000 and gross profit increased to $2,918,000
in the 2000 second quarter, compared to $9,309,000 and $2,658,000,
respectively, in the three months ended June 30, 1999. The Company's net
income in the 2000 second quarter totaled $89,000, or $0.01 per share,
an improvement of $418,000 from the 1999 second quarter net loss of
$(329,000), or $(0.04) per share.
CEO Paul Shipman commented, "I am pleased to report our fourth
consecutive quarter-over-quarter increase in sales volume. The positive
trend established over the last four quarters will hopefully continue
throughout the year. In mid-1999 we kicked off an aggressive advertising
program in certain key markets. The radio, print and outdoor campaign
continues to be well-received by wholesalers, retailers and consumers,
and we closely monitor the trends in those markets. I believe this
program is essential because the fragmented craft beer segment's
fundamentals have changed. We plan to continue the campaign throughout
2000 with the objective of increasing our positive momentum. Redhook's
financial condition remains strong and we expect to fund the campaign
through internally-generated cash and, to the extent necessary, with the
$5.7 million of cash on hand as of June 30, 2000. Cash increased further
when we sold a real estate parcel for $1.7 million in a nonrecurring
transaction that was recorded in July. Additionally, the Company has
purchased 71,000 shares of its common stock under the 500,000 share
repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors in May."
Gross profit increased 9.8% to $2,918,000 in the 2000 second quarter
compared to $2,658,000 in the second quarter of 1999, resulting
primarily from the effect of higher sales volume. Gross profit, as a
percentage of net sales, was essentially unchanged at 31.0% in the 2000
second quarter compared to 31.5% in the 1999 period.
Operating income totaled $211,000 in the three months ended June 30,
2000, a $638,000 improvement compared to the operating loss of
$(427,000) in the comparable 1999 period. The improvement was due
primarily to the gross profit improvement and lower expenses related to
the creative work associated with the advertising program. Interest
expense totaled $148,000 in the 2000 second quarter compared to $128,000
in the 1999 period due to higher average interest rates. Other
income-net for the 2000 second quarter increased to $85,000 compared to
$48,000 in the 1999 second quarter, primarily due to interest income
earned on the higher cash balance. The Company's net income totaled
$89,000, or $0.01 per share in the 2000 second quarter, compared to a
net loss of $(329,000) or $(0.04) per share in the 1999 quarter.
For the six months ended June 30, 2000, total sales increased 9.3% to
$18,564,000, from $16,984,000 in the comparable period of 1999. The
effect of the 10,600 barrel increase in sales volume to 105,200 barrels
was partially offset by small decreases in prices, net of promotional
discounts. Gross profit increased 7.8% to $4,881,000 in the six months
ended June 30, 2000, due primarily to increased sales volume. Gross
profit as a percentage of net sales was substantially unchanged at 29.0%
during the six-month period, compared to the corresponding 1999 period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $92,000,
primarily due to the advertising and promotional program that began
during the second quarter of 1999, partially offset by decreased
creative work expenses incurred this year compared to the front-end of
the advertising program in 1999. Interest expense increased to $288,000
in the six months of 1999, compared to $258,000 in 1999. The Company
recorded a net loss of $(413,000), or $(0.05) per share in the 2000
period compared to a net loss of $(586,000), or $(0.08) per share in the
1999 period.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $696,000 in the six months
ended June 30, 2000, and the Company's cash balance was $5.7 million at
June 30, 2000.
Shipments in July 2000 increased approximately 10% compared to shipments
in July 1999. The Company has historically operated with little or no
backlog and, therefore, its ability to predict sales for future periods,
including the remainder of the 2000 third quarter, is limited.
Redhook is the leading independent brewer of craft beers in the
United States, and is the premier craft brewer in Washington State. The
Company produces eight styles of beer, marketed under distinct brand names:
its flagship brand Redhook ESB, Redhook India Pale Ale, Redhook
Hefe-Weizen, Blackhook Porter, Double Black Stout, and its seasonal
offerings Redhook Blonde Ale, Winterhook and Redhook Nut Brown Ale.
Redhook owns and operates two technologically-advanced breweries, one in
the Seattle suburb of Woodinville, Washington and the other in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Fremont Brewery building in Seattle
serves as Redhook's world headquarters and home of the landmark
Trolleyman Pub. Redhook beer is available in 48 states. Visit our
Internet website at www.redhook.com to learn about our products and
locate them through your nearest distributor.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk:80/dynamic/food/review.html?in_review_id=304
697&in_review_text_id=248810
All ale chairman Young
by Andrew Jefford, 01 August 2000
PHOTO: Aged 78, John Young is proof that beer must be good for you.
There are many uncertainties in the British beer scene, but one fact is
beyond all doubt: no British brewery has a chairman like John Young.
Last Friday lunchtime, I watched him stand in the Brewery Tap on
Wandsworth High Street, charming the world. He wore a summer blazer; his
tummy protruded from the junction where an ill-buttoned shirt met a
badly engineered trouser fastening. He'd just found a bride to kiss, and
greeted almost everyone in the pub individually and a high percentage of
those physically. "D'you want to tuck me in?" he asked two female
workers who'd commented on the bulging white flesh. They declined, with
a giggle. "I'm very naughty," he confessed, superfluously. "D'you know
I'll be 79 next week?" Marketing manager Stephen Goodyear eyed the ch
airman nervously. "Still in every day. You won't get rid of me that
easily, you," he said, stabbing an energetic finger at Goodyear. "My
grandmother lived to 111. Put that in, will you? Can I tell my story
yet?"
"No, not yet, chairman," replied Goodyear. He was struggling valiantly
to keep the encounter on-message. I'd decided to see Young's to find out
about its new beer, AAA (slogan: "Not Your Usual"), and Goodyear was
trying to take me through a kind of laptop presentation flipchart
thingie which outlined all the USPs of this "class pint for the new
generation. It's quite simple, really. The problem is that ..."
"I don't have an office, you know," interrupted the chairman. "I try to
spend as much time as I can in the pubs." (So true, so true.) "That's my
family," he continued, swinging his arm wildly in the direction of the
assembled drinkers. "My family are the brewery staff, 317 of them. We've
got 100 families all related to each other, and their future depends on
the prosperity of Young's. My father was a socialist, you know. We had
the country's first profit-sharing scheme. Came into existence in the
Fifties. We've got a man retiring next week and the value of his shares
is £77,000. Can I tell my story yet?"
"Not just yet, chairman," interrupted the tenacious Goodyear - though,
as it happened, the Chairman's remarks were germane. If Young's (and
breweries like it) are to continue to prosper, they have to find ways of
appealing to the new generation of drinkers which has grown up on
nitrokeg ales and lager. Enter Young's AAA. It's served cool, in a
branded, straight-sided glass; it has a creamy head (thanks to being
pulled through a swan neck and sparkler) which lasts the pint through;
and it's not very hoppy - "so as not to frighten the kids", as Goodyear
puts it. The chairman was solidly behind it: he was wearing the baseball
cap. "It's jolly good," he said, taking a huge slurp.
"We've got a chap in our Clock House pub in Peckham, used to drink six
pints of Ordinary a day. Now it's six of AAA. He won't go back. Can I
tell my story yet?"
Goodyear smiled indulgently; the chairman wasn't to be leashed.
"Listen," he said, his face about three inches from mine, his eyes
bright and beady, his breath almost as heady as the beer itself. "I'm
very worried about the future of cask ale. There's a whole raft of
people who don't even know what it is. I was in the Old Sargeant in
Garratt Lane the other day - do you know we've still got 40 pubs with
public bars? - I always begin in the public bar, and there were four
young 25-year-olds there. Builders, they were, working locally, over
from East London somewhere. "This is the chairman," all the regulars
said. "He'll buy you a drink." So I asked them what they'd like.
"Stella. They all wanted Stella. I told them to try our Young's lager.
One of them was leaning against the bar and he said, 'D'you know what
I've never had in my life, and that's that cask ale stuff'. I bought him
a pint of Ordinary, and he loved it, loved it. Everyone said it was just
because it was free, but he was back there again with his own money the
next day. Same again. People just need to try. They just need to stop
drinking advertising, and start drinking beer. Do you know our cooper's
retiring today? Forty years, he's done. Tom Woods. Retiring today."
Get The Taste Young's AAA is, despite its appearance, a pure, natural
and unsullied cask ale. It's an all-malt brew (Maris Otter, can't get
more classic than that) which uses whole-leaf American Liberty hops
(agreed: unconventional), and Young's own yeast strain. At four per
cent, it's a sensible drinking strength, not silly juice. I like the
coolness, and am prepared to put up with the head; the glass looks
great. In flavour, the beer is soft, without much aroma (low hop levels
and the head stops that), with tangy malt and gentle fruit from those
Liberty hops. Good beer, though not as good as Ordinary (the 3.7 per
cent hop-charged Bitter) or Special (a grand 4.6 per cent mouth-smacker)
- but then I'm just an old fart who loves real ale anyway. People like
me will be heading off to Olympia tonight for the opening of the Great
British Beer Festival, which runs until Saturday (ring 0207 598 6515 for
details of opening times and admission prices). Young's AAA will be
there, too, braving the wrath of the initiated.
Mexico's Femsa introduces new beer cans in U.S.
MONTERREY, Mexico, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Mexican brewer and bottler Femsa has
launched new packaging in the U.S. market of its popular Tecate and Dos Equis
Lager beers.
Tecate will now be sold in U.S. stores in 16-oz. cans, while Dos Equis Lager
will be available for the first time in 12-oz. cans, the company said in a news
release late on Wednesday. Tecate was already available in the smaller-size
cans.
``Both packagings increase sales possibilities of these brands in places like
sports stadiums and beaches. This is a most exciting development in the history
of consumer convenience,'' where glass bottles are often not allowed, Femsa
said.
Femsa, based in the northern industrial city of Monterrey, is Mexico's No. 2
brewer and the nation's largest Coca-Cola bottler. Rival Mexican brewer Grupo
Modelo recently announced it would begin selling its popular Corona beer in
cans in the United States. Previously, Corona was available only in bottles.
Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma Launches New Presentations in the United
States; Tecate is the First Mexican Beer in a 16 oz. Can
MONTERREY, N.L.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 3, 2000--Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc
Moctezuma, FEMSA Cerveza's principal subsidiary, announced today that it has
recently broadened its export portfolio in the United States by launching two
new presentations: Tecate in a 16 oz. can and Dos Equis Lager in a 12 oz. can.
Through this venture, Tecate confirms its leadership as the best-selling
imported beer in a can presentation in the United States market, and becomes
the first Mexican beer in a 16 oz. can presentation in such market. Presently,
the 16 oz. Tecate can is distributed in markets such as Texas, Arizona and New
Mexico, targeting primarily convenience stores as their principal distribution
channel, where "single serve" presentations have contributed more than 50% of
the growth rate of imported beer sales over the last year in such channel. In
addition, the 16 oz. Tecate can is offered in four-packs to the supermarket
channels, which will enable consumers to obtain an attractive, convenient
package at an accessible price.
The Dos Equis Lager 12 oz. can presentation will complement the brand's
portfolio in the United States market, which includes glass bottles and kegs.
Both presentations broaden the sale and consumption points for these brands in
stadiums and beaches, where cans are the preferred and legally approved
beverage packaging. These launchings represent an opportunity to continue
building brand equity abroad for the products of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc
Moctezuma. This is an important achievement in the export strategy of FEMSA
Cerveza.
FEMSA Cerveza is a Sub-holding company of FEMSA (NYSE:FMX) (BMV:FEMSA UBD), the
largest Beverage Company in Mexico. Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, FEMSA
Cerveza's principal subsidiary, exports to the United States, Canada and
selected countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1890 and with
headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico, Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma produces and
distributes renown beer brands such as Tecate, Carta Blanca, Superior, Sol, XX
Lager, Dos Equis and Bohemia.
Teddy bears and toasts US sailors charm Chinese
By Matt Pottinger
QINGDAO, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Chinese citizens got a close look at a potential
U.S. military adversary, and she was clutching a giant teddy bear which says
``Hello, how are you?'' in English and Chinese.
The coastal city of Qingdao is crawling with American sailors from the U.S.S.
Chancellorsville, a guided-missile cruiser which sailed into port on Wednesday
in a symbolic step towards healing mangled military ties between the two
countries.
The sailors, ordered to wear their best white uniforms and be on their very
best behaviour, are what visiting Captain Kevin Wensing called ``ambassadors
from the U.S. -- every one of them.''
Chinese couples fanning themselves on a balmy evening were startled from their
conversations by the sight of four of the polished Yankees strolling down the
main thoroughfare.
One sailor, confronted by a small crowd of curious onlookers around her, thrust
forth a stuffed bear she had just bought and made it speak with a press of a
button, eliciting a roar of laughter from the crowd.
GRADUAL THAW IN CONTACTS
The Pentagon is hoping the visit will contribute to an incremental thaw after
China froze military contacts in May 1999 in rage over the destruction of the
Chinese embassy in Belgrade by U.S. warplanes.
The Chinese navy welcomed the ship warmly for its four-day stay, with senior
Admiral Ding Guige promising to make the crew feel at home.
Officers from both sides are touring one another's ships, and sailors were
scheduled to go head-to-head in a friendly basketball match and tug-of-war.
Aware of the strain the volatile official relationship has put on popular
Chinese perceptions of the U.S. military -- especially since the bombing --
sailors tried their best to leave a good impression with regular folks,
flashing frequent smiles.
BEWARE THE ``BARBERS SHOPS''
``I think they are very polite, very kind,'' said bystander Li Shangyou, who
remembers the first-ever U.S. warship visit in 1986, also to Qingdao. During
that visit, city officials circulated a notice telling local women to stay
inside. Fourteen years later, such an order would seem laughable in the booming
port town.
``I think they look very handsome in their white clothes,'' said a 22-year-old
woman after encountering several sailors.
The sailors have been ordered to stay away from barber shops, which sometimes
offer ``special massages.'' And the order to wear uniforms rather than civilian
clothes ``helps make sure no one gets drunk,'' joked a corpsman out shopping
for gifts.
TSINGTAO BEER AND TRICK SEATBELTS
Chinese navy officers hosted a banquet for the Chancellorsville, luring many
crew members from the ship's hamburgers and hotdogs with real Chinese food.
Chinese officers lavished them with endless toasts with Tsingtao Beer, the
famous local brand.
``It was 'Gan bei! Gan bei! Gan bei!''' said Wensing, referring to the Chinese
term for ``bottoms up.'' ``I told them I would bring them a case of Budweiser
to reciprocate'' when Chinese warships visit Hawaii in a few weeks, he said.
Many of the revellers moved on to the nearby Banana nightclub for some
late-night fun, and crew members reported no trouble.
The most unfortunate incident of the night apparently involved a sailor who
learned the hard way that Chinese almost never use seatbelts. After settling
in the front seat to take his first Chinese taxi ride, the sailor strapped
himself in. By the time the cabbie tried to warn him, it was too late -- the
barely used seatbelt had left a stripe of dark grime across his starched
uniform.
J2jurado
Suit alleges Pyramid sells same beer at two prices
Friday, August 4, 2000 , By MIKE LEWIS , SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
That which we call a Hefeweizen by any other name should sell as cheap?
With apologies to The Bard, this is the central question in a lawsuit filed
yesterday.
The suit claims that Pyramid Brewery relabels its popular Pyramid Hefeweizen
as Bavarian Hefeweizen in order to sell at a lower price to the state's top
two beer sellers -- Safeco Field and Sea-Tac Airport.
That violates a state law that makes it illegal to sell the same beer
wholesale at different prices to different retailers, the suit claims.
The losers here not only are the smaller retailers paying higher prices, but
also the fan sipping a cold one at the park, said Seattle attorney Steve
Berman, who filed the lawsuit.
"It's bad enough to pay $6 for a beer at Safeco Field but to know they are
getting the beer cheaper than anywhere else in the state makes it hard to
swallow," Berman said.
Wayne Drury, chief financial officer for Pyramid, called the lawsuit
baseless: "Pyramid Brewery has done nothing wrong. We intend to vigorously
defend this litigation."
The defendants have 20 days to respond.
The suit claims that Pyramid conspired with a distributor, Alaska
Distributors Co., to sell Bavarian Hefeweizen for $70 a keg, instead of the
standard $95 a keg for Pyramid Hefeweizen. That deal, however, was only
available to Service America Corp., Safeco's vendor, and Host International
Inc., concessionaire at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
"The distributor, the brewer and the concessionaire all sat down in a room
to figure out how to offer a discount to large accounts," Berman said
yesterday. "That violates state law."
The class-action lawsuit seeks damages for every bar in Washington that
sells the regular Hefeweizen. Damages would be assessed by multiplying the
difference in price by the number of kegs purchased by the retailers since
the deal was struck May 1, 1999.
The bulk of the information leading to the lawsuit came to light in a state
Liquor Control Board investigation during which, the lawsuit claims, Pyramid
admitted there was no difference between Bavarian Hefeweizen and Pyramid
Hefeweizen and that the relabeled, cheaper brew was sold only to a select
few large-scale vendors. Drury said he had "no knowledge" of any
investigation or admission.
http://www2.startribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisStroy=82248282
Brewery reports earnings worth toasting
Tony Kennedy / Star Tribune 4 August, 2000
The maker of famous Grain Belt beer doubled its sales and nearly quadrupled its
profits during a robust second quarter that was by far the best in the
brewery's modern history.
St. Paul's MBC Holding Co., formerly Minnesota Brewing Co., booked net
income of $513,770, or 12 cents a share, on sales of $8.5 million. A year
ago, the brewery posted net income of $131,410, or 4 cents a share, on sales
of $4.3 million.
Since Minneapolis investment banker Bruce Hendry bought the idle West
Seventh Street Brewery in 1991, sparing it from the wrecking ball, the
largest second-quarter profit previously reported was $217,000 in 1994. And
by producing 300,000 barrels of beer in the three months that ended June 30,
MBC now produces in a quarter what it used to produce in a year.
The increased production has vastly reduced unit costs, MBC President and
CEO Jack Lee said Thursday.
He said second-quarter results were based strictly on sales of brewery
products, not derived from newly constructed ethanol and carbon dioxide
ventures at the brewery site.
MBC has a 28 percent stake in the ethanol business, Gopher State Ethanol,
and it owns half of the carbon dioxide operation. Both ventures are now in
production.
Meanwhile, MBC's biggest regional rival, the former G. Heileman Brewing Co.
of LaCrosse, Wis., is scheduled for a bankruptcy foreclosure hearing later
this month. The LaCrosse brewery, under new ownership after it fell victim
to industry consolidation and was closed, had been vying until recently for
the same contract beverage business that is helping MBC thrive.
Lee, who three years ago faced boardroom pressure to shut down the
then-money-losing brewery, said Thursday that only 33 percent of MBC's sales
in the second quarter came from Grain Belt and other proprietary craft brew
brands. And sales of those brands didn't grow from last year's second quarter.
The balance of sales came from beer and other malt beverages produced for
outside firms, including the owners of Mike's Hard Lemonade, a
lemon-flavored alcoholic brew sold nationwide.
"I knew that if we could show people we were viable, we could get contract
business," said Lee, who was hired in May 1997 to help turn the company
around. "We're getting new customers every day."
After struggling for the past several years to pay its bills and after
losing $865,000 last year, the former Jacob Schmidt brewery on West Seventh
Street now operates three shifts, seven days a week. Employment has surged
from about 100 a year ago to 218 people. They work under the production
leadership of Jim Gammons, a former director of operations for Coca-Cola
Bottling in Eagan. Lee hired him about six weeks ago.
"Our employees who were concerned a year ago about having their jobs are now
worried they won't get a day off," Lee said.
He said the brewery now is current on all of its financial obligations and
plans to rejuvenate its Grain Belt family of beers with the brewery's first
advertising campaign in five years.
The financial success comes at a time when MBC is struggling with
neighborhood complaints about odors and noise from the new ethanol and
carbon dioxide facilities.
Lee said the plant this week was fitted with its third noise muffler. He
said he is confident it will address neighborhood complaints about noise. He
also is taking steps to deal with offensive smells.
"Economic benefit is not a substitute for environmental compliance," he
said. "Both can and will be achieved. The neighbours ahve to get used to what
we do."
He said he is determined to make the first urban ethanol plant a good neighbor.
"All we are asking is that the neighbors give us a little more time to
address these issues," he said.
In the past 12 months, MBC shares have traded on the Nasdaq Small Cap stock
market for as much as $4.50 and as little as $1.87. On Thursday, the stock
closed at $3, up 12 cents. The company's earnings were reported after the
market closed.
http://africanews.org/south/southafrica/stories/20000803/20000803_feat42.htm
l
Mpumalanga Gets New Sorghum Brewery
African Eye News Service August 3, 2000 , by Justin Arenstein
SECUNDA - Mpumalanga's new Economic Empowerment Corporation (MEEC) is
scheduled to break ground on a R250 000 sorghum beer brewery in eMbalenhle
near Secunda on Friday.
The brewery, which is expected to produce between 4 800 and 8 000 litres of
sorghum beer per day, is the corporation's first large black empowerment
project since it was restructured in July.
MEEC spokesman Klaas Skosana said the project would eventually be fully
owned and managed by Danham Bottling cc after the initial R250 000 loan had
been paid back over a five-year period.
The MEEC will provide managerial and other technical support during the
repayment period.
Skosana said that the brewery would immediately create six permanent jobs
and would also have a ripple effect in the local economy, creating new
business opportunities for other entrepreneurs.
The MEEC is one of four new parastatals established last month after the
scandal ridden Mpumalanga Development Corporation (MDC) was finally
dismantled.
MEEC chairman Ernest Khosa is also scheduled to open the corporation's
second satellite office in Secunda to serve emerging businesses in
eMbalenhle, Kinross, Evander, Trichardt and Bethal.
The first satellite office was opened in Hazyview on Wednesday.
Khosa said in a statement on Thursday that the satellite offices would
provide free expert advice on business plans, financing proposals and
viability analysis for both new and existing business ventures.
The MEEC would also help broker joint ventures between existing businesses
and start-ups, and would also offer loan or equity deals to help kickstart
rural economic development.
Khosa stressed that the MEEC was obliged to provide aftercare, counselling,
training and performance monitoring of all companies it made financial
commitments to.
Some businesses targeted for assistance will be offered cheap rentals in the
MEEC's existing industrial and commercial properties.
"The MEEC's primary aim is to advance black economic empowerment through
sound financial packages in order to fast-track entrepreneurs from
disadvantaged communities into the mainstream," said Khosa.
He stressed, however, that preference would be given to applicants who
targeted the manufacturing, tourism, mining and financial service sectors.
"[All] these sectors have been identified as areas in which Mpumalanga has a
comparative advantage over competing regions," he said.
The three other new parastatals are the Mpumalanga Agricultural
Development Corporation, the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust and the
Mpumalanga Housing Finance Corporation. Copyright (c) 2000 African Eye News
Service
GBBF: Takes all sorts at the Beer Fest
Aug 3 by Eugene Costello of the Evening Standard
Like many Mancunians, Jack Lyons takes his beer seriously. The 36-year-old
civil servant is a local organiser for CAMRA and is helping out at the Great
British Beer festival currently taking place at London's Olympia. His next
big challenge will be to organise the Manchester Winter Ale Festival and the
Stockport Festival. Jack is also one of CAMRA's growing number of gay
members.
Explains Jack: "I first came to the British Beer Festival in 1994, got a few
free pints and signed up as a member. My local branch back in Manchester
then contacted me with a diary of events so I started going along. In fact,
I met my first regular boyfriend through CAMRA."
So, excuse the stereotype but aren't CAMRA members all fat blokes with
beards and a penchant for folk music? Isn't it a little unusual for gay
members to get involved?
"No, not at all," laughs Jack. "In fact, I know an awful lot of gay
landlords who are obsessive about real ale. Out of our 40 or 50 members in
Manchester, between 15 and 30% are gay. CAMRA's like any other section of
society, really. Well. maybe it has more gays."
He goes on to say that they avoid discussing politics, religion and sexual
orientation. "In fact, we're more likely to argue over the quality of beer.
At the end of the day, dykes drink pints as well. We campaign for quality
while the gay rights movement campaign for equality."
Indeed, London is unique among CAMRA's national regions in that it has its
own branch exclusively for gay members. Jack urges people to get involved:
"There's a great social dimension and half the beer you drink is free. I'm
not a huge drinker - 4 pints and I'm pissed - but I love the range, quality
and price."
Meanwhile, back at the Festival the beer is flowing.The five day event
showcases over 300 real ales from 150 different brewers. Over 40,000
visitors are expected this week. Again, confounding stereotypes, over 60% of
these will be under 35 and a quarter women.
Down at the Queen Mother's bar, bar manager John Cornish is having a good
week. To celebrate the Queen Mother's birthday they've got 22 beers, all
from different breweries, to commemorate the Nation's Favourite
Grandmother's birthday. Or as John puts it: " A great range of great British
beers for a great British lady."
The bar itself is bedecked in the Queen Mother's racing colours of blue and
buff (credit for the idea goes to John's other half Susie). Pride of place
is given to a formal portrait of the Queen Mum donated for the festival by
Clarence House ("When this is all over that's going in my sitting room,"
says John).
Like all CAMRA staff working at this festival, John is an unpaid volunteer.
Each year he takes a week off from his job as a quality engineer as he has
done for the last 12 years. The profits raised from these types of events go
back into CAMRA's fighting fund which, among other things, lobbies for
reformed licensing laws and rate relief for rural pubs to help preserve this
quintessentially British institution.
John's personal favourite (RCH's Gawd Bless her) is still cooling in the
cask so he offers me a glass of Young's Celebration Ale instead - " a rich,
fruity beer, full-bodied and a delight to drink: although it's 5%, it tastes
more like a 5.1", says John.
With the sunlight flooding through the glass roof of the Victorian the beer
is suffused with a deep honeyed amber. And Friday night is traditionally the
big one. John explains why he feels it so important for people to come
along.
"The brewing industry is dominated by a few national brewers, some of which
are owned by foreign companies, who won't produce the full range of beers
possible. All the beer here is brewed by a few independent brewers, each
with their own flavour and characteristics.
"It's a showcase for what can be done by true craftsmen, with something to
everyone's taste."
Go on, then. Get the beers in. The Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, until
Saturday 5th.
Admission £3 - £6.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/08/04
/DD80991.DTL
Plenty of Good Options At Potrero Brewing Co. Michael Bauer, Chronicle Food
Friday, August 4, 2000
Potrero Brewing Company offers three attractions diners can't find at most
other restaurants in San Francisco: You can smoke, talk on the cell phone
and bring your dog. It's the patio, baby. Blessed with some of the warmest
weather in San Francisco, Potrero Hill is ideal for outdoor dining, and
there's often a patch of sun there even when it's foggy in other parts of
the city. Potrero Brewing Company, on Florida near Mariposa, has one of the
most expansive patios around for lunch or dinner. On a recent evening we
counted two people with dogs, three smoking and five talking on cell phones.
With the skimpy tops and sunglasses, one could almost imagine it was L.A.
Inside the lofty space, a mostly young crowd was downing a lot of house-made
beer and generally doing a lot of celebrating. The place is noisy and
active -- there's a pool room and bar upstairs and a large bar downstairs
with dining rooms on either side. The high ceiling and concrete floors add
to the warehouse look, which is softened by refined wood chairs and an
earth-tone color scheme accented with rust and green. In the past few
months, the opening chef has left and Parker Murphy has moved behind the
stove. The food can be uneven, but generally the appetizers are strong. The
mussels ($8.25), for example, come with a rich tomato broth with Provencal
flavors and a smoky undercurrent. The two triangles of toasted garlic bread
are perfect for sopping up the juices. Fried calamari ($7.95) is crisp and
golden, better than most, and served with lemon wedges and a lime and chile
tartar sauce. Another fine choice is the Caesar salad ($8.25), which had
more of a lemon and garlic edge than we ex pected but was refreshing
nonetheless. Other salads are spinach and radicchio with roasted pecans and
Stilton ($7.25), tomatoes with mozzarella and basil ($7.50) and simple mixed
greens with balsamic vinaigrette ($5). Many appetizers, including the baked
potatoes stuffed with cheese, leek and scallion creme fraiche ($7.50), are
designed to go with beer; in fact, each item on the menu is matched with one
of the beers made on the premises. Among main courses, the roasted garlic
chicken ($15.50) had a pale exterior that gave it a steamed look, and its
sweet balsamic sauce soon exhausted our palate; the roasted potatoes served
alongside, however, had a wonderful salty olive-oil flavor and offered some
relief. The grilled salmon ($16.50), while pleasant, was overcooked.
Although the corn and mushrooms around the edge tasted good, the profusion
of arugula that filled the rest of the plate seemed to be missing the
advertised lemon and cracked pepper vinaigrette. Desserts are surprisingly
good -- if one can stand to wait for them. Our waiter tried to be
accommodating and responsive, but it was obvious that he had too little
experience and too many people to serve. After taking our order, he moved on
to a table of 10, so we knew we weren't going to get our dessert any time
soon. We asked for our check, but it took 20 minutes. Still, once the
desserts (all $5.95) came, they were worth the wait, particularly the warm
chocolate pecan brownie topped with rich malt ice cream and hot fudge sauce.
For lighter tastes, the key lime tart is excellent. In addition, there's
strawberry shortcake, cheesecake and sundaes. And best of all, they're
great to enjoy anywhere, inside or out. E-mail Michael Bauer at
POTRERO BREWING COMPANY ADDRESS: 535 Florida St. (near
Mariposa Street), San Francisco PHONE: (415) 552-1967 HOURS: Lunch 11:30
a.m.-3 p.m. daily; dinner 6-10 p.m. Saturday- Thursday, until 11 p.m.
Friday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. Street parking
difficult at lunch, generally easy at dinner . OVERALL: TWO STARS
Food: TWO STARS Service: ONE AND A HALF STARS Atmosphere:
TWO AND A HALF STARS . PRICES: $$ NOISE RATING: FOUR BELLS
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/20000804/t000073059.html
Britons Want Their Pounds--and Not Euros, Kilos or Grams
By KIRSTEN STUDLIEN, Times Staff Writer 5 August
LONDON--The popularity of Britain's "Save the Pound" campaign seems to be
catching on--in more ways than one.
While Euroskeptics are urging British voters to hang on to their beloved
currency, efforts to get Britons to embrace the Europe-wide metric
system--and reject the pound as their nation's unit of weight--are taking,
well, a pounding.
When Britain joined the European common market more than two decades ago, it
accepted that its trading partners used metric units and began to change its
system of measures gradually to avoid ruffling British feathers.
Britain began selling gasoline and prepackaged food in liters and grams, but
there was resistance on other goods, such as loose fruits and vegetables.
In a final push to comply with European Union directives that all common
market transactions must be in metric measurements by 2000, Parliament
enacted its own law in January ordering all goods to be priced and sold in
metric units.
Most supermarkets and grocers complied, but Britain's largest supermarket
chain, Tesco, announced last month that it would return to pounds and ounces
because more than half its customers simply don't understand the metric
system.
Shopper Mary Conroy, 37, is one of them. She learned imperial weights in
school and doesn't see why she should give them up.
"If pounds and ounces are what you've learned and what you've been using
your whole life, it's hard to force the change," she said, although she
conceded that "the metric system is a much more logical one."
Tesco first suspected that there was a problem when employees noticed that
online customers seemed to be ordering unusually large amounts of food--5
kilos of broccoli (11 pounds) and 9 kilos of potatoes (nearly 20 pounds).
The store decided to conduct a survey: 87% of customers asked to estimate
the weight of a bag of apples gave their answer in pounds, and 53% said they
found the metric system confusing.
"We discovered that customers think in imperial measurements," said Tesco
spokesman Simon Soffe. "If they are glancing at price posters in the stores,
they don't want to be converting figures in their head. Customers were
getting confused."
Facing government threats to take the company to court, Tesco maintains that
it is not breaking the law with its oversized posters advertising prices in
pounds because it also displays prices per kilo and conducts all sales in
metric measurements.
Tesco's rebellion comes at a time when British support for the EU in general
is at an all-time low, with only one in four voters considering membership
in the regional body to be a good thing.
According to a poll conducted by the European Commission, the EU's executive
body, in May and June, British support for joining the common European
currency, the euro, also has fallen sharply, to just 22%.
Britons still want their pounds and their pounds--not kilos and euros--and
not directives from Brussels.
"The [EU] has been making rules about pounds and ounces for as long as I can
remember," said Satish Chandarana, the manager of a small fruit and
vegetable shop in central London. "The regulations make it difficult for our
customers, who are being forced to change against their will."
Greengrocer Neera Soni complained that bulk fruits and vegetables are still
largely sold to retailers in pounds and that it falls to busy shopkeepers to
make the conversions to kilos--so that customers then can ask what the
prices mean in pounds.
"It is unfortunately the case that EU legislation dictates how we sell our
goods," Soni said. "But I appreciate that there is a bigger picture you have
to look at, and we are just a small part of that."
Some shoppers recognize the risk of resisting change. Patricia Jackson, 55,
said she thinks that shunning the metric system will prevent Britain from
being a full-fledged member of the European community.
"I think England should go along with the rest of the European Union," she
said. "It's not that difficult to do."
And other supermarkets are making the change. Sainsbury's, Britain's
second-largest chain, uses only metric measurements. Spokesman Matt Samuel
says this appears to be sufficient because the store hasn't had any
complaints or loss of business since Tesco reintroduced imperial weights.
"As far as we can tell, customers are happy with what they are getting,"
Samuel said.
"I think if our customers were unhappy, they would let us know."
Copyright 2000 Los Angeles Times
J2jurado
.c Kyodo News Service
BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Kyodo) - By: Geoffrey Murray Amid widespread Chinese fears of
local businesses being overwhelmed by their foreign competitors when China
joins the World Trade Organization (WTO), the country's largest brewery is
showing the opposite can also be true.
Tsingtao Beer, created almost a century ago by German brewers in Qingdao, is
buying Carlsberg's subsidiary in China, giving it a brewery in Shanghai with
the latest Danish technology.
The price has not been disclosed, but it is thought to be in excess of 100
million yuan (about $12.1 million).
Tsingtao is also negotiating to buy part of Beijing Asia Shuang He Sheng Five
Star Beer Co., majority owned by U.S. investment firm ASIMCO.
Carlsberg is the latest foreign brewer to find the Chinese beer market, close
to the largest in the world, a difficult one to crack.
There are an estimated 60 foreign breweries in China, but they have all found
it hard to cope with protectionism and the fact their higher priced premium
beers are too expensive for many Chinese.
Many are now scaling down operations or pulling out, ironically at a time when
most industry experts feel their troubles could end with China's WTO
membership.
Last year, Australian beer giant Foster's sold two joint-venture breweries in
China to its local partner after posting heavy losses.
In May, Britain's Bass withdrew from a $40 million joint venture after a series
of disasters stretching over five years. No longer convinced of the potential
of the Chinese market, it sold its 55% share in the venture to its local
partner in Siping, Jilin Province.
Bass launched Tennants lager, Scotland's most popular beer, in Beijing and
Shanghai in 1996 as a premium drink for wealthier Chinese.
It sought to sell a piece of Scotland with a marketing campaign full of
Highland scenery and the Loch Ness monster. But the market simply was not
there. Although Chinese beer drinkers were intrigued, they stuck to domestic
brews four or five times cheaper than Tennants.
Other big names such as Budweiser from the United States and San Miguel from
the Philippines have poured millions of dollars into the market, without
significant success. And Ireland's Guinness pulled out of a small licensing
operation that failed to live up to expectations.
Local government officials have not helped the foreigners, instead imposing
high fees on the sale of nonlocal brews to help keep local brewers afloat. This
may explain why there are still more than 500 breweries in China despite
several years of restructuring and at least half not making profits.
China is the world's second-largest beer-producing country after the U.S., but
only a handful of breweries have serious annual production capacities.
The Bass joint venture, however, found the Jilin market too small, and then ran
into problems with local protectionism when it tried to expand into adjacent
Liaoning Province and Inner Mongolia.
''They were in the wrong place, with the wrong people,'' said Wang Jian, a
brewing consultant in Chongqing. ''Who's ever heard of Siping?'' Wang asked in
reference to the aptly named but remote Jilin town that Bass surprisingly chose
as its China headquarters.
Refused licenses to sell bottled beer in some cities, the brewery had to focus
on draught beer, despite the lack of on-tap facilities. Even nature was against
them -- besides regular floods blocking road and rail, the beer in the draught
piping in the winter.
Tensions within the joint venture did not help, either.
''The gaps between our cultures led to different views and even clashes as the
foreign party felt it didn't get what it wanted,'' one brewery source said. The
Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Ministry in Beijing was reported to be
considering making the Bass brewery a test case of ''how not to run a joint
venture.''
Amid all the chaos, however, Tsingtao goes its merry way, expanding rapidly
through acquisition of foreign breweries and ailing local firms to create a
domestic giant that will be immune to foreign competition when WTO entry breaks
many of the barriers.
It is already achieving considering economies of scale, and the slashing of
tariffs on imported barley, now an estimated 30% of the industry's total
production costs, will make it even more price competitive.
In the past 30 months, Tsingtao has bought more than 20 rival brewers.
And some domestic rivals are copying its lead. Beijing Yanjing Brewery, ranked
No. 2, bought a brewery in Jiangxi last year and merged with two more breweries
earlier this month. It now has a sizable share of the Beijing market.
Tsingtao's purchase of the Carlsberg operation will enable it to counter this
through an enlarged presence in Shanghai.
The company has also sought to develop a nationwide presence, especially in
southern China and Hong Kong where it had been very weak, through a tie-up last
year with Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd. in an $84 million brewery in Shenzhen.
Tsingtao owns 51% and Asahi 29%.
The brewery produces both companies' premium brands, the proportion adjusted
according to market demand.
Tsingtao is currently trying to overcome the distinct regionalism of the
Chinese market by negotiating a cooperative arrangement with a local brewery in
Guangzhou. Surveying the current market, however, industry analysts are
convinced there will be a lot more failures and restructuring before the foam
begins to subside.
Russian Vodka Distillery Disputed
.c The Associated Press
MOSCOW (AP) - Two rival directors backed by armed guards occupied different
wings of the company that makes Stolichnaya vodka Saturday, in a dispute for
control over one of Russia's most renowned distilleries. Alexander Romanov,
ousted as general director of the Kristall distillery by a July court ruling,
moved into the factory in eastern Moscow with armed men in camouflage Friday
afternoon while acting director Vladimir Svirskiy was out.
When Svirskiy returned, he was not allowed in the building. But on Saturday, he
returned with his own guards and took over the company's accounting offices,
Russian television channels reported. Romanov threatened to have the company's
bank accounts blocked in retaliation.
Svirskiy said on NTV television Saturday that he sent appeals to the prosecutor
general's office, the Moscow prosecutor's office and the Interior Ministry to
have Romanov removed.
Kristall, which is 51-percent owned by the government, makes several of
Russia's leading vodkas. The management dispute comes as the government is
attempting to consolidate state-owned alcohol enterprises into a single holding
company, according to industry analysts. The conflict began in May, when
Kristall's board of directors elected Romanov as general director. Some board
members objected, and the Moscow Arbitration Court in July ruled that
appointment invalid and Svirskiy was made acting director.
The board was to hold a meeting to discuss the management question Friday, but
Svirskiy decided not to attend. Then about 15 armed guards and Romanov showed
up and entered the plant. Romanov said the move was aimed at ``re-establishing
the state's ownership.'' Adding to the tension, tax police raided the company
Friday and seized documents in an ongoing investigation. Russian news reports
said the documents were linked to an audit conducted earlier this year that
uncovered financial wrongdoing under Romanov's predecessor.
Grolsch Plan for New Brewery Blocked by Court, Paper Says
Amsterdam, Aug. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Royal Grolsch NV's plan to build a brewery
outside the city of Enschede, in the eastern Netherlands, has been blocked by a
Dutch administrative court after neighbors objected to the proposal, a Dutch
paper reported.
The brewer, known for its wire swing-top bottles, may be forced to make ``non
cost-effective'' investments that would have been avoided by building the new
brewery, according to daily De Telegraaf. A spokesman said the obstruction
means the new brewery, an investment of about 500 million guilders ($206
million), won't be completed in 2005 as planned.
Grolsch wants the brewery to replace its two outdated sites in Enschede and
Groenlo, near the German border, and boost production volumes of its pilsner.
The beer maker is looking to expand outside the Netherlands' stagnant market,
where it reaps about two-thirds of sales.
The Council of State, the highest administrative tribunal in the Netherlands
and an advisory body to the government, ruled that the new Grolsch brewery near
Boekelo, a village some five kilometers from Enschede, would conflict with the
area's agricultural and recreational roles.
Grolsch will speak with local and provincial authorities next week ``to
consider further steps,'' a company spokesman told De Telegraaf. The paper said
it's not known whether the company will have to find another location for the
building, though the province of Gelderland, where Grolsch is located, may
attempt to change the area's zoning plan to allow construction of the brewery.
Shares in Grolsch rose 0.25 euro, or 1.3 percent, to 20.25 euros on Friday,
giving the brewer a market value of 343 million euros ($311 million). The
shares have fallen 2.4 percent this year, compared to a 36 percent rise for
larger rival Heineken NV.
(De Telegraaf, 8/5, page 37)
Brazil unveils package to curb high alcohol prices
By Jeremy Smith
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said Friday it
would hold a programme of alcohol sales to industry buyers and take further
steps to temper soaring prices, including taking stocks from the private
sector.
``One of the measures which we will take immediately is to conduct auctions of
alcohol stocks which the government holds,'' said Agriculture Minister Marcus
Vinicius Pratini de Moraes.
``If prices do not come down, we are ready to expropriate stocks from the
private sector to ensure a sufficient volume of alcohol in the government's
hands, and in this way be able to order the market,'' he said.
The government will offer 60 million litres of hydrous alcohol at each auction,
to be held every two weeks. This alcohol will be taken from government stocks,
which currently stand at between 800 and 900 million litres. Brazil's last
alcohol auction programme ran from December to March and sold 420 million
litres to industry buyers.
Another measure announced on Friday, as part of the package of instruments to
help lower alcohol prices, was a further reduction in the level of anhydrous
alcohol mixed with gasoline and retailed to consumers, to 20 percent from 22
percent.
The reduction is the second this week after Wednesday's reduction which cut the
level of alcohol in the mix from 24 to 22 percent. Together, the two percentage
reductions should release an extra 900 million litres of alcohol over the next
12 months into the market, the ministry said.
GOVERNMENT AIMS TO LOWER FUEL PRICES WITH ALCOHOL MEASURES
One of the government's primary aims with the series of measures is to lower
fuel prices at the pumps for consumers, as anhydrous alcohol is included by law
in all Brazil's gasoline. ``We are examining other measures. And the measures
we take are...with the aim of ensuring that fuel prices do not rise, and fall
to bearable levels for the consumer,'' said Pratini.
``We haven't fixed values yet. But prices are absurd. We still need to discuss
this with the (various) sectors,'' he said. ``Obviously, the levels where fuel
is now will not stay.'' Internal alcohol prices have recently risen sharply,
with traders quoting ex-mill prices for a litre of alcohol at around 0.62 reais
($0.34) this week, an impressive jump from the same time last year when they
hovered below 0.20 reais ($0.11).
DROUGHT-HIT SUGARCANE CROP REASON BEHIND ALCOHOL SHORTFALL
The main reason behind the rise is a reduced supply of sugarcane, the raw
material used by millers in their crush to make two types of alcohol -- hydrous
and anhydrous. Less alcohol included in the gasoline mix should release more
alcohol into the market and help minimise the impact of a forecast 20-percent
cut in 2000/01 cane production in the major centre-south cane region, badly hit
by drought this year. Hydrous alcohol is used in cars fitted with special
engines needing pure-alcohol fuel, though nowadays fewer than one percent of
new cars in Brazil currently run on the fuel.
Its chemical counterpoint is anhydrous alcohol, which contains no water of
crystallisation and is added to all gasoline sold in Brazil.
In 1998, Brazil's government raised the percentage share of anhydrous alcohol
in gasoline to 24 percent from 22 percent in an attempt to stimulate the
flagging alcohol sector.
Coca-Cola Chief Executive Looks to Non-Cola Drinks
Atlanta, Aug. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Coca-Cola Co., faced with stagnant cola sales,
is betting that at least a quarter of its sales growth will come from unusual
flavors, bottled water, juices and other non-cola beverages as it caters more
to regional tastes.
Fanta Wild Berries is one of those drinks Coca-Cola is touting as an example of
thinking locally, a key plank in Chairman Douglas Daft's plans for the world's
largest soft-drink maker. Introduced in Germany in December -- and created by
regional executives -- it's based on an obscure northern German dessert of
strawberries, raspberries and cranberries called Rote Gruetze. Daft wants to
raise sales of such beverages to 25 percent from the 5 percent Coke now sells.
Reaching that mark may be no small task. In the U.S. alone last year, more than
3,000 drinks were introduced and only a small percentage of them will survive,
according to new-product tracker Marketing Intelligence Service. While
Coca-Cola wants to own the hottest non-carbonated brands, it still wants to
sell more than 1 billion servings of Coca-Cola Classic a day. The challenge
could be a daunting one, analysts say.
``The Coca-Cola trademark is what got this company to the dance,'' said Tom
Pirko, president of New York-based BevMark LLC, a consulting firm, who adds
that moving away from pushing the Coca- Cola brand could prove to be ``a
tremendous distraction.''
Riskier Profile
Coke says Fanta Wild Berries is a hit: It sold 6.1 million cases in the first
quarter and 5.4 million cases in the second quarter. Though that's less than
one percent of the company's European sales, it's the kind of growth that Daft
wants. Atlanta- based Coca-Cola had $19.8 billion in total sales last year.
Coke owns 97 non-carbonated brands worldwide.
Company executives say it'll take a decade to reach Daft's 25 percent sales
target, in part because of the large numbers of competitors already selling
these alternative beverages. And Coca- Cola is adopting a riskier profile by
selling new drinks that aren't guaranteed winners. Though it's pleased with
sales of Fanta Wild Berries, some consumers are still wary.
``I don't like it, as I find it too sweet and too sticky,'' said Oliver Klein,
a 25-year-old economics student at the Community College of Mainz.
Acquired Brands
Coca-Cola needs to stimulate growth, though a gradual recovery in worldwide
economies appears to be helping the business.
In the first quarter, Coke had back-to-back quarterly losses for the first time
in at least nine years. In the second quarter, earnings rose 27 percent, helped
by better results in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Coke's stock price has
risen almost 50 percent from a 52-week low of 42 7/8 on March 14.
Coca-Cola's shares fell 7/8 to 62 1/8 in Friday trading.
One area where Coke has been able to boost its growth rate has been from
recently acquired brands. Last year, Coke bought the right from Cadbury
Schweppes Plc to sell brands such as Canada Dry and Crush in Japan, Brazil and
other countries. Also last year, Coca-Cola bought half of Inca Kola Peru SA,
maker of Inca Kola, the most-popular soft drink in Peru.
`Think Local, Act Local'
Since taking over from Doug Ivester in February, Daft's mantra to his marketers
has been ``think local, act local.'' Daft wants decisions about new-product
introductions, promotions and advertising made in the company's markets around
the world.
``The best people to decide marketing strategy for Malaysia aren't in a
high-rise in downtown Atlanta, they're in Kuala Lumpur,'' Daft said in May at
Boston College's Chief Executives Club. ``We need to put the business much,
much closer to where it actually takes place.''
Daft has a history of pushing staff to develop and sell brands other than
Coca-Cola and Sprite. The native of Australia ran Coca-Cola's Asia group before
his promotion to chief executive.
``We want to become a total beverage company,'' said Jay Gould, Coca-Cola's
vice president of global marketing in charge of business development. ``The
local consumer will direct us.''
Japan, a region Daft oversaw before his promotion to chairman, is his model.
Coca-Cola sells more than 200 brands in Japan, from Saryusaisai Sokenbicha, a
tea drink, to Shpla!, a vitamin-enriched citrus beverage.
Georgia Coffee
The biggest success story in Japan is Georgia Coffee, the fourth-most-popular
drink for Coca-Cola in its entire Middle and Far East group. The milk-based
coffee drink is sold hot or cold, mostly in cans and from vending machines.
Japan is the company's most-profitable market, said Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
analyst Andrew Conway. Coke doesn't disclose sales for specific brands.
In recent years, though, Coke has had a poor track record of developing new
drinks.
``We've seen a lack of anything exciting or new and different coming out of
Coke,'' said John Bello, president of South Beach Beverage Co., maker of SoBe
drinks. ``They haven't been very innovative.''
Smaller companies like Triarc Cos., South Beach Beverage, AriZona Beverage Co.
and Nantucket Nectars spent the last decade pushing unusual drinks on U.S.
consumers, though most were flops. Coca-Cola has been content to make copycat
products, like Fruitopia, based on the success of Triarc's Snapple line of
juices and teas.
In 1997, Coca-Cola introduced Surge, a lemon-lime drink to compete with PepsiCo
Inc.'s Mountain Dew. The drink had strong sales at first, with 71.5 million
cases sold in the first year, then declined to 53.6 million cases in 1998 and
27.6 million cases in 1999, according to consultant Beverage Marketing Corp.
Coca-Cola has the muscle to develop and sell new brands. Dasani, Coke's bottled
water, had 5 percent of the U.S. bottled- water market in 1999, according to
Beverage Digest, an industry publication, as Coke pushed it through its
distribution pipeline.
But competition, always stiff in the new drink arena, is heating up. Through
April, there were 32 percent more new drinks introduced in the U.S. than a year
ago, Marketing Intelligence Service said.
``Most of the excitement is not in soft drinks,'' said Tom Vierhile, general
manager of Naples, New York-based Marketing Intelligence Service. ``The growth
has been in teas, vegetable juice, coffee.''
Coke could face even more new-product competition later this year when Triarc
holds a $115 million initial public offering for its Snapple drinks unit. Parts
of the funds raised will be used to pay down debt, though a successful IPO
could raise money for new- product development and promotion.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000804/11/odd-germany-sex-dc
German Men Losers in Bed, Survey of Women Finds
August 4, 2000 BERLIN (Reuters) - German men are losers in bed and nearly
half of the women in the country say their partners leave them
unsatisfied, according to a report in the best-selling newspaper Bild
Friday. A survey of 345 women between the ages of 18 and 59 by the INRA
research
institute found that four in 10 were disappointed with their partners.
The survey was printed beneath a page one headline that read: "The
bitter truth about Germans in bed -- nearly every second women says: My
partner can't satisfy me." The women complained of being neglected or
that their partners were too rough.
"A horrible picture emerges whenever I have therapy sessions with
couples and then talk with the women alone," Professor Hartmut Porst, a
leading sex therapist, told Bild. "The women complain about their men,
saying they feel sexually neglected."
He added that many German women have the impression that their partners
treat sex as a "required duty" rather than something romantic or even
spontaneous.
"It's almost as if the men are looking forward to a date on the calendar
rather than an erotic experience," Porst said.
Dr Werner Habermehl, head of the Gewis institute for social research,
said he found more than 30 percent of the women he surveyed recently
disappointed with their partners.
"Men just don't know enough about the world of feelings that women live
in," Habermehl said.
The newspaper also quoted a 22-year-old woman who complained about her
partner.
"Everything that my friend does in bed seems so technical," said the
chemist identified only as Kerstin. "It's like he's the engineer and I'm
the piece of machinery."
J2jurado
.c The Associated Press
SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore's Asia Pacific Breweries has acquired two beer
brands and brewery operations in Hainan, China, from Malaysia's Hap Seng
Consolidated for $12.2 million.
Asia Pacific Breweries said in a statement Monday that it has acquired the
exclusive rights to the Aoke and Kronen trademarks.
It has also acquired the formula and production for two beers from Hap Seng's
unit, Hainan Euro-Asia Brewery Co., the statement said.
The move is in line with Asia Pacific Breweries' strategy to strengthen its
position in Hainan, the statement said.
``This acquisition will boost Asia Pacific Breweries' market share to around 80
percent (in Hainan province) and will accelerate our drive toward profitability
in Hainan,'' Koh Poh Tiong, Asia Pacific Breweries' chief executive, said.
Asia Pacific Breweries is a joint venture between Heineken of the Netherlands
and Singapore's Fraser & Neave.
Asia Pacific Breweries to Buy 2 Beer Brands From Chinese Brewer
Singapore, Aug. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd., Singapore's
biggest beer producer, said it will acquire two brands of beer from Hainan
Euro-Asia Brewery Company Ltd., a Chinese brewer.
The $12.2 million acquisition of the beer brands -- ``Aoke'' and ``Kronen'' -
and the associated businesses would result in the closure of a factory run by
Hainan Euro-Asia Brewery, a subsidiary of Malaysia's Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd.
``This acquisition of these world famous brands would boost Asia Pacific
Breweries' market share to around 80 percent (on Hainan Island),'' said Koh Poh
Tiong, chief executive officer of Asia Pacific Breweries in a statement.
Asia Pacific Breweries, which has 14 breweries throughout Asia, expects the
deal to be completed by year-end. The move is line with Koh's earlier comments
that Asia Pacific Breweries would sell a 40 percent stake in a brewery in
Fuzhou to focus on its operations in Shanghai and Hainan.
German H1 beer sales up four percent year on year
HAMBURG, Aug 7 (Reuters) - German beer sales rose to 55.4 million hectolitres
in the first half of this year, up four percent or 2.1 million hectolitres from
the same period of 1999, the federal statistical office StBA said on Monday.
It said that domestic sales -- on which duty was collected -- rose 2.6 percent
to 50 million hectolitres, while duty-free sales amounted to 5.4 million
hectolitres, up 19.2 percent, of which 3.8 million hectolitres were sold to EU
countries and 1.5 million hectolitres to others.
The states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria led domestic sales in the
first half of the year with 27.3 and 20.1 percent of total German sales
respectively, the StBA added.
The figures do not include non-alcoholic beers, malt drinks and beer imports
from outside the European Union, the statistical office said.
Soros Asks Turkish Government to Investigate Brewery, WSJ Says
Istanbul, Aug. 7 (Bloomberg) -- George Soros has asked the Turkish market
regulator to investigate Turk Tuborg Bira & Malt Sanayii AS, a brewery in which
he owns a minority stake, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing an interview
with Soros in July.
Soros, who owns 20.28 percent of the brewer through his Emerging Growth
Partners CV, said that Yasar Holding AS damaged his interests through some
transactions it authorized for Turk Tuborg in 1998 and 1999.
Yasar Holding, a Turkish business that owns 52.7 percent of the brewery, also
has interests in banking, energy, tourism and dairy products.
Soros says that Turk Tuborg should be compensated for shares bought by a unit
of the brewery in Yasar Holding's Yasarbank AS.
(Wall Street Journal Europe 8/7, p.10)
Slovenia's Krka pulls SBI 20 higher
LJUBLJANA, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Slovenia's SBI 20 share index firmed on Monday due
to gains in drug producer Krka, traders said, adding that prices were expected
to remain steady over the short term.
``Block trading in Krka pulled the index up today. This share is really cheap,
especially if its half-year results match our optimistic expectations,'' said
Marjetka Cic, head of brokerage Dolenjska BPH.
Krka, which is expected to announce six-month figures later this month, was the
most active stock, rising 1.74 percent to 26,200 tolars on 2,314 lots traded.
Brewery Pivovarna Union was the top blue-chip gainer, jumping 2.44 percent to
42,000 tolars in thin volume.
The SBI 20 index closed 0.47 percent higher at 1,693.75 points. Volume rose to
137 million tolars from 96 million.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/0008/07/text/national12.html
Let's drink to a longer life for $5,700
07/08/2000 By MARK RAGG
It costs only $5,700 worth of alcohol for a man to buy himself an extra year of
life, according to research to be published today.
Extended life is much more expensive for women, but $19,000 worth of beer, wine
and spirits at club prices will do the trick.
Those bald figures come from research conducted in Dubbo, and published today
in the Medical Journal of Australia, which reinforces long-standing knowledge
that moderate drinking is, after all, good for your health.
The study, led by Associate Professor Leon Simons, of St Vincent's Hospital in
Sydney, is part of 10 years of research into almost 3,000 people born before
1930 and living in Dubbo.
It showed, as have a number of other studies over the past decade, that people
who drink alcohol, but fewer than two drinks a day, live longer than
teetotallers and heavy drinkers.
But this study took it a step further. It looked at average prices in Dubbo
clubs, calculated the extra lifespan the average drinker got - 7.6 months for
men and 2.7 months for women - and put them together.
The $5,700 per extra year of life for men compares favourably with the benefit
men get from the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin, which costs about
$13,000 per extra year of life gained. Some men might even prefer alcohol to a
pill, the authors point out. And no government subsidy is needed.
The bad news for wine snobs is that even beer drinkers lived longer than
teetotallers.
When such research first appeared, sceptical doctors, not wanting to condone
drinking after so many years demonising it, explained it away as a statistical
artefact.
Some teetotallers were really reformed drinkers, too sick to drink any more,
but skewing the results, they argued.
Five years or so ago, even the most hardened medical sceptic surrendered and
agreed a bit of booze wasn't a bad thing. It's even been shown to reduce the
risk of dementia.
This study didn't examine why moderate drinkers should live longer.
Is it the antioxidants? Is it that alcohol somehow increases the amount of HDL
cholesterol, the good type, in your blood? Is it to do with personality?
Nobody knows. The research will continue.
http://www.spokane.net:80/news-story-body.asp?Date=080200&ID=s833775&cat=
Parents, fraternity settle in alcohol death
Compiled from wire services -
Dallas _ The parents of a University of Texas student who died of alcohol
poisoning have reached a $2 million settlement with a fraternity and 11 of its
members.
Jack and Judith Ivey of Plano alleged that Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity members
tricked their son, Jack Ivey Jr., 23, into drinking too much, stripped him to
his underwear and tied him up before driving him around in the back of a truck
on the night of his death in 1998. The Iveys filed the lawsuit in April 1999
against the fraternity's national offices, the University of Texas Austin
chapter and 16 members. A lawsuit still is pending against five other
fraternity members.
http://www.foxnews.com/health/080400/drink.sml
A Drink a Day May Keep Mental Decline Away
Friday, August 4, 2000
NEW YORK — Studies have shown that heavy drinking can damage the brain, but
growing evidence suggests that drinking in moderation has the opposite effect.
In fact, having up to a drink a day may ward off mental decline as people age,
researchers report.
Results of a study of more than 3,500 Japanese-American men aged 71 to 93 show
that those who drank moderately throughout middle age performed better on tests
of mental ability.
Men who drank up to one drink per day were 40 percent less likely than
nondrinkers to score poorly on the tests. Those who drank more than four drinks
per day, however, were 29 percent more likely than teetotalers to have poor
test scores.
Investigators tested the men's intellectual prowess 18 years after the men had
reported their regular drinking habits.
Researchers led by Dr. Daniel J. Galanis of the Hawaii Department of Health in
Honolulu report their findings in the August issue of the American Journal of
Public Health. This report adds to the recent influx of good news about
moderate drinking and brain functioning. Last month, researchers in London
reported that a drink per day preserves mental abilities in older men and
women; and findings presented to the World Alzheimer Congress 2000 indicated
that a daily drink or two cuts the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
However, Galanis told Reuters Health that he would hesitate to recommend that
elderly nondrinkers pick up the habit. "There are a lot of potential dangers
with the use of alcohol," he said, "and I think drinking is a behavior that
should be reviewed with personal physicians, especially among the elderly."
Clearly, some elderly people, such as those on medications that can adversely
interact with alcohol, should not drink. Exactly how moderate drinking bestows
its benefits is unclear, but Galanis said it likely helps the brain in the same
way it protects heart health. Moderate alcohol intake has been shown to
increase HDL, the "good" cholesterol, and to help thin the blood—both of
which may help ensure a healthy supply of blood to the brain.
On the other hand, the researchers note, the heaviest drinkers in their study
had the poorest test performances—a finding supported in other research.
Galanis noted that heavy amounts of alcohol appear to kill or damage brain
cells.
He said that the "safest statement" that can be made on this study is that
moderate drinking in middle age may lead to greater mental abilities later in
life.
http://www.phillynews.com/content/daily_news/2000/08/03/national/BEER03.ht
m?template=aprint.htm
Keg party mom to get counseling
Associated Press, CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - A suburban Pittsburgh woman who is charged
with allowing teen-agers to have a keg party at her house is undergoing alcohol
and drug abuse counseling. Police said Susan Beer, of Sewickley, allowed teens
to congregate at her vacant house in nearby Moon Township to have the party on
March 11. At least 15 teen-agers were there.
The teens were first accused of trespassing, but those charges were dropped
when they told authorities that Beer gave them permission to gather at the
house. The teens also say Beer and her daughter were there when they had the
keg party. Beer is charged with corruption of minors and endangering the
welfare of children.
Beer's preliminary hearing Tuesday was postponed so she can continue with
counseling. She is also attending parenting classes. © 2000 Philadelphia
Newspapers Inc.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000807/10/odd-sex-dc
Men Defend Sex Skills After Women Complain
August 7, 2000 BERLIN (Reuters) - German men defended their prowess between the
sheets Monday, hitting back indignantly at survey evidence showing nearly half
the nation's women were left unsatisfied by their partners.
Male readers of best-selling newspaper Bild, which Friday exposed what it
called "The bitter truth about Germans in bed," said women who complained about
their lovers' skills -- or lack of them -- only had themselves to blame.
"My wife doesn't turn me on properly," said a man from the northern town of
Bremerhaven identified only as Peter M.
"Men are visual creatures -- and before you slap a quarter-pound of make-up
over your faces, it would be better if you took a trip to the solarium, shaved
your legs and perhaps under the arms and thought a bit more about what men
need," he wrote in a letter.
Fred W. from the western city of Mainz said women were too focused on capturing
their man -- but then made too little effort to keep love and sex alive in
their relationships.
"Men have no choice but to satisfy their secret desires and fantasies in some
other way," he told Bild. "If their own wives weren't so boring, there would be
less infidelity and fewer marriages and relationships would break up. And
someone tell them to climax faster...in less than two minutes is necessary."
Women complain it is more a case of their partners neglecting them, or being
too rough when they do have sex. A survey of 345 women between the ages of 18
and 59 by the INRA research institute said younger women were most
dissatisfied.
J2jurado
Guinness jobs talks break down
By Colman Cassidy
LABOUR RELATIONS: The prospect of an all-out strike at Guinness plants in the
Republic from September 15th moved a step closer last night with the company's
refusal - at conciliation talks brokered by the Labour Relations Commission
(LRC) - to lift its threat to shed 290 jobs in Dundalk.
The talks, which lasted four hours, broke up without resolution, and five of
the six unions that comprise the Guinness joint union forum are committed to
balloting their members immediately on an all-out strike. These are the ATGWU
and SIPTU, as well as the craft unions, TEEU, the AEEU and UCATT. The Guinness
Staff Union, which represents about 1,000 workers out of 1,800 in the areas
affected by the proposed redundancies - managers and clerical staff, brewers,
engineers and sales personnel - is not to ballot its members yet, it is
understood.
Throughout the afternoon, members of the Guinness joint union forum insisted
that the company must remove its threat to close McArdles packaging plant in Co
Louth, with the loss of 200 jobs, and to reduce the Harp workforce at Great
Northern Brewery by 90.
The joint union forum position was that no talks could continue on any aspect
of the Guinness rationalisation proposals unless the issue of the threatened
job losses was off the table. It is understood that representatives from
Guinness management and the unions will meet again under the auspices of the
LRC next Friday, August 11th, when management is expected to offer
clarification on the proposed rationalisation programme.
However, a spokesman for Guinness said last night that the management team was
fully empowered to negotiate on behalf of the company and that any
clarification being sought by the unions from London would make little
difference to the situation on the ground. Management had attended the LRC
talks yesterday, he said, on the basis of no pre-conditions.
The company had been prepared to concede an extension of the timescale for the
proposed rationalisation programme, the spokesman said. But this concession had
not been made due to the unions' insistence that no talks could take place
until the threat to jobs was removed.
http://www.firkin.com/whatsbrewing/news/news_72.html
Bridgeport Brewing Comany News - Aug 8, 2000
BRIDGEPORT IPA DAY CELEBRATION PLANNED;
BREWERY SOLICITS TOASTS TO WORLD-CHAMPION ALE
(Portland, OR ) In commemoration of the gold medal and
world-champion trophy which were bestowed on BridgePort IPA by the British
Brewers Guild this past April, the brewery invites everyone to join them on
August 10th to celebrate their world-champion ale. Although various bars and
restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest will raise a glass in toast to
BridgePort's award-winning IPA, the big bash is slated to take place at the
brewery's namesake pub. From 6-10 p.m. on August 10th, food and beverage
specials will be offered at BridgePort BrewPub (1313 NW Marshall St. in
Portland) and The Baseboard Heaters ("Americana Rock with
a little bit of Country") will perform in the upstairs Heritage Room.
In addition, anyone can enter to win a BridgePort IPA DAY celebration
package by submitting a toast to the world-champion ale by fax
(503-241-0625) or via the brewery website at www.bridgeportbrew.com. The
celebration package includes a BridgePort IPA DAY t-shirt, hat, set of
glassware, coasters and keychains. Entries will be accepted through Wednesday,
August 9. Brewmaster Karl Ockert will read winning entries at the BrewPub
event. Although BridgePort IPA has earned numerous awards and distinctions
since its introduction in 1996, the British Brewing awards are the most coveted
honors ever awarded to the brewery flagship. For additional information about
BridgePort IPA DAY, visit the brewery website at www.bridgeportbrew.com. For
More Information Contact: Paula Fasano 503.241.7179
http://web.philly.com:80/content/inquirer/2000/08/01/national/DRINK01.htm
Alcohol may help diabetics, studies find
Troy Goodman, Associated Press 1 August ,2000
DALLAS - Two new studies support the idea that diabetics who make moderate
drinking a routine are less likely to suffer from heart disease, despite fears
that it can throw off their blood-sugar balance.
Researchers have already shown that an occasional drink with dinner is good for
the general population; it cuts the risk of heart disease and stroke as much as
20 percent.
In both new studies, researchers found that diabetics who consumed more than
half a drink per day cut their heart-disease risk in half compared with those
who rarely drank or never consumed alcohol at all.
The studies appear in today's issue of Circulation, a journal of the American
Heart Association.
Last year, researchers who spent 12 years studying 983 diabetics concluded that
those who had one or two drinks daily were up to 80 percent less likely to die
of heart disease.
Umed A. Ajani of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, who led one of the new
studies, stressed that it would be unwise for diabetics who do not drink to
suddenly start or for those who drink small amounts to begin consuming more
heavily.
Dr. Marian Parrott of the American Diabetes Association, who was not involved
in the studies, agreed that diabetics should continue to control their diet,
including limiting alcohol intake.
"Absolutely, the key word here is moderation," she said.
About 16 million Americans have diabetes, a disease caused by the body's
inability to produce insulin, which can lead to kidney failure. Eighty percent
of diabetics die from heart disease, experts say.
Alcohol hinders the liver's ability to deliver sugar to the bloodstream, so
doctors have been concerned that drinking might throw off diabetics' blood
sugar-insulin balance.
"The apparent lack of influence of light to moderate drinking on the regulation
of blood glucose was noteworthy," wrote the New Jersey Medical School's Timothy
J. Regan in an accompanying editorial in Circulation.
One possible explanation: Researchers have attributed alcohol's benefits to its
ability to increase HDL, or good cholesterol, in the bloodstream. HDL
cholesterol helps keep arteries clean and could aid in the regulation of blood
sugar.
Ajani and his team collected data from nearly 22,000 men participating in the
Physicians' Health Study, which began in 1982. The second report, led by
different Brigham and Women's researchers, drew upon a large-scale study of
nurses.
http://www.dispatch.com/news/newsfea00/aug00/369790.html
State funds get a lift from sale of alcohol
Tuesday, August 1, 2000 - Consumers spent $455.9 million at Ohio's
state-contracted liquor stores in the fiscal year that ended June 30 to buy
8.49 million gallons of spirits at an average price of $10.74 a fifth.
Rae Ann Estep, superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control in the
Department of Commerce, said the sales were an increase of $31.93 million and
approximately 300,000 gallons from the previous year, allowing the transfer of
$95 million in profits to the state's general fund.
The sales also provided $28.4 million in profits earmarked for specific
programs:
* $15.8 million to retire economic development bonds for small-business
loans.
* $8.4 million for liquor-law enforcement.
* $2.4 million for alcoholism treatment, education and prevention.
* $1.2 million for alcohol testing programs.
* $641,000 for operation of the Liquor Control Commission.
Estep said the transfer to the general fund was $5 million more than the
previous year, partly because of reduced operating costs.
"Product price increases, a continuing consumer trend toward the purchase of
more premium-priced products, and the slight increase in consumption, account
for the dollar sales increase,'' she said.
-- James Bradshaw
Ohio Cracks Down on Keggers
.c The Associated Press
By LIZ SIDOTI
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - When Shane McClintock and his six college buddies hold
beer parties this year, they will face new state rules as Ohio joins other
states in tracking the potential for trouble spots.
Beginning Wednesday, people who want to buy five or more kegs must register
their parties and wait five days to get the goods.
Buyers must give the party sites to beer distributors, who can be punished for
not requiring the information. Penalties range from a $100 fine to loss of
license.
Party planners also must agree to allow liquor agents and police to enter the
property to enforce state liquor laws, a requirement that bothers the American
Civil Liberties Union and others.
Even police - who are supposed to benefit by being alerted to potentially
disruptive parties - say the rule is easy to get around and hard to enforce.
``This is another attempt to deal with a morality issue by making rules,'' Kent
police Chief James Peach said. ``It's not so much a problem of the drinking of
alcoholic beverages, but rather of the behavior associated with it.''
McClintock, an Ohio University senior from Dayton, rattled off several ways to
throw a kegger without registering with the state. He said he and his
housemates could buy a few kegs apiece or multiple cases of beer.
Several states, including New Hampshire, Kansas, Iowa and Pennsylvania, have
similar regulations or are considering similar legislation. Maryland has
required keg registration since 1994 to allow the containers to be traced to
the buyer and the seller, both of whom are held accountable if minors are
caught drinking the alcohol.
Mike Widner, assistant to the director of Ohio's Liquor Control Commission,
said there are loopholes in the state's rules but it is also intended to
protect distributors from being accused of selling kegs to underage consumers.
The requirement to allow police onto property is the most disturbing aspect of
the rules, said Raymond Vasvari, legal director for the ACLU of Ohio.
``The provision makes people surrender their Fourth Amendment right to
reasonable searches for the opportunity to engage in perfectly legal activities
- being adults and drinking alcohol,'' he said.
Susan Watiker, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said party
organizers would have the right to ask officers to leave and obtain a search
warrant.
On the Net: Ohio Liquor Control Commission: http://www.state.oh.us/lco
Realistic Alcohol Laws for Legal Youth: http://web.syr.edu/(tilde)su4rally
ACLU Ohio chapter: http://www.acluohio.org
Diageo in Bacardi talks for Seagram's spirits
By David Jones
LONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Britain's Diageo Plc is in talks with Bacardi over a
joint bid for Seagram's spirits business to thwart a bid from rival Allied
Domecq Plc and boost its long-term growth prospects, industry sources said on
Tuesday. Diageo wants to stop one of the biggest prizes in the wines and
spirits world falling to its nearest rival, and ensure future growth at its
core spirits and beer business as it hives off its U.S. Pillsbury food and
Burger King divisions.
The British group has a good cultural fit with Bacardi as both focus on key big
brands, have developed innovative ready-to-drink spirit mixes like Breezer and
Smirnoff Ice and together could win more savings than an Allied-Seagram deal.
``Diageo knows it can work with Bacardi to split up the Seagram portfolio, and
also knows a long-term relationship with Bacardi is important,'' said one
industry source.
Talks between Diageo and Bacardi are at an early stage, but the pace is likely
to pick up later this month ahead of the publication by investment bank Morgan
Stanley of its book with financial facts on Seagram's drinks unit.
Diageo has chosen to link up with Bacardi as it has worked with the Bermuda
group before, selling Bacardi its Dewar's scotch and Bombay gin. Also, Diageo
would like to get closer to the group that owns the one brand it truly coverts
-- the world's top selling spirit, Bacardi white rum. This Diageo consortium
is likely to be the main competitor with Allied for the $7 billion-plus
Seagram's spirits sale, put on the block after Seagram agreed a $34 billion
merger with Vivendi to create new media giant Vivendi Universal.
BIDDING FOR CAPTAIN MORGAN
Seagram is the world's third largest spirits grouping, with its Chivas Regal
scotch, Martell cognac, Crown Royal Canadian whisky, Captain Morgan dark rum
and Absolut vodka distribution. World number four, the privately-owned Bacardi
does not have the firepower to bid alone, while number five France's
Pernod-Ricard is also seen as too small, analysts said.
Diageo is looking to pick up Seagram's Captain Morgan and Crown Royal, while
leaving Bacardi brands it cannot touch due to competition concerns, Chivas
Regal and Martell. Seagram has the distribution rights for premiun vodka
Absolut, but this may revert to owner Swedish state-controlled owner Vin &
Sprit. Allied was initially the front-runner for Seagram and the two portfolios
would make an excellent geographic and product fit, with the only competition
concerns in Canadian whisky and cognac.
Although Allied's Chief Executive, Philip Bowman, would love a deal to
transform his group, it would probably need a rights issue and a $7
billion-plus bid could overstretch a group with a market capitalisation of 3.5
billion pounds ($5.27 billion). So Diageo, advised by UBS Warburg, is edging
into favourite spot. Both Diageo and Bacardi have extensive distribution in the
key U.S. market, which could mean them winning bigger cost savings than Allied,
seen as high as 200 million pounds a year.
Diageo has the cash to invest in drinks as it has announced a Burger King float
and a planned sell-off of Pillsbury. After merging its two remaining divisions,
wines and spirits unit UDV and Guinness beer, Chief Executive designate Paul
Walsh needs to convince investors of its long-term growth prospects. However,
Diageo shares are little changed from at its formation in the December 1997
merger of Guinness and Grandmet at 583p. Its shares were up 2-1/2 pence at 607p
by 1350 GMT.
PROBLEM OF SEAGRAM'S LONG TAIL
One problem concerning Diageo and Bacardi is what to do with the long tail of
Seagram's smaller brands. One option could be to include a private equity group
such as Hicks, Muse, Tate and Furst in a consortium to help finance the deal
and then it could eventually dispose of these smaller brands.
Hicks showed interest in drinks by buying Seagram's champagne brands Mumm and
Perrier-Jouet in 1999, but one market source said a private equity link-up was
``unlikely'' and Diageo would dispose of Seagram's ``tail'' as it had sold off
most of its Canadian and U.S. whiskies in 1999 to focus on premium brands.
From Seagram, Diageo would gain premium brand Crown Royal and number two
Canadian whisky to Brown-Forman's Canadian Mist, while Captain Morgan would
fill a portfolio gap in dark rum. Diageo already has the global leadership in
scotch, gin, vodka and liqueurs in Johnnie Walker, Gordon's, Smirnoff and
Baileys and has stakes in the world's top tequila, Jose Cuervo, Moet & Chandon
champagne and Hennessy cognac.
For Bacardi, Seagram brands such as Chivas Regal and Martell would fit well
with its Bacardi rum, Dewar's scotch, Bombay gin, Martini vermouth and Breezer
ready-to-drink mixes. Bacardi bought Dewar's and Bombay in 1998 as Diageo was
forced to offload the brands as a conditions of its merger, but further
expansion was assumed to be put on hold as it cancelled a $5 billion-plus
flotation earlier this year.
This acquisition left Bacardi with $2 billion in debt, but its strong cash flow
of around $300 million a year has given it scope to go on the acquisition trail
again, analysts said.
At Bacardi, Chief Executive George ``Chip'' Reid stepped down in March after
three years when the company decided not to proceed with a initial public
offering. Chief Financial Officer Rubens Rodriguez was appointed, and then in
July, Rodriguez took over as Chairman as Manual Jorge Cutillas retired.
A BRONFMAN BID FOR SEAGRAM?
Another Seagram bidder may be the Bronfman family, which owns 24 percent of
Seagram, led by Seagram co-chairman Charles Bronfman, whose father founded the
business. It is said to have hired Bear Stearns to prepare a multi-billion
dollar bid.
Charles is the uncle of Edgar Bronfman, Seagram's Chief Executive who is
merging its media business with Vivendi and selling off the spirits business
run by the family for 76 years since Edgar's grandfather Samuel Bronfman bought
Joseph Seagram. But can the Bronfmans afford it? They obviously know the
business well, but they could not win the big cost savings which are available
to a Diageo consortium or Allied by combining the businesses, analysts said.
($1-.6639 Pound)
Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc. Appoints Matthew P. Cullen To Board of
Directors
GAYLORD, Mich., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc.,
(Nasdaq: BBUC), the country's top-rated microbrewery restaurants, today
announced the appointment of Matthew P. Cullen, General Manager of General
Motors' Enterprise Activity Group, which includes the company's Worldwide Real
Estate division, to its Board of Directors.
Mr. Cullen joined GM in 1979, as a real estate administrator and subsequently
assumed a variety of senior assignments. He brings to the Big Buck Brewery and
Steakhouse more than 20 years of real estate experience. Cullen is Vice
Chairman of Detroit Downtown, Inc., past chairman of Detroit's New Center Area
Council, and the Chair-Elect of the International Association of Corporate Real
Estate Executives.
Commenting on the appointment, William F. Rolinski, Big Buck Brewery &
Steakhouse's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "Matt is a successful
executive. I am confident that his administrative and real estate expertise
will provide invaluable insight and focus to our ambitious growth plans."
Cullen observed: "I'm excited that Big Buck is actively growing its proven
unique brewpub concept beyond Michigan with an eye to franchising in the
not-too distant future. I look forward with great enthusiasm to contributing
to the company's expansion and success."
About the Company
Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc. created microbrewery restaurants. The
Company currently operates Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse restaurants in Auburn
Hills, Gaylord, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering casual dining featuring a
high quality, moderately priced menu and a variety of award-winning
craft-brewed beers. The Company's common shares are listed on the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market under the symbol "BBUC."
http://www.herald.com/content/tue/news/brknews/docs/033845.htm
Helmet opponent dies in helmet-less cycle accident
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- (AP) -- A motorcycling enthusiast who applauded the state's
new helmet-free law has died as a result of a motorcycle accident in which she
wasn't wearing a helmet.
Dorthy Lynette Rushton, 40, smashed her Harley-Davidson early Saturday morning
and was thrown more than 50 feet. She died Monday from injuries she sustained
in the crash.
Rushton probably would have survived had she been wearing a helmet, said
Florida Highway Patrol Cpl. John Schultz. He said alcohol was a factor but the
lack of a helmet ``greatly'' contributed to her injuries.
Gov. Jeb Bush last month signed into law a measure to let motorcyclists age 21
and older ride without helmets if they carry $10,000 in insurance. It took
effect July 1.
Friends said motorcycle riding was Rushton's passion -- especially without a
helmet.
``Lyn wanted to do what she could, even in her death,'' close friend Kristi
Piscitelli said. ``She knew this could happen.''
J2jurado
Prospective brewery buyer breaks off talks
But La Crosse company's co-owner says he thinks deal can be worked out
ASSOCIATED PRESS - LA CROSSE, WIS.
A financial services company has apparently broken off negotiations to
buy the financially troubled City Brewing Co., a union leader said
Monday. The deal would have given workers a stake in the historic
brewery.
``It sounds as if the third party wants to walk away. I don't know
why,'' union leader Ron Buschman said. ``Everything was set. They had a
price. We had everything. To the best of my knowledge, the negotiations
have been broken off.''
But City Brewery co-owner Jim Strupp was more optimistic.
The deal ``is still up in the air right now,'' he told the La Crosse
Tribune late Monday. ``There's a couple of things having to do with one
of our large contract customers. We'll see if we can get it worked out
in the next couple of days.''
The price of the sale has been agreed to, Strupp told the newspaper.
City Brewing President Randy Smith had said earlier Monday that talks
were continuing but ``there are a lot of issues that have to get
resolved before a deal gets done. As we speak, I don't know if a deal
can get done.''
Smith was not at his office late Monday. He has an unlisted home
telephone number and could not immediately be reached for comment.
City Brewing bought the former G. Heileman property from the Stroh
Brewery Co. less than a year ago. The brewery, with a long history and
identity in the community, was established in 1858.
The newest potential buyer for City Brewery is based in the eastern
United States and owns about 50 companies, including a brewery in
Pennsylvania, Buschman said, declining to be more specific.
Smith refused more specifics about the newest potential buyer, too,
other than it is a financial services company outside the La Crosse
area.
The potential buyer would form an entity to buy the brewery and give an
``ownership piece'' to a group of workers interested in a stake in the
venture, Smith said.
Last week, Strupp said a letter of intent for the purchase had been
signed, and he expected an announcement regarding the sale to an
investor group would be made Monday.
Strupp and partner John Mazzuto of New York-based Platinum Holdings
bought the brewery from Stroh Brewery for $10.5 million in November and
renamed it City Brewery, its original name when founded by Gottlieb
Heileman and John Gund.
Stroh had closed the brewery, selling its labels, such as Old Style, to
other companies. Platinum Holdings stepped in and the brewery itself
remained intact.
But since beer production resumed last year, millions of dollars in
debts have piled up and most of the brewery's 62 workers have been laid
off since early June. Production of beer ceased once the cash-strapped
business ran out of bottles, cans and other packaging supplies and
suppliers refused the company any more credit.
The brewery has occasionally produced beer and put it in kegs for sale
in bars and restaurants since then, with employees working without pay.
A La Crosse County circuit judge has scheduled a hearing Wednesday on
motions by City Brewing's largest lender for a final foreclosure
judgment and court-ordered sale of the brewery, and for the appointment
of a receiver.
Strupp, who has promised to infuse money into the business in the past,
did not immediately return telephone messages left Monday by the
Associated Press at his New York office.
Mayor John Medinger said he understood talks over the sale of the
brewery included some ``fairly substantial obstacles,'' including
long-term contracts for brewing other companies' beer at the plant.
``It continues to be a very frustrating issue,'' Medinger said. ``There
is a chance (a deal) won't get done. This whole thing could fall apart
yet.''
So far, the potential buyer has not requested any public money to help
finance the deal, the mayor said.
The city and La Crosse County each loaned Platinum Holdings $450,000 in
its deal to buy the brewery from Stroh.
``Hopefully, we will get paid back,'' the mayor said.
http://www.afr.com.au:80/news/20000808/A55927-2000Aug7.html
Tax muzzles Two Dogs' local sales
By Simon Evans, August 8
A sales slump in the past five weeks triggered by the new tax regime has
the founder of Two Dogs alcoholic lemonade howling with rage - and
poised to reinvent the product as a beer brand.
The chairman and founder of Two Dogs, Mr Duncan MacGillivray, warned
yesterday the international growth of the brand could be jeopardised by
the Federal Government's decision to classify it for excise purposes in
the mixed spirits category from July 1. This meant a price rise of 22
per cent for Two Dogs alcoholic lemonade in the domestic market.
French drinks group Pernod Ricard paid close to $18 million for Two Dogs
in 1996 when the brand's domestic sales hit a peak of more than 350,000
cases annually. Local sales have since fallen to about 150,000 cases per
annum in a crowded ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage market.
Mr MacGillivray, who unsuccessfully lobbied for months to have the
product treated the same as major competitors such as cider, declined to
comment on the extent of the sales slide since July 1. But he did say
sales had been hurt. "And we knew they would be," he said.
The company is in talks with Australasian brewer Lion Nathan for a Two
Dogs Lemon Brew beer which is likely to hit the Australian market late
in 2000 if the necessary approvals are gained.
Discussions are being held with the Australian Taxation Office on the
plans to brew the product with malt and hops to enable it to be
classified as a beer and therefore attract lower excise. The Two Dogs
alcoholic lemonade would be "phased out" domestically and replaced with
the beer brand, which would sell at a more competitive price.
Mr MacGillivray said the treatment by the Government "could put the
brand in jeopardy internationally". Two Dogs exports more than 3 million
cases annually - more than 20 times the domestic sales. Lion Nathan
already makes a lemon beer for Two Dogs which is exported to Europe.
http://www.bergen.com:80/travel/monaster200008065.htm
Behind abbey walls
Sunday, August 6, 2000 By JANET FORMAN
The year could be 1200 -- a line of Trappist monks moving slowly through
amber shafts of twilight, the folds of their white robes grazing the
ground as they kneel. One brother leads the call and response in a voice
so sweet it hardly sounds human. When his tone drops to a whisper, my
breathing seems to ruffle the silence. Even as a contemporary
non-believer, I am thunderstruck by this show of faith.
These brothers of Belgium's Westmalle Monastery are members of one of
Catholicism's strictest, most secluded sects. Their movement began at
the Abbey of Notre Dame de la Trappe in 17th century France as a
reaction to what some monks perceived as the rather "lax" observance of
other Cistercians.
Vowing to devote their existence solely to finding God, the Trappists
spent their days in prayer and manual labor. In early times they even
forbade purely intellectual endeavors. Their reforms were so rigorous
that these brothers were called the Cistercians of the Most Strict
Observance. In popular parlance they are known as Trappists, for the
monastery in which their order was born.
While the God-fearing Renaissance era produced many extreme religious
groups, few but the Trappists have survived in a world of sex, drugs,
and rock-and-roll. To outsiders, these men sequestered behind monastery
walls -- celibate, ascetic, silent -- seem to be refugees from modern
society. In one way, however, they are no different from the rest of us;
they must earn a living. To help support themselves, the six Trappist
monasteries in Belgium operate breweries, some of whose product is
deemed by my traveling companion, beer expert and author Stephen
Beaumont, to be among the world's classic beers. It was our quest for
the best Belgian brews -- taking repasts in monastery cafes, buying beer
and bread at abbey shops, on brewery tours -- that gave us unexpected e
ntree into this remote community.
We met Father Thomas, a master brewer responsible for such artfully made
ales as the Westmalle Triple, at the Achel Monastery where, at age 77,
he is starting another brewery from scratch. To Father Thomas, becoming
a monk was like taking a bride. "I was 18 years old and I had a
girlfriend," he remembers. "But at the first sight of Westmalle, I fell
in love. I broke up with the girl."
When he presented himself at the monastery, however, the father abbot
urged caution. "He told me to return several times," the old man recalls
as if it were yesterday, "like courting before you become engaged.
Becoming a monk is like getting married. It's the same level of
commitment, the same level of fidelity." While many monks voice this
parallel to marriage, Father Thomas has always been something of an
iconoclast. On retirement, he moved into a Trappestine nunnery.
For five decades, however, Father Thomas' home was the monastery at
Westmalle, one of the most cloistered in Belgium. While women are
allowed in the church and are accepted on retreats, my female presence
here seems to rattle a few of the monks. Awaiting the start of vespers,
I peer into the stately, wood-paneled dining room, where a small robed
figure is tranquilly laying tables for dinner. Suddenly, his composure
is shattered, and the tray, sausages, and serving utensils go flying.
The next day on a brewery tour, Westmalle's public relations director,
Marlene Hurdak, shares a similar experience. "I'm only the second woman
to work here, and sometimes when my colleague, Father Nathaniel, says
something to me he gets all red. The monks are very shy," she says,
smiling. "We're used to living in the world, but they aren't."
At Westvlateren Monastery deep in Belgian farm country, the brothers
have restricted their brewing activities to save time for prayer. Since
demand for Westvlateren's product outstrips supply, locals must call the
"beer phone," 057-40-10-57, to find out what is available, then drive
like the devil to join a queue of hopeful purchasers. When the abbey's
potent "12" is released -- an 11 percent alcohol brew rumored to be an
aphrodisiac -- bring a book. The line of cars may extend to the horizon.
This limited supply has also given rise to "gray market" beers. While
officially sold only from the monastery's back door, more than a few
bottles of Westvlateren have made their way to North American stores. "I
can't imagine how it gets there," exclaims Kurt, the boyish-looking
novitiate stationed at an outdoor kiosk that serves as the abbey's beer
shop.
Friendly and chatty, Kurt freely offers up details of monastery life.
"We bake our own bread and make our own clothes. We possess nothing
individually, and everybody sleeps together in one room. That can
sometimes be a problem," Kurt confides, "because some of the other monks
snore."
We ask about his tunic, different from the vestments of older monks.
"I haven't taken my final vows," Kurt explains. "After we pass our
second set of exams -- mine are next year," he casts a glance upward and
crosses his fingers like any nervous graduate student -- "we get to wear
the monk's robe."
Our expressions make it clear that we want to know more. "The monastery
doesn't encourage visitors, but if you knock on the door, they will
probably let you see the church," Kurt says. "We also have guest rooms
for retreats."
"For women, too?" I ask.
"These days it's OK," he assures me. "But years ago women had to stay in
a separate house down the road. Even the monks' mothers," the young man
rues. "Can you imagine?"
Rapping at the abbey door we are admitted by a tall, rangy brother who
seems a bit frazzled, as if attending to five tasks at once. Not very
monastic, I think. We inquire about guest rooms and ask to see the
church, fully expecting the preoccupied monk to hand us a brochure and
send us on our way. Instead, we are ushered into his private office.
Setting aside the tasks at hand, the brother takes a long moment to look
us in the eye. "These rooms are not for vacations," he explains in a
quiet but forceful voice. "They are for spiritual retreat. Guests are
expected to follow the life of the abbey."
As if attempting to dissuade us, he rolls out the daily schedule: seven
services, starting at 3:30 a.m. A surreptitious glance at the posted
meal plan tells me this early-morning act must be performed without the
benefit of caffeine. "Then there is the silence," the brother adds. "On
the first day, visitors think it's pleasant. But by the third day," he
throws his hands in the air and rolls his eyes as if to say this could
be unbearable.
Couldn't be more difficult than operating at 3 a.m. without coffee, is
my guess. "And the services will be in Dutch, and you won't understand a
word," the monk adds as his final challenge.
Swept up by an unaccustomed sense of spirituality, I respond, "I don't
think understanding every word is the most important part." The brother
beams appreciatively.
"Would you like to see the church?" he asks.
Turned loose on the monastery grounds with vague directions, Steve and I
find our way to an austere chapel. As the brother had warned, the
silence is disquieting. But it isn't until a monk enters and kneels at
the altar that we keenly feel as if we are witnessing an act too
personal to be observed by outsiders. We slip out of the church to take
refuge at the monastery's cafe, In de Vrede -- Within Peace.
This buzzing restaurant, with its long tables of weekend drivers and
cyclists downing glasses of the abbey's ale, is the antithesis of the
monastery's stillness. The famous "12" is on the menu as well as an
"artisanal ice cream" made with the same brew. What better way to quell
a wave of high emotion than with sugar and alcohol? But when the dessert
meets my lips I am not calmed, I am staggered by the sensation. Beer
melting into the rich ice cream has mystically produced a nectar that
resembles butterscotch cream. I combine dessert with a sip of the "12"
and find the pairing an almost carnal encounter.
After a week savoring the food and drink of Belgium's Trappist
monasteries, I realize it may not be necessary to share the monks' faith
in order to fathom their rapture. I have found beatitude in the beer.
* * *
Retreats: The brothers expect retreatants to participate in the life of
the abbey by attending most of the seven daily services. The first call
to prayer is usually at 3:30 or 4 a.m.
Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis (Achel), B-3930 Hamont-Achel,
Belgium. Phone: 011/80 07 69. Fax: 011/64 81 30. Web:
www.achelsekluis.myweb.nl.
The monastery's cafe, The Oasis, serves light meals and the abbey's beer
from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday.
While the small, pristine brewery is fully visible from the cafe, tours
are also available for groups by advance arrangement. For retreats,
there are 25 comfortable but Spartan rooms. It costs the abbey about 800
Belgian francs ($1 equals 43.5 Belgian francs) to house and feed each
retreatant, but you may pay what you wish.
Abdij der Trappisten (Westmalle), B-2390 Malle, Belgium. Phone: 03/312
92 22. Fax: 03/312 92 28. Web: www.trappistwestmalle.be.
Brewery tours are available for groups by advance arrangement.
For retreats, spare but comfortable rooms looking out on a church spire
contain single beds and a sink. Price: 800 francs per day, including
meals.
St. Sixtus-Abdij (Westvlateren), B-8640 Westvlateren, Belgium. Phone:
057/40 10 57. Fax: 057/40 14 20. Hours for the monastery cafe, In de
Vrede, 10 a.m. until the last visitor leaves Saturday to Thursday.
Closed on Fridays. Buying beer: Calling the Beer Phone, 057/40.10.57,
will tell you in Dutch and in French what beers are available.
Purchasing hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. daily except
Fridays, Sundays, and holidays.
For retreats, a short interview is required before guests are accepted.
Begin by sending a letter of request to the abbey, saying why you would
like to come. The 40 guest rooms inside the abbey walls cost 850 francs
a night, which includes four meals.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy (Rochefort), B-5580 Rochefort, Belgium.
Phone: 084/22 01 40. This abbey accepts retreatants on a case-by-case
basis. Candidates must contact Father Pierre, telling him why they wish
to come. There is no published price list. Casual visitors are admitted
only to the monastery's church and office. The abbey's beer, as well as
bread and cheese, can be purchased at a nearby shop: Magasin de
l'Abbaye, 9 Rue de Dewoin, Rochefort, 5580 Rochefort. Phone: 084/22 30
66. Fax 22 25 95. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval (Orval), B-6823 Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium.
Phone: 061/31 12 61. Fax: 061/31 29 27. Web: www.orval.be.
Brewery tours are available for groups by advance arrangement. Stays are
open to groups as well as individuals, men and women, for two to seven
days. Guests are invited to participate in the prayer of the community.
Those who so wish may ask one of the brothers for spiritual guidance.
To promote the atmosphere of recollection, meals are taken in silence
with background music. For the same reason, silence is requested inside
the house and on the guesthouse grounds. Single and double rooms are
offered; guests are requested to bring their own sheets or sleeping bag,
towels, and other personal items; sheets may also be rented.
Participation in the running expenses: The abbey proposes 970 Belgian
francs per day for adults, 800 for young people. The question of
expenses, however, should not hinder anyone from coming. Information
from Brother Guest-master Abbaye d'Orval, B-6823 Villers-devant-Orval.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont (Chimay), B-6464 Forges, Belgium. Phone:
060/21 05 11. Fax: 060/21 40 18. Web: www.chimay.be.
Although the abbey itself isn't accessible to the public, the gardens
and cemetery may be visited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The beer
bottling plant may also be visited at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday
from June 15 to Sept. 15.
For retreats, contact Father Jacques Blanpain. Price: 700 francs per day
includes meals. Auberge de Poteaupre (at Chimay) is a simple but elegant
seven-room country inn and restaurant owned by the monastery. Rue de
Poteaupre 5, B-6464 Bourlers, Belgium. Phone: 060/21 14 33. Fax: 060/21
44 04. Rates range from 2,000 to 2,400 francs per night April to
October; the rest of the year, they're 1,800 to 2,200 francs. Breakfast
is an additional 200 francs per person; lunch or dinner, add 800 francs.
Retired German brewery workers to get free beer
ERFURT, Germany, Aug 8 (Reuters) - A German court ruled on Tuesday that two
retired brewery workers should receive 150 litres (264 pints) of free beer a
year as part of their pension package and get back pay for three unpaid years
worth of brew. The brewery had promised workers and retirees 240 litres of
free beer a year, but then held back after falling into financial difficulty
and changing ownership.
The two former workers fought for three years and appealed to the highest
labour court before the compromise decision for 150 litres a year was reached.
They argued that they would have fought against mandatory retirement had they
had any forknowledge that their beer supply would be cut.
I was a beer-swilling teenager - UK's Hague
By John O'Callaghan
LONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - William Hague, leader of Britain's opposition
Conservatives, has been called many things but party animal rarely sprang to
mind -- until he boasted of downing 14 pints of beer a day as a teenager.
But the tale of his boozy exploits while working at his father's soft drinks
business, made in the latest issue of men's style magazine GQ, met with
derision and disbelief as another try by Hague at striking a more folksy image.
``Working at the lemonade factory was my holiday job from when I was 15 to 21.
I was the driver's mate, delivering the bottles and beer around South
Yorkshire,'' he told GQ.
``We used to have a pint at every stop -- well the driver's mate did, not the
driver, thankfully -- and we used to have about 50 stops a day.''
After-work drinks in the pub, Hague agreed, often topped up the total with 14
pints. ``Anyone who thinks I used to spend my holidays reading political
tracts should have come with me for a week,'' he said.
The boast was certainly not politically correct at a time when the Labour
government is trying to crack down on soccer hooligans and violence by drunken
``yobs'' in the street.
It also seemed entirely out of character for the fit, judo loving man who was
so enamoured with politics that he addressed a Conservative Party conference at
the tender age of 16.
Hague, the butt of jokes for his monotone voice and conservative suits, has
made several tries at loosening up his image -- with baseball hats, a
scalp-tight haircut and a style-makeover from GQ staff among them.
But novelist Will Self was among those doubting Hague's prowess with the pints.
``I don't believe it -- it just doesn't bear credibility. Hague was a
contemporary of mine at Oxford and he was not known for drinking 14 pints a
day,'' Self told the Evening Standard newspaper. ``It is a kind of cod working
class thing.''
Terry Glossop, assistant manager of the Angel pub in Hague's hometown of
Rotherham, recalled the Conservative leader was nicknamed ``Billy the Pop'' for
the soft drinks he delivered but did not remember his rounds taking in pubs.
``It was private houses, it was like a milk round delivery. I don't know about
public houses,'' he told the paper. ``Still, it's a good story.''
Govt accused of pocketing drinkers' beer money
The Queensland Opposition has accused the State Government of abolishing the
Commonwealth Liquor Subsidy scheme for beer drinkers and pocketing the money.
Liberal leader Doctor David Watson has questioned Treasurer, David Hamill,
about the $40 million scheme at a Parliamentary Budget Estimates Committee
hearing. Mr Hamill says the Commonwealth payments are not being pocketed
because they are being used to underpin the fuel subsidy.
"In relation to liquor, the funds that we received in respect of liquor, are
being absorbed in respect of payments in relation to fuel," he said.
"The Commonwealth is indicating that they want to see low alcohol beer
subsidies in place and we're currently negotiating with the Commonwealth in
respect to that."
The Treasurer told a Parliamentary Budget Estimates Committee that the liquor
industry was consulted.
"Otherwise the industry would not have been able to put in place pricing
arrangements from the first of July," he said.
"So of course those announcements were made, and if you missed them then I
think it reflects on you.
"The industry certainly didn't miss them, the industry is certainly aware of
those arrangements."
Dr Watson says it is a de facto beer tax.
"Mr Beattie has ripped off beer drinkers to the tune of $40 million," he said.
"He's taken the federal subsidy and he hasn't passed it on to beer drinkers.
"So that is raising the cost for every beer drinker in Queensland.
"We estimate they're probably raising it 40 or 50 cents a carton of beer, I
mean that's the bottom line."
Wednesday 9 August, 2000 Australia Broadcasting Corp.
Eichhof Postpones Spin-Off, Listing of Color Unit on New Market
Lucerne, Switzerland, Aug. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Eichhof Holding AG, a Swiss company
that brews beer and makes machinery, postponed the spin-off and listing of its
color unit, citing a ``changed market environment.''
Eichhof, which announced the public offering of New Jersey- based Datacolor
International a month ago, said it wants to concentrate on the integration of
recent acquisitions for its unit. Eichhof didn't say until when it postponed
the share sale. Datacolor, with sales of 100 million Swiss francs ($61
million), is one of the largest makers of color management and communications
technologies. Eichhof's fastest-growing business makes software enabling
customers to select and manage colors for textiles, paints and plastics over
the Internet.
``Based on a positive business development, Eichhof is convinced it will
achieve a higher value for shareholders in its color division,'' the company
said in a statement. Datacolor competes with Gretag Macbeth Holding AG,
U.S.-based X-rite Inc. and Japan's Minolta Ltd. in the color-management market.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Announces Major News for 2001
America's 'Most Beautiful Theme Park' Gets a Little 'Greener' With Ireland
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch Gardens Williamsburg today
announced the addition of Ireland, the European-themed park's sixth country.
Ireland is scheduled to open Spring 2001.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg visitors will experience the charm of the past with
the pulse of the present. From pub adventure and enchantment to food and
folklore, guests can expect an authentic journey through the Emerald Isle.
Guests venture across the Brittany Bridge to an Irish festival marketplace,
where spirited Irish musicians set the tone from several pubs. Guests become
Irish villagers, travel on a white-knuckle 3-D simulator journey through a land
of giants, experience traditional Irish dance, shop for Irish goods and enjoy
pints of Budweiser in authentic pubs.
"Ireland will deliver an unparalleled journey for our guests in 2001. There's
nothing like it anywhere," said Daniel Brown, executive vice president and
general manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. "The combination of European
charm and mythical folklore, along with Ireland's reputation for hospitality
made it a natural choice for Busch Gardens Williamsburg."
Guests will discover Ireland residents love to entertain. The Abbey Stone
Theater will be home to a world-class, professional dance show, featuring
energetic Irish dance originals along with the fast and furious footwork of
Irish step dancing. Strolling musicians and singers in the village square will
captivate guests with song, dance and a wee bit o' storytelling. The Killarney
Sound Machine and its resident leprechaun will guarantee a laugh or two as he
engages guests in witty conversation and entertains with his magical music
machine.
Corkscrew Hill, a thrilling 3-D action adventure experience, takes guests on a
magical and mystical Celtic journey through a land of giants. The
larger-than-life adventure invites guests to experience life as miniatures in a
world ruled by roaming giants. Riders encounter a hungry witch, a magical
stallion and soar on the talons of a huge beast and plow through a giant potato
and enjoy a simulated beer splash.
Just a few steps away from Corkscrew Hill awaits The Enchanted Castle of
Duneen. Visitors to this enchanting castle meet a young heir and join him for
an awesome music and special effects show including rain, thunder, ghostly
banshees and a brilliant fiber optic rainbow that appears magically over the
audience. This show will make guests believe that wishes really do come true.
Ireland will be enhanced by Irish artisans working throughout the hamlet.
Visitors can stroll into the Emerald Isle Shop for fine gifts of Waterford
crystal, Beleek china, Irish textiles and many other Irish hand-crafted
products selected especially for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Toys of the
Leprechaun Shop and Pot o' Gold Magic Shop are where guests of all ages will
find enchanting gifts.
Traditional Irish food can be found at Grogan's Grille and Grogan's Pubs, where
genuine Irish hospitality is served up daily. A strolling balladeer and
musicians create a cheerful dining experience while encouraging a rousing
sing-along. Guests can savor traditional favorites like corned beef
sandwiches, Irish stew, smashed potatoes, and soda bread plus a full variety of
Anheuser-Busch beers...just like in the old country.
Construction will begin in September 2000. Ireland, Busch Gardens
Williamsburg's sixth country, is scheduled to open in Spring 2001.
The Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Busch Gardens and Water Country USA
in Williamsburg, Va.; Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld
Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio and Cleveland; Sesame Place,
a children's play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a
family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine
animals. Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks employ more than 15,000 people. To
learn more, visit the interactive Web site at www.buschgardens.com or call
757-253-3350.
Thirsting for a stock or two to buy? Banc of America likes the beverage group
By Susan Lerner, CBS.MarketWatch.com
August 8 NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Whazzup in the beverage sector? A lot, according
to Scott Wilkins.
The Banc of America analyst initiated coverage of the industry with an
"overweight" recommendation Tuesday, telling clients he believes there
is further upside even though many stocks in the group already have
bounced off their lows, with some even standing near 52-week highs.
Listen to radio report.
"Some of the same forces that have influenced the recent
merger-and-acquisition activity in the global food sector are equally
relevant for the beverage companies," Wilkins wrote in his research
note. "Speculation regarding industry consolidation could heighten
interest."
Although generally known as defensive stocks, Wilkins says beverage
equities also are attractive because companies in the industry are
better today than they were two years ago as a result of cost-cutting
programs and refocused strategies.
然ealistically bright' prospects
"The results are evident and the prospects for these actions to improve
future earnings are realistically bright," Wilkins wrote.
As for specific recommendations, soft-drink makers Coca-Cola Co. (KO:
news, chart) and PepsiCo (PEP: news, chart) as well as beer giants
Anheuser-Busch (BUD: news, chart) and Adolph Coors (RKY: news, chart)
received "buy" ratings from Wilkins, while bottlers Coca-Cola
Enterprises (CCE: news, chart), Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG: news, chart)
and Whitman Corp. (WH: news, chart) were all rated "strong buy."
Wilkins set a $72 12-month price target for Coke, which he expects to
sell over 18 billion cases of its products in 2001, and a $25 target for
Coca-Cola Enterprises, which he expects to sell about 4 billion cases of
product in 2001.
Coke shares slipped 7/16 to close at 60 15/16, while Coca-Cola
Enterprises' stock gained 11/16 to 20 5/8.
As for PepsiCo, Wilkins believes the company will continue to produce
results that confirm the success of its three-year restructuring. "PepsiCo is
today a far more diverse packaged-goods company possessing a
stable of strong brands in three segments -- salty snacks, soft drinks
and fresh juice," Wilkins said.
Indeed, he told clients, he expects the majority of the company's growth
to come from its Frito-Lay division, which he called "the gem of the
company."
Shares of Pepsi, for which Wilkins has a $52 12-month price target, were
off 3/16 to 44 7/16 on the day. Looking at the Pepsi bottlers, he expects Pepsi
Bottling to continue delivering quality results at or above expectations and
said that Whitman, although still facing some uncertainties, has performed
well
operationally thus far in its restructuring.
Pepsi Bottling shares dropped 3/8 to 30 11/16 and Whitman shares lost
7/16 to 14 5/8. Wilkins has respective 12-month price targets of $37 and
$19 for the two bottlers.
Still some yeast left in beer group
On the beer side, Wilkins estimates Anheuser-Busch will ship about 102
million barrels of beer next year, not including volume from partially
owned Grupo Modelo, the leading Mexican brewer.
As for Coors, Wilkins sees the country's third-largest brewer shipping
23.6 million barrels of beer next year.
Wilkins' 12-month target for Anheuser-Bush is $92. The stock rose 2
3/16, to finish the day at 84 3/16. His target for Coors, which dipped
1/16 to 64, is $75.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000808/11/odd-caterer-dc
Prison Caterer Gets Taste of Own Cuisine
August 8, 2000 RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A multimillionaire who cooked up a
fortune by making meals for Brazilian prisons got a taste of his own
poorly rated cuisine after he was put behind bars, police say.
Jair Coelho, a 68-year-old magnate known as the "King of the Shit Lunch Box,"
was jailed pending formal charges regarding an investigation of his role
in alleged fraud and racketeering linked to a lucrative contract to
supply all the prison food in Rio de Janeiro state, or about 22,000
boxed meals a day.
The quality of the food supplied by Coelho's company has been criticized
by prison officials and prisoners alike.
Coelho was put in a cell with 12 other men, mostly white-collar and
elderly criminals who were not considered dangerous.
"This precaution was taken because there was a risk of retaliation from
prisoners who eat the food supplied by his company," Alvaro Lins,
director at the Rio de Janeiro port prison, said Monday.
With the monopoly on prison food, Coelho and his wife became prominent
figures in Rio's so-called "emergent society," formed by a handful of
new wealthy families.
Coelho and the other inmates ate rice, beans, creamed corn and meat with
tomato sauce for lunch on Monday, prison officials said.
J2jurado
000&bu14.txt
From The Nation (Thailand) Tuesday 8th August
Carlsberg renews bid for local market to revitalise its sagging image to
revive interest
in its premium beer in Thailand.
Executive vice president Jim Napier has even predicted Carlsberg will grab
more than half of Thailand's premium beer sales within the next two years.
Carlsberg has failed to win over a large proportion of Thai beer drinkers
since its fanfare launch here in 1993. Initially, Carlsberg planned to take
on Boon Rawd Brewery's Singha beer in a full-scale beer war with the
assistance of the lower-premium Chang brand.
"The way was intentionally prepared by Carlsberg for Chang beer to come
into the market," Napier said.
According to the original plan, Carlsberg and Chang were to lead a
two-pronged assault on Singha's market share. Accordingly, Carlsberg priced
itself
10 per cent higher than Singha, while Chang marked its product 10 per cent
cheaper, to appeal to both ends of the market spectrum.
The strategy proved a marketing blunder. Carlsberg's stylish image was
also eroded by the lesser-quality Chang beer.
Napier initially claimed Chang beer, inaugurated in 1995, would grow from
scratch to attain more than 60 per cent of the market.
Currently, Carlsberg claims it has a 35-per-cent share of the premium beer
segment. The segment accounts for only 6 per cent of overall beer sales,
with lower-grade brands in the standard market making up the great bulk of
total sales.
Active brands in the premium beer market are Heineken, Carlsberg,
Mittweida, Kloster, and Budweiser.
Singha, Leo, Super Leo, Chang and make up the standard market.
The total beer market stood at 1.1 billion litres last year and continuous
growth of at least 10 per cent a year is anticipated.
"We aim at increasing the market share of Carlsberg in the premium beer
segment to more than 50 per cent in the next two to three years," Napier said.
Carlsberg Brewery (Thailand) set up a sales and marketing company - CBTL
Trading - in March, following the company's plan to rejuvenate its brand and
reposition it within the premium segment. About 100 staff were recruited,
mostly for sales and marketing posts.
Napier, also managing director of the new company, said it would double
its existing team next year.
He said the company had made a fresh investment in the Carlsberg brand,
re-launching the beer in May, when it replaced the old brown-glass bottles
with snazzy new green ones.
More than Bt200 million would be allocated this year to rebuild awareness
of Carlsberg among premium beer drinkers, he said.
"We plan to re-establish our brand in the market through our new company's
drive on sales and marketing and the product's new packaging," Napier said.
The company needed a good team to focus on rebuilding the Carlsberg brand.
This would not only increase the availability of Carlsberg in the
marketplace but would also develop brand awareness within existing outlets.
The new sales company would give maximum customer support and aggressively
promote the brand.
A price adjustment has also been made. The price of Carlsberg beer in
supermarkets and take-home outlets has been upped by 10 per cent, from Bt48 and
Bt50 to Bt55.
Since it re-launched the brand, the company has successfully achieved a
sales increase of 20 per cent in volume, the executive said.
Sponsorship of sporting events and music marketing will also be used to
lift its profile in the premium segment.
Two major promotions would be launched every year, Napier said, to run
concurrently with numerous smaller campaigns.
"We respect Heineken, which successfully dominates more than 50 per cent
of the premium beer segment. But we do not fear them," he said. In Malaysia,
for the example, Carlsberg controlled 65 per cent of the market, while
Heineken only had a 2-per-cent share.
Thailand showed long-term positive growth in local beer consumption, the
Carlsberg boss said. Current consumption per capita is 16 litres every year,
four times that of 1992.
In the Philippines, beer consumption per capita now stands at 38 litres.
Carlsberg's (Thailand) Wang Noi brewery can produce 120 million litres a
year of Carlsberg and Chang beer. It is owned by vice chairman Charoen
Sirivadhanabhakdi, a major shareholder of Sura Maharas.
Operated by Beer Thai since 1991, the Chang beer brewery at Bang Ban can
produce another 540 million litres a year.
Napier said Carlsberg planned to open a new brewery at Kamphaeng Phet in
November next year. This would have a production capacity of 500 million
litres per year, and would meet anticipated rise in demand.
http://www.beverageonline.com/content/news/article.asp?DocID={8D1A6BBF-6C7
0-11D4-8C57-009027DE0829}&Bucket=Latest+Headlines
Employees buying brewery
8/8/2000 - City Brewing Co. (La Crosse, WI) is being sold to employees and an
investor group. Co-owner Jim Strupp said a letter of intent for the purchase
has been signed by both sides. Strupp said he and John Mazzuto, who bought the
G. Heileman Brewery for $10.5 million in November and reopened it as City
Brewing, will not have an ownership interest.
"We just think it's more appropriate, based on our deal, not to be part
owners,” Strupp said. The sale to employees and the unidentified investors
group is expected to be completed in 30 to 60 days. Most of the brewery's 62
employees have been laid off since June 9, because the cash-strapped business
ran out of bottles, cans and other packaging supplies.
http://www.beverageonline.com/content/news/article.asp?DocID={7CA45D46-66C
C-11D4-8C57-009027DE0829}
21.4 Million Tons of Beer Produced
8/1/2000 - CHINA, August 01, AsiaPort -- According to the information
released by authoritative department, at present the output of beer of China is
only next to that of the US, ranking the 2nd in the world and 21.4 million tons
of beer is expected to be produced. It is learned that the output of beer of
China in 1999 reached 20.54 million tons and at present the output is
increasing at the speed of 5 percent to 7 percent.
http://www.realbeer.com/news/articles/news-001330.html
Miller saves $1 million on power bill
Government program helps brewery reduce carbon dioxide emissions
AUG 8, 2000 - A government program helped Miller Brewing Co. save $1 million in
energy costs at is Milwaukee brewery in 1999. The program, called Climate Wise,
is designed to help industrial companies cut the emission of greethouse gases.
The program cuts carbon dioxide emissions through strict monitoring
requirements and the development and identification of more efficient
production processes and equipment. The ensuing reduction in energy use, and
with it, the reduction in energy costs, benefit the company and the
environment, proponents say.
Audrey Templeton, Miller's environmental and energy coordinator, said that
Climate Wise and other energy conservation initiatives helped reduce the amount
of energy used to produce a barrel of beer by 3% in 1999. While the reduction
in energy usage per barrel didn't match the company goal of 5%, the results
allowed Miller to save an estimated $1.2 million on energy.
The company managed the reduction by replacing old equipment at the brewery and
implementing some simple energy conservation measures, such as turning off some
brewery lights at night, Templeton said.
European businessmen jailed in Democratic Congo
KINSHASA, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Two senior executives of a major brewery in
Democratic Congo have been imprisoned on currency charges and remain in jail
despite a court order to release them, company sources told Reuters on
Wednesday.
Jacques Gelin, director of Bralima and a French national, and Hans Neven, the
Belgian acting finance director, were arrested in Kinshasa on July 27. They
were accused of trafficking in foreign currencies and sabotaging the Congolese
franc, the local currency, the sources said. But a diplomatic source said a
court last week ruled that the charges against the two men, who are being held
at Kinshasa's central prison, were null and void and ordered their immediate
release.
Government officials were unavailable for comment. The government has placed
strict controls on foreign exchange and cracked down on the black market in an
effort to bring some stability to the franc. However a chronic shortage of
foreign exchange continues to drive down the black market rate for the
Congolese franc, which is trading at 60 to the dollar this week.
The shortage of hard currency means that many businesses are forced to buy
foreign exchange on the black market rather than at the official rate, set by
the central bank at 23.5 Congolese francs to the dollar.
Brit Tory's Drinking Claim Doubted
.c The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - Conservative Party leader William Hague won front-page headlines
Wednesday with his claim of drinking 14 pints of beer per day as a hardworking
teen - but perhaps not the headlines he would have wished.
``Billy Liar,'' said the front page of The Sun newspaper. ``I'm a boozer not a
loser,'' said The Independent. Several commentators regarded Hague's revelation
as a bid to change his image: He is known as a politically obsessed youth who,
at 16, was applauded by Margaret Thatcher for his three-minute speech to a
Conservative Party conference.
In an interview with GQ magazine, Hague said he worked as a ``driver's mate''
on a truck delivering soft drinks and beer in Yorkshire. ``We used to have
pints at every stop - well the driver's mate did, not the driver, thankfully -
and we used to have about 10 stops in a day. You worked so hard you didn't feel
you'd drunk 10 pints by four o'clock, you used to sweat so much,'' he said.
Hague added that he would finish the night with four more pints in a pub.
Fourteen pints works out to slightly more than two U.S. gallons.
Some people in Hague's home town of Rotherham were skeptical.
``He worked for his father's soft drinks company and was known as 'Billy Fizz'
and 'Billy the Pop.' The idea of him sinking 14 pints is laughable - nobody has
seen him round here for years,'' said Terry Glossop, assistant manager of the
Angel pub. Glossop later offered to treat Hague to 14 pints ``on the house - as
long as he drinks the lot.''
David Rusby, an old friend of the Conservative leader, said he had seen Hague
drink as many as eight pints in a night, but not 14. ``He can drink a lot and
quite often we would be the worse for wear and walk home a lot slower than we
had arrived,'' The Mirror newspaper quoted Rusby as saying.
John Prescott, deputy leader of the governing Labor Party, doubted Hague's
capacity. ``I think that is like the fisherman's tale - how big was the fish
you caught? This big? OK, then keep on drinking,'' Prescott said.
R U S H I N G T H E G R O W L E R is now in its 4th printing (3rd
edition) with 23 new never before published photo's and images!
By Stephen R. Powell
"A serious student of history...his book is well researched and fully
documented...more then just brewing in Buffalo. It's a chronology of the
industry from the first small brewers to the arrival of the mega
brewers...the demise of the home town plants, the development of American
style lager, and the microbrewery movement...an informative and entertaining
book."
---------------American Breweriana Journal
"A top ten book of the year. This is a fine example of a regional brewing
study and will, we hope, inspire more historians of this
sort."---------------American Brewer
"Steve Powell's "Rushing the Growler," for example, is a delight to anyone
who occasionally likes to hoist a brew or two. It's a history of brewing in
Buffalo, a topic that often draws reminiscences but hasn't until now, been
brought to such a researched head."
--------------Mike Vogel The Buffalo News
-This new edition features over 23 new images and pages of text
Rushing the Growler,
A History of Brewing in Buffalo 1795-1999- 4th edition (ISBN
0-9677119-0-8)will be available for
sale December 8th.
Reserve your copies now as supplies are limited.
THE PRICE IS $20.00 NET EACH +3.50 SHIPPING AND HANDLING. In NY state add 8%
sales tax($1.60 PER BOOK). We accept cash or money orders only. THIS BOOK IS
AVAILABLE DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER. For more information contact:
Apogee Productions
52 Dorchester Road
Buffalo, NY 14222
Tel: 716-884-3201
e-mail: gro...@historian.org
http://www.historian.org/growler
www.Amazon.com (in stock)
www.bn.com (1-2 weeks)
Waldenbooks (all 4 Western New York stores) (in Stock)
http://www.tleavesbooks.com
http://www.wnybooks.com
History On-Line Website
http://www.historian.org
The History of Brewing in Buffalo
http://www.bluemoon.net/~spowell
Gluek Brewing Co. Produces World's First Hard Energy Malt Beverage, Expects to
Pump Mega Millions of Dollars into State Economy
COLD SPRING, Minn., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Gluek Brewing Co. announced today
that it was named producer of the world's first hard energy malt beverage,
called "Hard E," for California-based Hard E Beverage Co. The beer, which has
a 5.0 percent alcohol by volume, includes ginseng extract; vitamins A, B and C;
other nutrients; a clear malt base and natural citrus flavor containing
imported vodka.
"The history of the beer brewing industry has always been sort of 'me too'
since beers contain many of the same ingredients, but 'Hard E' opens up a
totally new kind of malt beverage...something this industry has never seen,"
said Maurice Bryan, president of Gluek Brewing Co. "It's a whole new category
for the beer industry."
Bryan also said production of "Hard E" has the potential to generate hundreds
of jobs and bring in hundreds of millions of dollars statewide in related
businesses such as suppliers, restaurants, packaging companies and trucking
firms. Gluek, the third largest employer in Cold Spring's town of 3,003 has
grown from 25 to 45 employees in the last two months and expects to double its
staff by December.
Hard E Beverage Co. chose Gluek to produce the malt beverage for a variety of
reasons: its 143-year tradition of brewing, its water quality, superior malt
base and record for quality products. Mike Kneip, Gluek's head brewmaster, is
a top award winner in all national competitions, even against giants such as
Budweiser, Miller and Coors.
The brewery's location was chosen 126 years ago for the crystalline granite
springs that run deep below it. The springs require no filtration. "To our
knowledge, Gluek Brewing Co. is the only brewery in the United States that does
not have to pre-treat its water because of the water's purity, and it is ranked
as teh best beer," said Bryan.
Those springs are tapped continually to manufacture 47 different beers, soda
and waters sold nationally and internationally. Among them are private label
beverages for three of the top four grocery chains in the United States,
including Kroger's, Albertson's and Safeway. Last year Gluek sold about
500,000 cases of its products. This year sales will increase to between 1.5
and 2 million cases, a 200- to 250-percent increase. Gluek recently invested
$350,000 to build an 18,000-square-foot warehouse onto its 77,000-foot plant to
accommodate the growth.
Turkish CB chief says to sue Soros over comments
ANKARA, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Turkish Central Bank Governor Gazi Ercel on Wednesday
threatened to sue billionaire financier George Soros over remarks made in a
recent newspaper interview. "I intend to sue Mr. Soros for his unfounded
statements," Ercel told Reuters by telephone, calling the remarks "unfounded
and ill-informed."
Monday's Wall Street Journal quoted Soros as saying that Ercel's previous work
for the Yasar Group -- a company with interests in banking, brewing, energy and
tourism -- meant there was "evidently a conflict of interest" with any
regulatory investigation into the group's activities. Ercel denied any
conflict of interest and rejected any suggestion of bias in favour of Yasar
Group.
"I left the Yasar Group four and a half years ago and in all positions I have
since occupied, I have not protected or supported anyone. I have not been
directed by any group, neither have I attempted to protect anyone," Ercel said.
According to the Wall Street Journal report, Soros has asked Turkey's Capital
Markets Board to investigate share deals in a brewery, Turk Tuborg <TBORG.IS>,
in which both he and Yasar Group hold stakes.
Officials at the Capital Markets Board were not immediately available for
comment.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000809/11/odd-circumcision-dc
Teen Critical After Circumcision Goes Badly Wrong
August 9, 2000 NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) - A Kenyan teenage boy was in critical
condition after his penis was cut off in a botched circumcision, a Kenyan
newspaper reported Wednesday.
The People newspaper said the 13-year old -- a member of the Luhya tribe of
western Kenya -- had collapsed after a tribal elder mistakenly hacked off his
whole penis instead of just the foreskin.
"The boy, who had braved the chilly morning to face the sharp blade...cried out
aloud and writhed in pain, teeth bared as he saw all the treasures he had
carefully preserved for the big day drop to the polythene bag he was standing
on," the newspaper said.
It said the circumciser had been severely beaten up by friends and relatives of
the boy, and that a crowd had then surrounded him in a thatched hut chanting
"kill him, kill him." He sneezed during a crucial moment in the ceremony. Most
tribes in Kenya practice traditional circumcision, with a ceremony marking the
entry into manhood. Participants usually jump into a cold river to numb the
pain before an elder removes the foreskin with a sharp blade.
J2jurado
Friday evening.
***********
http://www.pioneerplanet.com:80/seven
-days/2/news/docs/031112.htm
Talks about La Crosse brewey sale continue
Financial services company reportedly is prospective buyer
ASSOCIATED PRESS - LA CROSSE, WIS.
Talks continued Monday on the sale of the financially troubled City Brewing
Co. to a financial services company that would give workers a stake in the
new venture, brewing company President Randy Smith said.
`
`There are a lot of issues that have to get resolved before a deal gets
done,'' he said. ``As we speak, I don't know if a deal can get done.''
City Brewing bought the former G. Heileman property from The Stroh Brewery
Co. less than a year ago. The brewery, with a long history and identity in
the community, was established in 1858. Smith refused more specifics about
the newest potential buyer, other than it is a financial services company
outside the La Crosse area. The potential buyer would form an entity to buy
the brewery and give an ``ownership piece'' to a group of workers interested
in a stake in the venture, Smith said. Last week, one of the current owners,
Jim Strupp, said a letter of intent for the purchase had been signed, and he
expected an announcement regarding the sale to an investor group would be
made Monday. Smith said Monday he didn't think such an announcement would be
made and that workers ``were a little surprised'' by Strupp's early
announcement.
Strupp and partner John Mazzuto of New York-based Platinum Holdings bought
the brewery from Stroh Brewery for $10.5 million in November and renamed it
City Brewery, its original name when founded by Gottlieb Heileman and John
Gund.
Stroh had closed the brewery, selling its labels, such as Old Style, to
other companies. Platinum Holdings stepped in and the brewery itself remained
intact. But since beer production resumed last year, millions of dollars in
debts have piled up and most of the brewery's 62 workers have been laid off
since early June. Production of beer ceased once the cash-strapped business
ran out of bottles, cans and other packaging supplies and suppliers refused
the company any more credit.
The brewery has occasionally produced beer and put it in kegs for sale in
bars and restaurants since then, with employees working without pay. A La
Crosse County circuit judge has scheduled a hearing Wednesday on motions by
City Brewing's largest lender for a final foreclosure judgment and
court-ordered sale of the brewery, and for the appointment of a receiver.
Strupp, who has promised to infuse money into the business in the past, did
not immediately return telephone messages left Monday by the Associated
Press at his New York office.
Ron Buschman, a union leader for workers at the brewery, also did not
immediately return telephone messages for comment on the latest
developments.
Mayor John Medinger said he understood talks over the sale of the brewery
included some ``fairly substantial obstacles,'' including price and
long-term contracts for brewing other companies' beer at the plant. `
`It continues to be a very frustrating issue,'' Medinger said. ``There is a
chance (a deal) won't get done. This whole thing could fall apart yet.''
So far, the potential buyer has not requested any public money to help
finance the deal, the mayor said. The city and La Crosse County each
loaned Platinum Holdings $450,000 in its deal to buy the brewery from Stroh.
``Hopefully, we will get paid back,'' the mayor said.
http://www.post-gazette.com:80/businessnews/20000809brew4.asp
Pittsburgh Brewing faces new lawsuit
Wednesday, August 09, 2000 By Len Boselovic, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Pittsburgh Brewing is facing another lawsuit over unpaid bills.
PECO Energy is suing the Lawrenceville brewery for $357,534 for electricity
it received from PECO's Exelon Energy unit. That was the amount Pittsburgh
Brewing owed as of June 16, according to a lawsuit filed Aug. 1 in Allegheny
County Court of Common Pleas.
Brewery Vice Chairman Joe Piccirilli, who led the investment group that
purchased the company in 1995, said he had not seen Exelon's lawsuit. He
said the brewery had gone for about a year without receiving a bill from the
utility. In December, the brewery entered into a payment plan with Exelon
because of the size of the amount due, Piccirilli said. Since then, the
brewery has been paying nearly $20,000 a month, he said.
"I don't know what prompted [the lawsuit]. We've been making our payments,"
he said. An Exelon spokesman said the brewery was a customer from April 1999
until May 9, when the utility terminated the relationship.
Pittsburgh Brewing owes the city more than $941,000, according to liens
filed last month by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. Most of that is
for
service last year. The brewery is contesting some of the charges and
promises to pay whatever it owes, a city official said.
The brewery is also paying off a $187,500 bill from the state Department of
Revenue for malt beverage taxes the company failed to pay last year.
Separately, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority wants to talk
with Pittsburgh Brewing about the interest-only payments it's been making
since September on a $1.4 million loan.
Agency spokesman Jeff Gingerich said the company asked for and was granted
authority to make interest-only payments through May. Even though the
agreement expired, the brewery has continued paying only the interest,
Gingerich said.
The agency has been trying to contact the brewery but hasn't received a
response, Gingerich said. The state's next step would be to ask the company
to pay the $138,556 in back principal immediately or agree to a payment
plan.
If that doesn't happen, the state could declare the loan in default and
demand payment of the outstanding principal balance of $832,823, Gingerich
said. The loan was granted in 1996. Piccirilli said the brewery is working
with Mayor Murphy's office to get the state to reauthorize interest-only
payments.
Pittsburgh Brewing has met with the Water and Sewer Authority and Alcosan to
discuss the unpaid bills. Alcosan spokeswoman Nancy Barylak said some minor
adjustments were made to the sewage bills.
"They're very cognizant they're behind and want to make things right," she
said.
http://www.thetaste.co.uk/documents/27834-001098.html
Micro keg 2, 6 July 2000
An increasing number of micro breweries are diversifying into keg and
nitrokeg beers and, dare it be said, lager!
BRENDAN MOORE
of Norfolk's Iceni Brewery explains how Lad Lager came about.
For a small brewery to set up and brew cask ales, the change to produce
lager in keg as well would involve something of a revolution. The Iceni
Brewery decided that the market and approach was so different that it
was best to form a new company to run the operation. Lager UK Ltd was
the result, a new way of promoting a lager that would be more than a
match for the millions of pounds spent each year by the big brewers
selling products with Dutch or German names.
Finding out how we could produce a lager on our plant took over a month
of asking other small breweries and suppliers for advice. We bought in
some extra cooling equipment in the shape of six former Whitbread
cooling tanks, even though the winter temperature in the brewery was
struggling to rise above those of a Bavarian cave and, with a loan of
other bits and pieces from Liz and John at O'Hanlon's brewery - another
micro which has very successfully made an entry into the keg market - we
had our pilot plant.
The brewing took eight weeks but this was the easy part of launching a
keg lager. How were we to break into a market that was the province of
large breweries with large amounts of promotional cash to spend?
The first lucky break came when Matthew Williams, a New Zealand student
on a world tour of beer-drinking countries, chose to make the Iceni
Brewery his UK base. Matthew, who had experience of brewing in the USA,
also had a degree in marketing (very useful). By the start of January
1999 the first pilot batch of lager was in the keg and ready for sale
but we didn't know how to dispense it. Help was at hand as brewing
consultant Mike Beech lived in the next village, and under his direction
we soon had crystal clear pints topped up with white heads going across
the bar at the White Horse at Brandon and the Griffin Hotel at
Attleborough. Dave Marsh, the landlord at the White Horse, christened
the lager 'Lad' and sales of Lad Lager commenced only to stop again
after the hectic weekend trade saw the pilot batch used up and the fo
llow up batch not yet ready.
The breathing space was useful as it gave us time to finish off the
marketing we felt we needed to support the introduction of Lad Lager.
Again the people that could help were available in the local area. Model
Lindsey Flaxman was on hand to add a sparkle to our promotional
photography and to ensure that our product got more than a second look
from the young men in our target market. Tim and Lorna Soar provided the
photography and the advice on gaining media attention, and we were
beginning to look good. This advice certainly paid off - after our
launch at the Crown at Northwold, we got coverage in the Sun and Daily
Star newspapers, the Daily Star using the photograph of Lindsey which
graced the cover of last months issue of the TASTE! prominently on a
right hand page.
Jeremy Woods turned the still photography into moving images that could
be played over PC monitors in the pubs and we had the big player feel
that we wanted for the product.
Most important in the launch was the role of the landladies and
landlords who supported our shaky beginnings and who were so
enthusiastic about Lad Lager to their customers. Initial reaction to the
lager - which because it is just chilled and filtered rather than being
pasteurised is less likely to give you wind than other lagers - has been
very positve. The challenge for us now is to keep up the quality and
promotion so that we don't get lost in the vast market that exists for
premium lager.
Photo Caption: Brewer Brendan Moore pours a pint of Lad at the White Horse,
Brandon.
This article appeared in TT!11 (April 1999) Published: 6 July 2000
http://www.latimes.com:80/food/20000809/t000074376.html
Tea on the Rocks
By ERICA MARCUS, Newsday. August 9
After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. Yet it is
only in America that tea is served over ice.
The hot climate of the South--where the vast majority of the country's tea
is consumed--may partially explain our preference for iced tea, but consider
that the world's greatest tea drinkers, the British, never stopped drinking
their tea hot, even when they presided over their exceedingly tropical colony,
India.
Many an American's quest for a quick cold tea has ended in opening a can
or a bottle. Shameful, really, because making your own vastly superior iced tea
requires only two ingredients, one of which is water.
Once you've made the decision to make your own iced tea, two burning
questions present themselves: Should you use the same tea to make iced tea as
hot? And is there a quicker way to make iced tea than cooling down an
equivalent amount of hot tea?
First, the question of the tea. Though many iced-tea drinkers will happily
quaff any decent quality tea cold, connoisseurs maintain that only certain teas
are appropriate over ice.
"The teas that make the best hot teas don't make the best iced teas," says
John Martinson, co-founder and president of China Mist Tea Co., a supplier of
iced-tea ingredients and equipment for restaurants and hotels.
The difference between a good hot tea and a good iced tea, says Martinson,
is in the amount of tannin in the leaves. (Tannin, wine drinkers know, is the
bitter substance also found in grape skins that gives red wine its
characteristic bite.)
"When you brew a high-tannin tea," says Martinson, "it tastes great hot.
But ice makes it taste bitter and dry, and it will cloud up like chocolate
milk. For iced tea, you want teas that are low in tannins." Lemon, despite its
acidic kick, does tend to smooth out the flavor of slightly tannic tea, he
says.
Harney & Sons, a mail order purveyor of fine teas that sells a number of
special iced-tea blends, has gone to great lengths to find a tea that works
well over ice. Mike Harney, who runs the company with his father and brother,
says the search ended with "a specific tea from northern China that handles the
ice and the dilution without growing cloudy."
Lipton, the country's leading tea producer, also sells a line of products
designed especially for the iced-tea drinker. For years, the company has sold
an "Iced Tea Brew," a blend of black teas particularly suited to being served
over ice. The tea is sold, in individual serving- and pitcher-sized bags,
throughout the South and more spottily in other parts of the country.
This year, Lipton introduced its "Cold Brew Blend," tea bags that infuse
in cold tap water in five minutes. "It's a great convenience for people who
have never before brewed their own iced tea," says John Caron, Lipton's vice
president of beverages.
Getting iced tea right is not a sideline for Lipton. According to Caron,
roughly 80% of the tea drunk in the United States is drunk over ice.
One way to ensure that your tea will taste good iced is to purchase a tea
that is so labeled, such as Harney's Black Currant Iced Tea Blend, ($12 for 30
quart-sized bags) or Lipton's Cold Brew Blend ($2.79 for 24 quart-sized bags).
When asked which specific teas fit the iced-tea bill, Lipton's Caron and
China Mist's Martinson refuse to divulge the sources of their teas. Mike Harney
is slightly more forthcoming, citing Darjeeling and Assam as two teas that are
not ideal for icing and adding, "Ceylon does a pretty nice job."
Harney also explains a quick method for brewing iced tea. "If you want to
do a quart," he says, "take a quarter ounce of tea and a cup of boiling water
and brew for 15 minutes. That will take it down to room temperature. Then add
three cups of cold tap water to the concentrate and you'll have one quart of
iced." Harney cautions against putting the hot concentrate in the refrigerator,
because "cooling down too quickly causes cloudiness."
This basic concentrate method can be speeded up if more tea is used. Thus
Lipton's Caron, whose tea is markedly less expensive than Harney's, advises:
"Boil a little water, put a lot of tea bags into it, and sugar if you want it.
Let it steep for three to five minutes, then dilute with cold water. It beats
anything out of a can."
To sweeten or not to sweeten: Among the tea cognoscenti, unsweetened tea
is always preferred, as sugar tends to mask the character. But many folks
believe there are times when nothing but sweetened iced tea will do.
If you've tried to stir granulated sugar into ice-cold tea, you know it's
a toss-up as to whether this method is more frustrating or time-consuming.
Better to add sugar when the tea is still hot or to use superfine sugar
when it's cold. Real tea nuts may want to cook up a batch of simple syrup
(equal parts sugar and water cooked until the sugar has dissolved and the
mixture is clear) and serve it alongside the tea in a small pitcher.
Finally, a word about the dreaded cloudiness. John Harney counsels, "If
your iced tea does get cloudy, add a little shot of hot water to it and it
should clear up."
Hot summer lifts July beer shipments by 2.2%
.c Kyodo News Service
TOKYO, Aug. 10 (Kyodo) - Japan's four major brewers delivered 802,147
kiloliters of beer and ''happoshu'' malt liquor in July, up 2.2% from a year
earlier, thanks to the hot weather which evidently increased the thirst of the
nation's beer drinkers. The total, the first increase for a July in four
years, comprised 631,551 kl of beer, down 2.2%, and 170,594 kl of lower-priced
happoshu low-malt effervescent brews, up 22.9%.
Overall, Suntory Ltd. increased shipments by 3.5%, while Kirin Brewery Co.
enjoyed a 3.4% rise. Sapporo Breweries Ltd. expanded shipments by 3.3%.
Sapporo, which added Reisei Karakuchi to its happoshu line in May, increased
shipments of the malt liquor by 44% from a year earlier. Kirin boosted its
happoshu sales by around 22%.
In contrast, Asahi Breweries Ltd., the biggest player in the total market,
increased shipments by a mere 0.3%. Happoshu is not among Asahi's beverage
lineup.
Cost-conscious consumers apparently opted for happoshu due to its relatively
low price, as the beverages are subject to lower taxes due to their lower malt
content. A typical 350-milliliter can of happoshu sells for 145 yen against a
suggested retail price of 218 yen for conventional beer.
Happoshu accounted for 21.3% of the beer and malt liquor market in July.
Carlsberg Sells 75% of Shanghai Brewery to Tsingtao
Copenhagen, Aug. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Carlsberg A/S, the world's sixth-largest
brewer, said it sold control of an unprofitable Shanghai brewery to Tsingtao
Brewery Co. for $19 million to save costs at its Asian business.
Tsingtao will pay cash for 75 percent of Carlsberg Brewery (Shanghai) Ltd.
``The establishment of this joint venture cooperation ensures an optimal
utilization of our brewery operation in Shanghai,'' said Michael C. Iuul, chief
executive of Carlsberg International A/S.
Foreign brands account for only 10 percent of the Chinese beer market, which is
controlled by lower-cost local labels. Foster's Brewing Corp. sold two of three
breweries in China last year after seven unprofitable years. Lion Nathan Ltd.,
Australia's No. 2 brewer, last month said it was in talks to form ventures to
turn its first profit in China.
It's also an opportunity for Tsingtao, the brewer of China's most famous beer,
to expand its production in China to get a bigger piece of the country's beer
industry, Tsingtao's spokesman Zhang Ruixiang said.
``The purchase can help double Tsingtao's production in Shanghai to 60,000 tons
a year,'' Zhang said. ``The brewery has state-of-the-art technology that
satisfies our needs.''
Tsingtao expects to take about a month to wrap up talks to finalize its
Carlsberg purchase and will rename the brewery the Tsingtao (Songjiang)
Brewery, he said.
Carlsberg's Shanghai brewery started up in October 1998 on an investment of
$36.4 million. It's produced 100,000 tons of beer a year and has yet to earn a
profit.
On the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Tsingtao's shares fell 10 HK cents, or 4.6
percent, to HK$2.08 amid a general market slump. The stock has risen 56 percent
in a month, as investors bet it will be able to double its market share in
China's beer industry.
Chile's Cervecerias to Export Budweiser Beer to Brazil, Chile
Santiago, Aug. 9 (Bloomberg)-- Cervecerias Unidas SA, Chile's biggest beverage
maker, has reached an agreement with Anheuser-Busch Cos. to export Budweiser
beer from Argentina to several South American countries. Starting next month,
Cervecerias will ship Budweiser to distributors in Brazil, Chile and Paraguay
from its brewery in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Cervecerias is trying to beef up sales after losses from beer in Argentina rose
to 3.7 billion Chilean pesos ($6.7 million) in the second quarter from 2.5
billion for the same quarter a year earlier because of higher marketing and
other costs. The company is the third-largest Argentine brewer and has long
held a license to make Budweiser. Cervecerias expects to export 100,000
hectoliters of Budweiser a year from Argentina under the agreement, less than
half the amount of beer it brewed there in the second quarter.
Dominican businesses head to Haiti for better pay
By Trenton Daniel
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Aug. 10 (Reuters) - Juan Fabian begins cooking his chickens
around 5 p.m., as dusk starts to descend on the corner of Avenue Pan-Americaine
and Rue Rebecca in Petionville on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. He and his
staff of six, with their small streetside barbecue, sell generous servings of
chicken, onions and plantains to people with big appetites and little money.
``Making chicken is my profession,'' Fabian said with a smile as cars lined up
for his famous food on a bustling Friday night. The 44-year-old Dominican
emigre started his business in 1987, left briefly for the neighbouring
Dominican Republic during a U.S. embargo, then returned to reopen his business
in 1992.
Coming back to Haiti has served him well: He makes a decent profit and enjoys
his job. Fabian is not the only Dominican to move to Haiti for what, perhaps
surprisingly, is a better way of life. Although the two share the Caribbean
island of Hispaniola, Haiti is poorer, with a GDP of $7.1 billion compared to
its neighbour's $38.3 billion, and many Haitians flock east looking for work.
But Dominicans are crossing the border too, capitalising on untapped business
opportunities even though neighbourly relations remain sour and Haiti wrestles
with a crumbling economy.
``Before the '90s Dominicans identified Haiti as an important economic
extension,'' said Hans Tippenhauer, an analyst for Petionville-based financial
consulting firm Group Croissance.
DOMINICAN BUSINESSES IN HAITI INCREASE
That changed under the U.S. embargo aimed at Haiti's military rulers, he said.
``But Dominican businesses (in Haiti) have been intensifying lately.'' Just a
few years ago, business between the two countries was confined to trading, he
said, but today many Dominican businesses are setting up shop in Haiti and
thriving.
Entrepreneurs like Juan Figueroa, 46, president of his own electrical
engineering company and self-proclaimed ``businessman for the people,'' come
with capital in hand, which allows them to keep profits high, costs low and
customers aplenty. Figueroa came to Haiti from the Dominican Republic 18
months ago and set up his office and home in the Delmas neighbourhood of
Port-au-Prince. He makes a modest profit working seven days a week and said he
enjoys the lack of competition.
``I have a lot of work, but I like it here,'' he said, waving a clipboard full
of customer receipts.
Dominicans are not limited to chicken and engineering. They sell everything
from bread to beer, plastic bags to soap, and have set up beauty salons and
tourist agencies. Demand for these services exists because Haitians have grown
accustomed to Dominican goods, according to Michele Wucker, a business reporter
who watches Dominican-Haitian issues. But Haiti's Dominican enterprises may
come at a cost.
DOMINICANS GOOD AND BAD FOR HAITI
``Dominican businesses are good for Haiti in that they provide more and better
quality products, but bad for Haiti because they could wipe out Haitian
businesses,'' she said. Dominican businesses could strengthen the economy by
pushing Haitians to improve the quality of their own goods, Wucker said. Their
presence could also help ameliorate troubled relations between the two
countries, which have festered for decades. Many Dominicans have traditionally
looked down on Haitians and their relationship is forever scarred by the 1937
massacre of an estimated 15,000 Haitian migrants in a campaign led by troops of
Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.
This June, Dominican soldiers opened fire on a truckload of Haitians attempting
to cross the border illegally, killing seven people and wounding eight more.
The killings ignited protests in front of the Dominican Consulate in
Petionville.
But tense relations between Dominicans and Haitians are not putting a damper on
Dominican businesses in Haiti at a local level. Fabian and Figueroa both said
they have not encountered any clashes with neighbours.
And the profits keep rolling in.
Keania Puello, a 23-year-old Dominican who has worked with Fabian since she
came to Haiti eight months ago, said she makes up to $50 a night. ``There is
more money here than in Santo Domingo, and work is better,'' she said, stuffing
money into a pouch.
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000809/11/odd-doctors-dc
Doc Puts Amputated Foot in a Crab Trap
August 9, 2000 WASHINGTON (Reuters )- A doctor who used a patient's
amputated foot in a crab trap and a surgeon who cut into the wrong side of a
patient's brain are among more than 20,000 U.S. doctors named as
"questionable" by a consumer group.
Public Citizen said both doctors are still practicing medicine, along with
others who have been disciplined for offenses ranging from having sex with
patients to tax evasion.
The nonprofit group said patients have a right to know if their doctors have
been convicted of a crime and urged Congress to pass laws making such
information publicly available.
The 2000 edition of the book, published annually by Public Citizen, named
20,125 doctors and 28,000 actions against them.
J2jurado
By Y.P. Rajesh BANGALORE, India, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Life has not been the same
for Sujay Bidappa since top southern Indian movie star Rajkumar (eds: one name)
was kidnapped nearly two weeks ago. Bidappa, a 26-year-old marketing
executive, has been forced to skip his regular outings to Bangalore city's
pubs, which are all the rage among the hip and upmarket residents of India's
infotech capital.
``It's terrible,'' said Bidappa. ``The only decent entertainment in this place
are the pubs or the movies, and both have been closed for almost two weeks
now.'' The July 30 abduction of Rajkumar, a cult figure in Karnataka, caused
scattered rioting and deaths across the southern state's capital, virtually
shutting the city down for two days.
The 72-year-old veteran of 210 films was seized by jungle outlaw Koose
Muniswamy Veerappan who is accused of 120 murders, slaughtering 2,000 elephants
and smuggling ivory and sandalwood worth millions of dollars. The local
government, fearing further disturbances by Rajkumar fanatics or drunken mobs,
ordered all liquor outlets to close.
The closure has been extended every two days as the abduction saga drags on,
and draught beer taps at over 200 pubs in Bangalore have since remained dry for
the longest spell ever.
Cinema halls closed down voluntarily in protest against the abduction of the
superstar.
Bangalore, best known as home to hundreds of budding technology firms, is also
frequently referred to as the country's ``pub capital'' because of its numerous
pubs and the popularity of lager beer among its cosmopolitan residents.
Apart from the pubs, there are also more than 1,000 bars that serve liquor, a
staggering number for any Indian city where large sections of the population
frown at drinking.
THRIVING BLACK MARKET
``To a certain extent I understand the government's predicament to prevent
trouble. But is this the right way of doing it?'' asked Jay Singh, owner of
``180 Proof.''
``People can still easily buy liquor down the street. It is the black-marketeer
who is benefitting from this closure,'' said Singh, whose pub averages about
400 customers a day.
Bidappa said liquor stores were surreptitiously carrying on business and
charging up to 100 rupees ($2.2) for a 650 ml bottle of beer which normally
costs around 40 rupees.
The owner of another popular hostelry said some of Bangalore's upmarket pubs
are more than watering holes because they play superior quality music and some
have pool tables.
``Some of my customers are meeting at houses and spending evenings over
expensive beer, but it's not the same,'' he said.
About a dozen upmarket pubs in downtown Bangalore claim to have replicated pubs
in Britain, and play a wide variety of popular music on state-of-the-art audio
systems.
After its latest extension of the closure of liquor outlets, the state
government has said business can resume on Monday.
But with the jungle bandit still to release Rajkumar even after the authorities
bowed to a large number of his demands, thirsty Bangaloreans are not licking
their lips in anticipation.
``I get many calls, people are desperate,'' said 180 Proof's Singh. ``But I'm
still sceptical we can open on Monday.''
Business In Asia Today August 11, 2000 - TSINGTAO BREWERY PURCHASES 75% OF
SHANGHAI JV WITH
CARLSBERG
SHANGHAI - Tsingtao Brewery (SSX:600600) has signed an agreement with
Denmark's Carlsberg Brewery to buy 75 percent of the stock of its joint venture
Carlbrew Brewery (Shanghai) Limited for 150 million yuan (US$18.13 million).
The joint venture, founded in 1996 by Carlsberg Brewery HK Ltd. and Shanghai
Songjiang Economic and Technology Development Co, produces 100,000 tons of beer
annually. The two partners hold 95 percent and 5 percent of the total shares
respectively. Tsingtao Brewery is expected to further expand its business to
overseas markets, while Carlsberg wants to improve its market share in China,
according to Peng Zuoyi, general manager of the Tsingtao Brewery.
San Miguel Growth Strategies On Right Track
MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2000--San Miguel Corporation
(SMC), the Philippines' largest food and beverage company, announced that
long-term prospects of the Philippine economy are generally positive.
The regional financial crisis has had far less impact on the economy
because of the Philippines' stronger macroeconomic fundamentals and the
adoption of preventive and corrective measures to minimize the potential
damage.
Operationally, measures improving the Company's overall cost structure,
rationalizing its international operations, expanding the dealership network
and improving trade incentives have been made. "We believe that these
initiatives have already borne fruit," Vice Chairman A. Ang said. SMC reported
an unprecedented increase of more than 63% in income from operations in 1999 to
P6.7 billion (1998: P4.1 billion). This growth momentum has been carried
through this year's first semester with San Miguel posting increases in
operating profit and net profit of 27% and 26%, respectively.
SMC also hopes to achieve further growth from the expansion of its existing
businesses and from acquiring new, inter-related operations like Metro Bottled
Water Corporation, Sugarland Beverage Corporation, and the Tasmania-based J.
Boag & Son.
The acquisition of Metro Bottled Water and Sugarland gave SMC's subsidiary,
La Tondea Distillers Inc., the undisputed leadership in the retail bottled
water and juice markets. J. Boag, on the other hand, further enriches San
Miguel's beer brand portfolio and provides a strategic fit with SMC's
international beer business.
The bulk of new investments that San Miguel is now exploring are in the
food businesses. The goal is to transform its existing food operations into a
major branded food company. Ang stated, "We intend to leverage our brands to
new segments and we have already identified a number of new areas that we
intend to get into, including snacks, condiments, and other food-related
concerns."
Founded in 1890, San Miguel is the largest food and beverage company listed
in S.E. Asia and is active within the brewing and beverages, food and
food-related, and packaging areas. San Miguel's ordinary shares trade on the
Philippine Stock Exchange and trade in ADR form in the US (each equal to ten
SMC Class B common shares). Prices for the ADRs may be accessed on the NASD OTC
Bulletin Board under the symbol SMGBY.
Party ends for Honduran drinkers in dry-law towns
By Gustavo Palencia
ZAMBRANO, Honduras, Aug. 11 (Reuters) - Men in this community on the outskirts
of Tegucigalpa fear an overwhelming recent popular vote against alcohol sales
will rob them of their happiness. But their wives hope prohibition will end
their martyrdom to violence and poverty.
``Look, if they don't sell beer or rot gut here, what are people going to do?
They're going to be sad. Here we drink our beer, we get happy and we go home
and perform marvelously in the hammock,'' said Jose Varela, a 33-year-old man
who digs holes for latrines.
Drinking a beer with three friends, the eagle-faced man with a scrappy beard
bitterly laments the result of the popular vote for a dry law in Zambrano, a
town of tile-roofed homes with 5,000 people 16 miles (25 km) north of the
capital.
But Varela and his friends are in the minority. In the June 18 vote, called by
a local temperance league and supported by the Roman Catholic Church and
Protestant groups, 700 voted for the dry law and 71 against, with 10
abstentions.
In fact, in most communities where the issue has gone to the vote in Honduras,
the drinkers have lost.
Caught up on a wave of disgust over heavy drinking and its aggravation of
already grinding poverty, more than 20 Honduran municipalities out of 298 in
this nation of 6.3 million people have passed ordinances in the past year
prohibiting the sale of beer and other alcohol.
The dry laws have shut down canteens, bars and corner stores that survived on
liquor sales and forced restaurants to go dry.
The call for popular prohibition votes began in rural areas and has spread to
cities. In most towns where referendums have been held, churches and women's
groups have campaigned for dry laws with backing from a state institute against
alcoholism.
While anti-drug and alcoholism experts applaud the movement, some federal
authorities and legislators are worried that the growing trend will trigger a
wave of bathtub gin and bootlegging reminiscent of U.S. Prohibition in the
Roaring '20s.
'EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE BORING'
In Zambrano, the local government has not yet put the law into effect, but
drinkers say they face a grim future.
``Parties aren't going to be fun anymore. Everything is going to be boring. The
only thing left to do will be play soccer, and I don't like to play,'' said
Cesar Meraz, 22.
While the men of Zambrano drink, their women and children run around looking
for them in the bars that are still open on every corner, to ask them for the
money they earned that day or try to persuade them to come home before they are
too far gone.
``I'm looking for him because if he gets drunk he won't have a penny on him
when he gets home. He used to beat me, now he just screams at me and bothers
the children,'' Florisbelda Mendez said as she walked along the dusty streets.
``I voted for them to close the canteens; maybe that way my husband will quit
drinking or drink less. We'd all live better if he didn't drink.''
Alcohol is a companion of poor Hondurans in their trials and their celebrations
and is one of the country's worst health problems. Dagoberto Espnioza, head of
the Honduran Institute for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, told Reuters
there are probably 300,000 excessive drinkers.
``It's a huge army,'' he said. ``It's a serious problem for our society, and
one way or another we have to confront it. Alcoholism is considered one of
Honduras' 10 biggest problems.''
FLOATING ON A SEA OF ALCOHOL
Espinosa said Honduras produces and consumes yearly more than 200 million
bottles of beer, 4 million bottles of rum and 4 million of ``aguardiente,'' or
brandy, and that does not count imported gin, vodka and whiskey and homemade
brandy.
``Really, in Honduras you can navigate a boat on the alcohol that flows,'' he
said.
Production and consumption of alcohol in Honduras is excessive in relation to
the population, Espinosa said, but he provided no comparative figures with
other countries.
Experts say four out of every five car accidents in Honduras are caused by
drunk drivers and drunkenness drives up rates of crime and domestic violence.
But federal officials said dry laws do not stop anyone from drinking, they just
go to another town or to a clandestine liquor store in someone's house.
Rolando Cardenas, chief of the Congressional Finance Committee, told Reuters
that in ``the cities where they are imposing the dry law, there are still men
in the street falling over drunk'' from moonshine or booze they bought
elsewhere.
``If this goes on and extends over the country, what it will promote is
contraband from neighbouring countries and the clandestine production of
liquor. People will keep drinking and the government will lose tax income,''
Cardenas said.
The Honduran government took in $25.6 million in taxes on alcohol last year.
Pyramid Breweries Inc. Declares $.04 per share Quarterly Cash Dividend
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2000--Pyramid Breweries Inc.
(Nasdaq:PMID) today announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly
cash dividend of $.04 per common share, payable on October 13, 2000 to
shareholders of record on September 29, 2000
"Pyramid's shareholders continue to benefit from our strong and improving
operating performance. Substantially higher sales and new operating
efficiencies are resulting in increased cash flow," said Martin Kelly,
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Pyramid recently reported second quarter net sales increased 9% to $7.9
million -- the seventh consecutive quarter in which the company showed sales
gains over the prior year. Net income for the second quarter was $443,000,
which was $354,000 higher than the second quarter of the prior year. The
company also reported a 40% increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization) to $1.1 million for the quarter.
The company initiated its dividend program in the fourth quarter of 1999.
The company believes that a portion of the dividends paid in 2000 may be a
return of capital for Federal income tax purposes.
Pyramid Breweries Inc. is a leading brewer of specialty, full-flavored
beers and sodas. The company brews more than 20 styles of ales and lagers
under its Pyramid Ales and Thomas Kemper Brewing Company brands as well as
four styles of old-fashioned sodas under the Thomas Kemper Soda Company label.
Pyramid operates two local breweries and two restaurants, the Pyramid
Alehouse in Seattle, Washington and the Pyramid Alehouse in Berkeley,
California. For more information, visit www.PyramidBrew.com.
Chicago Pizza & Brewery Inc. Reports a 24.1% Increase in Revenues and a
$199,000 Profit for the Second Quarter of 2000
MISSION VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2000--Chicago
Pizza & Brewery Inc. (Nasdaq:CHGO)(Nasdaq:CHGOW) released results for
the second quarter ended June 30, 2000. Revenues totaled $12,347,000 for the
second quarter of 2000, an increase of 24.1% as compared with the same period
in 1999. Contributing to the increase in revenues was an increase in same store
sales of 9.0% at the restaurants operated as BJ's for all of both
periods.
Also contributing to the increase in revenues was the opening of
restaurants in Woodland Hills, Calif. in April 1999, La Mesa, Calif.
in November 1999 and Valencia, Calif. at the end of March 2000.
Revenues at the restaurants operated as Pietro's for all of both
periods decreased 4.1%.
The company reported net income of $199,000 for the second quarter
of 2000 as compared with net income of $344,000 for 1999. The decrease
in net income was primarily due to increases in preopening costs and
general and administrative expenses. Preopening costs increased to
$312,000 for the second quarter of 2000 as compared with $127,000 for
the second quarter of 1999.
The preopening costs for the second quarter of 2000 related to the
Burbank, Calif. restaurant which opened on June 30, 2000 and the West
Covina, Calif. restaurant due to open later this month. General and
administrative expenses increased to $1,024,000 for the second quarter
of 2000 from $752,000 for the comparable period of 1999.
Per Jerry Hennessy, co-CEO, "Since November 1999 we have added, on
an annualized basis, around $13 million in revenue, with the potential
of adding an additional $8 million or more during the remainder of
this year from the two additional restaurants scheduled to open.
"The increase in general and administrative expenses reflects the
utilization of significantly greater resources in recruiting,
training, new store development and supervision. While we are aware of
the short-term impact on earnings of these additional resources, we
feel that the operationally successful growth of the BJ's concept
will, in the long run, make these investments very prudent."
Cash flow at the store level (revenues less food cost, labor cost,
occupancy and operating expenses) increased 21.2%, to $2,253,000 in
the second quarter of 2000 from $1,859,000 for the comparable period
of 1999.
Per Paul Motenko, co-CEO, "Our two newest restaurants, in
Valencia, California and Burbank, California, have been among the
company's most successful openings. Since its opening in late March
2000, the 7,000 square foot Valencia restaurant has averaged weekly
revenues of $111,000. Since its opening at the end of June, the 11,000
square foot Burbank restaurant has averaged weekly sales of $102,000.
"We are optimistically looking towards the opening of our 12,000
square foot restaurant and brewery in West Covina, California, later
this month and our 8,000 square foot restaurant in Huntington Beach,
California, which is scheduled to open this fall."
Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2000 increased 24.9%,
to $22,525,000 from $18,040,000 for the first six months of 1999. Net
income for the first six months of 2000 increased to $372,000 from
$230,000 for the comparable period in 1999.
Chicago Pizza & Brewery operates 28 casual dining restaurants,
some of which incorporate brewpubs. Thirteen of the restaurants are
located in Southern California, one is located in Lahaina, Maui and
one is located in Boulder, Colo. In addition, the company operates six
BJ's restaurants and seven Pietro's restaurants in Oregon.
BJ's restaurants offer customers moderate prices and tremendous
value on an incredible menu that includes deep-dish Chicago-style
pizza as well as sandwiches, salads, fabulous desserts, critically
acclaimed hand-crafted beers and more. Visit Chicago Pizza & Brewery,
Inc. on the Web at http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com.
Australia ships new barley variety to South Africa
MELBOURNE, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Australia's ABB Grain Ltd said on Thursday it had
shipped 26,180 tonnes of "Arapiles" barley to South Africa, the first shipment
of its kind for ABB's export arm, going to South African Breweries Plc
<SABJ.J>. "South Africa is usually self sufficient for barley but due to
recent poor seasons they have been increasingly looking to imports," said ABB's
Victorian manager Michael Wood.
ABB Grain, formerly the Australian Barley Board, has shipped more than 42,000
tonnes of barley to South Africa in the past five years, but that was mostly of
the "Schooner" variety. ABB had cultivated the new demand in South Africa,
promoting the Arapiles variety which had previously been exported only to
Japan, where buyers used it to make a traditional alcoholic brew called Shochu.
"With this kind of focus on customer satisfaction, ABB is exploring further
opportunities to supply South Africa which could become an increasingly
significant importer," Wood said in a statement.
The cargo left the port of Geelong last Sunday aboard the "Alam Sejahtera."
Quilmes Industrial (Quinsa) S.A. Announces 2000 Second Quarter and First Half
Results
LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 10, 2000--Quilmes Industrial
(Quinsa) S.A. (NYSE:LQU) ("Quinsa" or the "Company") today announced
that for the three months ended June 30, 2000, net income was US$ 2.9
million, or US$ 0.027 per share, compared to US$ 7.9 million, or US$
0.074 per share for the second quarter in 1999. EBITDA for the same
period increased 7.0 percent to US$ 45.8 million compared to US$ 42.8
million a year earlier. For the six months ended June 30, 2000, net income was
US$ 26.0 million, or US$ 0.244 per share, compared to US$ 36.8 million, or US$
0.345 per share. EBITDA for the same period was US$ 122.9 million
compared to US$ 121.2 million for the first six months of 1999.
FINANCIAL REVIEW: SECOND QUARTER 2000
Volume sales for beer increased 2.6 percent to 2,019,000
hectoliters in the second quarter 2000, from 1,967,000 hectoliters a
year earlier. Significant contributors to this improvement were the
Paraguay and Chile operations that continue to post strong volume
growth. Volume sales for soft drinks and water were 1,460,000
hectoliters for the quarter, compared to 458,000 hectoliters in 1999.
This increase was the result of the acquisition of BAESA which more
than offset the divestiture of the mineral water business in
Argentina.
A decline in net beer revenues was principally the result of lower average
prices in every market, as the combination of competitive pressures, a trading
down to less expensive brands both in Argentina and Bolivia, and local
currency devaluations, affected pricing in dollar terms.
Gross profit increased 21 percent to US$ 90.0 million in the
second quarter of 2000, from US$ 74.1 million for the same period in
1999, despite the reclassification of the plants' administrative
expenses which are included in cost of sales as of the first quarter
2000. The increase in gross profit was again principally the result of
the consolidation of BAESA. Gross margin before the combined effects
of BAESA, the reclassification of administrative expenses and the
divestiture of the mineral water business in Argentina (i.e. on a
fully comparable basis) increased to 56.7 percent compared to 54.0
percent a year earlier. This improvement was principally the result of
reductions in the cost of cans, bottles and other raw materials, the
lower costs involved in producing the Heineken brand locally in Chile
and the local production of cans in Paraguay and Chile.
Operating profit was US$ 20.6 million compared to US$ 21.9 million
a year earlier. Lower average pricing across all markets caused the
decline, which more than offset an increase in volumes sold,
reductions in labor expenses and other cost reductions. Net of the
BAESA and Eco de los Andes effects, the operating margin remained
virtually unchanged at 16 percent.
Consolidated net income for the second quarter 2000 was US$ 2.9
million, or US$ 0.027 per share, compared to US$ 7.9 million, or US$
0.074 per share for the second quarter in 1999. This was principally
the result of the increase in financing costs.
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, reached US$ 13.5
million during the 2000 second quarter and US$ 24.1 million for the
same period in 1999. For the second quarter of 2000, capital
expenditures were principally related to the Ypane brewery expansion
in Paraguay.
FINANCIAL REVIEW: FIRST HALF 2000
Despite the unfavorable economic environment that affected most of
the Southern Cone during the first six months of 2000, Quinsa's beer
volumes increased 0.1 percent to 5,412,000 hectoliters due to larger
volume sales in Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay. Volume sales of soft
drinks and water increased to 3,562,000 hectoliters during the same
period, from 1,139,000 hectoliters a year earlier, as volumes sold by
the recently acquired BAESA more than compensated for both the
divestiture of Eco de los Andes and the decline in soft drinks volumes
in Paraguay.
Gross profit for the first half of 2000 was US$ 243.2 million,
compared to the US$ 214.2 million reached in the same period of 1999.
This increase was the result of the consolidation of BAESA. Net of
BAESA, Eco de los Andes, and the administrative expenses
reclassification introduced this year, Quinsa's gross margin increased
from 57.3 percent in the first half of 1999 to 58.2 percent in the
first half of 2000.
MARKETS
ARGENTINA:
Beer: The Argentine economy has not yet shown clear indicators
pointing to a recovery from its long-drawn recession, despite which
market volumes have not declined. Quinsa's domestic volumes during the
second quarter 2000 were stable compared to last year, at 1,474,000
hectoliters. Market share has stabilized at slightly above 69 percent
since the implementation of price reductions for cans a year ago.
Quinsa's share of value increased throughout the quarter, reaching
72.6 percent in June 2000. The competitive environment has
continued to be marked by aggressive price discounting. Quinsa has
made use of its brand portfolio to effectively face this challenge, in
order to avoid affecting Quilmes' brand equity.
Soft drinks: BAESA's volume sales for the second quarter 2000 were
993,000 hectoliters of soft drinks (933,000 in Argentina and 60,000 in
Uruguay) and 162,000 hectoliters of water (126,000 in Argentina and
36,000 in Uruguay). Market share in the Greater Buenos Aires region
stands at about 27 percent.
Net sales for the second quarter were US$ 53.4 million. The
pricing environment continued to be very competitive, particularly due
to the action of B-brands. Furthermore, as was the case with beer, the
weak economic climate led consumers to trade down to lower-priced
brands. BAESA's Mirinda brand, for example, represented 22 percent of
total volume sales for the first six months of 2000, up from 15
percent a year earlier.
In addition to cost savings , investments have been approved for
approximately US$ 5.7 million in items such as the replacement of can ends, the
removal of cardboard from PET packs and the improvement of the industrial
lay-out at BAESA's largest plant. Annual savings resulting from these
investments should be approximately US$ 3.5 million.
BOLIVIA: Domestic volume sales for the second quarter 2000 reached
91,000 hectoliters compared to 118,000 hectoliters for the same period
in 1999. This decline reflects a severe contraction in consumer
spending and the increase in excise taxes, which now represent more
than 50 percent of the factory selling price. Sales for the quarter
were US$ 4.7 million, compared to US$ 7.0 million a year earlier, as a
consequence of both lower volumes sold and a 12 percent decrease in
average prices. The latter was the result of actual price reductions,
particularly in the Santa Cruz region, and of a 6.5 percent
depreciation of the local currency against the dollar over the past
twelve months. At the operating level, the business lost US$ 0.6
million compared to a US$ 0.6 million profit for the same quarter in
1999. EBITDA for the second quarter was US$ 1.1 million.
Quinsa has continued to acquire minority stakes in its Bolivian
competitor, Cerveceria Boliviana Nacional ("CBN"), of which it already
owns approximately 30 percent. Negotiations continue to acquire
further participations in the capital stock of CBN, with a view to
acquiring control of the company in the short term.
CHILE: Domestic beer volume sales have continued to grow despite a
sluggish beer market, reaching 68,000 hectoliters during the second
quarter 2000, which is 19 percent higher than the 57,000 hectoliters
sold a year earlier. Volume sales growth was particularly strong in
the interior of the country, although the Company also posted solid
growth in the capital. Market share for the second quarter increased
to 10 percent, nearly 1.5 percentage points higher than a year
earlier. Supporting this improvement were solid performances by all of
Quinsa's local brands. Thus, Baltica continued to grow particularly in
the returnable segment while Becker consolidated its position in the
one-way segment of the market. The Heineken brand, produced locally,
also delivered excellent growth very profitably, due to its premium
positioning. The success of the Heineken brand has led the Company to
approve the expansion of its production capacity, and investments are
already underway.
PARAGUAY: Domestic beer volume sales increased a remarkable 26
percent to 320,000 hectoliters. This performance was the result of
strong growth for the beer market and also of Quinsa's continued
success at increasing market share. Market share for the second
quarter 2000 reached 82 percent, compared to 76 percent a year
earlier. The Quilmes brand, produced locally, has been particularly
successful and has already reached a market share of about 20 percent,
making it the second largest brand in the country behind Pilsen. The
Company has also been successful in penetrating the one-way segment,
especially since cans are now produced locally at its Ypane plant.
Sales for beer increased 24 percent to US$ 18.2 million for the second
quarter compared to US$ 14.7 million a year ago. Operating profit for
the beer business more than doubled to US$ 6.4 million for the second
quarter of 2000, from US$ 3.1 million a year earlier. This increase
was principally the result of higher volume sales and a reduction in
the cost of raw materials, including cans which are now produced
locally.
Investments to double capacity at the Ypane plant are largely
concluded, and in fact the new brewhouse went into production in April
2000. The older brewery located in Asuncion has already been closed.
The replacement of old capacity by new one will further reduce costs
in the future.
Volume sales for soft drinks and water reached 295,000 hectoliters
for the 2000 second quarter, compared to 321,000 hectoliters for the
1999 second quarter, with market share reaching 79 percent for the
period. Net sales for soft drinks and water were US$ 13.8 million
compared to US$ 14.8 million a year ago. Operating profit was US$ 1.1
million compared to US$ 0.1 million for the second quarters of 2000
and 1999, respectively.
URUGUAY: Quinsa's domestic beer volumes for the second quarter
2000 remained virtually stable compared to the same quarter in 1999,
reaching 55,000 hectoliters. Market share was 56 percent compared to
55 percent a year earlier. Sales were US$ 6.7 million in the 2000
second quarter compared to US$ 8.6 million in the 1999 second quarter.
The decline in revenues was the result of the sale of the Company's
malt operation. Operating profit was unchanged for the second quarters
of 2000 and 1999, at US$ 0.7 million. EBITDA during the second quarter
2000 was US$ 1.3 million.
In Preparation For Landing, Please Return Your Shower Door To Its Upright and
Locked Position
Singapore Airlines Mulls Installing In-Flight Showers
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Showers on airplanes may soon join
caviar, Champagne and sleeper seats as weapons in the airlines' battle for
premium passengers. Earlier this week, award-winning Singapore Airlines
expressed interest in installing showers on some long-haul aircraft following
the debut of a separate company's lightweight water filtration system that
delivers a continuous flow of purified shower water using only 19 liters.
Previous systems using as much as 380 liters were deemed too heavy and consumed
too much space for commercial aircraft use.
According to a Singapore Airlines spokesman, the airline has recently " looked
at the idea of showers and we wouldn't rule out installing them on some
aircraft. But aircraft manufacturers and airlines will have to consider the
trade-offs. It boils down to what the customer feels is important. " By using
reverse osmosis to procedd so-called grey water from toilets and sinks,
sufficient water can me utilized in showers.
In the interim, showers at the carrier's airport lounges continue to be a
popular amenity for international fliers.
J2jurado
ASSOCIATED PRESS , Aug 10
LA CROSSE, WIS.- A deal to sell the financially troubled former G. Heileman
Brewery to a
financial services company and give workers a stake in the venture has
fallen apart, a brewery executive said Tuesday. Randy Smith, president of City
Brewing Co., created just months ago to run the brewery, said the potential
buyer couldn't get a commitment it
wanted for some contract work at the brewery from another business so it called
off the multimillion-dollar deal.
``We are disappointed that this one didn't go forward because it looked
like one to fill the employees' desire to have an ownership stake, it
provided solid financial backing and it would have gotten people paid,''
he said.
Smith declined to identify the potential buyer.
Ron Buschman, a leader of the union that represents workers at the
brewery, said the potential buyer was based in the eastern United States
and owned about 50 companies, including a brewery in Pennsylvania. He
declined to be more specific.
Last week, Jim Strupp, one City Brewery's current owners, said a letter
of intent for the purchase of the brewery had been signed and a deal
would be done as early Monday.
Smith said Tuesday the letter of intent was not a binding contract and
was part of a process to reach a ``definite purchase agreement.''
Strupp did not immediately return a telephone message The Associated
Press left at his New York office Tuesday.
Strupp and partner John Mazzuto of New York-based Platinum Holdings
bought the brewery from The Stroh Brewery Co. for $10.5 million in
November and renamed it City Brewery, its original name when founded by
Gottlieb Heileman and John Gund in 1858.
Stroh closed the brewery, selling its labels, such as Old Style, to
other companies, threatening the long history of beer-brewing which had
become part of La Crosse's identity.
City Brewery created four new products and brewed beer for other
companies under contracts.
But since beer production resumed last year, millions of dollars in
debts have piled up and most of the brewery's 62 workers have been laid
off since early June. Beer production stopped once the cash-strapped
business ran out of bottles, cans and other packaging supplies and
suppliers refused the company any more credit.
Meanwhile, City Brewery's largest lender, Congress Financial Corp. of
Chicago, has asked a circuit judge to order a foreclosure on its $4.5
million loan and appoint a receiver for a sale of the brewery. A hearing
on the matter was planned for today.
Roger Lewis, an attorney in Chicago for Congress Financial, did not
immediately return a telephone message Tuesday.
As far as Smith knew Tuesday, there were no other potential buyers ready
to step forward to again rescue the brewery, which has survived two
bankruptcies in the past decade. ``We get calls but you have to kind of
filter through those,'' he said.
http://seattlep-i.nwsource.com:80/food/lmon12.shtml
Beer's Dead and This isn't your childhood lemonade
Wine coolers? Zima? How ‘90s. Lemon-flavored malts are the new hot
drinks
Saturday, August 12, 2000
By D. PARVAZ, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Pucker up hard for the latest summer drinking trend -- lemony malt brews
known as "hard lemonades."
Now we're not ones to encourage drinking, but we certainly notice when
all you social sippers take a liking to something, like these hard
lemonades, all of which have an alcohol content (per volume) of between
4 percent and 5.2 percent.
The sweet-tart drinks made their way into the market just over a year
ago, when 300,000 cases of Mike's Hard Lemonade were test-launched in
three Northeastern states. They ended up selling more than 2 million
cases nationally in the first year of availability.
Mike's Hard Lemonade is now available in 40-plus states, including
Washington, and it is far from the only game in town -- the number of
brands has since multiplied at an impressive rate. Anheuser-Busch just
introduced its Doc Otis' Hard Lemon drink in May, and a quick head count
shows no fewer than a dozen other brands -- at least half of which are
available here.
Chris Cunio, co-owner of Queen Anne's Paragon Bar and Grill, also hasn't
noticed a big gender divide in who orders the hard lemonades. He has,
however, noticed an age divide.
"It's a mix of young people, but it's 90 percent younger people," says
Cunio. "Most young people have not acquired a taste for
beer or wine, and they don't want to drink a cocktail, but they still
want to have an alcoholic drink."
Back in the mid-'90s, there was some controversy surrounding the
marketing of similar fruity malt drinks (aka "alcopops") to the younger
demographic in the United Kingdom. So far, the lemon brews and their
cousins, hard ciders, have remained controversy-free in the United
States.
Almost all of the hard lemonades have some sort of beer-associated
labeling on them -- all in itty-bitty print. Their labels indicate that
the beverage is either a "Flavored Beer" or, in the case of Doc Otis'
Hard Lemon, simply include a "Beer Born On" date. Calorically, they
stack up to their malty brethren as well at around 250 calories per 12
oz. bottle.
"It's beer? Really?" says Elaine Mecannon, 24. She's picking up a few
Mike's Hard Lemonades and a couple of Hooper's Hooch lemon drinks from a
QFC cooler.
"I mean, I know they're brewed, but I guess I didn't think that anything
that's brewed is automatically beer. Hmmm," she says, inspecting the
label. There it is. It's not that she feels hoodwinked -- she's amused.
She doesn't like the taste of beer, and she says she can't handle hard
liquor, and that's why she likes the hard lemonades. She says her
boyfriend is a big fan too.
"He says it's a nice change from beer," she laughs. "So much for that."
Mecannon says she's not much for wine coolers -- she dismisses them as
"too fruity" and moves on.
Indeed, wine coolers have waned in popularity. Oh, they're still around,
and they still sell, but not like they did about 10 years ago.
The mid-'90s take on coolers, Zima, also a malt beverage, never really
took off, partially due to the fact that ordering a Zima can leave one
open to ridicule all night.
The brave new batch of lemon-flavored malt drinks target the same niche
market: Non-beer drinkers who want nothing to do with hard liquor and
aren't too keen on wine.
And no, they're not "girlie" drinks, whatever that means.
"As many men (buy them) as women -- not what I was expecting at all,"
says Chris Crathorne, co-owner of the Tin Hat Tavern in Ballard.
He says the Tin Hat started selling Mike's Hard Lemonade a few months
ago. "It started off relatively slow, but the sales have really picked
up. They probably sell about the same as any of our average-selling
beers."
Crathorne adds that they had tried three other brands of hard lemonades
before sticking with Mike's. He says he personally didn't like the other
brands they sold, and he says the Tin Hat will probably start selling
one of the "hard" iced teas soon.
http://www.spokane.net:80/news-story-body.asp?Date=080900&ID=s836008&cat=
You booze, you lose
Nutrition: Moderate drinking is fine, but be aware that alcohol has no
nutritional value, Craig T. Hunt reports.
Craig T. Hunt - The Spokesman-Review, August 9, 2000
There's ongoing debate about how calories from alcoholic beverages are
contributing to America's expanding waistline.
And then there are studies showing health benefits from drinking
moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages, such as reports that
antioxidants and flavonoids in red wine can improve cholesterol levels.
But that's not why most people drink.
After a long day at the office, construction site or at home with the
kids, many Americans like to drink a glass of wine or bottle of beer in
the evening. On weekends, drinking flavored beer or wine coolers may
begin after the lawn is mowed.
But with 60 percent of Americans failing to engage in regular exercise,
the calories consumed from alcoholic beverages can be a factor in the
battle of the bulge and other health conditions.
Several factors may contribute to drinking more than the recommended
amounts. Skipping breakfast and eating a light lunch can contribute to
overeating and possibly drinking too much alcohol in the evening. Excess
alcohol is defined as more than 1 to 2 regular servings of an alcoholic
beverage per day. A regular serving is 4 to 5 fluid ounces of wine, 12
fluid ounces of beer or 1.5 fluid ounces (1 jigger) of hard liquor.
Another concern about consuming alcohol is how it affects blood sugar
levels. Drinking alcoholic beverages without any protein and fat in your
stomach speeds absorption of alcohol. Because your liver is processing
alcohol at the expense of making blood sugar, you might experience a
drop in blood sugar levels. Slowed response times, moodiness, slurred
speech and loss of concentration from low blood sugar levels are similar
to the side effects of elevated blood-alcohol content.
When drinking alcohol it's important to make sure you have some solid
food in your stomach.
Using alcoholic calories instead of wholesome foods to maintain or lose
weight can result in nutritional deficiencies. For example, alcohol
interferes with folate metabolism. Folate is important for proper fetal
development in women, and helps protect cells against cancer in all
people. Consuming breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack usually will
keep a person's alcohol intake to the recommended one to two servings
per day.
If you don't drink, don't start -- even if the "study of the week"
promotes certain health benefits.
But if you do consume alcoholic beverages, next time you're purchasing
one, read the label to see how many calories you're consuming.
You might be surprised at the lack of nutrition labeling on the
beverages. In fact, unless an alcoholic beverage is labeled "light" or
"lite" it doesn't have to disclose its nutritional contents.
In the beer section, light beers contain the fewest calories and are
generally slightly lower, about 3 to 4 percent, in alcohol content then
regular beer, which are typically 4 to 5 percent alcohol. Light beers
also contain the lowest levels of carbohydrate, about 3 to 5 grams, and
70 to 90 calories per 12 fluid ounce serving.
Common choices under 105 calories per serving include, Miller Lite,
Coor's Lite, Amstel Light, Bud Light, Molson Light, and Pabst Extra
Light Low Alcohol Beer.
You may wonder, "If a light beer like Amstel Light contains only 5 grams
of carbohydrate, totaling only 20 calories (each carbohydrate gram
contributes about 4 calories) what makes up the remaining 85 calories?"
The only other identifiable source of calories shown on the nutrition
label is 1 gram of protein, which, like carbohydrate, contributes 4
calories per gram.
The missing calories come from the alcohol, which contributes 7 calories
per gram.
Nonalcoholic drinks are generally lower in calories than light beers due
to their regulated one-half percentage point or less alcohol content.
Carbohydrate content in nonalcoholic beers is slightly higher than
regular beers, about 10 to 15 grams per 12 fluid ounces.
O'Doul's is a popular non-alcohol brew with only 70 calories per 12
ounces, making it a low calorie nonalcoholic beverage.
Most regular American and imported beers contain more calories than
light and nonalcoholic beers due to their increased alcohol content.
Regular beers like Budweiser, Coors, Corona, Hamm's, Miller, Schlitz,
and Old Milwaukee contain 140 to 160 calories per 12 fluid ounces.
Words like malt liquor, dark beer, stout and ice, generally push the
alcohol content into the 5 to 6 percent range, packing 160 to 180
calories per 12 fluid ounces. Examples of these power brews include,
most regular microbrews, Colt 45 Malt Liquor, George Killian's Irish Red
Ale, Molson Ice, Sheaf Stout, Michelob Classic Dark, Mickey's Fine Malt
Liquor, Murphy's Irish Stout and many more.
Another popular source of high-calorie beer is flavored beers and/or
alcohol malt beverages.
You'll recognize them by their drink-me-I'm-full-of-fun-and-flavor names
like Seagram's Wild Strawberry Banana with untamed flavor, Bartles and
James Strawberry Daiquiri, Hooper's Hooch Lemon Brew or "Doc" Otis' Hard
Lemon and One-Eyed Jack's "Pucker up baby!"
You can expect 170 to 200 calories and 5 to 5.9 percent alcohol in these
sugar-boosted beers and drinks.
The high sugar content in these brews will elevate blood sugar levels.
Like beer, wine choices are usually based more on flavor and aroma than
calories. A 4-ounce (one-half cup) serving of your average red or white
wine provides about 80 to 100 calories, and 1 to 3 grams of
carbohydrate. Drier wines contain fewer carbohydrate sugars and
calories.
Wine can legally be up to 14 percent alcohol, beyond that it becomes a
dessert wine, having up to 24 percent alcohol and double the calories of
regular wines. More alcohol means more calories.
Inglenook St Regis produces a line of alcohol-removed wines. Four ounces
contain 25 to 40 calories and 6 to 10 grams of carbohydrate.
Now that you know how alcoholic beverages might be sneaking calories
into your diet, keeping your consumption to two or fewer regular
servings a day will keep blood alcohol levels safe and help you in the
battle of the bulge.
http://www.spokane.net:80/news-story-body.asp?Date=081100&ID=s837219&cat=
Micro meccas a bit cozy on Sandpoint's Cedar Street
Rick Bonino - Staff writer, August 11, 2000
When it comes to pub crawls, Sandpoint makes it particularly easy.
The North Idaho resort town's two major multitap microbrew places --
Pend Oreille Brewing and Eichardt's -- are just two doors away from each
other on Cedar Street and well-respected across the world.
Pend Oreille serves its easy-drinking, house-brewed beers in a bright,
airy space with plenty of light wood and windows.
The brewery's best-known beers -- the crisp City Beach Blonde pilsner,
the delicately hopped Idaho Pale Ale and the chocolaty HooDoo Porter,
all available in bottles, and the draft-only summer seasonal Huckleberry
Wheat -- are best sampled at the source.
And the pub pours Pend Oreille products you aren't likely to find
elsewhere, such as the latest addition, a light, clean Sunshine Rye with
just a hint of the spicy grain. Other offerings include a silky oatmeal
stout, a dark, low-alcohol English mild and a strong Scottish ale made
with smoked malts.
Eichardt's is a smaller, darker, more traditional tavern with dozens of
different tap handles screwed into the thick ceiling beams.
They need those handles to keep up with the ever-changing selection.
Last week, highlights among the 16 taps included Rogue's rich, hoppy
Brutal Bitter and poetically complex Shakespeare Stout (the latter
cask-conditioned, no less); Fish's Mudshark Porter; Leavenworth's Dirty
Face Stout; Deschutes' Paulina Pilsner; Lang Creek's Hefeweizen and, for
Belgian fruit-beer fans, Lindemans' Peche Lambic.
Extra kudos to Eichardt's for serving half-pints -- true 8-ounce glasses
-- for those who want to sample several beers in a sitting, or just
limit their intake.
X marks the spotFort Spokane's light, refreshing summer rye beer has
started showing up in quart bottles in supermarkets -- although you
wouldn't necessarily know it from the label.
You will see that the beer is sponsored by a local radio station (which
we'll refer to as Brand X, in the interests of noncommercialism). Fort
Spokane general manager Ryan Hopkins had hoped to call it Classic Rock
Rye, but the feds pointed out there already were distilled beverages
using the name "rock & rye" and wanted to avoid any confusion. So he
settled for Special X Ale instead.
Maybe somebody should hook up with KGA for a Rick Miller Wry. (Or would
that be Rick Miller Bitter?)New James townWith this month marking the
one-year anniversary of Birkebeiner Brewing's demise, some of you may be
wondering whatever happened to the ill-fated Spokane brewpub's outspoken
owner, James Gimurtu.
According to a recent review in The Salt Lake Tribune, he and three
friends from here have opened a restaurant/brewpub in that fair city
called Marmot Mesa -- named in honor of their former hometown, "where
marmots run through the streets like squirrels."
According to the reviewer, Marmot Mesa offers "an interesting lineup of
freshly brewed beers, most of them worth drinking, and a menu that
strives to be more than just a beer sponge." Sounds familiar, no? (And
better luck this time, James.)
Falling fastIt was during our recent string of endless 90-degree days
that word arrived that Pyramid had just released its new fall seasonal:
Broken Rake Amber Ale, "just the remedy for a hard day of raking
leaves."
And as if that weren't enough, Widmer's Oktoberfest makes its official
debut Monday.
http://www.post-gazette.com:80/businessnews/20000809brew4.asp
http://www.foxnews.com:80/national/081100/kegger_fnc.sml
Ohio Bans Big Beer-Buying
Friday, August 11, 2000
Ohio State college students will be hitting their books instead of
hefting their beers this semester, now that a new law restricting the
sale of beer kegs is causing a drought of draughts.
Reacting to an out-of-control 40-keg beer party at the University which
turned into a riot at which several police officers were injured, the
state of Ohio this August began restricting the number of kegs that can
be purchased at the same time.
Now, anyone buying five or more kegs of beer at a time must wait endure
a five-day waiting period, and sign forms promising not to serve
underage drinkers and to permit the police to enter your party if they
so choose.
"This is not the moral police invading homes or scrutinizing
activities," said Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor. "This is an attempt to
educate and be very proactive and avoid problems."
But thirsty college students say the law is unnecessary and riddled with
loopholes.
"Waiting five days, I don't think it's going to make a big difference,"
said one student, who likened the law to the waiting periods for buying
firearms. "It's not like they're buying handguns," she said.
In fact, it's now easier to buy a gun than beer in Ohio, according to
the FBI. Ohio follows federal guidelines on gun control, which means
background checks can be completed in as little as 30 seconds, with no
additional waiting period required.
But for keg buying, the state motto is "Five for Five."
"It's apples and oranges," O'Connor said. "There is no comparison
between the two activities," she said.
Ohio's new keg controls have certainly tapped a controversy — and other
states have taken notice. With several other states considering their
own keg controls, the beer battle is expected to soon be brewing around
the country.
http://www.phillynews.com:80/content/daily_news/2000/08/10/features/YOGO10.htm
Movie and free beer
Jay Schwartz's Secret Cinema has outdone itself this time.
Not only is Schwartz screening a little-known movie that was extremely
risque for its time, he's offering free beer to boot.
"Look in Any Window" (1961) stars Paul Anka as a troubled peeping-tom
teen living in a corrupt suburban dream world.
Free beer, courtesy of Nodding Head Brewery & Restaurant, will also be
on tap. Admission is $6. Doors open at 7 p.m. at The Print Center, 1614
Latimer St. For info, call 215-735-6090.
***repeated bit below***
http://www.bergen.com:80/travel/monaster200008065.htm
Behind abbey walls
To learn more about beer, log on to Stephen Beaumont's World of Beer Web
site: www.worldofbeer.com.
Janet Forman is a freelance writer who divides her time between New York
and Los Angeles.
Lew Bryson
news:20000808115047.26143.00000020@ng-
> GAYLORD, Mich., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse,
Inc.,
> (Nasdaq: BBUC), the country's top-rated microbrewery restaurants,
> Cullen observed: "I'm excited that Big Buck is actively growing its
proven
> unique brewpub concept
> Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc. created microbrewery restaurants.
Whew, baby, they don't think much of themselves, do they?
--
Lew Bryson
It's a fragmented world these days; You might as well pick up the
pieces.
Author of the UPDATED Pennsylvania Breweries, 2nd ed., available at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0811728986/qid=964395194/sr=1-2/1
03-7272174-3121415
Lew Bryson
> Carlsberg renews bid for local market to revitalise its sagging image
to
> revive interest
> in its premium beer in Thailand.
brand,
> re-launching the beer in May, when it replaced the old brown-glass
bottles
> with snazzy new green ones.
> "We respect Heineken, which successfully dominates more than 50 per
cent
> of the premium beer segment. But we do not fear them," he said.
Lying weasel.
J2jurado
<<Whew, baby, they don't think much of themselves, do they?>>
PRNEWSIRE prints all the submitted news that fits. I see that publicly-held
companies use claims of 'world famous", "galactacially recognized", "inventor
of beer", whatever with impunity. It's really to reinforce their stocks'
perceived values, I think. You just read past that and learn from the numbers.
Either that, or the p.r. companies they use really don't spend enough time
learning about the world of small brewing and submit this stuff on behalf of
their clients.
J2jurado
INFLATION MAKES A-B RICHER
Inflation, as it again raises its ugly head after a 34-year low, will cause
some big businesses like Anheuser-Busch to smile while their profits rise,
according to an August 10 Bloomberg report. Having the ability to raise
prices during inflationary periods is the key to profits going up as
spendable income goes down.
"It's really only a handful of companies that can pass along higher prices
and get away with it," Douglas Cliggott of J.P.Morgan Securities Inc. said.
"What it's done is allow them to grow revenue and earnings faster than
people expected." If the upcoming report on producer and consumer pricing
shows inflation is slowing again, companies with "pricing power" will be in
even greater demand as investments, Cliggott said.
The Nasdaq technology sector showed its peak on March 10. Since then,
investors have shifted their funds from technology stocks into profitable
companies with lower price-earnings ratios. The alcoholic beverages index
has surged an incredible 46% since that March 10 peak.
Profits can be boosted three ways: The company can keep more of each dollar
of sales revenue by cutting costs or raising productivity; it can sell more
goods and services; it can raise its prices. Investors would like to see all
three, but will settle for one.
"When we see an area where pricing power is emerging and we think it's
sustainable, we then ask the next question: Is this going to lead to
accelerated earnings?" said James Weiss of State Street Research &
Management Co. in Boston.
The consumer price index for alcoholic beverages has surged 2.9% in June
alone, compared to the previous June, and drinks prices have been rising
since 1997. Young beer customers aren't as price sensitive as other
consumers. The surge in 21-27 year-old males has raised the sales of
alcoholic beverages and allowed large manufacturers like Anheuser-Busch to
raise prices with little reaction from that core group. New drinkers buying
their first case of beer don't notice or care if the price is $15 or $16.
NEW GROLSCH BREWERY PLAN BLOCKED BY COURTS
Royal Grolsch NV of Amsterdam has met with opposition to its plans to build
a new brewery outside the city of Enschede, Netherlands, according to an
August 5 Bloomberg report. The Dutch administrative court blocked the plan
due to complaints from area residents. The opposition means that the 500
million guilder ($206 million) investment will not be completed by the 2005
target.
Grolsch was planning to replace two older, outdated breweries in Enschede
and Groenlo with the new plant, and boost output. The Council of State, an
advisory body to the Dutch government, ruled that the new brewery would
"conflict with the area's agricultural and recreational roles." It's not
known whether Grolsch will need to find another site, or if a change in
zoning is possible.
http://usatoday.com/usatonline/20000817/2558536s.htm
Small beer brewers furiously rolled out barrels in '90s Recent consolidation
trend helping to offset high production costs
By Jim Hopkins USA TODAY Page 1-B
Small beer brewers had plenty of reason to experience an industrial-size
hangover in the late 1990s, new government figures show. The number of
domestic brewers nearly tripled during 1992-97 -- faster growth than
any other category of manufacturers, according to a USA TODAY
study of recently released Census data.
The actual number of new regional and craft breweries was even higher
because the Census data -- which showed a 173% increase to 529 brewers --
don't include ''brewpub'' restaurants making beer on-site.
Led by start-ups such as New Belgium Brewing and its signature Fat Tire
label, the industry last year eked out its first annual sales gain after
three years of declines. Sales of domestic craft brews rose 2%, to about 5.7
million barrels, from 1998, according to the trade group Association of
Brewers.
In a wave of mergers, brewers have recently been consolidating to offset
high production costs. Last year, for the first time since the boom began,
more microbreweries closed than opened, the association says. Meanwhile,
craft brewers' share of the total beer market remained flat, at about 3%.
Surviving the leaner years are entrepreneurs such as Kim Jordan, 41, and her
husband, Jeff Lebesch, 42, who started New Belgium in their bathroom in 1991
after taking out a second mortgage on their Fort Collins, Colo., home.
''When we had more beer than furniture, we decided it was time to move the
brewery out of the house,'' says Jordan, the company's CEO.
New Belgium has 105 employees who last year rolled out 150,000 barrels of
beer -- a 41% jump from 1998. Sales this year are expected to be up an
additional 13%. The company's Belgian-style ales -- with labels such as
Sunshine Wheat and Blue Paddle -- are sold in Colorado and nine other states
west of the Mississippi.
The couple is typical of brewers who helped create the 1990s boom, says
industry consultant Robert Weinberg of R.S. Weinberg and Associates in St.
Louis. Like Lebesch, many were home brewers embarking on a second career as
they chased consumer demand for pricey beers with often-fanciful names.
But unlike Jordan and Lebesch, some were unprepared for the move from hobby
to full-time business. Says Weinberg: ''I think they stormed in with, in
many cases, very, very marginal business plans.''
Jordan sees a slowing in the industry's shakeout. She says the remaining
players are more savvy, better financed and know how to manage their
companies. ''It's a very exciting time to be in the industry,'' she says.
http://oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/00/08/1c_41beer16.frame
Company will pull liquor billboards
Miller Brewing acts on 22 malt liquor ads after North Portland residents
complain they target young African Americans
Wednesday, August 16, 2000 By Joe Fitzgibbon, special to The Oregonian
Miller Brewing will drop its newest billboard campaign promoting 40-ounce
containers of Olde English 800 malt liquor after neighborhood groups in
North Portland complained that the flashy ads targeted young African
Americans.
Ronald McClaron, director of corporate relations for the beer company, flew
out from Milwaukee to announce the decision.
"No one in corporate headquarters viewed the billboards as offensive, nor
would we ever encourage underage drinking," McClaron told community members
who met earlier this week at the St. Johns Community Center. "We aren't
responsible for all of the drinking problems in your community, but we are
ceasing the campaign immediately."
In May, parents and social service providers joined with the Roosevelt
Family Resource Team to complain that billboard ads near Roosevelt High
School featured African Americans in ganglike attire enjoying 40-ounce
containers of malt liquor. They sent a letter to the national brewery
criticizing the company as portraying drinking as hip and encouraging young
people of color to buy the product.
"When I first saw the ads, I was offended, and I stayed mad for a long time
because all I could see was gang members in the 'hood having a good time
drinking large containers of beer," said Carl Flipper, a member of the
Humboldt Neighborhood Target Association. "This is not the image we want
portrayed to our young people."
McClaron said that only Phoenix and Portland complained about the national
billboard campaign, but the company will not pull ads in Phoenix. Miller is
pulling 22 billboards in the Portland area and will cancel another 22 that
had been scheduled to go up soon.
Promotion of the malt liquor will continue on radio and television and in
print media.
"We've certainly heard your message loud and clear, and if we decide to
start a new campaign, we'll let you know first," McClaron said. "We're in
the business of selling beer, but we also want people to make responsible
choices."
McClaron cited two national studies showing that teen-age drinking has
declined steadily since 1988. He said efforts by his company to support the
use of designated drivers have saved nearly 50,000 lives.
Julia Rico, a member of the Portland Police Gang Task Force, said she was
pleased with the beer company's decision but disputed the claim that the
billboards had little effect on the consumption of alcohol by young people.
"Let's not fool anyone: 40-ounce malt liquor is the drink of choice among
gang members," Rico said. "I don't remember any gang member we've arrested,
who had been drinking, that didn't have a container in his hand or nearby."
A few at the neighborhood meeting criticized parents and adults for making
alcohol readily available to young people. Several teen-agers said that
buying beer is as simple as tapping the shoulder of an older friend or paying
a
legal-age drinker to get the liquor.
Others called on Miller Brewing to pour its profits back into the community
for anti-drinking programs. McClaron said he would urge local distributors to
work with the community to eliminate alcohol consumption among young people and
to promote programs
that call for moderate and responsible drinking for adults.
Tracy Woll, representing AK Media, owner of the billboards, said her company
would re-evaluate the placement of alcohol ads near high schools and
permanently remove the two that community members found most offensive.
"We have a corporate policy of not placing any alcohol ad within 1,000 feet
of a school," Woll said. The ads near Roosevelt High are more than 1,000
feet from the school.
Meanwhile, the Roosevelt Family Resource Center will form a task force to
continue monitoring and studying alcohol consumption by teen-agers.
"We're pleased with their decision and suggestions, but we're still looking
for a long-term solution to this problem," said Jane Bogus, a member of the
St. Johns Neighborhood Association. "We've got some serious problems in this
neighborhood, and we don't need to add teen-age drinking to the list."
http://www.bergen.com/food/beer16200008168.htm
Pilsners led the way for American lagers
Wednesday, August 16, 2000 By TONY FORDER
With some hot weather probably still in store for us, there is nothing as
refreshing as a good pilsner. And there's none better than Pilsner Urquell,
the original from the Czech Republic. Dating to 1842, Urquell was not the
first lager beer, but it was the first golden, clear lager ever produced.
Its popularity was immediate and immense, as it became the world's most
popular and most ubiquitous beer style.
Most American mainstream beers are pilsner derivatives, albeit somewhat
lighter and less flavorful than the originals. While Budweiser has become a
household word in the United States, there is another Budweiser that dates
almost as far back as Pilsner Urquell. Just as that beer takes its name from
Pilsen, the town in which it was brewed, so Budweiser Budvar takes its name
from the neighboring town of Budweis in the Czech Republic. Due to trademark
conflicts, it is not available in the United States, but Pilsner Urquell,
which was recently acquired by South African Breweries, now has pockets deep
enough to mount a major U.S. offensive. A bigger market share for Urquell
should translate into fresher beer for beer drinkers.
While aficionados may be familiar with such German pilsners as Warsteiner,
Becks, or Bitburger, a distinctive dry pilsner from the north of Germany
recently made its debut on tap in the Garden State. Jever has a very crisp
finish with strong bitter hop bite.
Heineken, Grolsch, Fosters, and Corona are all pilsner beers. Fans of
American craft brew should try Stoudts, Brooklyn, Victory, Saranac, or
Tupper's Hop Pocket pilsners.
http://www.pioneerplanet.com/seven-days/1/news/docs/027271.htm
Company, community to talk about ethanol plant
Odors, noise plague West 7th Street
CHARLES LASZEWSKI STAFF WRITER , 08/15
City officials held out little hope Wednesday for a quick solution to
widespread neighborhood complaints about the new Gopher State Ethanol Plant,
which opened in the West Seventh Street area last spring. But, they noted,
both city and company officials will continue to address
concerns about strong odors and loud noises at what has been called the
first urban ethanol plant in the nation.
City officials said Wednesday that the noise coming from the plant is within
the required daytime limits and that company officials have agreed to join a
neighborhood committee to deal with the odors.
Bill Gunther, the city's environmental health director, told the St. Paul
City Council he had monitored the noise earlier in the day and found it
within the daytime noise limits.
However, if those same noise levels persisted into the evening, it would
violate state nighttime standards, he said. As a result, he hopes to conduct
a 24-hour monitoring sometime next week.
Dealing with the odors will be more difficult, and the city has very little
leverage to bring the plant, which is at the Minnesota Brewing Co., into
compliance, Council Member Chris Coleman said.
Ethanol is produced from grain, primarily corn, and it then can be blended
with gasoline at refineries both to reduced the amount of gasoline used and
to make the gasoline burn cleaner. In distilling the ethanol, there are two
sources of odor, said Dan Smith of the city's Department of Planning and
Economic Development.
One source is the actual production of the ethanol, and the smell seems to
stay within the neighborhood around the brewery, Smith said. Recently, the
company added pollution control equipment to capture some of the gases
producing the smell, and that has helped but not solved the problem, Smith
said.
The other source is from the grain dryer, which dries the corn after it has
gone through the distilling process, Smith said. That is vented through the
tall smokestack at the brewery and pushes the smell to the West Side or into
the Summit-University neighborhoods, he said. Nothing has been done by the
brewery officials to limit those odors, Smith said.
However, the city is setting up a committee of neighborhood residents, city
officials and representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Smith said Jack Lee, president of Gopher State Ethanol and Minnesota Brewing
Co., has agreed to participate on the committee.
The council took testimony on the odors last week. An air quality official
with the pollution control agency said that the agency issued the plant
three air emission permits, but it allows six months of operation before any
testing is done. The plant only began operating in April, so that six months
has not expired.
Coleman said Wednesday that the city has almost no power to control the
odors. He was pleased Lee will be participating on the committee.
``It not as bad, but it is not where we want it to be yet,'' Coleman said of
the odors.
In addition, Council Member Pat Harris asked that someone from the county
health department be on the committee to monitor any possible health
problems.
Smith and Gunther will report back to the council Sept. 20.
http://www.beer.com/news/bee/bee/2000/08/15/966373756919.html
8.15.2000 Of groaning beer and babies
by ALAN D. EAMES , beer.com
My third child and first daughter was born in August with a delivery that
would have done Federal Express proud. She emerged to her waist before the
doctor entered the room, while my mate held my arm in a death grip and two
nurses prepared to complete the birth themselves.
Afterward, my wife was blissful and flushed with that special look of just
having gone 15 rounds with the world heavyweight champ - and won. Her first
words to me: "What have we got for beer?" I walked home to pillage the
fridge, returning with a sack of weird brews that always seem to hand in the
further recesses of our refrigerator.
My wife loves beer. During her pregnancy, she often accompanied evening
meals by a glass of beer. Which brings you, gentle reader, to the point of
all this: for hundreds of years, the moderate drinking of beer was part and
parcel of gestation, delivery and nursing.
GROANING BEER
Until the early nineteenth century, in both Europe and America, a childbirth
tradition was the making of the "groaning" beer. Since beer was regarded as
an important dietary component essential to health and long life, it was
customary to include beer in the plans of every family preparing for an
addition.
As soon as a woman knew that she was with child, she or the local brewster
would prepare the costly ingredients for a high gravity ale. Lagered for the
duration of the pregnancy, the cask of special brew - loaded with
fermentable sugars - would fester to perfection. As soon as labor began, the
groaning beer was brought into the birth chamber, the cask to be tapped at
the arrival of the midwife. During the vigil, the laboring woman and
attendant midwives would drink of the groaning beer for strength and
sustenance. Old records also tell of washing the newborn with ale. The brew
was known to be pure, a real plus at a time when water was highly suspect.
In other places, when a child came into the world, a special "borning ale"
was lagered and put away in some forgotten corner of a barn or cellar, only
to be cracked open when the child reached a certain age. If, as all too
often happened, the child died prior to reaching maturity, the birth ale
would become the funeral ale, served to guests and to the local "sin eater."
The sin eater was a wandering type who, for a price, would eat bread and
drink a pot of ale symbolically ingesting in the process the sins of the
dear departed.
BEER AND NURSING MOTHERS
Throughout the ages, folk wisdom dictated that successful nursing with
abundant milk production was best accomplished by mom's drinking two or
three glasses of beer (usually dark) daily. About the dawn of the nineteenth
century, the curious idea came into being that drunkenness was inherited
from beer-tainted mother's milk. Today, the notion is that "any beer at all
is too much" as far as mothers are concerned.
It seems that moderate drinking of good beer stimulates milk production in
the human breast. In spite of dire warnings from the neo-Prohibitionist
camp, some women's health books continue to recommend a beer or two for
nursing mothers. It works at my house, to say nothing of relaxing and
refreshing mom. Not for nothing do the Irish call Guinness "mother's milk."
A BEER-SWILLING GOD
Of all the spirits and deities assisting child-bearing women throughout the
ages, perhaps the most interesting remains the Sudanese beer-swilling god of
women in labor and protector of children: Bes.
This hunch-backed dwarf god of Sudan had such appeal that he quickly was
borrowed by the ancient Egyptians and became a spiritual staple of the
people of the Nile for 2,000 years. Bes, although drunk most of the time and
fond of playing tricks on humans, nonetheless was prayed to, as he watched
over generations of Egyptian children.
Egyptian babies were usually born outside in flower-filled courtyards, in
the sensible "birthing chair" now in vogue in trendy hospitals throughout
America. Clay images of Bes, each adorned with flowers, were placed in the
baby's room. To assure Bes's close attention, offerings of beer were placed
beside each idol.
COUNTING ONE'S BLESSINGS
As I write this, my new daughter sleeps in a basket a few feet away. Things
are somewhat back to normal, as in the next room my wife runs her beer
business as usual. For my family, beer is our life and ruling passion.
Tonight, my wife and I will share a beer with dinner and, I'm sure, give
thanks (while looking around the table at our beautiful children) for the
bounty with which we have been blessed.
I suppose that I will always favor the ways of our ancestors, whose
beer-loving common sense surpasses modern foolishness. There is, however,
one ancient custom I would not care to revive, although some women reading
this column will no doubt mention it to their husbands.
Among some Native American tribes, the father perched on rafters above his
wife in labor. To share in the birth process, dad had cords tied around his
scrotum, the cords draping down into the hands of mom on the ground below.
When mom felt a contraction, she would give the cord a twist. Dad endured
this until the baby was delivered. And all this in one of the few cultures
ever to be without the craft of brewing!
I love you, dear, but I can't be with you this time. I promise I'll buy you
a beer.
http://pioneerplanet.com/seven-days/1/news/docs/031161.htm
Wisconsin lawmakers counting more than calories at dinners
State ethics laws curb freebies
GINA HOLLAND ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES
While many other convention delegates show little restraint around
well-stocked buffets and bars at parties where everything is free, Christine
Sinicki is doing cost calculations in her head.
She and six other Wisconsin legislators who are delegates to the Democratic
National Convention can't accept free things from companies that lobby in
that state under strict state ethics laws.
Figuring reimbursements is especially challenging at the convention, where
there are multiple parties each night, often with multiple sponsors.
The seven were keeping up with their beer tab at a Wednesday night pool
party Miller Brewing Co. threw for Wisconsin delegates. The Milwaukee-based
brewery is a major lobbying force in the state.
One night earlier, SBC Communications Inc. treated the delegation to roast
beef and pasta at a waterfront restaurant. Lawmakers were trying to find out
if the wireless company has a lobbyist in Wisconsin, which means they would
have to pay for the meal.
Sinicki, a freshman representative from Milwaukee who supports the law, said
her policy is ``to write them a check right then and there.'' Mike McCabe, a
spokesman for the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, questions
whether that is enough. ``The presence of those corporations at the convention
still draws them far too close to people who will ultimately be deciding
matters
that affect them, and that's still unseemly,'' he said.
In addition to things like free tote bags and travel kits an designer clothes,
the
Wisconsin group had breakfasts each morning paid for by Wisconsin truck maker
Oshkosh
Trucking, telecommunications company Ameritech, an engineers labor union and
U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, according to the group's chairwoman.
``There's an image out there that the conventions are places were people
party all the time, that it's one big bash,'' Kohl said. Unlike some states,
Wisconsin
had only the two nighttime parties thrown just for them. Some delegates were a
little
disappointed that there weren't more but were not surprised.
``People in Wisconsin are tight wads,'' said Tillie Bichanich of West Allis.
``It's Wisconsin politics. It tends to be squeaky clean,'' said Milwaukee
Mayor John Norquist. ``Delegates feel guilty when they pick up a free copy
of the paper every morning.''
State Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala said at the breakfasts he hasn't
had ``a drop of water, let alone a cup of coffee'' to avoid a conflict. He
said there
are some questionable things, like attending corporate-sponsored parties
where bands are playing.
``You can't help but hear the band,'' he said. The state's ethics rules are
among the
toughest in the country, according to Common Cause. Jay Heck, executive
director of
the group in Wisconsin, said he supports Sen. Russ Feingold who wants less
corporate
involvement in political conventions. Even though legislators pay their own
way they
could ``come away from that thinking `well, that's pretty neat that the
corporation
underwrote my political party's event,and gave me this terrific watch''' said
Heck.
jfr...@my-deja.com
"Lew Bryson" <bee...@prodigy.net> wrote:
>
> Lying weasel.
>
>
Who let Don Imus in here?
--Jeff Frane
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
J2jurado
5-11D4-8C58-009027DE0829}&Bucket=Newswire
Brazil: Wine producers from Argentina and Chile to expand
8/17/2000 - Wine producers from Chile and Argentina are facing competition to
expand operations in the Brazilian market. According to the industry
association Uvibra (Uniao Brasileira de Vinicultura) in 1999 among the imported
wines Italy was the leader with 23,4% participation in theBrazilian market, and
was followed by Portugal with 16,7%, Chile 16, 3%, France with 13,4%, Germany
9,8%, and Argentina with 9,4%. From April 1999 to April 2000 sales of Chilean
wines in Brazil increased by 46,7% from 323,000 boxes to 474,000 boxes, while
sales of Argentinean wine increased by 98,4% from 123,000 boxes to 244,000
boxes. The major marks were the Chilean Sunrise, Caliterra, Santa Helena, Alma
Viva, Casa Real, and the Argentinean Toso, Santa Ana, Conte de Valmont, Norton,
Terrazas, Bodega Catena.
Copyright (c) 2000, SABI, all rights reserved.
Rugby union-Springbok purists gutted by beer logo
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Beer, usually greeted with relish in rugby
clubs worldwide, is causing controversy in South Africa.
South African rugby purists were up in arms on Thursday about a major
sponsorship deal that will see the country's most popular beer advertised on
the front of the hallowed Springbok green jersey.
The Springboks will run out against New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday
carrying the name of a lager as part of an estimated 75 million rand ($10.3
million) sponsorship deal.
For some in the sports-mad country seeing the beer's name in the middle of the
shirt was one step too far.
``I may be old-fashioned, but it has cheapened the Springbok jersey to have it
affiliated with beer. It no longer has the value it once enjoyed,'' Springbok
legend Frik du Preez told The Citizen newspaper.
Former Springbok wing Tom van Vollenhoven joined the chorus of disapproval
saying that the traditional jersey should be left alone.
Rugby administrators defended their decision to allow the prominent advertising
and denied that they had sold the soul of Springbok rugby.
``It is tasteful and within the International Rugby Board's regulations. It
will not detract from the tradition of the Bok jersey,'' Rian Oberholzer, head
of the SA Rugby Football Union (Sarfu) was quoted as saying by the Businesss
Day newspaper.
The Springbok jersey already carries the characteristic mark of a U.S. sports
clothing firm.
Botts offered Wolverhampton more than 500p/shr -source
LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Botts & Co gave Wolverhampton &
Dudley an indicative offer of more than 500 pence per share when the two groups
met on Wednesday, an industry source told Reuters on Friday.
Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries Plc (W&DB) earlier on Friday said it rejected
the Botts approach as undervalued and ``too uncertain,'' but did not say how
much had been offered.
An offer above 500p would value Wolverhampton's share capital at more than 472
million pounds ($705 million), giving an enterprise value of more than one
billion pounds when debt it considered.
Shares in W&DB had fallen 6.5 percent to 451 pence by 1330 GMT.
Botts and venture capitalist Robert Breare, formerly of Alchemy Partners, were
expected to respond to W&DB's statement later on Friday. ($1-.6690 Pound)
Anheuser-Busch Environmental, Health and Safety Report Takes to the Web,
Highlights Company's Achievements
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that reflects its "reduce, reuse,
recycle" philosophy and interest in informing more people about
Anheuser-Busch's (NYSE: BUD) environmental, health and safety (EHS)
achievements, the company has produced its first Internet-based EHS report.
The report, which highlights Anheuser-Busch's progress in promoting excellence
in these areas, focuses on the company's employee efforts, community efforts,
and contractor/supplier/customer efforts as the company is
the most important brewery in the world.
By visiting Anheuser-Busch's environmental website, www.abenvironment.com ,
visitors can learn that:
-- Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation is the world's largest recycler of
aluminum cans, recycling the equivalent of more than 130 percent of the
beer cans sold by Anheuser-Busch. This is more than 20 billion cans
(685 million pounds) based on 1999 figures.
-- Injuries among employees have been reduced by 81 percent and loss work
days reduced by 78 percent between 1991 and 1999.
-- Anheuser-Busch has promoted energy and water conservation so
successfully, that utility costs in 1999 were equal to those in 1995 --
261 million -- while sales increased by more than 11 percent.
-- Solid waste sent to landfills in the past nine years has decreased by
more than 60 percent per dollar of sales.
-- Anheuser-Busch has received more than 100 awards for environmental,
health and safety excellence, including the Ron Brown Award for
Corporate Leadership -- a presidential award given in recognition of
the company's environmental and conservation programs and initiatives.
-- Innovest, an organization that provides environmental performance
information to the investment community, awarded Anheuser-Busch its
highest rating for environmental performance.
-- The Council on Economic Priorities, a public service research
organization that analyzes and reports on the social and environmental
records of corporations, also awarded Anheuser-Busch its highest rating
in the environmental disclosure category.
J. William Sugar, senior director for Environmental Affairs at Anheuser- Busch,
said these accomplishments continue to build on "Anheuser-Busch's tradition of
quality, innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible conduct."
In addition to further information on Anheuser-Busch's EHS performance,
visitors to the site will learn about the company's overall commitment, from
the important work conducted by our Sea World and Busch Gardens parks, to our
support of various environmental and conservation organizations. While touring
the site, visitors can also take the Envirochallenge Quiz to check their
knowledge of interesting and fun environmental facts.
http://www.sltrib.com:80/08162000/utah/12781.htm
Alcohol At Olympic Games Targeted
Wednesday, August 16, 2000 BY KIRSTEN STEWART THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
A band of public health advocacy groups from across the nation is
organizing to protest the "alcoholization" of the Olympic movement. Its stage?
Utah's Winter Olympics.
"We want to ensure we have a safe and sober Olympics," said George Van
Komen, head of Utah's Alcohol Policy Coalition, a loosely organized local group
that instigated the protest.
Van Komen said that in about two weeks he will announce the official
formation of the tentatively named "Coalition for a Safe 2002," along with
details on the group's goals and objectives.
About 10 organizations have committed to the cause, including: the Marin
Institute in San Rafael, Calif.; the Center for Science in the Public Interest
in Washington, D.C.; FACE-Truth and Clarity in Alcohol in Clare, Mich.; Beer
and Booze is For Losers; and Texans Standing Tall in Austin.
Van Komen said the coalition isn't categorically opposed to the legal sale
or purchase of beer, wine and liquor during the Games. "We're certainly not
in the process of trying to change any of the laws in the state," he said. The
group will work, however, to ensure Utah's liquor statutes aren't watered down
for the sake of the international sporting event.
The Salt Lake Organizing Committee has yet to declare whether beer or other
beverages will be sold from kiosks located inside Olympic venues or on
surrounding side streets.
The issue of alcohol and its increased presence at major sporting events,
through advertising or direct sales, doesn't begin or end with the Olympics,
said Van Komen. Nor are the coalition's concerns limited to Utah.
This is "one of the reasons we needed a national coalition, so that this is
not perceived as a Mormon issue, but a health concern," said Van Komen, a
practicing physician.
George Hacker, director of the alcohol policies project at the Center for
Science in the Public Interest, said the timing of the coalition's organization
has nothing to do with the fact that Utah's conservative culture and unique
liquor laws are likely to attract international attention in 2002 during the
Games.
"I think that if the Olympics were in New York City, we'd be sending the
same message," he said.
That message, says Hacker, is that the consumption of alcohol is inherently
incompatible with sports. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a
nonprofit advocacy organization that seeks to promote health by educating the
public about nutrition and alcohol.
"We take for granted that just because alcohol is legal it's appropriate
for beverages to sponsor" sporting events, he said.
Hacker questions "why alcohol should be so present and so visible in games
that have to do with athletic prowess, have to do with health, that have to do
with young people, not only participants but viewers who hold out those
athletes as role models and heroes.
"That whole infusion of beer, in particular, associated with these games is
something that just doesn't fit and ought to be challenged."
Another reason for de-emphasizing alcohol at sporting events is that it
exploits athletes, said Hacker.
"Many of the athletes themselves are underage. Why should they be used to
promote beer?"
http://www.latimes.com:80/editions/orange/business/20000817/t000077160.html
Japanese Brewer Tries Drug Market
Companies: As beer sales stagnate, Kirin hopes biotechnology will bolster
earnings.
By GARY SCHAEFER, Associated Press
TOKYO Aug. 17--To break its dependence on alcohol, Japan's biggest brewer
has turned to drugs. Pharmaceuticals are just one of several businesses that
Kirin Brewery Co. is building outside the food-and-beverage industry to reduce
its heavy reliance on beer sales.
And the drug market is still largely uncharted territory--accounting for
just 3% of the brewer's worldwide revenue last year. But Kirin is counting on
the latest generation of biotechnology to keep its group earnings afloat. It
got into the pharmaceuticals business in 1982 amid signs that decades of growth
by Japan's beer market were reaching an end.
"In the early 1980s, we were looking for diversification opportunities
wherever we could find them," said Jun Kojima, deputy administrative manager at
Kirin's pharmaceuticals division. "Our hopes for this business are high, but
the risks are high too." Just how high those hopes are was made clear in late
February, when the Japanese brewer announced what it called its long-term
"vision" for the drug business.
Over the next 10 years, Kirin wants to triple its pharmaceuticals-related
revenue to $1.11 billion. To do that, it plans to expand overseas sales of its
current lineup--two prescription treatments for blood-cell deficiencies--while
developing commercial applications for next-generation biotechnologies such as
human antibodies.
Beer and pharmaceuticals aren't as unrelated as they may seem.
"The first thing we thought of was finding various medical uses for
fermentation products," said Dr. Masaharu Ishikawa, a product-development
manager in the brewer's pharmaceuticals division. "Of course, the
microorganisms that are fermented to make beer are different than those for,
say, a cancer-fighting agent."
Kirin set its sights on erythropoietin, a protein hormone then being
targeted by the biotechnology industry as a treatment for patients with kidney
disease who suffer from a chronic deficiency of red blood cells.
Its researchers started studying ways to isolate the human gene that
produces erythropoietin, clone it into cells and mass-produce those cells using
a process Ishikawa likens to an "extension" of fermentation technology.
But a U.S. venture called Amgen Inc., one of the world's most successful
biotechnology companies, moved ahead of Kirin with its own research into a
renal-anemia treatment based on the recombination of erythropoietin genes.
So Kirin decided in 1984 to form a joint research and development venture
with the Thousand Oaks-based company, and with a license to Amgen's technology
Kirin was able to begin manufacturing a drug named Espo in 1990.
Kirin also collaborated with Amgen for its second pharmaceutical product.
Gran, which went on sale in Japan in 1991, stimulates production of white blood
cells in cancer patients.
Each of the drugs have since captured about 40% of their market in Japan.
Together they boosted Kirin's pharmaceutical-related sales to $379.3 million in
1999, up from $55.8 million a decade ago.
Still, that figure is just a drop in Kirin's bucket. The 93-year-old
company's group revenue last year reached $13.5 billion, three-quarters of
which came from beer.
But while beer sales have stagnated, Kirin's pharmaceuticals division has
posted double-digit percentage gains for three of the last five years.
And analysts are pessimistic about Japan's beer market, noting that the
country's population is expected to peak this decade and that younger Japanese
have more diverse tastes than their beer-and-rice wine drinking elders.
"The Japanese market is already saturated," said Naomi Takagi, an analyst
at HSBC Securities Ltd. That's shifted the spotlight to Kirin's ventures
outside the food-and-beverage industry, which range from producing yeast-based
cattle feed to selling bottling equipment. But it's the drugs that have pumped
up expectations.
Kirin's stock shot up 15% on Jan. 15--its biggest single-day gain in a
decade--on news that the brewer signed a licensing agreement with Medarex Inc.,
a U.S. biotech venture.
The deal gives Kirin the right to use Princeton, N.J.-based Medarex's
technology for creating genetically altered mice that produce human antibodies.
Those antibodies may be used in future generations of heart and cancer
treatments.
Kirin has set a target date of 2010 for the first commercial applications
of that technology as well as projects in cell therapy.
http://www.beverageonline.com/content/news/article.asp?DocID={29697669-72C
5-11D4-8C58-009027DE0829}&Bucket=Newswire
Seagram Declares Quarterly Dividend
MONTREAL, Aug 17, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of The Seagram
Company Ltd. (NYSE: VO) has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 16.50
cents per share in U.S. currency, payable on September 15, 2000, to
shareholders of record on September 1, 2000.
For shareholders receiving dividends in Canadian funds, the exchange rate to be
applied will be the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange on the record date.
The Seagram Company Ltd., headquartered in Montreal, operates in four global
business segments: Music, Filmed Entertainment, Recreation and Other, and
Spirits and Wine. Universal Music Group, the world's largest recorded music
company, produces, markets and distributes recorded music throughout the world
in all major genres, and it is engaged in music publishing. The Company's
Filmed Entertainment business produces and distributes motion picture,
television and home video products worldwide; operates and has ownership in a
number of international cable channels; and engages in the licensing of
merchandising rights and film property rights. The Recreation and Other
business operates theme parks and retail stores. It is also involved in the
development of entertainment software. The Spirits and Wine business is engaged
principally in the production and marketing of distilled spirits, wines,
coolers, beers and mixers throughout more than 190 countries and territories.
The Company's corporate website is located at www.seagram.com.
http://detnews.com:80/2000/features/0008/16/c04-106081.htm
A down-home atmosphere is on tap
By Lynne Meredith Cohn / Special to The Detroit News
FERNDALE -- When Allyson Cohen goes to the Woodward Avenue Brewery, she
likes to sit at a table on the sidewalk and gaze at passers-by. The 3-year-old
micro-brewery is known as a casual place to hang out, people-watch and maybe
talk a bit to the strangers inside.
"I especially like the home-brewed beers," says Cohen, 28, of Waterford. "It
feels like a really comfortable crowd, really down-home."
From preppy to proper, the Woodward Avenue Brewery can appeal to most young
adults -- if you keep an open mind. Manager Tom Voss assures that there's no
dress code and anything goes here; in fact, most wait-staff are pierced or
tattooed in some way, he says.
"I think that our popularity is based on atmosphere and also kind of like
the hip vibe that the staff gives off," Voss says. "We're anti-corporate. We
don't conform to pretty much anything. We're not a meat-market place; we're a
completely relaxed, chilled out, social hangout place."
The brewery opened in May 1997 as a home-brewed beer tavern, with specialty
flavors like custom blond. A year later, it opened a cafe, with tables on the
sidewalks and food served day and night. Last year, it received its liquor
license and started serving a menu of drinks.
Woodward Avenue Brewery, 22646 Woodward south of Nine Mile, Ferndale. Hours: 11
a.m.-2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, noon-2 a.m. Sunday. Live music once a
month.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk:80/dynamic/lifestyle/review.html?in_review_i
d=308064&in_review_text_id=252334
Rip-Off London - Part I
by Colin Freeman
It's been a long, hard day pounding the streets of London seeing the sights,
and you pop in to a pub to ask for a soft drink. You are virtually inviting the
landlord to write his own cheque. "Pint of lemonade and lime, sir?" That will,
depending on where you call in, cost you anything between £1.40 and £3.90.
A pint of lemonade can range from £1.40 to a staggering £3.90. What a rip-off.
True, nobody expects a supermarket price - that works out at typically around
63p a pint - despite the fact that many pubs obtain their supplies there. And
you may accept that the landlord needs to accommodate heavy overheads in the
West End in terms of staff costs and rates. But a more realistic price range
would surely see £1.40 at the top rather than the bottom.
Try a stroll between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, calling in at All Bar
One in Leicester Square, the Bear and Staff in Charing Cross Road, and the
Angel and Crown in St Martin's Lane. We asked, as many thirsty customers do,
for a pint of lemonade and lime in each (with a little ice). All Bar One,
arguably the best located of the three, charged £1.70. The Bear and Staff
charged £3.90. And the Angel and Crown, only £1.40. Prices, in effect, varied
by more than double - despite the fact that the pubs are only 300 yards apart.
Elsewhere in central London the variations were just as dramatic, once again
with no apparent regard for the quality of the location or the surroundings. At
the Blackbird in Earls Court the same pint cost £2.40, but just down the road
at the Court-field, it was only £1.53. In the Gloucester, Sloane Street, it
went up to £2.70, while at the Captain's Cabin and the Three Crowns in
Piccadilly, they wanted £1.61 and £3.17 respectively.
Back in Covent Garden at the Punch and Judy - one of the West End's best-known
pubs and located right in the heart of the market - we were back down to £1.82.
Even out of the centre of London, at the Greyhound on Kew Green, we were
charged £2.20.
The free-for-all on soft drinks is, of course, perfectly within the law,
despite the Government's attempts to prevent it. Last November, Consumer
Affairs Minister Kim Howells urged the Office of Fair Trading to investigate
claims that pubs, hotels, and restaurants routinely charged up to three times
more than supermarkets for non-alcoholic drinks, while for beer the mark-up was
much less.
However, the OFT decided that the sheer variation in prices - plus the fact
that around 500 pubs closed last year - showed that landlords were competing
with each other too much to be price-fixing. The sole recommendation was that
all pubs should post price lists - those that already did so tended to have
lower prices - for which a Government consultation paper is due out soon.
Presented with the results of the Evening Standard's survey, a spokeswoman for
the Consumers' Association said: "Profit margins on soft drinks can be as high
as 1,000 per cent. This is a clear case of exploiting customers, which is
particularly galling as pubs should be cutting soft drink prices to support
anti-drink-driving campaigns. The excuse of being in an expensive location,
particularly in the West End, doesn't seem to add up from the prices shown
here."
The Brewers' and Licensed Retailers' Association chief executive Rob Hayward
said it was a matter for individual companies: "As a trade body we don't
comment on what prices our members are charging, although it is basically down
to individual companies that run pubs as to how much they charge for soft
drinks, as it is with alcoholic drinks."
The widely differing charges at the All Bar One and the Bear and Staff are made
all the more surprising by the fact that they are owned by the same brewing
company, Bass. Neither of the landlords were permitted to speak to the Evening
Standard, but company spokesman Bob Cartwright said Bass had revised its
soft-drink pricing some time ago in response to criticism.
"We knew there was concern about the price of pub soft drinks in general, so we
now have a policy where soft drinks like lemonade and cola are discounted by 20
per cent against the price of Carling Black Label, our biggest-selling beer.
"The Bear and Staff is one of a group of pubs we recently acquired from Allied
Domecq, and it appears that our charging policies haven't quite been put into
effect there yet.
"But different Bass pubs do charge different amounts - some are very much
down-to-earth places with budget prices, whereas others are more upmarket and
prices reflect the surroundings."
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000817/11/odd-apes-dc
Chimps Learn to Make Tastier Food
August 17, 2000 MADRID (Reuters) - A toothless chimpanzee at the Madrid zoo has
given her companions a taste for turning fruit and vegetables into purees in
what could be a scientific first. New Scientist magazine said the chimps
appeared to be the first animals to mash food simply because they prefer the
taste and texture.
Chimps use various techniques to obtain food, like fishing termites out of
mounds with sticks, but they have not been known to change the quality of their
food, this week's edition of the magazine said.
The female chimp, Linda, had her teeth removed by a beach resort photographer
to stop her nasty habit of biting tourists. She started the mashing habit after
moving to Madrid zoo in 1992.
Now most of her group routinely rub their apples, carrots, lemons and oranges
on a sharp corner in their enclosure for about 10 seconds and then lick up the
puree.
Samuel Fernandez-Carriba, one of three scientists who have studied their
behavior, told New Scientist there was no evidence food transformation existed
in the wild as animals appeared to have no time to waste.
"But if you have the time, you might cook all day and make something nice,"
Fernandez-Carriba said. "Maybe this is one more piece of evidence that we are
not as unique as we previously thought."
J2jurado
TORONTO, Aug. 18 /CNW-PRN/ - It is with great sadness that Interbrew S.A. and
the Labatt Brewing Company Limited advise of the passing of Don Kitchen,
Executive vice-president, North America. Mr. Kitchen, age 44, died suddenly
early yesterday morning (Thursday, August 17) of natural causes while on
business in Brussels, Belgium.
During his time at Labatt, Mr. Kitchen made a tremendous contribution to the
organization and was a key reason for our growing success in Canada and the
United States.
The thoughts and sympathies of all Interbrew employees go out to Mr. Kitchen's
family at this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed.
Details of funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Diageo<DGE.L>, Pernod plan Seagram drinks bid
By David Jones
LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Britain's Diageo Plc and France's Pernod Ricard
<PERP.PA> said in a surprise move on Friday that they plan to make a joint bid
for Seagram's <VO.TO> <<A HREF="aol://4785:VO">VO.N</A>> wines and spirits
business in a $7 billion-plus auction.
"Diageo and Pernod Ricard announce that they have agreed to work together to
make an offer for Seagram's wines and spirits business in the forthcoming
disposal process," Diageo said in statement.
The British drinks giant had been in talks with privately owned Bacardi over a
joint bid for the Seagram's drinks empire, but industry sources said Pernod
came up with a better offer which has helped forge the Anglo-French alliance.
Diageo has switched its partnership to the world's fifth largest spirits group
Pernod from number four Bacardi ahead of the imminent publication by investment
bank Morgan Stanley of a document with financial facts on Seagram's drinks
unit.
The Diageo statement came after speculation concerning its participation in the
Seagram's sell-off. The group added that it does not anticipate making any
further announcement until the outcome of its interest in the auction process
is determined.
This Diageo consortium is likely to be the main competitor with Allied Domecq
Plc <ALLD.L> in the Seagram's spirits sale, put on the block after Seagram
agreed a $34 billion merger with Vivendi <EAUG.PA> to create new media giant
Vivendi Universal.
Friday's news pushed Diageo shares down six pence to 605p while Allied slumped
19-1/4p, or alomost six percent, to 307p by 1030 GMT. In Paris, Pernod rose 1.7
percent to 59.50 euros.
SEAGRAM SPIRITS ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE
Seagram is the world's third largest spirits grouping, after Diageo and Allied,
and its portfolio of Chivas Regal scotch, Martell cognac, Crown Royal Canadian
whisky, Captain Morgan dark rum and the distribution rights for Absolut vodka
will make an attractive package.
Diageo with its Johnnie Walker scotch, Smirnoff vodka, Gordon's gin and Baileys
liqueur brands is likely to be interested in Crown Royal and Captain Morgan to
extend its clear leadership in the world's spirits market.
Meanwhile, Pernod, whose top brands include Ricard and Pernod aniseed spirits,
Wild Turkey bourbon, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Havana Club rum, is likely to be
interested in Chivas Regal and Martell from the Canadian spirits group.
Seagram has the distribution rights for the world's top premiun vodka, Absolut,
for ten years up to 2004, but this may revert to owner Swedish state-controlled
owner Vin & Sprit in any change of control at Seagram.
Allied was initially the front-runner for the Seagram unit and the two
portfolios would make an excellent geographic and product fit, with the only
competition concerns in Canadian whisky and cognac, but Allied would probably
need a rights issue and a $7 billion-plus bid could overstretch the group.
Pernod was repeatedly rumoured to be interested in bidding for Allied last
year, but its plans for expansion were seen hit by the collapse of plans to
sell its Orangina soft drinks business after the French government blocked its
plan to sell it to American soft drinks giant Coca-Cola <<A
HREF="aol://4785:KO">KO.N</A>>.
But Chief Executive Patrick Ricard has not given up on forging alliances and
expansion in the spirits world, and Pernod is likely to be more interested in
the long tail of Seagram's smaller brands than Bacardi or Diageo.
Diageo, advised by UBS Warburg, is aiming to prevent one of the biggest prizes
in the wines and spirits world falling to its nearest rival, Allied, and ensure
future growth at its core spirits and beer business as it hives off its U.S.
Pillsbury food and Burger King divisions.
Diageo also has the cash to invest as it has announced a flota of Burger King
and a planned sell-off of Pillsbury. After merging its two remaining divisions,
wines and spirits unit UDV and Guinness beer, Chief Executive designate Paul
Walsh needs to convince investors of its long-term growth prospects.
Both a Diageo/Pernod bid or an Allied one could mean cost savings as high as
200 million pounds a year largely in distribution costs by combining with
Seagram.
Another bidder for the Seagram business may be the Bronfman family, which owns
24 percent of Seagram, led by Seagram co-chairman Charles Bronfman, whose
father founded the business. It is said to have hired Bear Stearns to prepare a
bid.
Nomura's Czech Brewery Sale to SAB Probed, Paper Says (Correct)
Prague, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg)-- The Czech Securities Commission is probing last
year's sale by a unit of Nomura Securities Co. of the two largest Czech
breweries to South African Breweries Plc, the daily Mlada Fronta Dnes said.
Nomura owned the breweries, Plzensky Prazdroj AS and Pivovar Radegast AS,
through its control of Investicni a Postovni Banka AS, then the country's No. 3
bank. The central bank took over Investicni in June this year and sold its
operations to Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka AS, a unit of Belgium's KBC
Bancassurance Holding NV. The Czech National Bank and Obchodni also are
reviewing the sale of the breweries, Mlada Fronta Dnes said.
The Czech National Bank has said Nomura cannot sell a 46 percent stake in
Investicni without the central bank's permission. The Czech Securities
Commission recommended in June that Investicni shares be valued at zero after
the central bank took over the bank and sold its operations. (Mlada Fronta
Dnes 8/18/11 www.idnes.cz)
Wolverhampton & Dudley Rejects Botts Takeover Bid; Shares Fall
London, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Wolverhampton & Dudley Plc's shares fell as much
as 7.5 percent after the British maker of Banks's beer rejected a takeover
offer from Botts & Co., a London- based finance company.
``The board has considered that this conditional offer approach both
undervalues W&DB and is too uncertain,'' Wolverhampton & Dudley said, without
disclosing the bid.
Botts and Robert Breare, executive chairman of Noble House Leisure Ltd., have
been working on a joint bid for the brewer. Breare said the companies aren't
likely to make a hostile offer. The Daily Telegraph on Aug. 18 quoted
unidentified people close to the situation as saying the offer was worth 566
million pounds ($848 million).
Wolverhampton has struggled with higher costs and a bigger range of low-profit
beers after buying Marston, Thomson & Evershed Plc and Mansfield Brewery Plc
last year. At the same time, competition has intensified as pub operators such
as J.D. Wetherspoon Plc slashed prices to attract customers.
Shares in the company, based in Wolverhampton, central England, fell as much as
36 pence to 446.5p. Botts and Noble House don't trade.
Yanjing Profit Tumbles 29% as Tsingtao Flexes Muscle
Beijing, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Beijing Yanjing Brewery Co., China's biggest
brewer, said first-half profit fell 29 percent as business costs to stay
competitive against rival Tsingtao Brewery Co. mounted.
Yanjing, which is 54 percent owned by Hong Kong-listed Beijing Enterprises
Holdings Ltd., said net income fell to 140 million yuan ($17 million), from 197
million yuan a year earlier.
Business costs increased 19 percent to 455 million yuan as the company tried to
maintain the market share. Beijing Yanjing lists Class A shares reserved for
Chinese investors on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Yanjing's decline in earnings came as rival Tsingtao, China's best-known beer
brand, is making a push into China's major cities to double its national market
share to 10 percent.
Yanjing sold 542,600 tons of beer under its namesake brand in the first half,
while Tsingtao sold 720,000 tons, said Li Ying, a Yanjing official.
``We are facing increasing competition from Tsingtao,'' she said, adding her
company still holds an 80 percent market share in Beijing.
That may change. Tsingtao in July said it plans to buy Beijing Asia
Shuanghesheng Five Star Brewery Co. from Asia Strategic Investment Co. Tsingtao
also plans to buy Beijing Sanhuan Beer Brewery Co., also owned by Asia
Strategic Investment. The possible two purchases will add 400,000 tons of beer
to Tsingtao's annual production, reported the Shanghai Morning Post.
Yanjing sales gained 9 percent to 829 million yuan, from 764 million yuan a
year before. It also plans to export beer to Australia, France and Italy, after
its first beer export to the U.S. earlier this year.
China estimates beer sales in China will increase 5 percent this year to 21.4
million tons, making the country the second- largest beer market after the U.S.
Beijing Yanjing's A shares fell 0.5 percent to close at 13.88 yuan. Tsingtao's
shares rose 3.6 percent to HK$2.175.
Spain to Study If Mahou-San Miguel Hurts Rivals, Expansion Says
Madrid, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg)-- Spanish competition authorities are investigating
the takeover of San Miguel SA by rival Mahou SA, Spain's second-largest beer
brewer, to see if the merger will damage competition in Spain's beer industry,
Expansion reported, without citing sources.
Spain's Competition Tribunal, at the request of the Economy Ministry, will
conduct the study and make a decision within the next two months, the paper
said. Its non-binding decision will then be passed to the cabinet of ministers,
which will rule on the takeover.
Sources from Mahou called its purchase ``less problematic'' than the recent
merger of rivals Grupo Cruzcampo SA and El Aguila SA, approved by the
government in December, the paper said. Mahou and San Miguel's combined
production is less than the production of El Aguila and Cruzcampo, Expansion
said.
Mahou said in March it wants to buy the 73 percent of San Miguel it doesn't
already own in an attempt to gain market share after Heineken NV, the world's
second-largest brewer, took over Cruzcampo ahead of the merger with Aguila.
Mahou's acquisition of San Miguel will leave it with a 33 percent share of the
beer market, according to Expansion. (Expansion 8/18, p. 6)
Noble China Reports Second Quarter Results
Toronto--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 2000--Noble China Inc. (TSE:NMO.) reported
net earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2000 of $732,000 ($0.07 per
share) compared with $1.6 million ($0.15 per share) in the same period last
year.
Noble China's results for the second quarter of 2000 reflected continuing
difficult conditions for sales of premium beer in China. Net sales of Pabst
Blue Ribbon by the Zhaoqing Noble Brewery for the three months ended June 30,
2000 were $14.0 million compared with $15.7 million for the same period in
1999, a decrease of 10.8%. The volume of beer produced by the Brewery and sold
to the Marketing Company was 305,000 hectolitres compared with 340,000
hectolitres in 1999, a decrease of 10.3%.
For the six months ended June 30, 2000, net earnings were $2.1 million, or
$0.21 per share (1999: $3.0 million, or $0.28 per share) on sales of $28.2
million (1999: $32.3 million). Total volume produced was 605,000 hectolitres
compared with 670,000 hectolitres in the first half of 1999, a decrease of
9.7%.
The decline in sales continues to be of concern to the Company and, as
indicated at the Annual Meeting in late June, management is actively involved
in discussions with our Chinese partners to restructure the Pabst Blue Ribbon
business in China to address this and other consolidation opportunities.
Strategic Direction
Following a detailed review of our business and the long-term development needs
for the Pabst Blue Ribbon brand in China, we concluded that the current
structure for the Blue Ribbon business, which separates production from sales
and marketing, makes it very difficult to effectively manage and promote the
brand.
Noble has proposed to its partners that Noble's interest in the Zhaoqing Noble
Brewery and the Pabst license be combined with their interests in the Brewery
and the Marketing Company in one entity. This would enable the new company to
launch a cohesive effort to arrest the volume declines and create positive
momentum to re-establish growth for the Pabst Blue Ribbon brand.
As a positive first step, the parties have reached agreement to proceed on a
test market basis with a new local brand called 'Double V' to be manufactured
at the Noble Zhaoqing Brewery and sold through the Marketing Company. This new
product will be positioned in the market to compete with the many lower priced
domestic brands which have gained in popularity with Chinese consumers.
Joint Venture Profit Distributions
Noble has received $2.7 million of its $10.8 million share of the profit
distribution out of 1999 profits declared by the Zhaoqing Noble Brewery in
February 2000. $5.1 million of the balance owing will be retained by the
Brewery under a notice, received in July 2000, issued by the Guangdong Shenzhen
Intermediate People's Court.
The notice instructs the Brewery to retain RMB 28.9 million (approximately Can.
$5.1 million) from any dividend payments to the owner of the 60% interest in
the Brewery until that amount is paid in settlement of a judgment obtained from
the same court by Li Chiu Cheun, a brother of Lei Kat Cheong, Noble's former
Chairman, against Goldjinsheng Holding Limited ("Goldjinsheng"), an inactive
indirect subsidiary of Noble China.
While Noble China and its PRC counsel are of the view that the Shenzhen Court
has no power to restrict the payment of dividends and are taking steps to have
the notice rescinded, the Company is not able to determine at this time how
long, or whether, the matter can be resolved in the Company's favour. In the
meantime, the Brewery is holding the funds.
Noble's cash resources and the cash resources at the Brewery are strong and the
retention of the funds will have no immediate impact on the Company's
day-to-day operations.
* FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR THE PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND 1999 (DOLLARS IN
THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months ended Six Months ended
June 30 June 30
2000 1999 2000 1999
NET SALES $14,027 $15,714 $28,207 $32,339
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST & INCOME TAXES Zhaoqing Noble Brewery 3,181
4,559 6,849 8,763 Corporate, amortization of
goodwill, and other expenses (866) (1,085) (1,495) (2,016)
----------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST & INCOME TAXES $2,315 $3,474
$5,354 $6,747
----------------------------------
NET INCOME $732 $1,579 $2,161 $3,003
----------------------------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE $0.07 $0.15 $0.21 $0.28
----------------------------------
Minors to Participate in PLCB's `Project Sticker Shock'
HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Minors will be visiting beer
distributors all across Pennsylvania next week as part of "Project Sticker
Shock", a program aimed at the prevention of youth access to alcohol, sponsored
by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
"Project Sticker Shock" targets adult purchasers of alcoholic beverages. With
the cooperation of beer distributors throughout the state, participating
teenagers will place warning stickers on cases of beer in hopes of deterring
customers from furnishing alcohol to minors. The stickers warn customers that,
"It is illegal to buy or provide alcohol for anyone under 21."
After successfully testing the program in a few pilot sites last year, the PLCB
and youth groups across the commonwealth will launch the project statewide
August 21-26. Over 50 communities will initially take part in the project.
The goal of the program is to educate adults about the consequences of
providing alcohol to minors.
"Project Sticker Shock" was created in 1998 by KIDco/TADco, an Erie-based youth
group devoted to the prevention of underage drinking. During 1999, youth
groups in Mercer County, Reading, Pottsville, and Monessen piloted the program
in their communities with the help of the PLCB. Following the success of the
pilot programs, the PLCB developed a step-by-step guide to the program and
printed stickers for use by participating community groups.
"The PLCB provides the tools, but the real power behind this project comes from
the youth," said PLCB Chairman John E. Jones III. "`Project Sticker Shock'
sends the message to the entire community that it is unacceptable to drink
underage, or to buy alcohol for somebody under 21."
News conferences will be held to kick off "Project Sticker Shock" at the
following times and locations:
9:00 a.m., Monday, August 21
Big Jack's Brewer's Outlet
Claude A. Lord Blvd.
Pottsville, PA
1:30 p.m., Monday August 21
Glenn Miller's Beer & Soda Warehouse
1029 Market St.
Lemoyne, PA
A current list of the participating communities is available at the PLCB's web
site: http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/edu/
J2jurado
London, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Wolverhampton & Dudley Plc's shares fell 5.3
percent after the maker of Banks's beer rejected a takeover offer from Botts &
Co., a London-based finance company.
``The board has considered that this conditional offer approach both
undervalues W&DB and is too uncertain,'' Wolverhampton & Dudley said, without
disclosing the bid.
Botts and Robert Breare, executive chairman of Noble House Leisure Ltd., have
been working on a joint bid for the brewer. Breare said the companies aren't
likely to make a hostile offer. The Daily Telegraph on Aug. 18 quoted
unidentified people close to the situation as saying the offer was worth 566
million pounds ($848 million).
Wolverhampton has struggled with higher costs and a bigger range of low-profit
beers after buying Marston, Thomson & Evershed Plc and Mansfield Brewery Plc
last year. At the same time, competition has intensified as pub operators such
as J.D. Wetherspoon Plc slashed prices to attract customers. Shares in the
company, based in Wolverhampton, central England, fell 25.5 pence to 457p.
Botts and Noble House don't trade.
Profit-taking dents Danish shares, outlook bleak
COPENHAGEN, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Danish blue-chip shares closed lower for the
second day running on Friday, with gains for Danske Bank and Tele Danmark
failing to offset falls for profit-taking-plagued bio-tech firm Novo Nordisk.
The top-20 KFX index ended the week 0.4 percent down on last Friday but 22
percent up on the last four months. Dealers saw Friday afternoon's negative
trend continuing Monday.
It was Novo, hit by a serious bout of profit-taking, which was the main culprit
behind the KFX fall, dropping five percent to 1,675 crowns. The Dow Jones
EuroStoxx pharma sector index dipped 0.11 percent.
Carlsberg brewery which put in a bid for provincial Fynske Albani, shed two to
313 crowns, while the latter, a non-KFX paper, was the day's top gain leader,
soaring 45 percent to 580 crowns. Carlsberg bid 600 crowns per share.
A takeover of Albani by Carlsberg, recommended to shareholders by the
provincial beer maker's board, would give Carlsberg an 80 percent domestic
market share.
Ahead of Monday's expected H1 net loss for windturbine maker NEG Micon, the
firm's share fell six crowns to 319 crowns.
Netherlands Grolsch: New Brewery To Be Delayed 2 Years
Dow Jones Newswires -- August 15, 2000
AMSTERDAM -- Dutch brewer Koninklijke Grolsch NV (N.GRB) said Thursday that the
construction of its planned brewery in Boekelo will be delayed for two years
after the Council of State suspended its permit.
Despite the delay, Grolsch said it still hoped to have a new brewery
operational by 2005, even if it isn't in the same location. However, Grolsch
will continue to pursue procedures for a brewery in Boekelo, which is near the
eastern town of Enschede. In the short term though, it will also look for a new
location.
Grolsch was planning to build the new brewery to replace those in Groenlo and
Enschede. Construction was to start in the autumn, with initial production to
begin in 2002 and full production in 2005. As a result of the delays, both of
the current breweries will have to remain operational until 2005.
New investments will have to be made to keep the Groenlo factory open, Grolsch
said, but this won't affect its target of profit growth of 5%-7% a year.
Grolsch's factory in Enschede was badly damaged by a fireworks explosion in May
in a building nearby, but has subsequently been fully restored, the company
said.
-By Neil Moorhouse, Dow Jones Newswires; 00-31-20-626-0770;
neil.mo...@dowjones.com
China Tsingtao In Talks To Buy Shrs In Beijing Breweries
Dow Jones Newswires -- August 16, 2000
HONG KONG -- Mainland-based Tsingtao Brewery Co. (Q.TTB) is in negotiations
with Asian Strategic Investments Corp. (Asimco) regarding a possible
acquisition of its shares in two joint venture breweries in Beijing, the
company confirmed in a legal announcement Thursday.
No agreement relating to the possible purchase has been reached, it said.
The statement follows a report in a local newspaper Wednesday, quoting Asimco's
Chief Executive Jack Perkowski as saying a sale of its controlling interests in
the two breweries to Tsingtao is "very probable." He added that Asimco is
planning to withdraw from the mainland beer market.
Latest News on Allied/Diageo Battle for Seagram Drinks
LONDON, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's surprise news that the UK's Diageo and
French spirits group Pernod Ricard are combining forces to launch a $7 billion
bid for Seagram's drinks business seems to leave Allied Domecq in the cold.
However, industry sources and analysts believe the showdown is just beginning.
One analyst said: "I would still favour Allied because of the cost savings.
Also a single purchaser is stronger than a consortium bid where discussions
with your business partner would slow things down."
Another highlighted the possibility of Diageo's continuing interest in
broadening its drinks portfolio. "Paul Walsh is quite serious about being
acquisitive particularly in wines. He is keen to redress the balance between
wine and spirits and beer. I think he is keen for Diageo to be the world
leading beverage company and that is not the same thing as being the world
leading spirits company," said one industry source.
For further analysis, click below:
http://just-drinks.com/features-detail.asp?art=244
Seagram liquors stir Anglo-French interest
By Steve James and David Jones
NEW YORK/LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Johnnie Walker, meet Captain Morgan, hic.
Diageo Plc <DGE.L>, the world's largest liquor company, said Friday it will
join with French distiller Pernod Ricard <PERP.PA> to bid for Seagram Co.'s
<VO.TO> <<A HREF="aol://4785:VO">VO.N</A>> $7-billion wine and spirits empire.
Seagram, which has said its drinks business is a "non-strategic asset" in its
proposed merger with French utilities and media group Vivendi <EAUG.PA>,
declined to comment on the report of the Anglo-French plan. However, a source
familiar with the situation told Reuters an offering memorandum was being
prepared and was expected to go out before the end of August. Investment bank
Morgan Stanley is expected to publish its book with financial facts on
Seagram's drinks unit within weeks, kick-starting the auction process. Sources
said the Seagram drinks unit would fetch a $7-8 billion dollar price.
If the deal went through, it would mix a veritable cocktail of the world's top
brands. Seagram has Chivas Regal Scotch, Martell cognac, Crown Royal Canadian
whiskey, Captain Morgan spiced dark rum and the distribution rights for Absolut
vodka.
Britain's Diageo, which is the parent company of Burger King and Guinness, has
Johnnie Walker Scotch, Smirnoff vodka, Gordon's gin and Baileys liqueur.
Pernod's brands include Wild Turkey bourbon, Jameson Irish whiskey, Havana Club
rum and France's traditional aniseed spirits, Ricard and Pernod.
The planned joint bid cast doubts over the chance of Diageo's rival Allied
Domecq Plc <ALLD.L> -- the second largest liquor company in the world -- buying
Seagram's drink unit. But industry analyst Ian Shackleton at Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette didn't think Allied's bid was on the rocks. "I would still back
Allied, as it is a single buyer, and it comes back to who is in control."
On Wednesday, Seagram Chief Executive Officer Edgar Bronfman Jr., whose
Montreal-based company also owns Universal Studios, Universal Music Group and
theme parks, reiterated to reporters that he wanted to sell off the 76-year-old
family-run liquor side of the business. "As part of the Vivendi-Universal
merger, we plan to sell our spirits and wine business. (But) because we are
currently in discussions with our advisers as to how best to monetize these
assets, I can't comment extensively." Bronfman said no more about prospective
suitors during a conference call to discuss Seagram's fourth-quarter earnings.
In June, when the proposed $34-billion merger with Vivendi was announced, he
signalled the family liquor business was up for sale. "This business is a
non-strategic asset of Vivendi-Universal," he said, adding that the company
would look at ways to "maximize value for shareholders."
In a joint statement in London Friday, Diageo and Pernod said they had struck a
deal to split up the Seagram drinks business 50-50 if their bid were
successful, with agreement over who would get which brands.
"Diageo and Pernod Ricard announce that they have agreed to work together to
make an offer for Seagram's wines and spirits business in the forthcoming
disposal process," the companies said in a statement.
Diageo had been in talks with privately owned Bacardi Ltd. over a joint bid for
Seagram, but industry sources said Pernod came up with a much better offer
which helped forge the Anglo-French alliance.
"Seagram's business is of great interest to us and would be a logical extension
to our focus on beverage alcohol, which we plan to expand organically and by
acquisition," Diageo's Chief Executive designate Paul Walsh told Reuters in
London.
Industry sources said Diageo has a credible joint bid which circumvents any
regulatory problems, whereas the Bacardi family owners were still in
disagreement after the firm's planned flotation, which was pulled at the last
minute earlier this year.
Allied's Chief Executive Philip Bowman said his group was clearly interested in
the Seagram drinks business but he wanted to see details of the unit before
making a bid. "We have the ability to finance this; financing is not an issue.
We would almost certainly finance this initially with debt, and not a rights
issue up front," he told Reuters.
The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition -- August 16, 2000
Turkish Regulator to Audit Brewery at Soros's Request
By JAMES M. DORSEY, Special to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
ISTANBUL -- The regulator of Turkey's financial markets has decided to audit a
Turkish brewery at the request of international financier George Soros, but
cautioned that it doesn't wish to become the arbiter of companies' investments.
The decision by the Capital Markets Board comes in response to a July 6 letter
from Mr. Soros's investment vehicle, Emerging Growth Partners CV, alleging that
Yasar Holding AS violated Emerging Growth Partners' interests when it
authorized a series of transactions concerning brewer Turk Tuborg Bira & Malt
Sanayii AS in 1998 and 1999. Yasar Holding, a Turkish conglomerate, has a 52.7%
stake in Turk Tuborg; Emerging Growth Partners holds 20.28%.
Mr. Soros is demanding that Turk Tuborg be compensated for shares bought by the
brewer and a subsidiary in Yasar Holding's Yasarbank AS. Mr. Soros alleges that
the brewer bought Yasarbank shares to save the bank from bankruptcy. Yasarbank,
with an accumulated loss of $1.1 billion (1.21 billion euros), was last year
put under the supervision of the Central Bank Deposit Insurance Fund. The bank
continues to operate under the fund's supervision.
Kemal Kucuksozen, head of the board's investigation department, said, "It may
have been right to buy Yasarbank shares at the time. Nobody knew the correct
financial situation of Yasarbank. Nobody can say whether it was a right or
wrong act. The Capital Markets Board does not intervene in that kind of action
by companies."
Meanwhile, Turkish central bank Gov. Gazi Ercel has protested a statement by
Mr. Soros that Mr. Ercel had a conflict of interest by being involved in the
fund's administration of Yasarbank. Mr. Ercel was general manager of the bank
in the mid-1990s.
"I intend to sue Mr. Soros for his unfounded statements," Mr. Ercel told
Reuters last week, calling the remarks "unfounded and ill-informed." Mr. Ercel
declined to comment for this article, and it wasn't known whether he had filed
a suit against Mr. Soros.
In a telephone interview, Yasar Holding Chief Executive Officer Unal Korukcu
denied Mr. Soros's allegations and said that he had asked the Capital Markets
Board to take action against Mr. Soros in a bid to protect his company's
reputation.
Mr. Kucuksozen said that the CMB hadn't received such a request from Yasar
Holding. "Once we do, we will look whether this falls under the capital-markets
law, whether it was right information or misleading information about the
company shares," Mr. Kucuksozen said.
Mr. Korukcu, conceding that Yasar had made mistakes in the past, said he was
striving to improve the management of the company. He said the brewery had
bought shares in Yasarbank with the aim of making a profit. "Unfortunately
after the decision of the government (to supervise the bank's operations), the
brewery has not been paid anything," Mr. Korukcu said.
He said Yasar had compensated the brewery for a series of improper share and
real-estate transactions. The reimbursement followed a CMB ruling last year
prompted by an earlier request by Mr. Soros for an audit of Turk Tuborg's
1995-1997 accounts. "We covered all losses," Mr. Korukcu said.
Quarterly Income Summary for S&P 500 Sector and Industry
New York, Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- The following tables detail second quarter
earnings results for sectors and industries in the S&P 500. For the quarter to
date, 485 companies out of the 500 have reported their earnings. Sectors and
industries are sorted in alphabetical order.
Q2/00 Q2/99 % Q2/00 Q2/99 CONT (MIL)
NON DURABLES 13126.93 12724.86 3.2 11357.37 14459.98 -21.5
Beverages 1894.00 1513.00 25.2 1612.00 1443.00 11.7
Brewery 531.13 477.23 11.3 526.04 477.23 10.2
(ed: Beer and Beverages doing A-OK -- JJ)
Brazil AmBev Sees SEC Approval Of ADR Issue By Thursday
Dow Jones Newswires -- August 15, 2000 By Adriana Arai
SAO PAULO -- Brazilian beverage giant Companhia de Bebidas das Americas
(E.AMV), or AmBev, expects to receive approval from the U.S. Securities &
Exchange Commission for the launch of its American Depository Receipts this
week, chief financial officer Felipe Dutra said Tuesday.
"We're expecting the SEC okay between (Tuesday) and Thursday," Dutra told Dow
Jones Newswires.
As soon as that happens, he said AmBev will convene an extraordinary
shareholders meeting to approve the migration of minority shareholders in
Companhia Cervejaria Brahma (BRH) to AmBev stock on the local and U.S. markets.
Brahma already trades as an ADR in New York.
Dutra said the shareholders meeting will likely take place during early
September. AmBev could start trading as soon as Sept. 5.
AmBev is the result of the merger between Brahma and its top rival, Companhia
Antarctica Paulista. Regulators approved the merger in March.
Dutra said Brahma minority shareholders could opt to not swap their shares for
AmBev stock. But he viewed this possibility as highly unlikely.
"Dissident shareholders will be reimbursed based on Brahma's book value, which
is about half the company's market capitalization, so it wouldn't make sense at
all," he said.
Monday, AmBev reported second-quarter earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization of 245.3 million reals ($1=BRR1.80). That was up
22.3% from an estimated EBITDA of BRR200.6 million in the same period a year
ago - if Antarctica and Brahma had already merged.
AmBev also said it posted a BRR102.4 million net loss in the second quarter.
That was based on the fact that that AmBev holds only 21% of the traditionally
profitable Brahma brewery, and 100% of the less-profitable Antarctica.
AmBev preferred stock was flat at BRR1,870 midday Tuesday. It hadn't yet
traded.
Brahma preferred shares were up 0.38% at BRR1,870 on volume of BRR60 million.
Quilmes ups Bolivian brewer stake to 58 pct
LA PAZ, Bolivia, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Argentine-based beverage maker Quilmes
Industrial SA <QUIN.LU> raised its stake in Bolivian National Brewery (CBN),
the maker of "Pacena" beer, to 58 percent, CBN president Johnny Fernandez said
on Friday.
The Luxembourg-listed company had held a 42 percent stake in Bolivia's top
brewer as well as controlling stakes in Cochabamba-based Taquina and Ducal,
based in the Amazonian basin city of Santa Cruz.
Combined, the three Bolivian brewers pump out 1.7 million hectoliters of beer
per year, or 80 percent of national output, Quilmes executive Luis Alberto
Spagenberg said.
Quilmes last week reported second quarter earnings of $2.9 million, or $0.027
per share, compared to $7.9 million, or $0.074 per share for the same quarter
in 1999.
While neither executive disclosed the dollar amount of the transaction, local
newspapers said Quilmes paid $28 million to up its stake. The reports added
that Quilmes agreed to pay $136 million in CBN debt accumulated over the past
decade.
Pacena beer is exported throughout South America as well as to the United
States.
Quilmes sells 15 brands of beer as well as soft drinks and water across the
Southern Cone of South America.
It holds 78 percent market share in Paraguay, 70 percent in Argentina, 53
percent in Uruguay and more than 33 percent in Bolivia and sells beverages in
Chile.
Mumm Cuvee Napa Begins Harvest of New Millennium in Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 2000--Napa Valley sparkling wine
producer, Mumm Cuvee Napa, inaugurated the first harvest of the new millennium
last week when it brought in 140 tons of grapes -- including the new Dijon
clones of Pinot Noir from Yountville -- that were pressed at the
Rutherford-based winery.
Traditionally, after the winery picks grapes from vineyards in Yountville,
pickers move to mid-Napa Valley before moving southwest to Carneros to finish
harvesting. Because of a recent heat spell, Pinot Noir grapes in Carneros are
ripening in speed with mid-valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
"We are picking grapes fast and furious due to excellent August ripening
weather. The grapes have received a good length of time on the vines and the
overall ripeness and flavor of the juice we are pressing is outstanding, which
one expects from the world's finest winery," said Mumm Cuvee Napa director of
winemaking Rob McNeill.
Mumm harvests Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier grapes,
using its famous "Friendly Yellow Boxes" or FYBs, from over 50 vineyards in
Napa Valley, including 150 estate acres.
With nearly four more weeks for Mumm to complete picking grapes, McNeill
reports Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yields similar to the 1999 harvest.
Greg Fowler, senior vice president of winemaking for Seagram Chateau and Estate
Wines Company -- the parent company for Mumm, Sterling Vineyards and Sterling
Vintner's Collection and The Monterey Vineyard -- concurred.
Because of a fairly mild winter and a normal budbreak, Fowler said early
predictions for northern California vineyards in general were for a larger
harvest, unlike the preceding two vintages. This was modified to a more normal
crop due to variable weather in May during the later stage of bloom, coupled
with a heat spike in June, which resulted in poor flowering.
"Overall July was unbelievably cool and the rest of the weather has been
fantastic in terms of getting a nice even ripening. We are extremely excited
about the potential of this harvest which is somewhat reminiscent of the 1997
growing season," said Fowler.
Fowler said he predicts that this year will result in a record number of tons
for Chardonnay in Napa Valley because the vines, which were replanted due to
phylloxera, are just coming into full production. "But on a per acre basis, or
on a purely vine basis, we will have a more normal crop of Chardonnay," he
said.
Sterling Vineyards, known for its Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignons,
will begin harvesting next week, which is about one week behind the 1997
growing season and up to 12 days ahead of last year.
"Our Merlot from Three Palms Vineyard benefitted from a great fruit set and
Cabernet is exhibiting very even and ripe color development, but overall
throughout the valley it's Cabernet that is king once again," continued Fowler.
As for the rest of the state, including the Central Coast and specifically
Paris Valley Ranch which is dedicated for Sterling Vintner's Collection, the
set was good for Cabernet and Merlot.
Fowler explained that a cooler season in the Central Coast produced smaller
clusters and berries which he said is "leading us to bigger intensity of flavor
-- and that is what were looking for all across the board in all of our wines,"
said Fowler.
The Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company, a division of Joseph E. Seagram &
Sons, Inc., produces and markets the wines of Sterling Vineyards, Sterling
Vintner's Collection, Tessera, The Monterey Vineyard and the sparkling wines of
Mumm Cuvee Napa. The company is the exclusive U.S. importer of G.H. Mumm and
Perrier-Jouet Champagnes, San Telmo from Argentina, Barton & Guestier wines,
Brancott Vineyards from New Zealand and Sandeman ports and sherries; and is the
largest importer of classified Bordeaux in the United States. The portfolio is
completed by Dominus in the Napa Valley, a collection of Burgundy
estate-bottled wines, F.E. Trimbach wines from Alsace, Castello d'Albola in
Chianti, and several other European wines and spirits. For more information,
visit www.aboutwines.com. or to view a streaming video of harvest at Mumm Cuvee
Napa, visit www.mummcuveenapa.com.
Sommelier Seeks Worthy Consumers to Share Love of Win
- Urbanfetch Offers Free One-Hour Delivery of Fine Wines and Champagnes From
Around the World -
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast who
enjoys unique, hard-to-find vintages or you select wine based on your appetite
or mood, Urbanfetch, the premier online shopping service that offers free
one-hour delivery of popular consumer products, is now your own personal wine
cellar. Urbanfetch today announced the addition of world-class wines and
champagnes with tastes and prices to suit every palate, offering consumers
immediate and convenient access to the best vintages, delivered right to their
door, in one-hour.
Urbanfetch (http://www.urbanfetch.com) will feature an assortment of wines and
champagnes from the U.S. and around the world, ranging from full-bodied
Bordeaux to flavorsome Shiraz. The wines are conveniently grouped by color,
origin, variety and price, which makes finding and purchasing them easier than
ever. Wines are sold by the bottle or can be purchased by the case. Consumers
can also mix their own case to complement any meal, or for those with less time
to browse, Urbanfetch's own sommelier has pre-selected a variety of quality
wines for that special occasion, such as:
* Dinner Party for Two: one bottle each of Cape Mentelle Chardonnay and
Rutherford Hill Merlot are perfect for a romantic evening at home and ready to
drink with any meal, creating an evening to remember!
* For Your Host: bring your host one bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot
Grigio and one Domaine De Font-Sane Gigondas and you're sure to be invited
back (Giftwrapped: only $225).
* Weekend Away: six bottles of weekend-friendly, ready to drink wines,
such as, Freemark Abbey Chardonnay, Prado Rey Red, Matanzas Creek Sauvignon
Blanc, La Cuvee Mythique, La Madonnina Chianti Classico and Pio Cesare
Chardonnay, come in a set-to-travel case ($375-500).
"We've added the Urbanfetch Wine Cellar in response to New Yorkers' love and
appreciation of wine," said Ross Stevens, Chairman, CEO and President of
Urbanfetch. "We're thrilled that Urbanfetch is able to provide time-starved
New Yorkers, who have minimal time to shop for wine and champagne for
themselves or for gifts, with a way to make finding and purchasing wine easier
than ever."
In the coming weeks, the Urbanfetch Wine Cellar will provide compelling
information and factoids about the featured wines -- what better way to impress
a date then by wooing him/her with your vast knowledge of the Chateauneuf du
Pape of the Southern Rhone Valley.
Delivery of wine products can only be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 11:30 PM
daily (no deliveries on Sunday). "Last call" for orders is at 10:30 PM. Sales
of wine from the Web site will be restricted to those customers aged 21 or
older. Customers must consent to their age with a valid photographic
identification document (e.g., valid driver's license from any state or a valid
Passport or Alien Registration Card "green card" from the United States
government) in order to enter the wine cellar on the Web site. Consumers will
also be asked for proof of age upon delivery. If they are not the ultimate
recipient of this order, then the recipient and anyone else who comes into
contact with this order must be over the age of 21 and must have a valid
photographic identification document verifying the same upon delivery. If
there is any doubt regarding the validity of the document or if the recipient
appears intoxicated, the courier will not complete the delivery of alcoholic
beverages.
Urbanfetch is the only online shopping service that completes the "last mile"
of e-commerce with free one-hour delivery, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Consumers can use the Urbanfetch Web site to purchase top national and local
brands, including electronics, gifts, movies, music, books, food, drugstore
items, prestige beauty products and more, for delivery by professional company
couriers. A privately held company, Urbanfetch was launched in New York City
in October 1999 and London in June 2000.
Hop research facing new challenges
June 2000 Brauwelt International.
During the AGM of the German Society for Hop Research in Aschheim on April 12th
2000, the Chairman of the board, Georg Balk, gave an overview of the past year.
After an upward trend in hop production in Germany that lasted for decades,
other countries have meanwhile drawn level and are competing with German
growers for market share. Overproduction in previous years led to low prices
for non-contracted hops and contract prices equalling production costs. Growers
were forced to react by taking land out of hop production. Since 1993, world
hop acreage dropped about 37% to currently about 57,807 ha. In terms of
alpha-acids, the volume decreased from 9097 to a current 7310 tonnes, despite
increased growth of high-alpha varieties. In 1999 hop acreage in Germany
decreased again to 18,299 ha (1988: 19,383 ha.). Quantities harvested also
dropped in recent years, 27,917 tonnes were harvested in 1999.
The price situation deteriorated dramatically during the nineties. In 1999,
income averaged 10,172 DM/ha compared 12,179 DM/ha in 1990. Revenues were 9999
DM/ha in the Hallertau growing region. The number of hop farms has shrunk to
2324, also for that reason, 1859 units less than 10 years ago.
Balk praised the good cooperation with the Bavarian Land institute for Soil
Culture and Plant Husbandry, which is also responsible for managing the Testing
Station in Hull. Plans for the next year will concentrate on the following
issues:
Research into breeding will focus on mildew resistance. Work both on chemical
as well as on biological plant protection will continue, as will field trials
in the areas of hop growing and hop consulting. Studies relating to quality and
analyses will be extended by employing new analytical methods and brewing
tests. The Merkur variety, the flag bearer of high-alpha mildew resistant
varieties, will be propagated and made resistant to virus attack. Last but not
least, cooperation with research institutes in the brewing sector such as
Weihenstephan, VLB or Doemens, will be intensified.
The good acceptance by growers and brewers of the Hull bred varieties is being
closely monitored. In the Hallertau, 9757.22 ha, i.e., 66.59% of total hop
acreage, are currently planted with Hull bred varieties. Ongoing research and
breeding work in Hull form a major basis for keeping agriculture competitive,
according to Balk. Objectives such as environmentally acceptable, intensive
growing with improved resistance, improved nutrient utilisation and assured
income can only be maintained and extended with the ongoing financial
assistance of all parties involved. License fees and replanting regulations for
Hull bred varieties only supply part of the funds needed. Balk went on to note
that membership of the German Society for Hop Research has meantime stabilised
at 128 members, having reached its lowest level in 1995.
The President of the Land Institute, Dr. Wilhelm Ruppert, told the AGM that the
1999 hop season will be known in the history of the hop industry as a
particularly severe mildewed year. In the years since 1963, mildew attacks have
been repeatedly noted in individual instances.
The first large-scale attack was reported in 1974. The Northern Brewer variety
planted extensively on hop farms was largely responsible for this. When
worldwide demand shifted to high-alpha varieties, the Hallertauer Magnum
variety was ready for registration in 1989. But it has meanwhile been found
that one of the crossing parents, the Galena variety, was also very sensitive
to mildew. In recent years, mildew attack reached an unprecedented level. Even
non-sensitive varieties were not spared.
Even prior to registration of Hallertauer Magnum, a special breeding program
for mildew resistance was begun. A new additional green-house was installed so
that the breeding program could be speeded up. The first commercially
utilisable result was that an application for registration of the Hallertauer
Merkur bred strain could be made.
Evaluations of the Hop Harvesting Index involving about 1000 hop gardens showed
that expenses were clearly higher in 1999. Ruppert referred to these expenses
as "attempts to keep mildew at bay". Costs for plant protection rose to an
average of 55 DM per 50 kg.
Compared to aroma varieties, high-alpha varieties require substantially higher
plant protection measures as they are not resistant to mildew. In total, the
new bred varieties are clearly superior.
Every effort is being made meanwhile to avert mildew attack. All fungicides
approved for fighting mildew in plants have been examined and their
effectiveness tested. It became apparent that new agents have to be tested and
approved in order to be able to change the active agents in the context of a
resistance strategy.
Known mildew strains were tested on various hop varieties in order to determine
resistance. It was found that certain resistance reserves in the form of Wye
Target and two wild hop strains are still available but that also a number of
known resistance lines have been broken. Ruppert concluded that a kind of
warning service, similar to that for Peronospora, will have to be established
in the long term, to be able to predict mildew attack.
At the AGM, three new members were elected to the Technical-Scientific
Replacement Committee of the Society. Replacement was necessitated due to the
retirement of Prof. R. Schildbach and J. Grigsby (Anherser-Busch) from the
Committee. The new members are: Dr. Frank Rath, VLB Research Institute for Raw
Materials, Dr. Val Peacock, Anheuser-Busch, and Dr. Adrian Forster,
Hopfenveredlung Barth, Raiser & Co.
German court bans drunk wheelchair driver
MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - A Bavarian court Thursday imposed a three-month
driving ban on a man found guilty of operating his motorized wheelchair
while drunk.
The court in Munich said the ban applied to his wheelchair and any other
vehicle. It also gave the man a two-month suspended jail sentence.
The man was caught using his electric wheelchair while three times over the
legal blood-alcohol limit. The court rejected his argument that the motorized
wheelchair did not qualify as a vehicle in a legal sense. "He was traveling at
5 kilometer/hour and this is fast enough to endanger his life and he lives of
others." said an unnamed court officer.
J2jurado
me any 'beer bits'; just post them directly to rfdb, folks.
*********
From the Sunday Express (UK) 13th August 2000
Another Beer? I'll drink to that
Karan Bilimoria had several false starts before a chance encounter
provided him with the recipe for success and a taste for expansion,
writes MICHELLE STANISTREET
CONSIDERING that Britain has become a nation of curryholics, preferring
to tuck into a biryani rather than a roast dinner, it's no surprise that
Karan Bilimoria's business is booming. With the advertising mantra, "the
beer curryholics adore - it lets them eat more," Cobra Beer has become
the biggest selling bottled Indian lager in the UK.
Bilimoria, 39, set up the company 10 years ago after a search to find
the perfect alcoholic accompaniment to curry. "When I came over here as
a student I immediately started drinking lager because that's what we
drink in India," he says.
"But the lager here is gassy, bland and difficult to drink. I thought
this was ridiculous, so I ended up drinking ale. To this day I love it.
But you can't drink Indian food with ale, they just don't go."
Selling a smooth, easy-to-down lager to the UK market proved a natural
choice for Bilimoria. The son of a commander-in-chief in the central
Indian army, Bilimoria found that arriving in England at 19 was
something of a home from home.
He had attended a boarding school in southern India where the
environment was redolent of middle-England. As well as the green hills
and the frequent rain, Bilimoria had to contend with dinners that
consisted of boiled meat and potatoes.
It took a while for him to be attracted by the entrepreneurial
lifestyle. Two years into his articles at Ernst & Young, Bilimoria came
to the conclusion that a career in accountancy wasn't for him and
planned to move to the States to do an MBA.
Instead, a visit to Cambridge for an annual audit led him to fall in
love with the place and he decided to take another degree - in law, at
the university.
This proved another false start and Bilimoria soon came to the
conclusion that he really wanted to work for -himself. He drew-up,-a
list-of business ideas, ranging from selling seafood and leather goods
to selling top-of-the range fabrics and polo sticks.
"I was playing a lot of polo and my father suggested I took my team to
India. I captained it and organised the tour. But while I was there, I
broke my shoulder and ended up spending more time than I planned at
home. I brought some sample polo sticks back with me and before I knew
it I was in business."
Selling polo sticks has its limitations so Bilimoria spent a long time
researching about 20 markets with his business partner.
"Looking back, it was just building up experience. I'd had no sales
experience at all - the most I'd done was standing for election at
Cambridge University for President of the Union. That was real
door-to-door selling. I really enjoyed it."
Finding time to play polo is more difficult these days, particularly as
Bilimoria and his young family try to spend some time each year visiting
his family in India as well as making a trip to his wife's home in South
Africa.
Politics continues to play a part in his life. A member of the
Conservative Party, Bilimoria also sits on a Labour Party task force for
the New Deal.
While importing Indian beer was top of his list of ventures, he thought
it was something he would have to put on hold until a chance meeting
with someone who .worked for Pals, the biggest-selling beer in the
Indian army, prompted him to give it a go.
"The supplier agreed to create a recipe for us, and give us our own
brand name, as long as I agreed to go to Bangalore to make it happen. It
took six trial brews to do that and by the end of 1990 we'd stabilised
the taste and were trawling Indian restaurants and grocers to sell the
beer."
Bilimoria admits that setting up Cobra was tough, particularly in the
first five years. When his partner decided to jack it in five years ago,
Bilimoria bought him out and launched a share issue so he could expand
the business and spend more on marketing.
Despite plans for a stock market flotation by the end of next year,
Bilimoria jealously guards his remaining 72 per cent stake and intends
to relinquish "as little as possible, hopefully not much".
Within two years of the first UK production, in Bedford in 1997,-sales
had-doubled and the Business has continued to grow rapidly year on
year. Profits for the year ending January 2000 were £750,000 on a
turnover of £7million.
Bilimoria's focus has been consistent since day one. Without even
concentrating on the export market, Cobra has inadvertently managed to
infiltrate countries as far afield as Russia. South Africa and
Singapore.
When we launched, my mission was to brew the finest-ever Indian beer,
then to make it a global brand. I had no experience, but that's what I
wanted to do. The quality's right, now it's just a matter of how quickly
we can expand."
Although there is still plenty of scope to grow market share in the UK's
restaurant trade, particularly with Cobra's draught beer, Bilimoria also
has plans to extend the brand into other products. He is behind an
Internet portal, The Curry Zone, due to launch in the autumn, that will
tempt surfers with access to all things related to Indian food and
drink.
Although Bilimoria is cagey about future new products, alluding only to
the possibility of branded water and food, last November Cobra launched
a wine range - named General Bilimoria, after his father - that has gone
down a treat with curry lovers. The entrepreneur is surprised at how
quickly it has taken off.
"We've just sold out - it's unbelievable. When people talk about wine
and Indian food, there's a lot of talk about battles taking place in the
restaurant, grapes fighting spices.
"What we wanted, as with the beer, was easy drinking - and that's
exactly what we've achieved."
Tsingtao blows away froth in China beer market
By Matt Pottinger, August 20
QINGDAO, China (Reuters) - Foreigners may have introduced beer to China, but
when it comes to selling the suds, local hero Tsingtao is leaving outsiders
under the table.
Tsingtao Brewery Co., China's largest and oldest beer maker, is steadily
consolidating its grip on the fragmented and bitterly competitive domestic
market by taking over unprofitable foreign-operated breweries to reach thirsty
customers far from its home in the port city of Qingdao.
On Friday it signed a deal to buy controlling stakes in two Beijing breweries
from ASIMCO, a U.S. investment group whose beer ventures had been backed by
Miller Brewing Co. Earlier this month it bought out Danish beer maker
Carlsberg's majority share of a sophisticated Shanghai brewing venture.
It is also in talks to share capacity at a brewery in the central city of Wuhan
owned by the world's biggest beer company, Anheuser-Busch, a top Tsingtao
executive said.
While most state-owned industries fret an onslaught of foreign rivals once
China enters the World Trade Organization, Tsingtao sees itself as a steeled
veteran of global competition which has managed to profit and grow in a market
that has humbled some of the biggest names in the business.
``In the beer industry, we have entered an international and open market before
WTO entry,'' said Tsingtao general manager and vice-chairman Peng Zuo Yi in his
office in Qingdao -- the modern spelling of the city after which former German
occupiers named the brewery they built in 1903.
``We've already achieved great success domestically versus foreign brands,''
Peng said. ``WTO will bring big benefits.''
CHEAPER BARLEY AND GREATER EXPORTS
Under terms agreed by Beijing, barley tariffs will tumble after China's
expected entry within months to the global trade body, lowering Tsingtao's
costs. In addition, the company will be boosted by falling prices in cardboard
packaging and in aluminum used to make beer cans, Peng said.
Tsingtao will also have an easier time taking on foreign rivals on their turf,
with lower customs fees allowing it to expand the exports that accounted for 10
percent of its $271.8 million in sales last year, Peng said.
``We will sell to Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore,'' in addition to
expanding sales in Europe and North America, he said.
Its modern brewing facilities, revamped from what one foreign beer executive
who visited in the early 1990s called ``a stinky mess,'' also attest to the
power of competition to transform backward state-owned enterprises.
``We had terror in our hearts,'' Peng said of Tsingtao's reaction to a tide of
foreign investment into the sector, which peaked in 1995.
Through hefty capital injections and plenty of advice from foreign brewers,
Tsingtao cleaned up its act.
Now its flagship brewery is saturated with the sweet aroma of hops rather than
reeking puddles of beer. An automated steel complex of conveyor belts and
machinery fills 36,000 clinking bottles each hour with premium quality brews
for export.
The only people along its length are a handful of machinists and a team of
women in white smocks who view each full bottle in front of bright lights to
screen for floating debris.
CONSOLIDATOR IN A TROUBLED SECTOR
A market as cut-throat as China's is bound to produce a world-class champion.
Local protectionism and zealous competition have driven the price of beer below
bottled water. While China is second only to the United States in production of
beer, few, if any, of the roughly 60 foreign breweries in China are profitable.
A majority of the 500 or so domestic breweries are also losing money.
Yet Tsingtao appears to have crystallized its destiny as one of three or four
domestic giants Peng expects to rise from the shattered hopes of tiny local
breweries.
The $22.5 million deal on Friday to buy ASIMCO's stakes in Beijing Five Star
Beer Co. and the Beijing Three Ring Asia Pacific Beer Co. brings to 30 the
number of foreign and domestic breweries in Tsingtao's stable.
It also takes it deep into the territory of the country's number two beer
company Beijing Yanjing Brewery Co.
In the southern boomtown of Shenzhen, Tsingtao has set up an $84 million joint
venture with Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd, near the home base of its other main
rival Zhujiang Beer.
``They are really the only ones who have managed to reach the economies of
scale needed to establish a national presence,'' Tim Clissold, president of
ASIMCO, said.
Peng said he expected the company, which produced 1.07 million tons of beer
last year, to triple output to three million tons by 2003. The company aims to
grab a 7 percent domestic market share in 2000, up from 5.2 percent last year
and 2.8 percent in 1998.
(US$1 - 8.279 Yuan)
Scottish & Newcastle Pays $139 Million for Stake in Centralcer
Edinburgh, Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Scottish & Newcastle Plc, the U.K. brewer of
Kronenbourg and Foster's beer, paid 93 million pounds ($139 million) in cash
for 49 percent of a venture that runs Portugal's No. 2 brewery, Central de
Cervejas SA.
The other owners of the Lisbon-based brewery, also known as Centralcer, are
Portugal's No. 3 bank, Banco Espirito Santo SA, and Parfil, which founded
Centralcer in 1934 and ran it before the state took ownership in 1975.
This transaction is ``in keeping with our strategy of investing in businesses
with strong market positions, strong brands and effective distribution,'' said
Richard Gibb, a Scottish & Newcastle spokesman, in a statement.
Scottish & Newcastle is shedding leisure businesses to focus on brewing. The
company agreed to buy most of Groupe Danone SA's Kronenbourg business this year
as it fends off competition from rivals such as Interbrew NV.
Centralcer has a 40 percent share of the Portuguese beer market and controls a
delivery operation for water and soft drinks as well as beer.
Botts & Co Secures 400 Million Pounds of Financing, Paper Says
Edinburgh, Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Botts & Co. is getting more than 400 million
pounds ($596 million) of financing from the Bank of Scotland to back its
takeover bid for Wolverhampton & Dudley Plc, Sunday Business reported, without
citing sources.
The London-based finance company is also getting backing from U.S. securities
firm Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Inc. and from Germany-based Westdeutsche
Landesbank Girozentrale.
Wolverhampton & Dudley, which makes Banks's beer, rejected the takeover offer
from Botts on Friday. It said the offer ``undervalues'' the company, without
disclosing the bid's size.
Botts has been working on the bid with Robert Breare, executive chairman of
Noble House Leisure Ltd. Breare has said the companies aren't likely to make a
hostile offer. The Daily Telegraph on Aug. 18 quoted unidentified people close
to the situation as saying the offer was worth 566 million pounds.
Wolverhampton shares rose 27 percent last week to 451 pence, valuing the brewer
at 425 million pounds.
(Sunday Business 8/20 p. 1)
Interbrew, Bass May Have to Shed Brands; Britvic Up for Sale
Brussels, Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Interbrew NV may have to give up brands in its
2.3 billion-pound ($3.4 billion) acquisition of Bass Plc's brewing business,
said lawyers and analysts who expect U.K. antitrust authorities to rule on the
acquisition.
The European Commission, the executive agency for the 15- nation European
Union, is scheduled to rule on Tuesday whether it will turn the case over to
the British Office of Fair Trading, following a request by the U.K. on Aug. 1.
Interbrew has said it won't sell Bass's Tennent's Lager brand, frequently cited
in the British press as a likely disposal because it would give Interbrew a 50
percent market share in Scotland. Britain is more likely to judge the
acquisition on a U.K.-wide market-share basis, allowing Interbrew to shed some
smaller, but more widely distributed brands.
``Given the history of regulation in the U.K. beer industry, and there has been
a lot of government interference, it's difficult to see this deal nodded
through without some type of regulatory restraints,'' said Ian Shackleton, an
analyst at Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette Securities Corp. ``The question is how far
does that go.''
Britvic, a soft-drink maker controlled by Bass, may be put up for sale for as
much as 450 million pounds, the Sunday Times reported. Bass owns 50.1 percent
of the joint venture with Allied Domecq Plc and Whitbread Plc that owns 90
percent of Britvic.
PepsiCo Inc., which owns the remaining 10 percent of the maker of Tango soda,
is the most likely buyer, the Sunday Times said. Still, Irn Bru maker AG Barr
or Britvic managers may also vie to buy the unit.
Europe's Biggest Brewer
Interbrew, the Belgian maker of Stella Artois beer, agreed to buy the maker of
Bass Ale in June to become Europe's biggest brewer and the world's No. 2. The
move brings Interbrew's market share in the U.K. to 32 percent, following the
purchase of Whitbread's beer business in May.
``The European Commission has said in the past it considers the beer market a
national, or even regional, market,'' said Bertold Baer-Bouyssiere, a
competition lawyer at Coudert Brothers in Brussels.
The commission can block or force changes to mergers between companies with
combined global sales of 5 billion euros ($4.5 billion) and EU sales of 250
million euros each, unless the merger threatens to create or strengthen a
dominant position in a distinct market in one member state.
In a similar acquisition last year, the commission granted Spain's request to
review Heineken NV's purchase of Grupo Cruzcampo SA, citing the situation in
the Spanish beer market.
One argument for transferring jurisdiction to U.K. authorities is they're
already reviewing Interbrew's 400 million- pound purchase of Whitbread's beer
business, which didn't meet the commission's threshold for an EU review.
Whitbread's beer unit has a 10 percent market share in the U.K., excluding
production of Heineken lager, which Whitbread will continue to produce under
license in the U.K.
Dual Reviews
Competition lawyers say it's usually easier and more desirable for the
companies and regulators if both transactions are reviewed by the same
authority.
The advantage for Interbrew is that if the acquisition is reviewed by the
Office of Fair Trading, the company could hope to avoid an extended four-month
investigation it may face in Brussels, lawyers said.
A U.K. review isn't necessarily a clean shot either, however. In 1997, U.K.
regulators blocked Bass's attempt to merge its brewing operations with
Carlsberg AS's Carlsberg-Tetley unit, the country's fourth-biggest brewer.
Whatever it decides, the OFT must publish a report or announce their findings
not later than four months after the EU's referral.
Vin & Spirit Favors Allied Bid for Seagram Unit, Paper Says
London, Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- V&S Vin & Spirit AB will likely support Allied
Domecq Plc's planned bid for the beverage unit of Canada's Seagram Co., the
Sunday Business reported, citing unidentified sources.
The Swedish maker of Absolut vodka favors Allied over a planned rival offer
from Diageo Plc and Pernod Ricard SA because it wants to avoid lengthy
regulatory investigations, the paper said. Diageo's products include Smirnoff
vodka.
Vin & Spirit also opposes any Diageo-Pernod offer because Pernod has no
established distribution network in the U.S., the paper said.
Seagram sells Absolut under license from Vin & Spirit. An agreement between the
two companies gives Vin & Spirit influence over the future of Absolut vodka if
the ownership of Seagram's liquor unit changes, the paper reported.
Vivendi SA plans to sell Seagram's liquor business after buying the company for
about $42 billion to gain its Universal Studios and other media operations.
Court Upholds Confederate Flag Ban
By TIMOTHY R. BROWN, .c The Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The University of Mississippi has the legal right to ban
spectators from waving Confederate flags at campus athletic events, the 5th
U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
The decision from the New Orleans court comes three years after Richard
Barrett, a lawyer for the white supremacist Nationalist Movement, sued over the
issue, claiming the ban violated his First Amendment rights.
Friday's ruling upheld a decision last year from U.S. District Judge Neal
Biggers Jr., who called the ban a reasonable limitation.
The ban covers umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, flags, and all banners - flags
without sticks - larger than 12 by 14 inches. The ban was intended to keep the
Confederate banner out of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
University officials had cited safety concerns for the ban, claiming the stick
on the end of the flag could be considered dangerous.
``We are pleased to learn of the court's decision,'' said University of
Mississippi attorney Mary Ann Connell.
Barrett said he will appeal the decision.
``It is ironic that burning a flag is called free speech, but waving it is not.
I'm sticking in this ring until I knock the flag haters out.''
Ole Miss officials adopted the flag policy in 1997, weeks after former head
football coach Tommy Tuberville asked fans not to wave Confederate flags at
games. Tuberville he didn't want the flag associated with Ole Miss because of
mixed perceptions of its meaning.
Deuce McAllister, a senior running back at Ole Miss who is considered a Heisman
Trophy candidate, said he hoped the ruling would end the fight over the flag
because it hurts the university's image.
``I definitely think it hurt recruiting,'' he said. ``It hurt the chance of the
school to advance to that next level.'' Coach Tuberville really stepped up. He
and Mr. Kyahat took firm stands in their position on the flag.''
J2jurado
on Sunday )
MUMBLES MILLENNIUM BEER FESTIVAL
Real-ale enthusiasts should head for the famous Mumbles mile to sample
the 44 distinct beers on offer, featuring a range of traditional Welsh
brews and (by popular demand) 12 selected nitrobrews. Local musicians,
including the Boys from the Hill, the Amigos and the Swansea Accordion
Orchestra, will be providing the entertainment.
25-26 August, 12 noon to 11pm. Admission pounds 3. Ostreme Centre,
Castle Avenue, Mumbles, South Wales. Mumbles Tourist Information Centre
(tel: 01792 361 302).
Interbrew seen selling brands to win Bass deal OK
By Katie Nguyen
BRUSSELS, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Belgian brewing giant Interbrew may be forced to
sell some brands in order to win regulatory approval of its 2.3 billion pound
($3.43 billion) acquisition of Bass Plc's beer division, analysts said on
Monday.
The European Commission was due to decide on Tuesday whether to review
Interbrew's Bass acquisition itself or refer the ruling to Britain's Office of
Fair Trading (OFT). The Bass deal will result in the family-owned Belgian
brewer holding about one-third of the British beer market. Interbrew spokesman
Corneel Maes said it was too early to say whether the company would have to
divest some brands.
``Let's wait for the investigation -- either by the UK or European authorities
-- and take it from there,'' he told Reuters.
A British ruling could take up to four months.
Interbrew's acquisition of Bass brewing following its purchase earlier this
year of Whitbread Plc's beer business for 400 million pounds means it will have
scooped up Britain's second and third largest brewers to gain a hefty 32
percent slice, according to the company, of the market.
But some analysts have put the market share as high as 36.5 percent, saying the
deal gave the British authorities good reason for concern.
REGULATORY PROBLEM
``There's a big regulatory problem,'' analyst Shai Hill at HSBC Securities
said, adding that an OFT ruling in favour of disposing brands could be
expensive for Interbrew.
``If Brussels refers (the case) to the Office of Fair Trading it places all the
risk onto Interbrew. If it's told to unwind it must do so solely at its own
cost,'' he said.
Another analyst said Interbrew had no choice but to streamline its range of
brands to win competition authorities' approval.
``I think it will almost certainly be forced to (sell),'' said Teather and
Greenwood analyst Nigel Popham. ``They will have to reduce their market share
to 30 percent.
Interbrew sells about 120 lagers and speciality beers in 80 countries. In
addition to flagship lager Stella Artois, its top European brands include
Leffe, Hoegaarden, Jupiler and Dommelsch.
If Interbrew was required to get rid of some of its brands, they would probably
be relatively minor ones, Hill said.
Interbrew last month denied it would sell Scottish brand Tennent's to reduce
its reported 40 percent share of the Scottish beer market and 50 percent of its
lager market.
Any possible sales would dilute earnings, analysts said.
``In the short-term they may find a good return is not that easy,'' Popham
said. He added that Interbrew could have problems finding buyers due to
consolidation in the beer industry squeezing out competitors.
Interbrew Executive Vice President Patrice Thys has said there was a strong
case for competition authorities to allow Interbrew's takeover of the brewing
businesses of both Bass and Whitbread.
He noted that as Britain's biggest brewer, Interbrew expected to have a 32
percent market share compared with arch rival Heineken's 85 percent in Greece
and 75 percent in Denmark.
Wolverhampton climbs on buyout talks hope
By Braden Reddall
LONDON, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Shares in Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries Plc
(W&DB) gained more than four percent on Monday on speculation the group might
enter buyout talks in response to shareholder pressure.
The stock gained 20-1/2 pence or 4.5 percent to 471-1/2 pence by 1230 GMT,
making up some ground lost on Friday after W&DB, Britain's largest regional
brewer, rejected an approach from private equity firm Botts & Co as not high
enough and ``too uncertain.
An industry source told Reuters the indicative offer had been for 520 pence per
share, valuing W&DB's share capital at more than 489 million pounds ($730
million) and pushing its enterprise value with debt over the one billion pound
mark.
Botts has a number of backers, including Bank of Scotland Plc and Donald,
Lufkin & Jenrette, another industry source said on Monday.
One London-based dealer said any expectations of buyout talks were driven by
media speculation. But W&DB will face some strong pressure from shareholders to
take a seat at the negotiating table.
Tom Shrager, managing director of U.S. fund managers Tweedy, Browne in New York
-- a 6.13 percent shareholder -- told Reuters late on Friday the management
should talk to Botts.
He noted the enterprise value was nine times EBITDA (earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortisation) -- the average price at which similar deals
have been done in the industry in Britain.
W&DB, which brews Banks's and Pedigree beer and runs estates including Pitcher
& Piano and Tavern Tables, has estimated its own net asset value (NAV) per
share to be around 640 pence.
Prior to Friday's rejection, W&DB shares had climbed to a session high of 495
pence, more than 50 percent above its closing low of 323p on August 10. The
stock topped six pounds just one year ago, prior to its acquisitions of Marston
and Mansfield and some disappointing results.
Botts has teamed up with Robert Breare, a venture capitalist who put together
the InnSpired Group of around 800 pubs through merger of Ushers of Trowbridge
and Alehouse. W&DB sold 174 of its pubs to InnSpired in early June.
Breare, chairman of Noble House Leisure and a former head of hotels group
Arcadian International, recently left his job as head of the pubs division of
venture capital firm Alchemy Partners. ($1-.6706 Pound)
Slovenia's SBI 20 down as heat extends holidays
LJUBLJANA, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Slovenia's SBI 20 share index eased in meagre
volume on Monday and dealers saw the hot weather keeping investors sidelined on
the beaches until after the weekend.
The blue-chip index closed 0.11 percent lower at 1,710.14 points. Turnover
dropped to 118 million tolars from 120 million. ``Some investors were expected
to return from holidays this week, but they will obviously stay in the shade or
somewhere on the coast until the weekend to avoid this infernal heat,'' said
Brane Care, a dealer at Gorenjska Banka. The temperature was forecast to hit a
record high of 38 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Drug maker Krka was the most active by market value, falling 1.42 percent to
26,617 tolars on 1,137 shares traded.
Brewery Pivovarna Lasko had the highest share volume, down 1.38 percent at
4,487 tolars on volume of 2,941 stocks.
Adventurer ends his pedal across Pacific with a beer
Kathy Marks, Independent, 08-19-2000, pp 4.
THE BRITISH adventurer Jason Lewis finished his 7,000-mile voyage
pedalling across the Pacific from America to wildest Australia by downing
a cold beer yesterday.
Mr Lewis, 32, from Bridport, Dorset, and April Abril, a 42-year-old
teacher, pedalled their 26ft craft Moksha into Port Douglas, on the
Queensland coast, about 6am yesterday. They had to be towed the last few
miles after severe winds threatened to blowthem off course.
The adventurer, who is trying to circumnavigate the globe by human
power, now plans to in-line skate and cycle down northern Australia
before heading for Indonesia.
Ms Abril, from Rye, Colorado, accompanied him on the last four-week leg
of his Pacific pedal. She is suffering exhaustion and sea-sickness, and
had to be airlifted to hospital shortly before Moksha reached land. Her
condition was not believed to beserious.
Mr Lewis stopped in Hawaii, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, where he
picked up Ms Abril, before making the final crossing of the Coral Sea to
the resort town of Port Douglas, 1,430 miles north of Sydney.
"I know now that the ocean is not a place for human beings," Mr Lewis
said before reaching land.
"I've spent six months of my life out here on the Pacific and this last
1,000 miles has proved just how hard and unforgiving this challenge is."
He began his journey in London with Steve Smith, from Wolverhampton, in
July 1994. He pedalled a bicycle across Europe, voyaged by boat across
the Atlantic and skated across America, with an enforced nine- month
hiatus after breaking his leg in acollision with a car.
His travels, he says, are aimed at promoting understanding between
different cultures. He has visited schools throughout his trip.
China Tsingtao In Talks To Buy Shrs In Beijing Breweries
Dow Jones Newswires -- August 16, 2000
HONG KONG -- Mainland-based Tsingtao Brewery Co. (Q.TTB) is in
negotiations with Asian Strategic Investments Corp. (Asimco) regarding a
possible acquisition of its shares in two joint venture breweries in
Beijing, the company confirmed in a legal announcement Thursday.
No agreement relating to the possible purchase has been reached, it
said.
The statement follows a report in a local newspaper Wednesday, quoting
Asimco's Chief Executive Jack Perkowski as saying a sale of its
controlling interests in the two breweries to Tsingtao is "very
probable." He added that Asimco is planning to withdraw from the
mainland beer market.
MOSCOW MAILBAG: New Plane, Gershwin And Beer's Popularity, THE MOSCOW
TIMES ( The Moscow Times (Russia) ) 08-12-2000
After July's tragic crash of an Air France Concorde, William Kerr, of
Halifax, Canada, wrote in for background information on the new supersonic
Tupolev airliner. Actually, this plane will be called the Tu-244. According to
its
specs, it will seat 300 passengers, and the manufacturer plans to produce
between 500 and 1,000 such planes, depending on the demand. We are told
that the new supersonic Tupolev will have many advantages over similar
planes of this type. And, would you believe it, we are producing it jointly
with the United States, so they should learn a great deal from our superior
safety
focus. I was very sorry to hear about the Air France Concorde
crash, which resulted in so many lost lives. Let's hope that will be the
last crash of a supersonic airplane.
Dr. Gershon Batulayan, of South Gotabato, Philippines, wrote in to say
that he understood that George Gershwin, the famous composer, was a Russian
Jew who emigrated to the United States. He wondered if I knew George Gershwin
personally.
My dear sir, how could I have known him personally when I was a mere
student in school when he died in 1937? Despite my lack of first-hand
acquaintance
with Gershwin, I did cover the visit of the Porgy and Bess Company to Leningrad
and Moscow right after World War II. I still remember how I was impressed
by the charming melodies. Actually, you labor under a misapprehension about
Gershwin's birthplace f he was actually born in Brooklyn, New York, although
his parents did come to the United States from Russia. Another well-known
composer, Irving Berlin, also had roots in Russia; he was born in Tobolsk,
Siberia.
Richard Jones, of Miami, Florida, wrote in to ask if Russians are big
beer drinkers.
Well, you would think so, judging by the constant television
advertisements for bottled beer, canned beer, imported beer, domestically
made beer no end of brands. We make light and strong beer in three different
colors. Foam on the top, foam on the bottom, and sometimes in the middle.
Beer to enhance sexual prowess and beer to eliminate toxins. I have
even taken a liking to the voice of an announcer on a TV beer commercial
who says, "This is the right kind of beer!"
With all this beer available these days, you continually see something
that would have seemed unusual only 10 years ago: people sitting on subway
trains or on the bus sipping beer, then putting the can or bottle on the
floor. In this summer weather, people often walk in the streets holding
a beer bottle in their hand.
Despite all this relatively new-found interest in the barmy brew that
is so popular in the United States and Europe, we do not have that many
beer halls, bars or pubs, as you commonly see in the West. And per capita
beer consumption in Great Britain and Austria is four times greater than
it is in our country.
Joe Adamov hosts "Moscow Mailbag" on the Voice of Russia.
Most Chinese Beer Gets The Tick of Approval, XINHUA ( Xinhua (China) )
Xinhua (China), 08-03-2000
The quality of Chinese beer has improved steadily, with 86.5 percent up
to State standard, according to a survey conducted by the State Bureau
of Quality and Technical Supervision.
Among the 52 targeted products from 49 Chinese beer enterprises, 45
are believed to be "qualified".
Famous brands such as Tsingtao and Yanjing all reach State standards
and their market shares have continued to grow. However, the survey found
some beer was "spoiled" because it containing too many enzymes. In 1999,
China became the second country in the world to produced more than 20 million
tons of beer. According to predictions from the State Light Industry Bureau,
China will replace the United States as the largest beer manufacturer and
seller in the next two or three years. The Nation is proudly prepared to teach
the world how to brew superior beer. Many countries send representatives to
learn from Chinese brewers.
Statistics shows in the past decade, China's beer market soared at a
yearly rate of 25 percent, the fastest in the world. Tsingtao and Yanjing
beer produced more than one million tons of beer last year.
Pete, Tiger, Lance and Now Sam
Jim Koch, Brewer of Samuel Adams, Leads American Beer Challenge
Against World-Class Imports
BOSTON, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- First there was the Ryder Cup, Pete
Sampras at Wimbledon, then Tiger Woods at the British Open and most recently
the Tour de France cycling champion Lance Armstrong. Now, Samuel Adams is the
latest addition to the U.S. winning streak, having bested European brews in 30
different taste tests across the country.
In a 10-city "Liquid Lunch" tour, Samuel Adams proved that beer drinkers
in place after place prefer the taste of America's better beer over the cream
of the imported beer crop. In each city, three Samuel Adams beers and two
local microbrews were paired one-on-one against popular leading international
beers with equivalent style and class. Samuel Adams beers were preferred over
the imports in 30 blind taste-offs, and local American craft brews from each
of the 10 host cities also came out on top in 19 out of 21 tastings.
The tour was timed for National Beer Month and supported by The Boston
Beer Company -- brewer of Samuel Adams beers. Jim Koch, founder of Boston
Beer, led the tour in an effort to educate and enlighten beer drinkers about
the wonders of fresh, well-made American beer. The tour stops included
Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Denver, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New
York, Atlanta, Baltimore and culminated in Boston.
Koch started each lunch by conducting a lesson on the ABC's of tasting
great beer. Using rating forms and procedures approved by the Association of
Homebrewers, the beers were scored according to appearance, aroma, flavor,
mouthfeel and overall impression. Among the taste testers were beer
enthusiasts, consumers, journalists and winners from local radio station
promotions.
In addition to Samuel Adams, the imports also competed against local craft
brews, many of which bested them in the taste challenge. Among the local
microbrews were:
Philadelphia: Penn and Yard's Brawler Breweries
Minneapolis: James Page and Summit Breweries
Denver: Breckenridge and New Belgium Brewery
San Diego: Ballast Point Brewery
Los Angeles: Angel City Brewery
San Francisco: Red Nectar and Fullsail Breweries
New York: Brooklyn Brewery
Atlanta: Sweet Water Brewery
Baltimore: DeGroen's and Yuengling Breweries
Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Summer Ale and Cream Stout were paired against
beers from such legendary breweries as Heineken, Corona and Guinness. "These
imports have been considered the world standards for their styles, and are
certainly some of the world's great beers", said Jim Koch. "But I believe
when you take away the fancy bottles and marketing mystique of imported beer,
you discover that Samuel Adams and other American brewers simply make better
tasting beers."
Jim Koch founded The Boston Beer Company in 1984. He introduced the
company's flagship beer, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, in April 1985. Today, The
Boston Beer Company, winner of more than 120 international awards, is
America's brewer of world-class beer with four distinct product lines. For
more information about The Boston Beer Company, visit the web site at
http://www.samadams.com.
What's ailing the judges? ( Waikato Times (New Zealand) )
HOLLOWAY, Bruce August 1, 2000
WHEN New Zealand beers win international brewing awards it's normally
cause for serious chest beating.
Breweries pat themselves on the back, PR trouts unleash millions of
press releases, and existing drinkers of the brew take quiet
satisfaction in their own good taste.
But a spate of gongs recently won by our breweries has only served to
annoy Marlborough's Geoff Griggs, doyen of New Zealand beer critics.
Griggs is miffed that a host of New Zealand lagers have been
"incorrectly judged" in winning medals in ale classes at the recent
Australian Beer Awards.
He has a point.
A few weeks ago Monteith's Black Beer won the title of Best Australian
Packaged Ale and a gold medal as a "dark ale" from a field of 480 beers
from 25 countries.
That was just days after the same brew -- tasting of burnt bitter
chocolate with a dry finish -- won a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup
in New York as a black lager (Schwarzbier).
Griggs reckons the Aussie effort is the equivalent of a sauvignon blanc
winning a medal in a chardonnay class at a major wine competition.
The wine industry would be outraged. If beer awards are to be taken
seriously, it's time some international standards were set.
An ale is distinguished by top-fermenting yeast strains, which act at
warmer temperatures, with their byproducts more evident. Lagers are
bottom-fermented in cooler temperatures, which inhibits production of
by-products.
Griggs, chief judge at New Zealand's awards earlier this year, has
written to Australian officials listing 25 New Zealand lagers which have
won medals in their ale classes and demanded an explanation. We await
the reply.
Of course it's not just Aussie judges who get confused by beer
terminology.
The New Zealand industry has the quaint habit of labelling a cross-
section of, what are, in effect, bottles of sweet brown lager (Tui, DB,
Waikato etc) as "draught" beers.
But internationally the term draught describes beer drawn through a tap
or pumped to the bar. I predict more strife if there is a new draught
beer award.
* Other New Zealand gold medalists at the Australian awards were
Monteith' s Robust Porter, Tui's Black Draught, and Harrington's Big
John Special Reserve and Finest Lager. Grand Champion title went to
Interbrew Belgium' s Hoegaarden White.
* Steinlager Premium Light, Lion Breweries' new low-alcohol effort, is a
nice palate-cleansing beer.
It's the result of a challenge from Lion chiefs to their master brewers
to craft a full-flavoured premium lager with an alcohol content of 2.5
per cent.
The problem is, the best way to keep a beer's alcohol level down is to
use less malt, which seriously compromises the flavour, particularly
with lagers.
I've always wondered why breweries choose to sully the image of their
premium brands with look-alike, emasculated low-alcohol versions. But
apparently international experience shows successful low-alcohol beers
are linked to a strong parent brand. Lion has spent 18 months developing
the beer, with 20 trial brews using the same Steinlager green bullet
hops.
Until now Light Ice -- a sweet, toffeeish low-alcohol beer -- has been
Lion's flagship, having 75 per cent of this market.
Steinlager Light deserves to take most of this. Similarly packaged to
its big brother, it's a worthy addition to the top end of the low-
alcohol market, comparable with Australia's Fosters Light and the superb
Hahn Light.
Alcohol haul costs Stoke man $854 ( The Nelson Mail (Nelson, New
Zealand) )
A utility-load of alcohol has cost a Stoke man more than $800.
Jake James Taplin, 18, a fisherman, admitted stealing $1874 worth of
alcohol from McCashin's Brewery when he appeared in the Nelson District
Court yesterday.
Police prosecutor Graeme Wilkes said Taplin, with two others, drove a
utility to the back of the brewery's warehouse and stole several boxes
of alcohol.
Included in their haul were 61 bottles of rum, several bottles of cider
and 72 bottles of beer.
Defence counsel Stephen Sansom said Taplin was not the ringleader of the
group and all three stole the alcohol.
He said Taplin had not offended before and he could not explain why he
committed the theft.
Judge Pat Grace said Taplin had to take responsibility for his actions.
``This was a blatant theft on your part. You would have known that you
had no right to help yourself to other people's property.''
Judge Grace convicted Taplin, fined him $400 and ordered him to pay $454
in reparation.
``That makes it expensive grog doesn't it? Don't do it again,'' he said.
- The Nelson Mail (Nelson, New Zealand), 08-01-2000, pp 3.
THE LOCAL BREW: I drink, therefore I am ( Independent )
Ten thousand miles is a long way to go for a drink, but kava is no
ordinary drink and Vanuatu's is no ordinary kava. A chain of remote
islands floating between the Solomon Islands and Fiji, Vanuatu is the
great secret of the South Pacific. It boastspalm-fringed lagoons,
pristine coral reefs and the "absinthe" of the South Pacific.
At its most potent, kava is thought to possess sacred powers, and allow
communion with gods. Consequently, kava is often the focal point of
Oceanian social gatherings. It is made from the crushed roots of the
"piper methysticum" shrub, which is knownlocally as kava root. Their
psychoactive properties were first documented by Captain Cook when he
visited the chain of islands in the late 18th-century, and arrived home
talking about a "strange intoxicating pepper".
Both the preparation and consumption of "island beer", as it is
sometimes known, are treated with great reverence. Traditionally, young
boys prepare the kava by chewing the roots and straining the masticated
mush into a coconut shell. Although thepractice still exists on some of
the outer islands, in the capital Port Vila, young mouths have been
replaced by mechanical grinders and even food processors.
Little else has changed. The ritual and etiquette remain and since
Vanuatan independence in the early 1980s, kava drinking has been
encouraged as a way of reinforcing the islands' ancient traditions. As a
result, commercial kava bars or "nakamals" havesprung up around Port
Vila. These are usually no more than spartan, wooden shacks, and since
one of kava's side-effects is to make your eyes sensitive to light, the
nakamals are barely illuminated.
Shadowy figures sit slumped on rough, wooden benches and, as people
drift in, a murky looking liquid is scooped out of a bucket from behind
a makeshift counter in the corner. A "shell" of kava costs less than a
dollar and there is little or noconversation, so the atmosphere is
sombre. Fortunately, tradition dictates that the shell is consumed in
one go, outside and with your back turned to the nakamal.
Having fumbled around outside trying not to be sick, you then fumble
around inside looking for somewhere to sit. It is time, as the locals
say, to "listen" to the kava. After a while your mouth and throat go
numb and then you start to feel pretty goodabout everything. Unless
you've had the "one-eyed" kava, that is - a variety that disrupts your
vision so badly you have to cover up one eye just to get out of the
nakamal.
With other blends, life is good. Kava is good. You even think it tastes
good. You try to stand up. You can't. You sit down again, crumpled
against a wall, with a dreamy sense of euphoria washing over you, and
legs that don't quite work. The best bit isthat it's not addictive.
There are no hangovers and it doesn't seem to make anyone aggressive.
The nakamals in Port Vila may be a good introduction to kava but to
really appreciate the drink you have to visit one of the outer islands.
Tanna is reputedly home to the most powerful kava in Vanuatu and was
therefore the obvious choice.
Mount Yasur, the island's active volcano, leaves thick plumes of black,
sulphurous smoke over the island and its bubbling, spitting crater is
thought to be home to the island's gods and spirits. In the thickly
forested mountains of the interior,villagers tend their gardens of yams,
and every night local boys chew the kava. Legend has it that some types
of Tannan kava produce hallucinations so uncontrollable that it is
"tabu" to drink them.
Kava is a symbol of friendship and respect and I had brought a root of
it with me from Port Vila. Because of that, I was guaranteed a warm
welcome from Chief Jack and the rest of his village and spent the
afternoon sitting under the buttressed roots ofan enormous banyan tree,
with old men sleeping in its shade.
Smoke drifted through the thatched roofs of the small forest huts and
giggling, bare-chested women passed by with their babies. In front of us
was a large clearing that was used for dancing and the kava ceremony.
This was the traditional nakamal.
As the afternoon wore on, the women disappeared, in a blur of swishing
skirts. Drinking kava on Tanna is a serious, manly business and custom
forbids women from even witnessing its preparation.
Half a dozen young boys congregated at the far end of the nakamal and
started chewing noisily and enthusiastically on kava root. In the
gathering gloom, they gradually spat out large wads of the chewed root.
The fibrous mass was mixed with water andstrained through a
coconut-fibre "cloth" into an ancient wooden bowl. No one spoke.
In the twilight, the first shell was scooped out and handed to Chief
Jack. Back towards us, he raised the shell and slowly drank. As he
finished he blew a thin spray of the liquid into the air, muttered an
invocation to the gods and let out a final cryfor the spirits. Then he
laid the empty shell at my feet. As their guest, I was next.
This, the biggest coconut shell I'd ever seen, was brimming with at
least a pint-and-a-half of spit and kava. Holding it in two hands I
walked out into the clearing, said a little prayer and downed the foul
mixture as quickly as I could. It took analmighty effort to keep it down
and almost immediately my mouth went numb.
In silence, the other men then took their turns until the bowl was
empty. Everyone then drifted off separately into the night to sit alone
in quiet reflection under the enormous trees surrounding the nakamal.
They would listen to the kava alone. This wasthe old way.
Hampered by an alarming bout of quadruple vision, I collapsed in a heap
next to the fire. It was bliss. Beneath a blanket of stars, I shut my
eyes and listened to the kava. Face down. In the forests of Tanna.
Vanuatu is difficult and expensive to reach. Air Vanuatu has a virtual
monopoly on flights. The best connections are from Brisbane and Sydney
in Australia, cities most easily reached on Japan Airlines for as little
as pounds 500 return through discountagents. The final leg to Vanuatu
costs a further pounds 250-pounds 400
Jerry Callow, THE LOCAL BREW: I drink, therefore I am. , Independent,
08-19-2000, pp 5.
Whitman Corporation and PepsiAmericas Announce Merger Agreement
CHICAGO, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Whitman Corporation (NYSE: WH) and
PepsiAmericas (NYSE: PAS), the second and third largest U.S. based Pepsi
Bottlers, today announced plans to merge later this year.
Under an agreement approved by the companies' boards of directors,
PepsiAmericas will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Whitman. The merger is
intended to make Whitman a larger, stronger, and more competitive bottler, with
annual sales of approximately $3.0 billion and operations in 18 states as well
as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Republic of
Slovakia.
The companies also announced that upon completion of the transaction
PepsiAmericas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Pohlad, 46, will
become Chief Executive Officer of Whitman. Pohlad, a highly-respected 24-year
veteran of the bottling business, will succeed Bruce S. Chelberg, 66, who will
fulfill his previously announced plans to retire.
Upon closing of the transaction, Pohlad will be elected to the Board of Whitman
and Archie R. Dykes, 69, Chairman of Capital City Holdings and a director of
Whitman for 15 years, will become non-executive Chairman of the Board.
Bruce S. Chelberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Whitman Corporation,
said, "Our playing field will get bigger with this transaction. We'll be
serving a domestic market of about 45 million people and an international
market, including the Caribbean, of more than 70 million people.
"We believe this is a very positive strategic development for Whitman. There
are potential synergies and opportunities for margin improvement in the
domestic territories, while the Caribbean territories of Puerto Rico and
Jamaica, along with other Caribbean territories, offer some attractive
long-term opportunities for growth.
"In selecting Bob Pohlad to succeed me, the Board has chosen a proven executive
in the bottling industry. I expect Bob to lead Whitman to a new level of
performance."
Robert Pohlad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiAmericas, said, "I
believe this transaction serves the best interests of the shareholders of both
companies. By joining forces, we will be in a better position to facilitate
the acquisition of other domestic Pepsi franchises, improve operating results
through new efficiencies in the core operations, and improve our service and
coordination with large retailers.
"Management has the incentive to succeed. I'm enthusiastic about what we can
accomplish, given the strategies, the resources, and the depth of talent in
Whitman and PepsiAmericas.
"Moving ahead, our focus will be on increasing shareholder value through
profitable growth, improved returns on our investments, and steady increases in
earnings."
PepsiAmericas is the third largest U.S. based anchor bottler in the Pepsi
system, with annual sales of approximately $576 million.
PepsiAmericas produces and distributes Pepsi-Cola and other beverage products
in portions of Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. PepsiAmericas also operates in Puerto Rico
and Jamaica and has received certain rights and preferences for expansion of
its business with PepsiCo, including further expansion in the Caribbean.
PepsiAmericas also distributes beer and malt beverages in a limited portion of
its domestic territory.
Whitman Corporation is the second largest anchor bottler in the Pepsi system,
with annual sales of approximately $2.4 billion.
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers, Whitman
produces and distributes Pepsi-Cola and other beverage products in 10 states in
the central part of the United States.
Whitman also produces and distributes Pepsi-Cola and other beverage products in
Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Republic of Slovakia.
Dakota Holdings LLC, a limited liability company, holds about 70 percent of
PepsiAmericas' 87.3 million outstanding common shares. Pohlad Companies own
66.5 percent of Dakota Holdings and PepsiCo owns 33.5 percent. PepsiCo also
currently holds about 40 percent of Whitman's 136.3 million outstanding common
shares.
Under the terms of the agreement, PepsiAmericas would merge into a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Whitman Corporation.
PepsiAmericas shareholders, other than Dakota Holdings, may elect one of three
options as consideration for their PepsiAmericas common shares:
1. Exchange each of their PepsiAmericas shares for a cash payment of $3.80
per share, subject to an upward adjustment if the average closing price
of Whitman common stock, during the 15 trading days ending 5 days prior
to the Whitman or PepsiAmericas shareholder meeting to approve the
transaction, whichever occurs first, is greater than $16.07 per share
or a downward adjustment if the price is less than $13.15 per share.
2. Exchange each of their PepsiAmericas shares, with a value of $3.80 per
share, for Whitman common stock, subject to adjustment under the
circumstances described above.
3. Elect to participate in the earn-out provision of the agreement. Under
the earn-out arrangement, which will be applied to shares held by
Dakota Holdings, PepsiAmericas shareholders who elect to participate in
the earn-out would receive at the closing of the transaction initial
consideration in the form of Whitman shares with a value of
approximately $2.80 per PepsiAmericas share. These PepsiAmericas
shareholders could also receive additional consideration in the form of
Whitman shares, with an approximate maximum nominal value of $1.50 per
PepsiAmericas share, if the PepsiAmericas territories meet certain
EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and
amortization) goals through 2002. Values of the PepsiAmericas shares
at closing under the earn-out provision of the agreement, as well as
the value of the shares from any additional consideration, are subject
to adjustment under the circumstances described above.
In addition, Whitman will assume approximately $330 million of PepsiAmericas
debt.
The transaction is expected to be tax-free to shareholders electing to receive
Whitman common stock or participating in the earn-out.
In connection with the closing of the transaction, PepsiAmericas shareholders
participating in the earn-out will also be able to purchase in the aggregate
1.7 million shares of Whitman common stock at a per share price of $14.61,
which is equal to the average closing price of Whitman common stock for the
15-day trading period ending August 18, 2000. Dakota Holdings will have the
right to purchase any of these Whitman shares not purchased by other earn-out
shareholders.
In addition, Pohlad Companies have separately negotiated the right to purchase
up to $25 million of Whitman stock currently held by PepsiCo at the same price.
Pohlad Companies and PepsiCo have each agreed to enter into agreements with
Whitman to limit the combined ownership of the Pohlad Companies and PepsiCo to
less than 50 percent of all outstanding Whitman shares, except pursuant to
certain provisions in their respective agreements.
The merger agreement between Whitman and PepsiAmericas is subject to the
expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act,
approval by shareholders of both companies, and customary closing conditions.
The transaction is expected to be completed by year-end.
Whitman and PepsiAmericas will hold a conference call to discuss the merger at
1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, August 21. The call will be available
on the web at http://www.acttel.com/webcastlogin / (reservation number 751687).
You will need Windows Media Player to listen to the call. This will be
broadcast live and archived for 30 days.
This news release shall not constitute an offer of any securities for sale.
Whitman and PepsiAmericas will prepare and file a Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus with the SEC. Copies of that document will be provided to
Whitman's shareholders and also to PepsiAmerica's shareholders. In addition,
that document and other relevant documents concerning the transaction will be
filed with the SEC and copies will be available free of charge from the SEC's
website ( www.sec.gov ) and from Whitman and PepsiAmericas. The Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus will contain important information, and stockholders are
urged to read it once it becomes available. All stockholders should read the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully when it becomes available before
making any voting or investment decisions.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. The following factors,
among others, could cause the actual results of the transaction to differ
materially from Whitman's and PepsiAmericas' expectations: the ability to
timely and fully realize expected revenues and cost savings competition; and
changes in economic conditions. Whitman and PepsiAmericas do not assume any
duty to update forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to
differ materially. Such statements are based on information available as of
the date hereof, and are made only as of the date hereof. To the extent that
such statements relate to the proposed transaction referred to in this release,
there is a risk, among others, that the transaction might not be completed.
Whitman, its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be participants
in the solicitation of proxies from Whitman shareholders and may also be deemed
to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from PepsiAmericas
shareholders, in each case, with respect to the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement. Information regarding Whitman, Whitman's officers and
directors, including beneficial ownership information, is included in Whitman's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the
SEC on March 15, 2000. This document is available free of charge at the SEC
website ( www.sec.gov ) and from Whitman.
PepsiAmericas, its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be
participants in the solicitation of proxies from Whitman shareholders and may
also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from
PepsiAmericas shareholders, in each case, with respect to the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Information regarding PepsiAmericas,
PepsiAmericas' officers and directors is included in PepsiAmericas' Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed with the SEC on
March 15, 2000. This document is available free of charge at the SEC website (
www.sec.gov ) and from PepsiAmericas.
As of the date of this communication, none of the foregoing officers and
participants, individually beneficially owns in excess of one percent of
Whitman common stock or about 70 percent of PepsiAmericas common stock (held by
Pohlad Companies through Dakota Holdings, LLC). Except as disclosed above, to
the knowledge of Whitman and PepsiAmericas, none of the directors or executive
officers of Whitman or PepsiAmericas has any interest, direct or indirect, by
security holdings or otherwise, in Whitman or PepsiAmericas.
Getting World Famous Fast: Become the Miss America Pageant's First 'Instant
Celebrity Judge'; Miss America Organization, ABC.com, USA WEEKEND and Ernst &
Young, LLP Unveil 'Contest' for October 14 Pageant
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--August 21, 2000--
NEW DATE
2000 Miss America Pageant
OCTOBER 14, 2000
LIVE on ABC 8 p.m. ET
Instant fame forever, fun and fashion -- one lucky winner will have it all
-- and a major part in history, too, as the first-ever Instant Celebrity Judge
of the Miss America Pageant. And the best part? It doesn't involve eating rats
or marrying anybody on network television!
The "Miss America Instant Celebrity Judge Contest," co-sponsored by
ABC.com, USA WEEKEND Magazine and Ernst & Young, LLP, offers one fortunate fan
the chance of a lifetime to enjoy the trappings of stardom - first-class
airfare to Atlantic City, a suite at the Trump Taj Mahal, a $1,000 shopping
spree, an on-air introduction during the Pageant's live telecast on October 14
and, most importantly, a role in selecting the woman who will wear the crown
during the Pageant's 80th anniversary year. This opportunity is expected to be
potentially life-changing and lifestyle changing.
The contest extends previous efforts to involve viewers in the annual
television event. In 1995, the Miss America Organization held a national
phone-in vote to determine the fate of its swimsuit competition and, in 1996,
enabled viewers to call in and vote for their favorite Top 10 semi-finalist
contestant.
"We've been trying for years to include our loyal fans who tune into the
Pageant telecast each year, and the Instant Celebrity Judge Contest is the
pinnacle of such efforts," says Bob Renneisen, president and CEO of the Miss
America Organization. "For decades, millions of people have sat in their living
rooms on Pageant night and played `judge' trying to pick the next Miss America.
This contest takes that tradition a step further and lets a `real' person have
a hand in deciding who represents our country as Miss America.
"After all, it's the fans who are the real owners of this program, and it's
about time we let one of them actually be involved in selecting Miss America."
The contest, which is open to all Americans 18 years or older, kicks off
with an online entry promotion on ABC.com (www.abc.com/missamerica), and
printed, mail-in entry forms to be featured in USA WEEKEND Magazine on August
20, August 27 and again on September 3. All entries, both online and mail-in,
must be submitted or postmarked by midnight on September 11.
But beer-swilling frat boys take note, the contest won't accept just
anybody. It is designed to attract genuine Pageant devotees who possess some
level of understanding of the Miss America tradition. Three trivia questions on
the initial entry form -- with a degree of difficulty roughly equivalent to the
first round of questions Regis might ask -- must be answered correctly for an
entry to be valid.
In mid-September, to commemorate the Pageant's 80th anniversary, 80
finalists will be chosen from valid entries by a random sweepstakes drawing
overseen by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP. Those 80 finalists will
then be asked, "If you could ask a Miss America finalist one general question,
what would it be and why?" The 80 entries will be judged by a panel of experts
and Miss America Organization executives, who will then interview a small group
of finalists before choosing the winner.
To enhance the contest's excitement, Miss America Organization officials
have also agreed to use the winner's question during the Pageant's "Top Five"
finalists interview segment, conducted this year by Pageant co-host Marie
Osmond. This is the most watched contest in the world, with the highest level
of competition imaginable.
In late September, the lucky winner will be informed in person by Miss
America 2000 Heather French, complete with cameras, roses and all the hoopla
befitting the Pageant's first-ever Instant Celebrity Judge. The 79 "runners up"
will receive Miss America Gift Paks containing a variety of prizes. The Instant
Celebrity Judge's identity will be revealed to the public during Pageant Week
activities in Atlantic City.
In addition to a first-class trip for two to Atlantic City for the pageant,
the winner will luxuriate in a suite at the Trump Taj Mahal for four nights,
enjoy limousine service throughout the trip, treat themselves to a day of spa
treatments at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, receive new formal wear for their
television appearance from Talk of the Walk and After Hours by Smalls and
receive a $1,000 shopping spree at the Shore Mall. For those of us with
non-millionaire IQs, does it get any better? Imagine the celebrity status which
is conferred on the lucky judge!
The Miss America Organization is the single largest provider of scholarship
assistance to women in the world, with nearly $35 million made available in
1999 alone. A not-for-profit corporation based in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it
is committed to instilling a spirit of community service and scholarship in
young women across the nation through a variety of unique community-based
programs. In serving American communities and the nation at large, the Miss
America Organization works through a network of more than 300,000 volunteers.
This year, the Miss America Pageant will air live on ABC at a new date:
Saturday, October 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Complete Official Rules for the Miss America
Celebrity Judge Contest are available online at www.abc.com/missamerica.
Walt Disney Internet Group (NYSE:DIG) manages some of the Internet's most
popular Web sites, including ABC.com, ABCNEWS.com, ABCSports.com, Disney.com,
Disneystore.com, DisneyTravel.com, ESPN.com, Family.com, GO.com, Movies.com,
Mr. Showbiz, NASCAR Online, NBA.com, NFL.com and Soccernet. The Internet Group
also includes The Walt Disney Company's direct marketing business. Steve
Bornstein is chairman of Walt Disney Internet Group, which is headquartered in
North Hollywood, Calif., with operations in Sunnyvale, Calif.; Seattle; New
York; Bristol, Conn.; and London. For more information, visit our web site at
www.dig.com (http://www.dig.com).
TSoloman
>J2jurado <j2ju...@aol.com> wrote:
>> GAYLORD, Mich., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc.,
(Nasdaq: BBUC), the country's top-rated microbrewery restaurants, >[SNIP]
>> Cullen observed: "I'm excited that Big Buck is actively growing its proven,
unique brewpub concept>[SNIP]
>> Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, Inc. created microbrewery restaurants.
Lew}>Whew, baby, they don't think much of themselves, do they?
Hey Lew, did you know I'm the country's top rated fat guy? I have a proven,
unique method of staying fat (French Fries and Beer), and I created the Hip-Hop
term, "Fat." As in, "Fat Daddy wants some mo' beer baby."
Cheers! - Terry
J2jurado
J2jurado
Cheap 'happoshu' malts outsparkle foreign beer
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 21, 2000
With domestic "happoshu"--low-priced sparkling malt beverages that taste
like beer--are enjoying booming sales, foreign-brand beers have seen
their sales go flat.
In fact, the 1999 sales volume of foreign-brand beers was only
one-quarter that of its 1994 peak. This year's sales are expected to
fizzle even further.
Major breweries, which produce the foreign-brand beers under license,
have begun to launch sales promotion drives, including setting up Web
sites for foreign-brand beer.
Industry sources say, however, that some Japanese brewers may have to
give up the production license if sales continue to drop.
Foreign-brand beers sold in Japan are either imports from overseas
breweries or are produced by domestic breweries using the technology and
methods of the original brewer under a licensing contract.
Kirin Brewery Co. brews Budweiser of the United States and Holland's
Heineken, and Asahi Breweries Ltd. produces the U.S. Miller brand and
German Lowenbrau under license.
Sapporo Breweries Ltd., meanwhile, imports Britain's Guinness.
Foreign-brand beers' popularity was driven by the yen's rapid rise
against the U.S. dollar in 1994 as they could be marketed at lower
prices than their Japanese counterparts. In total, 26.64 million
cases--each containing 20 663-milliliter bottles--of foreign-brand beer
were sold.
But when happoshu beverages entered the market in the same year at
prices about 20 percent lower than those of regular beer, the sales of
foreign-brand beer began to slide by about 10 percent to 20 percent
annually.
Although happoshu brews taste similar to conventional beer, they
typically sell for less because their low malt content makes them
subject to lower taxes.
At its peak period, foreign-brand beer occupied 4.7 percent of the total
beer market. That figure is now 1.2 percent.
Seeing the sales decline, Kirin decided to set up a Web site focusing on
Heineken that can be accessed on NTT DoCoMo's i-mode cell phones
starting next month. The site will introduce restaurants that offer
Heineken and provide information about promotional events.
Asahi Breweries will set up a Web site for four foreign-brand beers,
including Lowenbrau, later this month.
Each brewery plans to boost sales to business customers such as
restaurants.
Nonetheless, as domestic sales are not expanding, one brewery executive
said: "We have no leeway for pouring a lot of money into promoting
foreign brands."
http://www.peteswicked.com/news/bnews/bnews_200034.html
DIAGEO, PERNOD TO BID FOR SEAGRAM
Britain's Diageo Plc, the world's largest spirits manufacturer and maker
of Guinness, and France's Pernod Ricard are planning a joint bid for
Seagram's wines and spirits business, the world's third largest,
according to an August 18 Reuters report. The sale, said to be worth
over $7 billion, will be held at auction.
"Diageo and Pernod Ricard announce that they have agreed to work
together to make an offer for Seagram's wine and spirits business in the
forthcoming disposal process," Diageo said in a statement.
Diageo had been speaking with Bacardi about a joint bid, but Pernod's
offer was better. Allied Domecq Plc, the world's second largest maker of
spirits, is thought to be the main competitor for the Seagram business.
Either company would realize cost savings of 200 million pounds per year
by combining distribution with Seagram.
WOLVERHAMPTON REJECTS TAKEOVER BID
Wolverhampton & Dudley Plc rejected a takeover bid by Botts & Co., a
London-based finance company, according to an August 18 Bloomberg
report. Terms of the proposed deal were not released, but insiders say
it was close to 566 million pounds ($848 million).
"The board has considered that this conditional offer approach both
undervalues W&D and is too uncertain," said a W&D spokesman.
W&D shares fell 7.5% to 446.5 Pence on the news.
http://www.economictimes.com/today/20comp02.htm
Sunday Aug 20 2000
Shaw Wallace JV with Singha for beer brewing
CALCUTTA - SHAW Wallace & Company continues on its beer binge with fervour. To
further spread the reach of Haywards and Hi-Five, SWC has entered into a
strategic alliance with Singha Brewery Limited of Nepal.
The alliance with Singha Brewery for 50,000 cases of beer every month,
will enable the alcoholic beverages major to increase its presence in
the north eastern region, West Bengal and Bihar.
It would also enable the company to reduce the transportation costs for
marketing its products in the eastern region as also meet customer
demands.
All this is part of restructuring strategy, including setting up of
three different companies for brand ownership and marketing, distilling
and beer brewing, as recommended by Lodha Capital Markets. The idea
generally is to be present in all parts of the country.
SWC owns seven breweries and, with this latest one, now has strategic
alliances with 11 such across the country. To begin with, Singha Brewery
will manufacture Haywards super strong beer and Hi-Five mild beer.
According to a spokesperson of the company, "SWC plans to capture 10 per
cent of the Nepal market in the first year itself. The target is to
increase market share to 30-40 per cent in the following year.
Currently, the Nepal market consumes 2.4 million cases of beer per annum
and this is dominated by Carlsberg and San Miguel mild beers and Tiger
strong beer."
In a further development, the company has constituted wine division
under Phillip Sargunar as part of its business plan to concentrate and
consolidate its core businesses.
The company plans to host its products in the New World Wine category as
well as set up a winery at Bangalore with a foreign collaborator with an
initial grape crushing capacity of 2,500 tonne per annum.
"The setting up of the new unit will ensure production of port wine from
the locally grown grapes called Bangalore Blue, for the first three
years and bottling imported bulk wine varieties," the spokesperson
added.
http://www.iht.com:80/IHT/TODAY/MON/FIN/brew.2.html
Paris, Monday, August 21, 2000
Regulators Likely to Force Interbrew's Sale of Brands
BRUSSELS (Bloomberg) - Interbrew NV will probably have to sell some brands to
gain
approval for its £2.3 billion ($3.4 billion) acquisition of Bass PLC's
brewing unit, lawyers and analysts said Sunday.
The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, was
scheduled to decide Tuesday whether to agree to a request from London to
turn the case over to the Office of Fair Trading in Britain. Analysts
expected the British request to be granted.
Interbrew has said that it will not sell Bass's Tennent's Lager brand,
which has been cited in British press reports as a probable target
because it would give Interbrew a 50 percent market share in Scotland.
British regulators are more likely to judge the acquisition on a
Britain-wide market-share basis, allowing Interbrew to shed some
smaller, but more widely distributed brands, analysts said.
''Given the history of regulation in the U.K. beer industry - and there
has been a lot of government interference - it's difficult to see this
deal nodded through without some type of regulatory restraints,'' said
Ian Shackleton, an analyst at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corp. ''The question is how far does that go.''
Britvic, a soft-drink maker controlled by Bass, may be sold for as much
as £450 million, The Sunday Times reported. Bass owns 50.1 percent of
the joint venture, with Allied Domecq PLC and Whitbread PLC, that owns
90 percent of Britvic.
PepsiCo Inc., which owns the remaining 10 percent of Britvic, the maker
of Tango soda, is the most likely buyer, the newspaper reported. But AG
Barr PLC, the maker of Irn Bru, or Britvic managers may also vie for the
unit.
Interbrew, the Belgian maker of Stella Artois beer, agreed to buy the
maker of Bass Ale in June in a deal that would make it the biggest
brewer in Europe and the second-biggest in the world. The move brings
Interbrew's market share in Britain to 32 percent, following the
purchase in May of Whitbread's beer business.
''The European Commission has said in the past it considers the beer
market a national, or even regional, market,'' said Bertold
Baer-Bouyssiere, a competition lawyer at Coudert Brothers in Brussels.
The commission can block or force changes in mergers between companies
with combined global sales of Û5 billion ($4.5 billion) and EU sales of
Û250 million each, unless the merger threatens to create or strengthen a
dominant position in a distinct market in one member state.
In a similar acquisition last year, the commission granted Spain's
request to review Heineken NV's purchase of Grupo Cruzcampo SA, citing
the situation in the Spanish beer market.
One argument for transferring jurisdiction to British authorities is
that they already are reviewing Interbrew's £400 million purchase of
Whitbread's beer business, which fell below the commission's threshold
for EU review. Whitbread's beer unit has a 10 percent market share in
Great Britain, excluding production of Heineken lager, which Whitbread
will continue to produce under license there.
Competition lawyers argue that it usually is easier and more desirable
for both the companies and regulators if both transactions are reviewed
by the same authority.
http://www.megastar.co.uk/news/20000822n_pint.html
£3-a-pint shocker
PUB PRICE HIKE: Mourning has broken
MegaMates NEIL CHANDLER
RIPPED-OFF southern drinkers were last night facing forking out THREE
QUID for a pint in the very beer future.
Brewers, who have managed to get away with charging £2 in London and the
south east are now rushing to push the pint up to the £3 mark as fast as
they can, a shock report claimed yesterday.
The Publican newspaper reported that the gap between beer prices in the
north and south was massive and will continue to grow.
Southerners already pay 35p more than northerners for a pint of bitter,
29p more for lager and 36p for a glass of wine. In the north-west the
average price of a pint has DROPPED in the last year by a penny to
£1.56.
The price of wine has fallen 6p in pubs surveyed in the north-west,
while soaring in the south-east.
Lager and wine prices also dropped in the Midlands.
And suffering southerners even have to fork out £1.27 for a shot of
whisky.
The report said: "One of the biggest leaps is the price of lager in the
south-east.
"After touching £2 two years ago, it crept up by only a penny last year
but has now surged ahead to an average of £2.13 for a pint.
"It seems likely that, as more pubs have broken through the £2 barrier,
the psychological pressure has been released and customers have grown
used to paying the price."
One in five south-east pubs charge £2.26 for a pint, while the UK
average was £1.96.
Insiders say there is greater competition among many northern-based
brewers, which keeps prices paid at the bar down.
But that doesn't work in reverse for southern wine drinkers.
They are forced to pay extra for the privilege of something which is not
chardonnay.
And there is also a great difference between large trendy pubs and their
smaller old-fashioned counterparts, with a lager costing as much as 13p
more in flashier joints.
http://detnews.com:80/2000/metro/0008/17/d09e-106510.htm
Thursday, August 17, 2000
Old country brew comes to U.S.
Grand Rapids group begin distributing popular Latvian beer
By Barbara Wieland, AP
GRAND RAPIDS -- Inese Saulite noted a curious pattern on her return
trips to Grand Rapids from her native Latvia.
As she waited in line to go through customs, Saulite saw that the
suitcases of people in front of her were full of beer -- Latvian-made
Aldaris beer, to be specific.
"I was shocked to see how much," she said. "There was a lot of beer
going through customs."
Until recently, stuffed suitcases were the only way Aldaris beer made
it into the United States. But now, Saulite, her husband and Grand
Rapids couple Judy and Stan Hiemenga are bringing Aldaris to Grand
Rapids in bulk.
Their company, Baltic Sea Imports Inc., is the first in the nation to
distribute Aldaris beer. The company brought the first cases of Aldaris
to Grand Rapids in November and began looking for stores to sell the
beer.
D&W Food Centers Inc. recently placed the beer on shelves of some of
its stores, making the Latvian beer easy to find, and she said a similar
agreement with Meijer Inc. is pending. Her goal is to make Aldaris beer
as popular as Heineken and Guinness.
Saulite, who also owns Baltic Sea Gifts in Cascade Township, found
her taste for Aldaris beer growing up in Latvia. At the time, Latvia was
still a Republic in the Soviet Union.
She had a career as an actress there, but she and her husband, Inars
Auzins, wanted to leave the Soviet Union to provide a better life for
their two daughters.
They got their chance in 1988.
Auzins gained permission to visit family in Grand Rapids around
Christmas time. The family applied for political asylum and were allowed
to stay.
"We are guests who stayed for 12 years," Saulite said, laughing.
But Saulite and Auzins were hardly alone. In fact, thousands of
Latvians sought a new life in Michigan. The first wave of immigrants
fled invading Nazi armies in World War II. They were followed by people
fleeing Soviet troops after the war.
Now, she said, Latvians in Michigan seek to retain their culture by
attending Latvian churches and by sending their children to Latvian
schools and summer camps.
And, she said, many of them like to reminisce about life in the old
country as they toast each other with "Prozit!" over a mug of Latvian
beer.
The Aldaris brewery, in the Latvian capital of Riga, has churned out
beer for 135 years. It is the most popular type of beer in Latvia and
Russia and has found new fans in Western Europe in recent years.
A few years ago, Aldaris was bought by Swedish company Baltic
Beverages Holding, which invested $60 million to improve the production
lines at the Aldaris brewery.
Saulite reacquainted herself with Aldaris beer during her trips back
to her homeland.
She took a job as a nurse's aide after settling in Grand Rapids.
After Latvia left the Soviet Union in 1991, groups of American doctors
began making trips there to distribute donated medical supplies. Saulite
and her husband traveled with them.
"I had never been to Eastern Europe before," said Judy Hiemenga, who
is an obstetrician.
Though she doesn't drink beer herself, all her friends raved about
Aldaris brews, which are ubiquitous there. So when Saulite suggested
importing the beer last year, Hiemenga was all for it.
The two couples soon learned that importing beer is a lot more
complicated than bringing it by the suitcase, however. They had to
navigate two legal systems and learn laws that were drafted in the
1700s.
Stan Hiemenga, who works at Michigan National Bank, helped the
budding company find its way through stacks of paperwork. The Latvian
brewery designed bottles and packaging for American consumers. Then the
U.S. government had to approve them.
Aldaris makes six varieties of beer, and Baltic Sea Imports is
bringing two of them to the United States. Zelta is a light, slightly
bitter beer. The Porteris variety is a dark, stout beer akin to
Guinness.
All four partners had to learn how to distribute beer from scratch.
Kent Beverage Co. Inc. distributes the bottles locally.
The key, Auzins said, was to find a distributor willing to promote
the beer to customers.
At first, that wasn't so hard.
"If you've got a Latvian community, you've got people to buy the
beer," Judy Hiemenga said.
Now, the importers want the beer to catch on with the community at
large.
The importers aren't advertising much yet. Instead, Saulite is the
beer's biggest promoter. She has even approached diners at restaurants
to tell them about her beers.
"If you like European beers, you've got to give this a try," she told
them.
Barbara Wieland writes for The Grand Rapids Press. This report was
distributed by the Associated Press.
http://news.excite.com:80/news/r/000819/23/china-beer
Tsingtao blows away froth in China beer market
August 19, 2000 By Matt Pottinger
QINGDAO, China, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Foreigners may have introduced beer
to China, but when it comes to selling the suds, local hero Tsingtao is
leaving outsiders under the table.
Tsingtao Brewery Co, China's largest and oldest beer maker, is steadily
consolidating its grip on the fragmented and bitterly contested domestic
market by taking over unprofitable foreign-operated breweries to reach
thirsty customers far from its home in the port city of Qingdao.
On Friday it signed a deal to buy controlling stakes in two Beijing
breweries from ASIMCO, a U.S. investment group whose beer ventures had
been backed by Miller Brewing Co. Earlier this month it bought out
Danish beer maker Carlsberg's majority share of a sophisticated Shanghai
brewing venture.
It is also in talks to share capacity at a brewery in the central city
of Wuhan owned by the world's biggest beer company, Anheuser-Busch, a
top Tsingtao executive said.
While most state-owned industries fret an onslaught of foreign rivals
once China enters the World Trade Organisation, Tsingtao sees itself as
a steeled veteran of global competition which has managed to profit and
grow in a market that has humbled some of the biggest names in the
business.
"In the beer industry, we have entered an international and open market
before WTO entry," said Tsingtao general manager and vice-chairman Peng
Zuo Yi in his office in Qingdao - the modern spelling of the city after
which former German occupiers named the brewery they built in 1903.
"We've already achieved great success domestically versus foreign
brands," Peng said. "WTO will bring big benefits."
CHEAPER BARLEY AND GREATER EXPORTS
Under terms agreed by Beijing, barley tariffs will tumble after China's
expected entry within months to the global trade body, lowering
Tsingtao's costs. In addition, the company will be boosted by falling
prices in cardboard packaging and in aluminium used to make beer cans,
Peng said.
Tsingtao will also have an easier time taking on foreign rivals on their
turf, with lower customs fees allowing it to expand the exports that
accounted for 10 percent of its 2.25 billion yuan ($271.8 million) in
sales last year, Peng said.
"We will sell to Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore" in addition
to expanding sales in Europe and North America, he said.
Its modern brewing facilities, revamped from what one foreign beer
executive who visited in the early 1990s called "a stinky mess," also
attest to the power of competition to transform backwards state-owned
enterprises.
"We had terror in our hearts," Peng said of Tsingtao's reaction to a
tide of foreign investment into the sector, which peaked in 1995.
Through hefty capital injections and plenty of advice from foreign
brewers, Tsingtao cleaned up its act.
Now its flagship brewery is saturated with the sweet aroma of hops
rather than reeking puddles of beer. An automated steel complex of
conveyor belts and machinery fills 36,000 clinking bottles each hour
with premium quality brews for export.
The only people along its length are a handful of machinists and a team
of women in white smocks who view each full bottle in front of bright
lights to screen for floating debris.
CONSOLIDATOR IN A TROUBLED SECTOR
A market as cut-throat as China's is bound to produce a world-class
champion.
Local protectionism and zealous competition have driven the price of
beer below bottled water. While China is second only to the United
States in production of beer, few, if any, of the roughly 60 foreign
breweries in China are profitable.
A majority of the 500 or so domestic breweries are also losing money.
Yet Tsingtao appears to have crystallised its destiny as one of three or
four domestic giants Peng expects to rise from the shattered hopes of
tiny local breweries.
The $22.5 million deal on Friday to buy ASIMCO's stakes in Beijing Five
Star Beer Co and the Beijing Three Ring Asia Pacific Beer Co brings to
30 the number of foreign and domestic breweries in Tsingtao's stable.
It also takes it deep into the territory of the country's number two
beer company Beijing Yanjing Brewery Co.
In the southern boomtown of Shenzhen, Tsingtao has set up an $84 million
joint venture with Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd, near the home base of
its other main rival Zhujiang Beer.
"They are really the only ones who have managed to reach the economies
of scale needed to establish a national presence," said Tim Clissold,
president of ASIMCO.
Peng said he expected the company, which produced 1.07 million tonnes of
beer last year, to triple output to three million tonnes by 2003. The
company aims to grab a 7.0 percent domestic market share in 2000, up
from 5.2 percent last year and 2.8 percent in 1998.
The company reported profits in 1999 of 40.7 million yuan, only a touch
higher than the previous year. It is trying to boost its stock price
with a planned buyback of 10 percent of its Hong Kong listed shares.
Tsingtao shares closed on Friday at HK$2.175, up HK$0.075 from Thursday.
(US$ - 8.279 Yuan) ^ REUTERS@
http://www.dispatch.com:80/news/newsfea00/aug00/392309.html
Arena District brews competition
Monday, August 21, 2000 by Lornet Turnbull and Brian Williams, Dispatch Staff
Reporters
Chris Russell / Dispatch
Grubs Pub patrons, from left, Nanette Rall, Karen Helmandollar and
Virginia Harshall unwind at the Young Street tavern. Downtown bar
regulars and owners hope their popularity isn't overshadowed by new
drinking spots in and around the Arena District.
Pick a Thursday night, any Thursday night, and you'll find Jim McKinney
bellied up to a Downtown bar, knocking back an after-work brewski with
his friends. Around him, folks unwinding from a day on the job -- politicians
and
bankers, lawyers and construction workers -- strain to hear one another
above the rising din. McKinney's favorite watering holes lie in the shadows of
Downtown office buildings and have long been popular happy-hour hangouts for
the office crowd.
But now the dynamics of the city are about to change.
With Nationwide Arena District poised to become the entertainment anchor
for the region, owners of popular bars three and four blocks away in the
core of the city ponder their role in this emerging Downtown.
Most expect the $500 million renewal under way in the north end of
Downtown to bring new life to all of the central city. With restaurants,
bars, nightclubs and a movie theater in and around it, the district is
sure to change the way many people spend their play time once the
workday is over.
But some longtime Downtown bar patrons find themselves torn between
loyalty to old drinking spots and curiosity about new ones. Some, like
McKinney, who frequents Grubs Pub on Young Street and the Inn
Between on Lynn Street, said he's more likely to head south to the
Brewery District than north to the traffic snarl he expects near the
arena. "It's the path of least resistance,'' said McKinney, who works in
Downtown real estate. "Inevitably, it would be more expensive to park
all day in one location and then park again in or around the Arena
District. If you have to work that hard for a beer, it's probably not
worth it.''
Most bars and taverns on the alleys and side streets in the heart of
Downtown depend on loyals for their livelihood. The captive lunchtime
crowd provides much of their revenue; after-hour business adds icing to the
cake.
It's been a long time, many say, since Downtown Columbus has had much of
a happy hour. The old joke about sidewalks rolling up at 5 p.m. is heard
often inside many joints.
"The suburbs kill us,'' said Greg Tweed, co-owner of Inn Between. "Part
of it, too, is that people don't want to get real trashed Downtown and
have to drive to Westerville.''
Many are hoping that the Arena District will keep more people Downtown
after work.
"There's definitely an attraction up there, an electricity being
generated,'' said Ohio Equities sales agent John Milenkovich.
"You see it now at 504, 501 and Jillian's,'' he said, referring to
nightclubs and taverns near the Arena District. "They're all banking on
the arena.''
The lineup for the Arena District already includes Buca di Beppo Italian
restaurant; O'Shaughnessy's Public House, Gordon Biersch brewery and
restaurant and a 10-screen movie theater. More are on the drawing board,
and others are clamoring for a spot nearby.
"There's critical mass,'' said Hal Miksch, a Worthington-based
retail-planning consultant. "The Brewery District was the place to go to
not because of any one place, but because of the choices: You could go
there and then decide which one to go to.''
This fall, Grubs Pub owner Dave Rodriguez will close the tavern he's
operated along Young Street for four years and transfer its liquor
license to Big Daddy's, a new restaurant on the edge of the Arena
District.
Rodriguez, who also owns Signatures Bar and Grille in Gahanna, said he
began looking for space near the arena as soon as plans for it were
announced.
"It's a high-demand spot,'' he said of his new location on Vine Street
across from the North Market parking lot.
When it comes to feasting from the arena's trough, location is
everything.
Steve Swisher, general manager of the Elevator Brewing Co., thinks any
bar or restaurant within sniffing distance of the arena will benefit
from its draw.
"I would say that with 22,000 people flocking from that arena, anybody
in the vicinity is going to do OK,'' he said. "Jillian's can only hold
so much. Gordon Biersch can only hold so much. We're a 3 1/2 -minute
walk from the arena.''
But what the Arena District gives, it also might take away.
Rodriguez thinks that on event nights at the arena, bars in the core of
the city will feel the pinch. Tweed thinks that weekend business will
also be tough.
He thinks more exposure would do his tavern a world of good, so he has
plans for a main entrance on Third Street, across from the Adam's Mark
Hotel. The tavern's main entrance now is on Lynn Street.
Despite the distance to the arena, Tweed thinks it will be a shot in the
arm for his bar because people will park all over Downtown and walk.
"We feel comfortable,'' he said. "We're not threatened by the arena at
all.''
Long-time patrons of the Downtown bars say the character and atmosphere
of the old places -- even a favorite bartender sometimes -- will keep
them coming back long after the newness of the Arena District has worn
off.
"I guarantee none of those places will have hand- carved wood,
hand-carved stone, stained glass and ceramic tiles,'' said John O'Grady,
owner of Ringside Cafe. "It's too expensive now. Character doesn't grow
on trees.''
Still, George Misch, who works at Glimcher Realty Trust and frequents
the Flatiron Bar and Diner on Nationwide Boulevard and the Inn Between,
plans to include the Arena District in his bar rounds.
"I hope what happened around Jacobs Field will happen here,'' the native
Clevelander said, referring to the rejuvenation that surrounded the
Cleveland baseball park.
"But I doubt it. What we have in this town is a vanilla crowd rather
than an ethnic crowd.''
http://www.beverageonline.com/content/news/article.asp?DocID={0B601812-769
A-11D4-8C59-009027DE0829}&Bucket=Newswire
Labatt Breweries vice president found dead in Brussels hotel room
BRUSSELS, Belgium, Aug 19, 2000 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Don
Kitchen, a Labatt Breweries vice president credited with making the beer
more popular in Canada and the United States, has died. He was 44.
Kitchen, who was vice president for North America of Labatt's Belgian
parent company, Interbred SA, was found dead of a suspected heart attack
Thursday morning in his Brussels hotel room, Canadian Press reported. He
was discovered after he failed to show up for a business meeting.
"He had a style, a clear set of values. He was terrific with people,"
said Hugo Powell, chief executive officer of Interbrew SA.
Prior to working for the Canadian company, Kitchen spent 18 years at
Colgate-Palmolive, quickly climbing into top sales and marketing jobs in
Toronto, New York, Chicago and Puerto Rico.
Kitchen is survived by his wife and two sons.
http://www.beverageonline.com/content/news/article.asp?DocID={C893AE83-74F
8-11D4-8C59-009027DE0829}&Bucket=Columnists%27+Corner
Winemakers fight for Napa name
8/18/2000 Gov’t week in review by Lisa Van Wagner, VerticalNet Washington
Correspondent
In 1986, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms revised its
labeling rules to ensure that if a wine label infers that the wine is
from a specific region, then it really is from that region. However,
"geographic" brand labels that existed before July 7, 1986, were exempt
from the rule, and wines bearing those names were grandfathered into the
new rule. However, since then, some of the "grandfathered" brand names
have been sold to wineries outside the Napa region who have continued to
label them "Napa," violating the spirit of the rule, the Napa Valley
Vintners Association (NVVA) contends.
"Unfortunately, because of a loophole in labeling laws, it is currently
legal for some winemakers to make it look as though non-Napa wines come
from our small region," said Jack Stuart, president of NVVA.
The Wine Institute has been working with the industry on the issue of
geographic brand names, but was not able to resolve it to NVVA's
satisfaction. It has voted not to take a position on the issue as it has
members on both sides.
"Realizing the difficulties of finding consensus on this topic on an
industry-wide basis, the NVVA is now working to solve this issue on a
local basis. The NVVA is not trying to impose its views on the rest of
the industry," NVVA said in a statement. "The NVVA’s goal is simple: A
wine label should not suggest the grapes come from Napa unless they
really do."
NVVA asked the California Senate to consider legislation to require that
"any brand using the name Napa, or any of the names of appellations
wholly contained within Napa County, contain at least 75 percent of
grapes grown in Napa County." The bill, AB 683, will go before the
California Senate Appropriations Committee on August 21. It will affect
only Napa County vintners.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has not been consulted by
California about the bill, but is aware that the state will be
considering the law. "Generally state laws or regulations do not affect
federal labeling regulations," ATF Special Agent Brad Earman said. "If
it is enacted, then ATF will analyze and evaluate any impact on federal
labeling regulations."
According to NVVA, the proposed bill will help eliminate consumer
confusion. An independent, scientific, national poll commissioned by
NVVA and conducted by the Sacramento-based research firm Tootelian &
Associates to determine whether or not these geographic brand names are
deceiving found that:
* 99% of those polled thought a wine called “Napa Valley Caves” was,
indeed, from Napa Valley
* 81% said it was confusing if the brand name says “Napa” but the grapes
do not come from Napa Valley
* 91% said it is deceptive to use a geographic region known for wine in a
brand name if the grapes come from another region
* 82% said the brand name is important when buying a bottle of wine
http://www.pioneerplanet.com:80/seven-days/5/news/docs/027271.htm
Company, community to talk about ethanol plant at brewery
* Odors, noise plague West 7th Street
CHARLES LASZEWSKI STAFF WRITER
City officials held out little hope Wednesday for a quick solution to
county health department be on the committee to monitor any possible
health problems.
Smith and Gunther will report back to the council Sept. 20.
http://www.usatoday.com:80/usatonline/20000821/2567674s.htm
What's brewing: A coffee that could prevent cancer
By Dan Vergano USA TODAY Page 1D August 21, 2000
Coming to future coffee counters: a fresh-brewed java that boasts
bunches of cancer-fighting compounds mixed in with its aroma.
''Coffee has gotten a bad rap,'' says Thomas Slaga of the AMC Cancer
Research Center in Denver. Working with the Oncology Sciences Corp. of
Austin, Texas, Slaga plans within 18 months to license his roasting
process to a large coffee company. His aim: to create a ''wellness''
coffee that retains helpful ingredients lost in usual coffee bean
processing.
Two decades ago, scientists worried that coffee triggered pancreatic
cancer. Now the thinking has shifted in the other direction. Researchers
have found that coffee contains many of the same compounds as green tea,
the hottest of drinks among the health-seeking set.
Such wellness drinks, including soy milk, ginseng teas and juice blends,
represent one of the biggest trends to hit store shelves last year,
accounting for 18.5% of new beverages, says trade publication Beverage
Industry. Most either tout or increase the presence of polyphenols,
natural compounds shown to neutralize cancer-causing chemicals in test
tubes and some animals.
Last year the nation's coffeemakers roasted more than 19 million
161-pound bags' worth of coffee beans to satisfy the nation's thirst for
a cup of joe, according to the International Coffee Organization in
London. Companies such as Well-Bean Coffee of Rochester, N.Y., which
blends soy with its beans, hope to attract the nation's coffee drinkers
to the wellness ranks.
Coffee beans are roasted at temperatures around 400 degrees. ''We've
simply changed the roasting process, made it a little more efficient and
found a way to keep more healthy compounds intact,'' Slaga says. Lab
work shows that the process doubles the presence of polyphenols retained
after roasting.
''It may be an advancement in food technology,'' says biochemist Chung
Yang of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. But he adds, ''I would
like to see some data on the effect of this type of coffee in
carcinogenesis (cancer formation) experiments and in some human
studies.''
Much research on ''healthy'' compounds in tea and coffee has involved
test tubes or mice, not people, he notes.
''Offering more healthy food choices is a good thing,'' says Melanie
Polk of the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.
''A new kind of coffee will not take the place of a healthy diet.''
Slaga hopes to plow any profits from selling the rights to his coffee
back into research on the effects of polyphenols. ''Replacing a good
diet and exercise with a pill will never happen,'' he says. ''But there
should be more benefit to the coffee we drink today.''
http://news.excite.com/news/r/000821/10/odd-nudes-dc
Women Bare All to Save Island From Logging
August 21, 2000 SALTSPRING ISLAND, British Columbia (Reuters) - Some
high-profile
Canadian spouses are among 35 women to pose naked for a calendar to try
to save their pristine Pacific Coast island from logging.
Andrea Collins, former wife of rock star Phil Collins, Birgit Bateman,
wife of renowned painter Robert Bateman, and Denise McCann, wife of
musician Randy Bachman of Bachman Turner Overdrive and Guess Who fame,
hope to raise money to buy some of the trees before they are cut down.
The calendar is the latest effort by the 9,000 island residents to stop
Texada Land Corp. from logging a large chunk of Saltspring Island, 33
miles southwest of Vancouver.
"If the logging goes ahead it will be a wasteland," said calendar model
Mallory Pred, 63.
Pred hopes the decision to bare all for the "Saltspring Women Preserve
and Protect calendar" will also raise awareness of the issue. "To be
naked is to be as vulnerable as our trees are," she said.
J2jurado
TOKYO, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Year to December 31, 2000
(in billions of yen unless specified)
LATEST ACTUAL
(Group) FORECAST YEAR-AGO
Sales 1.60 trln 1.45 trln
Current 95.00 79.84
Net 34.00 33.25
EPS 34.37 yen 32.57 yen
NOTE - Kirin Brewery Co Ltd is a leading beer brewer.
London to probe Interbrew buy of Bass UK brewing
BRUSSELS, Aug 22 (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Tuesday it had
referred Belgian brewing giant Interbrew's proposed acquisition of Bass Plc's
British brewing interests to UK competition authorities for investigation.
The Commission, the European Union's antitrust watchdog, said in a statement it
had approved parts of the deal relating to the supply of beer outside Britain
and to the supply of flavoured alcoholic drinks in Britain and elsewhere as
these posed no competition problems.
British competition authorities now have up to four months to conduct their
review.
British Trade Secretary Stephen Byers earlier this month asked the European
Commission to refer the deal back to British authorities. Following its earlier
purchase of Whitbread Plc's beer business, Interbrew would have a 32 percent
share of the British beer market following the Bass deal.
The Commission said it agreed with the British government's view that the
combined strength of Interbrew and Scottish and Newcastle ``could give rise to
the risk of a harmful duopolistic outcome.''
The Commission said it considered that Britain was best placed to carry out the
necessary further examination of the case.
BBAG Buys 3 Breweries in Romania Amid Expansion Spree
Vienna, Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Oesterreichische Brau- Beteiligungs AG said it
bought three Romanian breweries as Austria's largest drinksmaker battles it out
with Heineken NV and South African Breweries Plc for the lead in Eastern
Europe.
BBAG said its unit Brau-Union AG purchased the breweries from the
venture-capital firm Brewery Holdings Limited for an undisclosed sum. It
expects the breweries to generate revenue of $83.5 million this year on beer
sales of 2.4 million hectoliters.
BBAG, which already owns four breweries in Romania, said the acquisitions will
double its market share there to 36 percent. It's pursuing an acquisition spree
in Central and Eastern Europe amid hopes the strategy will help catapult it
from being the third- largest brewing group in the region to the largest.
``We're now No. 1 in Romania, and on our way to becoming No. 1 in Hungary and
No. 3 in Poland,'' said Susanne Weichselbaum, a spokeswoman for BBAG. ``At the
moment we're working on trying to get a third brewery in Poland.''
Shares in Brau-Union, which is listed on the benchmark ATX Index, rose 0.75
euro, or 1.6 percent, to 47.80 euros. BBAG fell 0.78 euro, or 1.6 percent, to
47.70 euros.
The Linz-based company said today it acquired 98.2 percent of S.C. Bere
Miercurea-Ciuc SA, 91.8 percent of Grivita International SA, and 75.7 percent
of Haber International SA.
All three were owned by Brewery Holdings, which in turn is owned by three
financial investors, including Jupiter Asset Management Ltd.
The drinksmaker also owns eight breweries in Austria, two in Hungary and one in
the Czech Republic through brewing subsidiary Brau-Union, of which it owns 63
percent. It manages a group of companies that make non-alcoholic drinks such as
Pago fruit juice.
BBAG is focusing its current expansion in the nearby emerging markets on
Romania amid forecasts the nation will become the second-largest beer market in
Eastern Europe after Poland by 2005. Romanians drink 11.3 million hectoliters
of beer every year, or an annual 49 liters per capita.
The Austrian company's purchases still have to be approved by Romanian
antitrust regulators. Weichselbaum said BBAG expects the contracts to be signed
``within a few weeks'' and said the purchase price for the breweries may be
revealed then.
Oresa Ventures-publ. Sells Its Stake in Brewery Holdings of Romania to
Austria's BBAG
STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2000--Oresa Ventures S.A. is
pleased to announce the sale of its stake in the Romanian brewery group, held
indirectly through Brewery Holding Limited, to BBAG of Austria. The sale is
done together with fellow shareholders Advent International and Jupiter Asset
Management. The deal remains subject to approval from the Romanian Competition
Council.
Brewery Holdings is today the leading brewery group in Romania with sales
of app. 2.4m hectolitres this year and a market share of 19%. It originally
consisted of a brewery in Miercurea Ciuc with 400,000 litres equivalent to a 4%
market share. In 1998 two other breweries were added to the group. During the
last couple of years, major investments were done in the production assets
while a nationwide distribution network was developed. During the past two
years, Brewery Holdings has successfully established two strong brands, Ciuc
and Gambrinus.
BBAG is the market leader in Austria and no. 2 in Romania with four other
breweries under control.
Oresa Ventures' Investment Manager Erik Hallgren said: "The sale represents
a very successful exit for Oresa Ventures providing us with a significant
return. The strong performance of Brewery Holdings is largely due to a focused
strategy and a very strong and experienced management team blending the best of
Western brewery expertise with Romanian know- how. The success of Brewery
Holdings is an example of how venture capitalist backed companies can compete
against large multinationals."
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Botts May Raise Offer for Wolverhampton Above 500 Pence a Share
London, Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Botts & Co., a London-based finance company,
said it may raise its offer to buy Wolverhampton & Dudley Plc, the U.K.'s
largest regional brewer.
Boots offered to buy Wolverhampton last week for 500 pence a share, valuing the
central England-based brewer at 472 million pounds ($700 million).
Wolverhampton & Dudley rejected the offer on Friday after saying it wasn't high
enough.
``Botts remains available to enter into serious discussions with W&DB, with a
view to agreeing a proposal,'' Botts said. Wolverhampton had no immediate
comment.
Wolverhampton has struggled with higher costs and a bigger range of low-profit
beers after buying Marston, Thomson & Evershed Plc and Mansfield Brewery Plc
last year. At the same time, competition has intensified as pub operators such
as J.D. Wetherspoon Plc slashed prices to attract customers.
Shares in Wolverhampton fell 12.5 pence to 457p. The stock topped 600p just one
year ago, prior to the acquisitions of Marston and Mansfield. Botts and Noble
House don't trade.
Botts has teamed up with Robert Breare, a venture capitalist who put together
the InnSpired Group of about 800 pubs through the merger of Ushers and
Trowbridge Group Plc and Alehouse. Breare, chairman of Noble House Leisure Ltd.
and former head of the hotels group Arcadian International, recently left his
job as head of the pubs division at the venture-capital company Alchemy
Partners.
Wolverhampton brews Pedigree, Banks's and Speckled Hen beers and owns the
upscale pub chain Pitcher & Piano. The company also brews Guinness for Diageo
Plc and Kronenbourg beer for Scottish & Newcastle Plc.
Britain's brewing industry has been consolidating in recent months as companies
seek to simplify operations and achieve global scale in selected areas such as
hotels, restaurants and pubs. Larger rivals Bass Plc and Whitbread Plc both
sold their brewing divisions to Interbrew NV earlier this year.
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette is advising Botts on the offer.
Study Finds Pill May Fight Alcoholism
By Michael Conlon, Reuters
CHICAGO (Aug. 22) - A new study released Tuesday found for the first time that
a medication already on the market can reduce the urge to drink among people
genetically disposed to alcoholism, a finding that may open the door to broader
medical treatment for all problem drinkers.
The drug, ondansetron, increased abstinence by 40 percent among alcoholics
studied compared to those given an inert placebo. It also cut down on the
intensity of drinking by 39 percent, said researchers from the University of
Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in a report published in this week's
Journal of the American Medical Association.
Those studied were so-called biological alcoholics, or people who began
drinking in their youth due to a genetic predisposition. They account for about
a quarter of all alcoholics but are often among the most difficult to treat
because their drinking starts so early in life.
''For decades it has been known that, for some, alcoholism runs in the family,
and that certain brain abnormalities may be transmitted,'' said Bankole
Johnson, who headed the study. ''Typically, early onset alcoholics begin
drinking in their youth, develop anti-social problems and are the hardest to
treat.''
The report said ondansetron, sold under the Zofran brand by Glaxo Wellcome PLC
and used to stop vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy, appeared to block
serotonin receptors in the brain, thus decreasing the craving for alcohol -- a
craving perhaps brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Johnson said the drug ''significantly reduced the alcohol consumption of these
biological alcoholics, presumably by correcting underlying disequilibrium in
the serotonergic brain system.''
''Now that we know the basis of what type of serotonergic agent works as a
treatment for early-onset alcoholism, then it is straightforward to predict
that non-biological alcoholism would benefit from treatment with serotonergic
agents with perhaps a functionally opposite effect to ondansetron,'' Johnson
said in a background paper released by the university.
''In essence, the genetic test and brain imaging studies should in the future
enable us to determine which specific type of serotonergic agent would be an
effective treatment for any specific type of alcoholic,'' he added.
In an interview Johnson said ''our goal in the next four or five years is to
identify the exact types of genes involved'' so that someone coming to a
treatment center for alcoholics could be given a blood test that would
determine what kind of medication might work.
He also said it should be possible to identify those most at risk for early
onset alcoholism and stop them before they even start drinking.
Enoch Gordis, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, which helped fund the study, said while the findings on this drug
need to be replicated in other research, they ''hold considerable promise to
improve alcoholism treatment outcome.''
''These positive early results ... provide another reason for hope that
alcoholism ultimately will yield to treatments that precisely target its
mechanisms,'' Gordis said.
The Texas study involved 321 early-onset alcoholics between the ages of 25 and
65, of whom 70 percent were men. Seventy-eight percent of those involved were
white. Some in the study were given daily doses of 8 milligram tablets of the
drug while others received placebos.
The report said the drug had few or no side effects and an important benefit is
that it can be given to alcoholics who are still drinking, precluding the need
for detoxification and allowing for help when patients need it most -- when
drinking and struggling to become sober.
Coca-Cola Plans to Pay Bonuses Early to Boost Morale
Atlanta, Aug. 22 (Bloomberg)-- Coca-Cola Co. said it will pay some workers half
of their annual bonuses early to boost morale after the world's largest
soft-drink maker cut jobs and faced lawsuits related to its employment
practices.
About 9,000 employees, or one-third of Coca-Cola's workforce, will receive half
of their bonuses by the end of the month, said company spokesman Ben Deutsch.
Eligible workers include management and professional workers, he said.
``Management is awarding the money earlier than normal in recognition of the
progress made in the first half of the year under difficult circumstances,''
Deutsch said.
Earlier this year, Coca-Cola fired 5,200 employees, or about a fifth of its
workforce, to cut costs. It expects to save about $300 million in 2001.
Coca-Cola also agreed to settle a racial- discrimination lawsuit with current
and former black workers who alleged the company denied them promotions and pay
raises.
The remainder of the employees' bonuses will be paid in March, and will be
based on Coca-Cola and individuals meeting performance targets, the company
said.
Atlanta-based Coca-Cola makes Coca-Cola Classic, the world's top-selling
soft-drink, Sprite, Fanta and other beverages.
The early bonus payment was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Coca-Cola's shares fell 15/16 to 58 7/8 on the New York Stock Exchange. They're
little changed this year, and have fallen 1.4 percent in the past 12 months.
Kinki Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola West to Join Operations
Tokyo, Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Kinki Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Coca-Cola West
Japan Co., two bottlers that together produce a quarter of the U.S. company's
products in Japan, said they agreed to join operations to cut costs and boost
efficiency.
The move is part of Atlanta, Georgia-based Coca-Cola Co.'s plan to consolidate
its numerous bottlers in Japan, which have operated regionally as independent
companies. Coca-Cola West was set up in June last year as the first step in
that process, through the merger of two regional bottlers.
Kinki Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola West said they may join everything from
production, distribution and marketing to procurement and information systems.
They didn't say when the combination may happen.
``By combining our operations on a wide ranging basis, from upstream to
downstream through the entire Coca-Cola business, we hope to attain merits of
scale, scope and exchange of know-how, and to promote reducing overlapping
costs,'' the two companies said in a joint release.
`Anchor Bottler'
Osaka-based Kinki Coca-Cola bottles Coca-Cola products for the Osaka, Hyogo and
Kyoto areas in west-central Japan. Kirin Brewery Co. is the lead shareholder
with a 40 percent stake.
Coca-Cola West, based in Fukuoka, in Japan's southernmost Kyushu island, was
created in a merger between Sanyo Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Kita Kyushu Coca
Cola Bottling Co. Ricoh Co. owns 22 percent, while the U.S. Coca-Cola owns a 5
percent stake through a Japanese subsidiary.
There are 15 bottlers that operate under franchise agreements with Coca-Cola.
The U.S. company has asked these independent bottlers to combine into core
``anchor bottlers'' that share resources and take on partnership roles in
drawing up marketing strategies to meet tougher competition in the country's
soft drinks market, said Kota Takasugi, a media relations official at Coca-Cola
(Japan) Co.
Japan is an extremely competitive market where the number of soft drink
products is huge, compared with the U.S. or European markets, he said.
``About 600 to 900 new products are introduced to the market each year, of
which only a handful survive to the next year,'' said Takasugi. ``While there
are advantages in having bottlers focused on their localities, there's great
scope for increasing efficiency of operations and competitiveness and improving
services on a wider basis.''
Last year, Coca-Cola also set up Coca-Cola Beverage Services Co., as company
that concentrates on procurement for Japan's 15 bottlers. So far, Kinki Coca
Cola, Chukyo Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Mikasa Coca-Cola Bottling Co. have
agreed to utilize the new company.
Coca-Cola West shares sank 40 yen to 2,900. Kinki Coca-Cola shares fell 20 yen
to 1,250.
The Michigan Renaissance Festival Welcomes Back the International Strongman
Competition for the Third Year Coming Labor Day Weekend
HOLLY, Mich., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Explore your passions at the 21st Annual
Michigan Renaissance Festival.
DED BOB Returns to the Michigan Renaissance Festival Starting August 26-Sept
24!
Come witness the Ded Bob Sho, laugh, cry ... and scream in terror at the "Ded
Bob Bonker." Be "Bobmotized" by the frightfully entertaining, skeletal heckler
himself, Ded Bob and his silent sidekick Smudj!
SPECIAL THIS WEEK ONLY!
Interpreters from Sign Language Services of Michigan for the most popular
shows, Ded Bob, Don Juan & Miguel, The Washing Well Wenches and The Taming of
the Shrew.
AHOY THAR MATIES!
The pirates are taking over Hollygrove! Come and enjoy Treasure Hunts and
Pirate School in the Children's Realm. First 1,000 children through the gate
can transform themselves into Pirates with free eye patches!
Adults can get into the baudy Pirate spirit at the Magical Pirate Adventure
Show! Exciting sword fighting, gunfire, nail biting stunts, all with a touch
of flaming magic!
Buccaneers can challenge their palates at the Buccaneers Beer and Cider Fest,
featuring the world's finest olde cyder, Woodchuck Cider and Guinness fresh all
the way from Ireland.
PROVE THINE HONOR!
Show your devotion to the crown by cheering for your favorite knight in full
contact, fully armored jousting! What can be more exciting than burly knights
in full, shining armor racing towards one another on armored war horses, in a
battle of pride for their countries of England, Cornwall or Scotland?
ATTENTION ALL PRINCES AND PRINCESSES!
Join us in the magical, mystical Children's Realm, home to Fizzle the Dragon.
Come play on the play scape, compete in a pie eating contest, and enjoy
delightful stories daily!
Then, Mary Queen of the Scots will knight good boys and girls every day. Meet
some of the Realm's most honorable knights!
With interesting crafts to do, special children's parades, animals to pet,
children's fashion shows, and a faerie or two, the Children's Realm is a
fantastical place to be!
Michigan Renaissance Festival
August 12-September 24, 2000
Weekends and Labor Day
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Open Rain or Shine
Adults $14.95 Children 5-12 $5.95
Seniors/Students $12.95