MBS News

Consumer Goods Stories

Thursday September 09, 2010

Miller Brands In World Beer Growth Push

Miller Brands is working closely with partners such as retailers and pub companies to boost its world beer category, especially its Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell brands, in the UK.

Reckitt Benckiser Rapped By ASA

A TV ad for Calgon water softener, a Reckitt Benckiser brand, has been banned by the ASA for being misleading. It claimed that using the product over a lifetime was less than the cost of buying a new washing machine, which consumers would have to do if they used another brand.

Wednesday September 08, 2010

William Grant & Sons Opens New Office In Dublin

William Grant & Sons has announced the establishment of its new global marketing office in Dublin, from where the company's non-Scotch portfolio will be managed.

Foster's Knocks Back AU$2.7bn Offer For Wine

Australia's largest brewer, Foster's Group, has rejected a private equity offer of AU$2.7bn (£1.6bn) for its wine business on the grounds that it was too cheap.

Tuesday September 07, 2010

Nestlé Ramps Up Work To Slash C02 And Waste

Nestlé is stepping up its efforts with regards to sustainability in the UK and Ireland with a pledge to slash CO2 emissions and reduce waste by 20% and increase renewable energy usage by 10% by 2015.

Twinings To Leave Britain For Poland

Iconic British tea company, Twinings, has announced that it is shutting its North Tyneside factory and moving production to Poland and China.

Monday September 06, 2010

African Lager Windhoek Gets Autumn Push

Diageo is spending £400,000 in September and October to raise awareness of its Windhoek lager, which was launched in the UK in May.

Innocent To Open East London Pop-Up Café

Ethical smoothie and drinks maker, Innocent, is opening a pop-up café in East London. Each item on the menu will contain the recommended five-a-day intake of fruit and vegetables.

Friday September 03, 2010

McBride Completes Czech Skincare Swoop

Leading supplier of private label household and personal care products, McBride, has moved into skincare following the acquisition of 70% of Czech manufacturer Dermacol in an £8m deal.

Samsung Unveils iPad Rival Galaxy Tab

Samsung has officially revealed its tablet computer, the Galaxy Tab, at a popular consumer electronics show in Berlin. It will reportedly be sold at half the price of Apple's iPad.

Thursday September 02, 2010

Tax Drink On Strength Not Type, Says Diageo

Diageo has proposed that the government tax alcoholic drinks based on strength, as opposed to type.

Apple Unveils New iPods

Apple has launched a new line of iPod media players, including a new iPod Touch which incorporates a video calling function.

Binatone Beats Samsung And BlackBerry With Budget Tablet Launch

UK telephone maker Binatone has launched a budget tablet computer, HomeSurf, which runs on Google's Android operating system and costs £130. The product does not offer a 3G connection, but uses Wi-Fi to access the internet.

Wednesday September 01, 2010

Heinz Tomato Soup: 100 Years Old

Heinz tomato soup is celebrating 100 years of being on British shop shelves today. It has been sold in virtually unchanged packaging during this time.

Pernod Ricard Completes Ambrosio Velasco Sale

Pernod Ricard has sold its Spanish wine and liqueurs business Ambrosio Velasco to Diego Zamora for €32.4m in cash.

Tuesday August 31, 2010

Hardys Backs Come Dine With Me Deal With Major Campaign

Constellation Wines brand Hardys has renewed its sponsorship of the popular Channel 4 show 'Come Dine With Me', which will include the launch of an iPhone app based on the programme.

Friday August 27, 2010

Tic Tac Teams Up With The X Factor

Tic Tac is targeting the youth market with an on-pack promotion giving away tickets to The X Factor live shows and tour.

Asahi Breweries To Acquire P&N Beverages

Japanese brewer Asahi has tabled a $323m (AUD364m) bid for Australia's third-largest soft drinks group, P&N Beverages, following its recent takeover of Schweppes operations in the country.

Hershey Appoints Importer And Distributor

American confectioner Hershey has appointed Euro Food Brands as its official importer and distributor in the UK to take advantage of significant growth opportunities in the country.

Thursday August 26, 2010

Danone-Chiquita Acquires Smoothie Producer Immédia

Danone's French joint venture, Danone-Chiquita, has acquired smoothie producer Immédia for an unknown amount.