Scotch Whisky Association applied for GI status in New Zealand

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) applied for geographical indication (GI) status in New Zealand to strengthen the legal protection of scotch.

GI is a sign associated with quality and reputation used by wines and spirits. If the application is accepted by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office, the term ‘Scotch’ could only be used for a whisky that has been authentically produced in Scotland, in accordance with UK law.

To be authentic ‘Scotch’ whisky, the drink must be made with raw materials such as water, cereals and yeast, as well as be matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks. In this way, the GI scheme offers legal protection to domestic and international wines and spirits companies to help protect consumers against fake products.


Stevia usage increased in food and beverage products

Global supplier of stevia sweeteners PureCircle indicated that the use of stevia in food and beverages increased significantly in the last year.

PureCircle appointed independent data provider and market intelligence agency Mintel to provide and analyse the stevia market.

Data released during Q2 this year revealed that stevia usage in food and beverage products increased by 13% in comparison last year.


C&C Group to buy Admiral Taverns from Cerberus

A joint venture (JV) comprising Global alcoholic drinks manufacturer C&C Group, Proprium Capital Partners, and Admiral Taverns Management agreed to acquire UK-based pub company Admiral Taverns (Admiral) from Cerberus Capital Management (Cerberus) and its affiliates.

For this acquisition, C&C Group agreed to offer £37m, which represents 47% of the issued capital of Admiral.

The remaining equity will be provided by Proprium Capital Partners and Admiral Taverns Management.

Closing of the transaction is subject to financial conduct authority (FCA) approval, which is expected to be completed by November.


Coca-Cola India launched Minute Maid Santra

Coca-Cola India expanded its Minute Maid Pulpy line-up with the addition of Santra (orange), which features the juice of oranges grown in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, India.

Follows the introduction of the Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi (sweet lemon) variant in June, the launch of Minute Maid Pulpy Santra is reported to be in line with the Coca-Cola System in India, which focuses on creating a virtuous fruit-circular economy.


Suntory launched Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2017 edition in US

Japanese whisky distillery Suntory released Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2017 Edition in the US market for a limited time.

The company explained that its new product was manufactured at its Yamazaki whisky distillery and aged in the Japanese Mizunara Oak casks for 18 years.

Suntory’s fourth chief blender Shinji Fukuyo said: “I wanted to reveal the whisky’s soul that is the Art of Mizunara, a heightened sense and awakened palate engaged through aromas and flavours never known before. Encountering it should be a moment of epiphany.”


 New Age Beverages introduced e-commerce division

US-based manufacturer New Age Beverages launched its new e-commerce division to facilitate a new distribution channel.

With the launch of the new channel, New Age Beverages customers will be able to purchase organic beverages online and receive home deliveries.

New Age’s direct delivery concept complements their strategy of expanding their retail business in the traditional convenience and grocery sectors, as well as provides consumer access to the New Age portfolio worldwide where the company does not yet have distribution.


Starbucks developed new cold-pressed espresso in US

US-based coffee company Starbucks developed a new patent-pending extraction process to produce a concentrated, smooth-tasting shot of cold-pressed espresso.

The company explained that its new process debuted at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle and will serve as a new platform for introducing new cold espresso beverages.

The new Aqua Tamp Technology process was designed and developed by the company’s research and development team that uses an ascending flow-filtration system, which is pressurised by cold water.


Jack Daniel distillery introduced new Tennessee Rye whisky

The Jack Daniel Distillery announced plans to release its new Tennessee Rye in the US market next month.

The product is manufactured at the Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg distillery by a team led by master distiller Jeff Arnett.

Arnett said: “Our whisky-making process is so special, and it just makes sense for us to create our version of one of America’s first whiskies.”

The new Tennessee Rye contains a grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley, which is carefully charcoal mellowed and matured in new American oak barrels crafted by its own coopers.


Refresco shareholders approved Cott’s $1.2bn traditional beverage business acquisition

Refresco Group shareholders approved the acquisition of Cott Beverages for $1.25bn in cash.

As part of the deal, Refresco will be acquiring Cott’s North America, UK, and Mexico traditional beverage businesses. Cott’s RCI International division, its associated concentrate facilities, and the Aimia Foods division are not included.

Global Cott’s chief executive officer Jerry Fowden said: “We are pleased with the Refresco shareholders’ vote in favour of the transaction.”


BBCo and C&K launched Collabor&tion bourbon whisky in US

The Bardstown Bourbon (BBCo) has partnered with Copper & Kings American Brandy Company (C&K) to release two distinct products under the Collabor&tion brand made with ten-year-old straight bourbon whiskey.

Of the two products, one was finished in C&K’s American Brandy barrels and the other in Muscat Mistelle barrels.

It is claimed that both products have been aged for more than 18 months in the C&K basement maturation cellar.