Are beer trends looking up?

The outlook for beer might be on its way up, said Anheuser-Busch as it updated analysts on its earnings last week, pointing to trends both internally and externally. W. Randolph Baker, president and chief financial offer at Anheuser-Busch, told investors at its annual investor meeting in New York that beer demand is on the rise. Last year, beer industry volume grew 2.1 percent, and this year it is exceeding expectations with growth of 1.8 percent through October.

Regarding A-B's outlook specifically, Baker said: "The last two years have been a period of considerable change in the beer industry and especially at Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch has taken significant steps to adjust to the changing beer consumer. We have substantially expanded our portfolio. To support this broadened portfolio, we have transformed our selling system to make it both more personal and high tech at the same time. We have also been making changes in marketing and media, with more significant changes planned for next year. Anheuser-Busch is clearly better positioned for long-term growth due to these changes than we were two years ago.”

The National Restaurant Association echoed the optimistic sentiments with a new study released last week that indicates that alcohol beverages — and specialty beers in particular — top its list of culinary trends in restaurants. "Specialty alcohol, craft and specialty beer in particular, is a very hot trend," said Chef John Kinsella, president of the American Culinary Federation and senior chef instructor at the Midwest Culinary Institute in Cincinnati, in a statement about the study. In addition to cocktails and bar drinks, the NRA survey indicates alcohol is being used as an ingredient in cooking, and as part of meals and menus through food and alcohol pairings. Read more about A-B’s investor meeting and the NRA study.

In other news

Spirits lift Brown-Forman’s second quarter results
Brown-Forman Corp., Louisville, Ky., reported a 4 percent increase in diluted earnings per share for its second quarter. Higher quarterly earnings reflect accelerated double-digit international profit growth for the company’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Finlandia vodka and Southern Comfort brands. Net sales in the quarter increased 23 percent to $893 million, while gross profit also expanded 23 percent to $470 million. During the quarter, Brown-Forman experienced growth from strong international premiumization trends, the acquisition of Casa Herradura tequila and higher global trade inventory levels. Read more on the announcement.


American Beverage Association adds science policy VP
Washington, D.C.-based American Beverage Association announced Maureen Storey will join it as senior vice president for science policy. The position is new at the association and is expected to drive science policy as well as enhance outreach to the scientific community. Storey will oversee strategic development and execution of science policy and initiatives that will have impact in the scientific arena as well as position the industry as a leader on challenging policy issues. Read more on the appointment.


Coca-Cola Enterprises adds hybrid trucks to NYC fleet
John F. Brock, president and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises, joined New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to announce the company’s energy-saving measures in the city. Coca-Cola Enterprises will add five hybrid-electric trucks to its distribution center in the Bronx. An additional 120 side-load International 4300 truck with Eaton Hybrid Technology will join CCE’s nationwide fleet.

“Coca-Cola Enterprises has long been responsive to the needs of our local communities, and the expansion of our hybrid-electric fleet in the Bronx demonstrates our commitment to Mayor Bloomberg’s call for local industries to be proactive in the search for alternative fuel sources,” Brock said in a statement. “CCE will continue to explore ways to help our customers and communities through our corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts. These efforts, coupled with other energy saving measures here in the Bronx and elsewhere, are not only a commitment to the environment, but they’re good business practice.” Read more on CCE’s sustainability efforts.


Pepsi Mid-America co-owner dies
Rosemary Berkel Crisp, who was co-owner of Pepsi MidAmerica Co., Marion, Ill., has passed away. Crisp was 70 years old. In addition to being co-owner of the regional Pepsi distributor, Crisp was a nurse, women’s healthcare activist and philanthropist. She is survived by her husband Harry L. Crisp, chairman and chief executive officer of Pepsi MidAmerica; son H. Lee Crisp III, president and chief operating officer; and daughters Cynthia Crisp Dickens, Cara Crisp Sims, Catherine Crisp Newbold, Carole Crisp Schwarm and Cheryl Crisp Rabbitt and 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Visit the Pepsi MidAmerica Co. Web site.

Pomegranate Green Tea

Sweet Leaf Tea, Austin, Texas, released a new flavor: Pomegranate Green Tea. The green tea is made with all-natural ingredients, including organic cane sugar, organic pomegranate juice and organic green tea. The drink has 60 calories per 8-ounce serving. Sweet Leaf Pomegranate Green Tea is sold in 16-ounce glass bottles with an average retail price of $1.39. http://www.sweetleaftea.com

Swiss Santé

EurAmerican Import Co., Tiburon, Calif., relaunched the packaging and will expand the release of Swiss Santé. EurAmerican Import holds the exclusive long-term rights from Switzerland’s largest juice beverage producer, Unidrink A.G., to manufacture and market Swiss Santé, a whey-based premium beverage throughout North America. The all-natural, new age beverages are available in six varieties: Original Apple, Strawberry Kiwi, Orange Mango, Mountain Berry, Citrus Ginger and Diet Citrus Ginger. http://www.suissesante.com

Pomegranate 7UP