Beer

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Fireman’s Brew, a Los Angeles-based craft brewery founded by two firefighters, announced partnerships with three Ohio-based distributors — Beverage Distributors Inc., Tramonte Distributing and Classic Brands — to distribute its beers throughout the state. Ohio marks the brand’s 14th distribution state, joining California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, Virginia, Rhode Island, New York and Hawaii.

Crown Imports LLC, a Chicago-based division of Constellation Brands, announced that its Corona Light brand will expand on draft in more than 35 U.S. markets, and its Corona Extra brand will make its debut on draft in three test markets.

Anheuser-Busch, the U.S. arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev, introduced Busch Signature Copper Lager in 12 Midwestern states.

In anticipation of the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser brand revealed “Rise As One,” a global creative campaign on behalf of its sponsorship of the tournament.

MillerCoors LLC, a joint venture of SABMiller and Molson Coors, launched Miller Fortune lager to help the beer category regain share of the market that has been lost to spirits, wine and their drinking occasions, says Karina Diehl, communications manager for the Miller family of brands and multicultural brands.

Following steady performance in 2012, beer sales are proving to be a bright spot in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market.

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the U.S. arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced it has agreed to purchase Blue Point Brewing Co., a Long Island, N.Y.-based craft brewer that has more than 40 beers and sales concentrated along the East Coast. The move will bring additional resources to Blue Point's operations, allowing it to meet growing consumer demand for its brands, A-B says. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Holland, Mich.-based New Holland Brewing Co. announced a collaboration with Carhartt, a Dearborn, Mich.-based work wear brand, to brew a craft beer in honor of the clothing manufacturer’s 125th anniversary. The new brew will pay tribute to the hard-working people who wear Carhartt clothing, the companies say.

MillerCoors, Chicago, will launch Miller Fortune lager in mid-February to help the beer category regain share of the market that has been lost to spirits, wine and their drinking occasions, says Karina Diehl, communications manager for the Miller family of brands and multicultural brands.

Diageo plc, London, reported interim financial results for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2013. Following 2.2 percent growth in the first quarter, net sales grew 1.8 percent in the first half of the fiscal year, supported by 4.6 percent growth in North America, the company reports. Sales in emerging markets also were up 1.3 percent, but were negatively impacted by weakness in China and Nigeria, and sales in Western Europe were down 1 percent, continuing the improvement trend seen in the first quarter.