Packaging innovations, such as Bud Light’s “My Bud Light” scratch-on bottle, Miller Lite’s Home Draft and Budweiser’s Fourth of July can, highlight the most effective beer ads among beer drinkers for the year-to-date, according to Ace Metrix, a Los Angeles-based TV advertising effectiveness agency.
The Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., reported that craft beer dollar sales increased 15 percent and volume grew 14 percent in the first half of 2011.
SABMiller plc, London, and Molson Coors Brewing Co., Denver, reported that MillerCoors’ second quarter underlying net income, excluding special items, increased 2.6 percent to $400 million compared to the second quarter of 2010.
The frequently asked question, “What should I have to drink?” was the inspiration for Diageo’s flavored malt beverage (FMB) strategy. This summer’s advertising for Diageo’s Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks answers that question featuring a “Fridgetender,” a portable bartender character who appears in refrigerators and coolers at the right time. In addition to Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks, Diageo’s FMB lineup also includes the recently launched Jeremiah Weed FMBs and Smirnoff On The Rocks, which is a multi-serve version of the Premium Malt Mixed Drinks.
The beer category showcased a mixed bag of results as the industry saw prices increase and case sales decrease. Consumer preferences seemed to change compared to last year as some domestic below-premium brands saw sales decrease, while imported beers saw high points from a few particular brands.
Dundee Brewing Co., a brand of Rochester, N.Y.-based North American Breweries, rolled out its summer seasonal beer, Dundee Summer Wheat, in 12-ounce cans. The American-style Hefeweizen beer is the first beer in Dundee’s lineup to be packaged in cans, the company says. Dundee Brewer Jim McDermott announced that the brewery is joining the “craft can revolution,” and that the cans preserve the beer’s freshness, quality and authenticity as well as offer portability. Dundee Summer Wheat will be available in 12-pack can packages as well as six-packs of bottles.
Carrollton, Texas-based T.G.I. Friday’s developed a new Buy Your Friend A Beer Facebook application to complement its Better with Brew menu. By “liking” the Friday’s fan page and placing an order through the custom tab, Facebook users 21 years and older can buy their Facebook friends as many as five beers. Recipients receive an electronic gift card to redeem in the restaurant. Purchase price is set at $5, regardless of the recipient’s regional location, and is redeemable for any beer of choice, including a selection of regional craft beers; non-alcohol beverage or food item at any local T.G.I. Friday’s.
Roswell, Ga.-based Gila Brew Co., re-launched its CJ Crunk Juce line of flavored malt beverages in new packaging and flavors. The new design targets CJ’s audience of 21- to 29-year-old males and females, the company says. Packaged in 23.5-ounce cans, CJ Crunk Juce features colored bands representing the flavor profiles between the gray gothic text on a distressed black background. The design is intended to help the brand stand out from other flavored malt beverages, the company says. CJ Crunk Juce is available in Fruit Punch, Grape and Watermelon varieties and contains 6 to 12 percent alcohol by volume depending on the market, the company says.
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