Competition from wine, spirits and craft brewers prom pted the proposed merger of the US interests of SABMiller and Molson Coors. Subject to regulatory approval, the new company – to be called Miller Coors – will be in operation by the end of the year. It will be focused on the US and Puerto Rican markets only, with SABMiller having a 58 per cent financial…

Anheuser-Busch and Diageo have both backed a bill signed by California state governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to get tough on under-age drinking. Arnie has signed a bill which includes increased penalties for teenagers attempting to buy alcohol, or being in possession of, manufacturing or selling fake ID. Andrew Baldonado, region vice president of government affairs for Anheuser-Busch, said: “The new law will complement the main programmes…

The Swedish government could end up selling its Vin & Sprit operation to its counterparts in Finland. The Finnish state-owned beverage operation Altia is the latest company to have its name linked with an acquisition of V&S, including the flagship vodka brand Absolut. Altia’s operations include the importing, marketing, production and export of alcoholic drinks. It also has business units in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia…

Three wine producers are looking for UK representation following Laurent Perrier UK’s decision to concentrate soley on growing its Champagne brand. Marqués de Riscal, the major Rioja producer in Spain, Trinity Hill from Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s North Island and Thorn-Clarke, the family-owned producer from Australia’s Barossa Valley , are all looking for agents. The agencies end formally on March 31, 2008.

Constellation Europe has bought iconic South African wine brand Flagstone and its owner, Bruce Jack, has become head of Constellation’s South African operation, which includes top brand Kumala. The teaming up of the voluble Jack with Kumala was first m ooted by Western Wines, Kumala’s original owner before it was taken over by Vincor which was , in turn, acquired by Constellation. The deal…

The recently appointed managing director of the German Wine Institute has unveiled a new strategy and structure for the generic body. Monika Reule said the institute needs to show that “Germany is a wine-growing country in which wine is an important cultural asset as well as inherent to a modern lifestyle “. She foresees emphasis on event marketing and promotions and more focus on grape…

Arguments between winemakers over a new rosé wine brand in Provence have forced France’s national fraud office to intervene. Provence’s largest AOC union, Côtes de Provence, has accused local firm PGA Domaines of “stealing” the region’s name for its new Rosé de Provence wine. Rules prevent wine brands in France from using any part of an existing AOC name. The feud is the latest example…