NEWS GENERAL:

Diageo: earnings are up

Diageo has reported a 10% rise in annual earnings despite a challenging year. Net sales were up 2% driven by strong spirits and wine performance with Diageo gaining share of beer in the on-trade and of spirits in the off-trade. Bell’s and Baileys performed particularly strong gaining market share following a “robust” Christmas.

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/84200?N=598325&Ne=598327&PagingData=Po_0~Ps_10~Psd_Asc Continue reading »

English holidaymakers are turning to drink on their breaks with the average adult consuming eight alcoholic drinks a day, a survey suggests. But 70% of the 3,500 adults questioned by the Department of Health said they plan to make September the “new January” by cutting back.

NHS guidelines advise no more than two to three units a day for women or three to four units for men – roughly equal to a large glass of wine for women and two pints of beer for men. The Know Your Limits campaign survey found that on an average day on holiday, beer drinkers drank five pints, wine drinkers had four glasses of wine, and those who prefer spirits had five mixer drinks, such as vodka and coke.

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Steam 8     NJF Rovers 7

Steam approached the new season with high hopes of adding to the silverware (tin) won last season. With our leader, Nick Warry, now departed, Graham took up the mantle of Team Captain, Club Secretary, Chairman and Kitman – it was commented that he had very small shoes to fill and even smaller gloves!

With our nemesis from last season now promoted, the pathway should be clear for a successful championship push. It quickly became evident that it would not be that simple as news filtered through that six new teams had entered the league. Confidence plummeted when NJF Rovers, making their debut in the Lambeth Conference League, arrived not just in a proper kit but with a team tracksuit! They obviously have a Roman Abramovich character in their corner and we have to make do with Tim ‘The Bean Counter’ Beer.

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Steam UK have helped to set up the groundbreaking John Smith’s People’s Darts tournament; back again for its 2^nd year and this year it’s bigger then before: bigger charity prize fund, more participating pubs and clubs, more regional finals and a host of darts pros – Tony ‘Silverback’ O’Shea, Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Fitton, Ross ‘The Boss’ Montgomery and Trina ‘Golden Girl’ Gulliver – will join the ranks of mentors that coach the eight regional finalists.

The John Smith’s People’s Darts gives everyday pub and club players the chance to play at Lakeside just before the BDO World Championship final in front of a packed house and a TV audience of millions.

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NEWS GENERAL:

Weather hits seasonal barbecue sales

Worse-than-expected summer weather has put a dampener on food and drink sales, with growth in multiple grocers slowing from 6.6% in June to just 4% in the four weeks to August 8, according to new Nielsen figures.

http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/articles/72321/Weather-hits-seasonal-barbecue-sales.aspx?categoryid=9059

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For the first time Pizza Express is using promotional activity in a bid to win a greater share of those consumers opting to eat at home as a result of the recession.

The activity will include a money-off voucher campaign for four new pizza flavours that will be available only in supermarkets.

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NEWS GENERAL:

ASA condemns delivery service ad

An alcohol delivery service (Alcohol in Emergency) has been condemned by the Advertising Standards Authority for a flier which made a play on the acronym A&E. The ASA accepted a complaint that the ad was offensive in light of the number of alcohol-related casualties dealt with by hospitals.

http://www.offlicencenews.co.uk/articles/71558/ASA-condemns-delivery-service-ad.aspx?categoryid=9059

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In the run up to one of the most anticipated Ashes series in living memory, Steam has launched their new Wolf Blass promotion where consumers could get their hands on all important tickets for the sold out event, and get the chance to meet Ashes legend, Darren Gough.

The promotion was implemented across thousands of UK bars, pubs, clubs and grocers and already Steam have hosted some events for winners at Edgbaston, where England held on to a narrow 1-0 lead in the series.

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