NEWS GENERAL:
Alcohol Concern slams pub offers in three towns
Alcohol Concern has slammed pub and club operators after finding half the venues in three Welsh cities were offering “irresponsible” discounts. Some of the promotions encouraged people to get “plastered” while in other pubs and clubs alcohol was cheaper than soft drinks.
Molson Coors ‘committed’ to alcohol labeling
Molson Coors has urged other alcohol producers to up their game and make sure labeling is up to scratch. The Government launched a new consultation today on whether there should be mandatory requirement on labeling after an independent report said only 15% of packaging was fully compliant.
BEER, ALE & CIDER:
Brewdog ups stakes in world’s strongest beer battle
Brewdog has reclaimed the title of world’s strongest beer from its German rivals. German brewers Schorschbräu briefly held the record after releasing its 40% Schorschbock just two weeks ago. Brewdog has now hit back and launched a 41% abv quadruple IPA called Sink the Bismarck! priced at £40 for a 330ml bottle.
Cobra Beer unveils the ultimate curry sauce
Cobra Beer is celebrating National Chip Week by launching luxury curry sauce made with real gold. At £36 a portion, the sauce is not for the financially challenged, but Cobra deems it a fitting celebration given the nation’s penchant for dipping their chips in curry sauce.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66417&c=1
Greene King launches seasonal ale range
Greene King has unveiled its biggest ever range of seasonal ales. The selection includes 14 beers which will be available at different times throughout the year to sit alongside its permanent range of 10 cask ales.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66402&c=1
Guinness plans “bigger and better”
Diageo is planning to maximise Guinness’ presence around St Patrick’s Day on 17th March with activity that will “help retailers make the most of the celebrations”. This will revolve around a print and radio campaign, along with 20,000 POS kits to drive awareness of the brand’s new ‘Bring it to Life’ campaign. The World advertisement will also make a return to TV screens.
SOFT DRINKS & FOOD:
Pieminister offer free pie night for licensees
Pieminister is offering licensees free pies, gravy, mash and peas to help pubs celebrate ‘National Pie Week’ which runs at the beginning of March.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66319&c=3
ITV unveils Holland’s Pies and JW Lees as ‘Coronation Street’ partners
Pie and puds supplier Holland’s Pies, and JW Lees brewer have signed up as the final two promotional partners for the ‘Coronation Street’ 50th anniversary Best of British Brands campaign.
Lucozade plots heavyweight push across sub-brands
The Lucozade Energy portfolio is rolling out a three-month ‘Win an adventure everyday’ on-pack promotion (inc. husky racing and hang gliding, to circumnavigating the Cayes of Belize or trekking through the Sahara Desert). Consumers who purchase a bottle will be directed online to enter the on-pack promotional code.
http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/984729/Lucozade-plots-heavyweight-push-across-sub-brands/
Schweppes to launch on-the-go size Lemonade pack
Schweppes is to launch a new 500ml Lemonade pack in March, signaling parent company Coca-Cola’s intent to expand its on-the-go offerings. It will be backed by an outdoor ad campaign. The new pack will be launched nationwide and will be supported by a strategic outdoor campaign, focusing on 6 sheets in high footfall areas.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/schweppes-to-launch-on-the-go-size-lemonade-pack/3010117.article
Diet Coke targets fashionistas with Asos and Bauer Media link
Diet Coke is launching a new UK brand campaign focused around fashion to coincide with London Fashion Week, in partnership with Asos.com. The push will feature a new strapline titled ‘Love it light’ with three female puppets, who were last seen in Diet Coke’s sponsorship idents for Ugly Betty.
Doritos offers consumers chance to create new ad
Doritos is launching a new user-generated advertising campaign called ’King of Ads’, encouraging anyone with a video camera to create the next big Doritos TV ad and win up to £200,000. The ad will encourage users to come up with ideas and film them on a video camera to create a 29 second commercial to be uploaded online. The makers of the Top 15 adverts will then be invited to pitch their Doritos TV ad to a panel of specially selected experts.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/doritos-offers-consumers-chance-to-create-new-ad/3009993.article
Flake ties up with Benefit cosmetics
Flake is teaming up with cosmetic brand Benefit as part of a promotional campaign. Promotional single bars and multipack Flakes will be available from 1 March inviting consumers to enter online or via SMS to win Benefit products.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/flake-ties-up-with-benefit-cosmetics/3010019.article