Beer: sustainable, THC-infused, from BeverageDaily.com

BeverageDaily.com does a monthly special collection of industry-focused articles on beer.  This one spotlights sustainability, but includes a couple of items about—really!—cannabis-infused beer, as well as tea, coffee, and water.  As readers of this blog know, I am following the politics of cannabis edibles.  It’s now time to add drinks to the list, or what is known in the trade, apparently, as the “THC-infused beverage space.”

• Molson Coors on sustainability: ‘Changing the way industry has operated for decades is always a challenge’: As Molson Coors looks back on its first year of progress towards its 2025 sustainability and responsibility targets, it highlights two key takeaways. Firstly, the biggest challenge has been in creating a culture of change across the organization; and secondly, there’s the importance of working in partnership with other stakeholders if it is to make a sizeable difference… Read
• World Cup boost for Budweiser: ‘Football is a passion point in the new markets we’ve expanded in’:  Budweiser’s position as global sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia has helped AB InBev drive the brand into new markets opened up by the combination with SABMiller… Read
• ‘Bountiful 2018 harvest’ predicted for US hops:  The 2018 Pacific Northwest hop acreage is forecasted to increase to a record high, while US hop grower Hopsteiner says advances in technology will further boosts this year’s harvest… Read
• Constellation Brands acquires Texas craft brewer Four Corners Brewing:  Constellation Brands has bought Texas brewer Four Corners Brewing, as it increases its focus on the high-end in the US beer market… Read
• ‘Strong start’ for Corona Premier, says Constellation Brands:  Corona Premier and Corona Familiar – the first major Corona innovations in over 25 years – are already exceeding expectations, says Constellation Brands; while it is also experimenting with premium spiked refresher Corona Refresca in test markets… Read
• Cannabiniers launches full line of THC-infused beverages:  Cannabis-infused beer, tea and coffee launch this summer from Cannabiniers brands Two Roots Brewing Co. and Just Society Cold Brew Beverages… Read
• Lagunitas launches cannabis-infused sparkling water:  Heineken’s Lagunitas is launching Hi-Fi Hops, an ‘IPA-inspired’ sparkling water infused with cannabis: saying it is the first time a major brewery has successfully been represented in the THC-infused beverage space… Read
• Lion acquires London craft brewer, Fourpure Brewing Co:  Australian-headquartered Lion has acquired London craft brewer Fourpure Brewing Co. And while Fourpure says the beer and culture will remain the same, it wants to embrace the opportunities the acquisition brings: ‘We truly hope you will see some change, otherwise why would we bother?”.. Read
• Wine tariffs eliminated as EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement signed:  The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has been signed this week, removing tariffs on EU wine exports to Japan… Read
• Craft brewing and business strategies: ‘Small is the new big’:  Throw out the rule book. When it comes to the craft beer business, bigger is not always better; and profit maximisation is not always the ultimate goal. Here’s why craft breweries need to think differently to other businesses… Watch now
• Nostalgia may seem nice – but alcohol brands should use with care:  An increasing number of brands are drawing on nostalgia as a marketing tool: but alcohol brands that try to appeal to an adult’s inner child must take care that they do not also inadvertently appeal to children today, warns the Portman Group… Read

And here are even more of its articles about the beer industry.  Be sure to check the one about how to personalize yours with 3D printing.

• Carlsberg to invest €100m in Kronenbourg brewery: Carlsberg will invest up to €100m ($117m) in its Kronenbourg brewery in Obernai, France; its largest brewery in Europe… Read
• Independent US craft beer production up 5% so far in 2018: There are 6,655 active craft breweries in the US with more than 2,500 in planning, according to new mid-year metrics released by the Brewers Association (BA)… Read
• Heineken and China Resources Beer announce strategic partnership: Heineken will take a $3.1bn stake in the parent of China Resources Beer, China’s largest brewer. The deal gives Heineken greater access to the Chinese market; while China Resources will be able to grow in the premium market and potentially expand its Snow brand internationally… Read
• 3D printing allows personalized beer and cocktails: Ripples has developed a system that can print custom images and messages onto beers, cocktails and coffees; at bars, shops, restaurants and hotels around the world… Read
• Carlton Zero pledges to drive up non-alcoholic beer category in Australia: Carton & United Breweries, AB InBev’s Australian subsidiary, has launched its first non-alcoholic beer in its 180 year history… Read