Molson’s brewery in Kitsilano will undergo renovations to increase its brewing and packaging capacity by receiving $32 million, Molson CEO Kevin Boyce announced in Vancouver, according to Marketwire November 29.

The renovations to Molson's Kitsilano brewery - one of the few breweries located in the downtown core of a major North American city - will increase brewing and packaging capacity by 45 per cent, an improvement that will also turn 22 part-time brewery jobs into full-time employment. Seven new fermentation tanks will also be installed, along with a state-of-the-art bottling production line and bottle washer.

"Such a significant upgrade to our Vancouver brewery will further strengthen Molson's local connection in this key market and underscores Molson's commitment to grow market share in British Columbia and Western Canada," said Kevin Boyce, President and CEO, Molson. "As Canada's oldest brewer, Molson is dedicated to contributing to building healthy communities nationwide. Today's donation to one of Vancouver's most important charities is our way of demonstrating that Molson is proud to play our part."

In addition to the brewery renovation announcement, Molson will donate $25,000 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, an organization that supplies food to nearly 25,000 people each week in Vancouver, New Westminster, ...More Info

Japan's biggest beer maker Asahi Breweries Ltd. said it will increase its retail beer prices 3-5 percent effective March 1, joining the list of Japanese brewers planning price hikes because of higher raw material costs, Associated Press reported November 30.

The increase will be the first time Asahi has raised prices in 18 years, excluding revisions that followed liquor tax increases.

The current average store price for a 350-milliliter can of regular beer in Japan is 207 yen (US$1.88)

Asahi, Japan's largest brewery in terms of beer shipments per year, said higher costs for imported malt and packaging materials such as aluminum cans and cardboard have exceeded what it can control through cost reduction and other steps.

Last month, rival Kirin Holdings Co. said its brewing unit will raise its beer prices on Feb. 1.

Liquor major Diageo is looking at the possibility of manufacturing Guinness, one of the most successful beer brands, in India, The Hindu Business Line reported November 29.

“We are talking to various breweries. We could manufacture it (Guinness beer) locally,” Diageo India Managing Director, Mr Asif Adil, told Business Line. He said, currently Guinness stout beer sells at Rs 450 per can of 330 ml. Once the company starts manufacturing the beer, the price could come down to Rs 80-Rs 100 for a 750 ml bottle.

Diageo is looking at a share of between 5 and 7 per cent of the total beer market, whose size in volume terms currently is around 120 million cases (consisting of twelve 750 ml bottle each). Guinness now sells about two containers (of 2,400 cases) every month in India. Prospects bright

“Initially we had a toehold approach for the market. But because of the staggering response we have received for the beer, we find a great future for the brand in India,” Mr Adil said.

Mr Adil said with the reduction of additional customs duty, most of the company’s brands have become extremely competitive in the market.

Hence, Diageo wants to push sales of some of its marquee brands aggressively. ...More Info