Nov 3, 2011

Belarus Urges Russia to Recognize Beer as a 'Non-Alcoholic' Beverage

Belarus insists that Russia no longer classifies beer as an 'alcoholic' beverage. These conditions were laid down by Belarus during the negotiation of a draft technical regulation "On the security of alcoholic beverages," planned within the Customs Union. Representatives of the Belarus brewing industry claim that considering beer an alcoholic drink will excessively tighten regulation of the industry. The Belarus side insists on changing the current draft regulation, as its adoption will cause significant financial costs for its breweries. "At the moment about 80% of the beer market in Belarus is represented by PET bottle- production. If beer is equated to alcohol, Belarus manufacturers will have to restructure their manufacturing facilities for producing special glass bottles. This will require huge investment," said the Director of the brewers, Belgospischeprom, Eugeni Mariushich. According to Belgospischeprom, re-equipment of Belarusian breweries will require at least $450 million. This in turn will increase the payback periods and lower output, as well as will cause the closure of some plants. In turn, executive director of the Belarus Guild of Brewers Vladislav Skrebtsov notes that the adoption of technical regulations in the current edition, might lead some Belarus producers to leave the market. "We have very strict laws governing the circulation of alcoholic beverages: alcohol is not permitted for everyone, while beer in Belarus is seen as a non-alcoholic product," said Vladislav Skrebtsov. In Russia, beer was equated to alcohol in July 2011. The Russian side does not support the proposal. If the brewing industry in the Customs Union is regulated by specific technical regulations, Russia will have to review all amendments to the law "On state regulation of alcohol market." Meanwhile, another member of the Customs Union – Kazakhstan - is against the trade of beer in plastic packaging.

Matarromera Alcohol Free Wines Breach the Great Wall of China

The Chinese Market and Non-alcoholic Wines are Strategic Objectives for Company's Growth

"1st ever alcohol-free beer comes to America"


Kirin Free 1st ever alcohol free beer comes to AmericaKirin Brewery has introduced the first ever 0.0% ABV beer to the US market. You’re probably thinking, “But we already have piles of garbage like O’Doul’s and Sharp’s; we don’t need any more!” Contrary to marketing though, O’Doul’s actually has about 0.4% alcohol in it. In fact, anything up to 0.5% can legally be called non-alcoholic. Sure you’d have to slam a case just to get the slightest hint of a buzz, but we all know a few people out there that shouldn’t have even one drop of alcohol. That’s where Kirin Free comes into play.
Now, KIRIN Brewery introduces “KIRIN FREE”, the world’s first 0.00% non-alcoholic beertaste beverage made with an unprecedented new recipe containing barley malt and hops just like regular beer, but without the yeast that normally produces alcohol. It is completely non-alcoholic so that beer lovers can enjoy the refreshing, rich taste anytime, anywhere. “KIRIN FREE” gives you a new experience of a non-alcoholic beertaste beverage!

Sep 27, 2011

Rioja Winery Develops Alcohol Free Wine

Bodegas Bretón acaba de lanzar al mercado vino sin alcohol 

Bodegas Breton has become the first winery in La Rioja to develop an alcohol-free wine. The wines, available in red and white versions under the 'Cantalares' label is aimed primarily at Muslim markets.