Victoria Bitter has today launched Solar Exchange – a new program that enables beer lovers to trade their excess solar energy for slabs of Victoria Bitter.

So, whether you’re giving the house a clean, playing with the team, or just wanna go green, your solar panels will be working hard to get you slabs of VB.

The Solar Exchange program allows participants to exchange credit on their power bill – obtained from generating excess solar at home – for VB. Every $30 worth of credit can be exchanged for a slab, which is then delivered straight to your door.

Brian Phan, General Manager Marketing Victoria Bitter, said: “Last year we put the Australian sun to work and started brewing VB with 100% offset solar energy. Now we’ve launched this Aussie-first program to thank those who have made the effort to go solar with some hard-earned VB.

“The only thing better than drinking the Big Cold Beer in the Aussie sun is earning beer while you do it. Plus it’s a real win-win for beer lovers and the environment.

“There are currently only 500 spots available. While we want to have more people exchanging solar credit for beer down the track, for now any beer lover who wants to participate should sign-up quickly at www.vbsolarexchange.com.au.”

The launch of the program follows Asahi Beverages’ acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries last year. The program is part of Asahi’s ambitious sustainability agenda, which includes our commitment to be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2025. In 2018 CUB adopted renewable energy as the way forward with the signing of a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement for 74,000 MWh per year of renewable energy from the giant solar farm outside Mildura.

Solar Exchange has been developed in partnership with the 5-star rated energy retailer Diamond Energy, and Power Ledger, a blockchain-powered software platform that enables energy trading. VB will receive the solar credits it obtains under the exchange from Diamond Energy and re-invest them back into the program or towards the business’ broader sustainability goals.

Customers who sign-up to the program can track how much beer they’ve earned based on how many solar energy credits they have exchanged with VB, with slabs being delivered each quarter.

Tony Sennitt, Managing Director, Diamond Energy said: “We are proud to partner with VB and look forward to helping Australians get the most out of their solar through this innovative solar exchange program – it’s good for them and the environment!”

Power Ledger Co-Founder and Chairman Dr Jemma Green said: “Power Ledger is delighted that our technology is being used to keep participants informed of their progress in the program. We are a global pioneer of peer-to-peer energy trading, and in a country that thrives on the beer economy, we are excited to be part of Australia’s first peer-to-beer energy exchange scheme.”

To apply for the program, energy consumers with solar excess, need to switch their electricity retailer to Diamond Energy, and agree to the VB Solar Exchange terms and conditions.

The program is available to residential householders only.

VB’s Solar Exchange program launches today, with spots available for residents of VIC, NSW, QLD (Energex customers only) and SA.

Further information including eligibility requirements and terms and conditions are available online at www.VBsolarexchange.com.au.

Asahi Beverages’ divestment of alcohol brands owned or licensed by Carlton & United Breweries has received final regulatory approval from the ACCC and FIRB.

The divested brands are: Strongbow, Little Green and Bonamy’s ciders, plus beer brands Stella Artois and Beck’s in Australia. The deal for the acquisition of these brands by HEINEKEN, to be distributed in Australia by HEINEKEN subsidiary Drinkworks, is due to complete by 5 January, 2021.

The transaction fulfils Asahi Beverages’ divestment obligations as part of the ACCC’s approval of our acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries.

Under the terms of the divestment, and to ensure no disruption for customers over summer, Asahi and Drinkworks have agreed that Carlton & United Breweries will continue to make the divested brands available for purchase and delivery through Carlton & United Breweries (on behalf of Drinkworks) until 30 April, 2021.

Media contact: reid.sexton@asahi.com.au

Balter Brewing Company’s journey from small Gold Coast start-up to one of Australia’s favourite craft brewers has taken another turn, with the company set to join the CUB family.

Balter was founded in 2016 by a group of childhood friends including professional surfers Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. Guided by a belief that good beer’s for everyone, they wanted to create a world-class beer supported by a brand that didn’t take itself too seriously.

Since then, the business has experienced strong growth and won major awards including the number one spot for the last two years straight in the GABS Hottest 100, Australia’s most prestigious craft beer awards.

Balter CEO and co-founder Ant Macdonald said: “We’re proud to have grown the business to this point and we see the benefits this new partnership will bring as Balter enters its next growth phase.

“This deal will help us achieve our sustainability goals, upgrade capacity and hospitality at our Gold Coast brewery and create new jobs.

“We refused to compromise on our culture or our beer as part of this deal. It’s a testament to CUB that they didn’t want us to. They have an amazing track record of allowing craft brands to thrive while keeping their identity and we’re thrilled to join the CUB stable.”

Co-founder Mick Fanning said: “From day one we’ve tried to not only brew the most delicious beer but create a brand that was fun and inclusive – something the Aussie public would be proud to call its own. We’re stoked Balter has connected so well with Aussies and we can’t wait to continue our journey with CUB and get good beer into the hands of more beer lovers.”

CUB CEO Peter Filipovic said: “In a few short years Balter has become a craft leader through its commitment to quality and by building a brand that appeals to all beer lovers.

“We will help manage Balter’s strong growth through our willingness to invest, our world-class beer expertise and our customer relationships. And the terms of the deal mean the Balter team is not changing and management is staying on, which will ensure the business retains its identity and everything else that helped drive its success.

“The deal also means we’re expanding our presence in Queensland, where we already have a significant economic footprint with our Yatala brewery employing more than 250 people.”

For further information, journalists should contact: reid.sexton@cub.com.au
Current and future Balter customers should continue to contact: sales@balter.com.au

Stella Artois is the new Official Beer, and Pure Blonde Organic Cider the new Official Cider for the Australian Open and ATP Cup.

The new multi-year deal includes pouring rights at restaurants, bars and food outlets across the Australian Open, ATP Cup in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, the Adelaide International, the Brisbane International, the Hobart International and year-roundpourage at Melbourne & Olympic Park.

Fans at all events will enjoy some of Australia’s and the world’s most loved beverages from Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) including Stella Artois and Pure Blonde Organic Cider Part of the wide range available will also be the Yak herd and 4 Pines Pale Ale.

“We are delighted to welcome CUB to the tennis family at both the Australian Open, and the inaugural ATP Cup,” Tennis Australia Chief Revenue Officer Richard Heaselgrave said.

“The summer of tennis is a celebration of world-class sport and entertainment, and we are continuing to align ourselves with leading global brands that can help us create memorable moments and provide premium experiences and choice for our fans.”

CUB is looking forward to keeping fans refreshed across the summer of tennis.

“For fans, being at the tennis is all about the good life and having fun with friends while watching the best players in the world. We want to capture that moment and bring new experiences to the fans,” said CUB Marketing Vice President, Brian Phan.

“We’ll have our local, global and craft beers flowing for adults to enjoy in the sunshine – there will be something for everyone.

“We’re excited about our long-term sponsorship of the Australian Open. It’s one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, and we’re proud to be on board.”

At the Australian Open, two bars will pop-up at Grand Slam Oval, providing a fun and relaxed hub for fans to watch the tennis, while the AO Live Stage and Court 3 will also have dedicated bars.

Australian Open 2020, presented by Kia Motors in association with Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 20 January to 2 February. Australian Open tickets including ground passes, which allow access to Melbourne Arena, are now on-sale via ticketmaster.com.au.

Visit ausopen.com for more information.

For further media information, please contact:

Prue Ryan, Tennis Australia, pryan@tennis.com.au, +61 419 308 369

The keg and canned wine revolution led by Adelaide-based Riot Wine Co is gathering pace, with Carlton & United Breweries acquiring the company.

Riot Wine Co is the only company in Australia that sells wine exclusively in kegs and cans, with its range of quality wines – led by its flagship rosé – helping it to become the leader in the field.

Its innovative and disruptive model gives wine lovers a superior and more sustainable product. This has seen it land in hundreds of venues and retail stores nationwide despite only launching in 2016.

Riot co-founder and chief winemaker Tom O’Donnell said: “We are incredibly excited to be joining Carlton & United Breweries. Their investment, expertise and customer relationships will help us continue our rapid expansion.”

Riot co-founder and general manager Joe Cook said: “We launched Riot Wine Co to start a wine revolution in Australia by getting venues and consumers to switch from bottles to steel kegs and aluminium cans. Wine drank this way is fresher and easier plus it’s more sustainable because one keg saves roughly 23,000 bottles from entering the environment. Our kegs prevent wine oxidising and our wine has a fun and fresh taste profile, with less sulphur making it cleaner than traditional wine.”

Riot produces high-quality wine from South Australian grapes, supporting local producers in premium wine regions. The new investment by CUB will also see Riot’s urban cellar door upgraded in the Adelaide suburb of Brompton, creating a revamped hospitality space where wine lovers can sample and enjoy Riot products and food.

The partnership continues CUB’s investment into SA and follows the building of a new Pirate Life brewery in Port Adelaide last year.

CUB Sales VP – Australia and NZ, Rose Scott said: “We are committed to being the best beverage company in Australia and expanding our portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Australian drinkers. Riot Wine Co will help us do that.  Riot Wine Co is a truly innovative company and CUB shares its commitment to quality and sustainability. Its rapid expansion in just three years shows venues and retailers agree that it can deliver great things for consumers.

“We plan to accelerate the expansion of this growing business through our large on-tap network and more than 100 years of draught experience.

“The Riot Wine Co team won’t change and management will stay on to ensure the elements that have helped drive the business’ success – a focus on quality wine from grape to glass, disruption and innovation, and the quality of its people and outstanding customer relationships – remain in place.”

For further information, journalists should contact: reid.sexton@cub.com.au

Customers should contact: info@riotwineco.com.au

Cascade is pleased to announce we’re discontinuing the use of plastic six-pack ring packaging on our cans.

It’s a great outcome for the Tasmanian environment and demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainability in Tasmania and beyond.

The Cascade Brewery is the first in Carlton & United Breweries’ (CUB) stable to stop using plastic rings on six-packs, ahead of the same change being made in our other breweries over the next 12 months.

More than 1 million plastic six-pack ring packages leave the Cascade Brewery each year, meaning this move will have a significant benefit.

We know that the plastic six-pack ring packaging has a damaging effect on wildlife and the environment and we’re pleased to have recently finalized the installation of new equipment at our Cascade Brewery allowing us to package our cans only in cardboard, without using plastic.

The new cardboard packaging will come into the Tasmanian market over the next couple of months.

Earlier this year CUB announced our 2025 Sustainability Goals, including a commitment that 100% of our products will be in packaging that is returnable or made from majority recycled content by 2025. We believe the responsibility for our product extends well after the last mouthful of beer has been drunk.

We are constantly looking for ways to increase the recycled material in our packaging, increase recycling rates around Australia through the recovery and reuse of glass and aluminium, and reduce the amount of material we use in our packaging.

The Cascade Brewery has been a part of Tasmania since 1832, something we’re very proud of, and we continue to invest at the brewery to ensure Cascade – and the other beers brewed there – are great tasting, well loved, environmentally friendly brands that Tasmanians can be proud of.

— ENDS —

 

For further comment, contact:

Reid Sexton Carlton & United Breweries / Cascade Brewery

Telephone: 03 8626 2036, 0413 777 393

E-mail: reid.sexton@cub.com.au

Carlton & United Breweries is pleased to announce that Peter Filipovic has been named as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CUB and will commence on 1 January 2019.

Peter was born and raised in Melbourne and has worked for CUB for 21 years.

Starting as a graduate at CUB, Peter has had a vast array of experiences across the business, including senior roles in finance and sales before he was appointed as the Australian Business Unit President in 2016.

Peter will succeed the current CEO, Jan Craps, who will become CUB’s Executive Chairman. Peter will report directly to Jan.

During Jan’s time as CEO, CUB achieved strong growth and successfully launched a number of important innovations to set the business up for future success.

Under his leadership CUB has made substantial investments, including partnering with leading craft brewers 4 Pines and Pirate Life, and is upgrading its iconic Cascade Brewery which is becoming its craft brewing hub.

Importantly, CUB has also led the industry with a strong parental leave policy, paid Domestic and Family Violence Leave and a commitment to using 100% renewable energy for electricity in all our breweries.

CUB has continued to diversify its portfolio, with more than 20% of its sales now in low and mid-strength beer. It has also continued to promote its message of moderation in partnership with DrinkWise.

Jan will maintain strong engagement and involvement with CUB in his new role.

Quotes attributable to Peter Filipovic:

“I am looking forward to continuing CUB’s momentum of growth and innovation and working closely with Jan as we take CUB to the next level.”

“As always, our customers and consumers will continue to come first. We’ve been a successful company since 1832 by ensuring our focus is on delivering quality and value to our customers and consumers throughout Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Jan Craps:

“I am proud that CUB has firmly established itself as Australia’s leading brewer, with a range of innovations and sustainability achievements that have set us up well for the future.”

“It has been an honour to lead CUB, and its passionate workforce, at a time of real change in the Australian beer market and I look forward to continuing to serve CUB in my new capacity as Executive Chairman.”

BoozeBud, one of Australia’s most innovative online alcohol companies, and ZX Ventures are joining forces, with ZX Ventures acquiring BoozeBud.

ZX Ventures is a global disruptive growth and innovation group within AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer.

ZX Ventures has committed capital and resources to allow BoozeBud to increase its investment in its e-commerce platform, product range and logistics capabilities.

For consumers it will mean a bigger range, quicker delivery and an amazing shopping experience. For suppliers, the continued growth of BoozeBud will put their products in the hands of more customers across Australia.

BoozeBud’s success has been driven by cutting-edge technology that delivers a highly-personalised experience for consumers. This, along with its business model that engages an ever-growing base of suppliers, means BoozeBud is ideally placed to deliver even more benefits for consumers.

“We’re really excited to be working with ZX Ventures to build one of the leading online alcohol sites in Australia,” said Andy Williamson, one of BoozeBud’s founders.

“They have a proven track record of investing in and growing leading online alcohol companies globally and the ability to leverage that expertise was a key attraction for us.”

Rodolfo Chung, ZX Ventures’ Australia head, said “We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with such an innovative and fast-growing player in the Australian online alcohol market.

“We found in Andy, Alex and Mark great partners that had a combination of technical skills, entrepreneurial ambition and a passion for the alcohol industry.

“BoozeBud is a great fit for ZX’s global e-commerce business, where we’ve been successful in partnering with other entrepreneurs in developing their cutting-edge platforms.

“We want to help them deliver an unrivalled online shopping experience – with the best access to Australia’s rapidly expanding range of craft brewers, wineries and boutique distillers.”

BoozeBud will continue to operate as a standalone business and its founders have committed to running the business for the long term.

“We’re passionate about supporting Australia’s diverse and growing alcohol market and helping customers discover better drinks,” said Williamson.