Pittsburgh Brewing reintroduces I.C. Golden Lager
The maker of Iron City beer prepares to enter one of the only segments of the beer market that has shown any signs of growth: craft brews.

New malting system saves water
Dutch brewer Bavaria says it can use up to 30% less water with a new steeping system.

Greene King to lower ABV of Old Speckled Hen to boost sales
“Feedback from our drinkers is that they love the full flavour of Old Speckled Hen, but a significant number find it too strong,” says Managing director Justin Adams.

Crying in our beer
Edmonton Sun editorial on the failures of the privatized alcohol distribution system in Alberta, Canada.

U.S. Sailors seek beer, not girls
Sailors on leave in Perth, Australia have only one thing on their mind and, according to them, it’s not women.

Sleeman agrees to $300 million buyout form Sapporo
Molson Coors, Labatt’s, and Grolsch all said to have been interested. See also: Sapporo acquires Sleeman Breweries

Japanese beer faces woes despite revival
As the Japanese economy continues to recover, domestic beer shipments are rising for the first time in a decade. But changing tastes, healthier lifestyles and Japan’s shrinking population are all posing huge obstacles for an industry that has already undergone painful restructuring.

SABMiller purchases McKenzie River Corp. for $215 million cash
McKenzie is best known for their caffeinated malt beverage, Sparks, and Steel Reserve, a high gravity lager.

Major brewers expected to raise prices
After expensive price war, the big American brewers look to raise prices in spite of losing market share to wine, liquor, imports, and craft beers.

New York first state to create a “beer trail”
Inspired by wineries to promote the approximately 60 breweries and brewpubs in the state.

Sales of craft beer make biggest jump in a decade
U.S. sales up 11% in first six months of 2006 over same period last year.

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Consolidation in the beer industry continues. Over the weekend it was announced that Sapporo Breweries of Japan will acquire Sleeman, Canada’s third-largest brewery, for $300 million.

It’s sad that yet another smaller brewer is being subsumed by yet another brewing giant, continuing a trend that isn’t showing any sign of abating. Is our future destined to be one of half-a-dozen enormous global megabrewers? Golly, I hope not. Of course, this is not a trend unique to beer.

One good thing about this purchase is that at least the Sleeman breweries should remain open and keep a goodly number of people employed. Had Molson Coors or Labatt been chosen it’s nearly certain that they would have consolidated their holdings.

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