https://www.scmp.com/rss/46568/feed Heineken International is a Dutch brewing company that makes the beer of the same name. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Cao Li Cao Li The world’s two largest brewers faced starkly diverging realities in China in 2025 and rather than it being about taste or popularity, the contrast appears to largely boil down to a shift in the nation’s drinking habits, sparked – in part – by the economic downturn. During the year, Budweiser Brewing APAC, the Asian subsidiary of the Belgian beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, posted its biggest decline in profit growth since 2020, with the company’s CEO Yanjun Cheng stating last week, “Our... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3343814/budweiser-and-heineken-face-polar-opposite-fates-china-punters-favour-home-comforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3343814/budweiser-and-heineken-face-polar-opposite-fates-china-punters-favour-home-comforts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg Last year, London Black, a nitro porter beer from independent craft brewer Anspach & Hobday in South London, was named the UK’s No 1 beer in the Top 50 UK Beer Awards, unseating 2024’s winner, Deya Steady Rolling Man pale ale. The judges were explicit about the context of its win, stating: “The resurgence of stout and the popularity of Guinness have no doubt helped to drive its success.” The legendary Irish brand has one of the most seductive marketing histories in modern drinks. From 1920s... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340821/how-guinness-effect-brewing-success-other-stouts-and-porters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340821/how-guinness-effect-brewing-success-other-stouts-and-porters?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:15:09 +0000 Josh Sims Josh Sims Back in 2023, just after ChatGPT was launched to the public, Raoul Masangcay, co-founder of Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits in Manila, the Philippines, thought an experiment was in order. He asked an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to devise a hazy pale ale, which his brewery then made. “People thought the idea was cool even if the beer was fairly standard and not so distinctive,” says Masangcay. “We even used AI to name the beer [Foggy Daze] and generate the [promotional] artwork. Clearly, AI... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3316308/beer-brewers-across-globe-are-turning-ai-create-new-ales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3316308/beer-brewers-across-globe-are-turning-ai-create-new-ales?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:09 +0000 Reuters Reuters Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday approved a proposal to raise the special consumption tax on alcoholic beverages to 90 per cent by 2031, a move that will add to challenges facing the industry even though the top rate will not be as high as first flagged. Under the legislation, the tax rate on beer and strong liquor will rise to 70 per cent by 2027, a year later than initially proposed, before reaching 90 per cent in 2031. Vietnam currently imposes a 65 per cent tax on these products, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3314428/tears-cheers-vietnam-raise-alcohol-tax-90-2031?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3314428/tears-cheers-vietnam-raise-alcohol-tax-90-2031?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jun 2025 03:25:24 +0000 India’s biggest beer-consuming state is rationing supplies of Kingfisher, one of the country’s most popular brands, after Heineken-controlled United Breweries last week suspended its sales in a dispute over prices. States in India, the world’s eighth-biggest alcohol market by volume, individually regulate pricing of alcohol products, which are major contributors to their tax revenue. Alcohol is bought by the state government and then supplied to shops in Telangana, where officials are rationing... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3294630/india-loves-its-kingfisher-beer-1-state-running-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3294630/india-loves-its-kingfisher-beer-1-state-running-out?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:34:13 +0000 Shares of European and American spirits makers and brewers fell on Friday after the US surgeon general called for cancer warnings on the labels of alcoholic drinks. The consumption of alcoholic drinks increases the risk of developing breast, colon, liver and other cancers, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in an advisory. “For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows that the risk of developing cancer may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3293387/alcohol-stocks-drop-after-us-surgeon-general-calls-cancer-warnings-drink-labels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3293387/alcohol-stocks-drop-after-us-surgeon-general-calls-cancer-warnings-drink-labels?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2025 19:32:05 +0000 Dutch brewing giant Heineken NV announced on Friday it would give China Resources Beer, the country’s biggest brewer, exclusive rights to use its Heineken brand in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, in a deal worth US$3.1 billion. The region represents the world’s largest market for beer. Under the agreement, Heineken will take a 40 per cent stake in CRH Beer, China Resources Beer’s parent company, for HK$24.35 billion (US$3.1 billion). China Resources Enterprise, which owns CRH Beer, will... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2158072/heineken-taps-china-market-signs-us31-billion-deal-countrys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2158072/heineken-taps-china-market-signs-us31-billion-deal-countrys?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Aug 2018 02:22:12 +0000 By Kate Taylor A man is suing Heineken and American retail company Kroger after he says he drank a beer with two geckos sealed inside. In a lawsuit filed last week, George Toubbeh claims he purchased cans of Heineken beer from a Ralph’s Grocery (a regional grocery chain owned by Kroger) in Fountain Valley, California. Toubbeh drank a can of the beer in August 2015, noticing a “foul taste.” Toubbeh then says he immediately experienced severe abdominal pain and began vomiting. His daughter... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2105879/heineken-customer-sues-after-he-allegedly-got?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2105879/heineken-customer-sues-after-he-allegedly-got?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Aug 2017 03:15:00 +0000 Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company, said it had sold its stakes in Jamaican brewer Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) and GAPL, the majority owner of Malaysia’s Guinness Anchor, to Heineken for US$780.5 million. The transaction also includes Diageo’s acquisition of a 20 per cent stake in Guinness Ghana Breweries from the Dutch brewer, raising Diageo’s total stake in Guinness Ghana to 72.42 per cent. The maker of Smirnoff vodka, Guinness beer and Johnnie Walker whisky said the deal with Heineken... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1864940/diageo-sells-stakes-two-brewers-heineken-us7805m?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1864940/diageo-sells-stakes-two-brewers-heineken-us7805m?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2015 09:54:00 +0000 An unprecedented wave of deals for Southeast Asian food and drink companies has traders betting the next targets will include chocolatier Petra Foods and instant-coffee and cracker maker Viz Branz. Buyers from Coca-Cola Femsa SAB to Heineken announced a record US$10.4 billion of food and beverage purchases in the region last year, according to data. The acquisitions are likely to continue as rising incomes in Southeast Asia, where more than a quarter of the population is under 15, create... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1146351/big-players-get-taste-se-asian-food-companies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1146351/big-players-get-taste-se-asian-food-companies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000 A group led by Overseas Union Enterprise extended a deadline for a S$13.1 billion (HK$83.16 billion) bid for Fraser & Neave, prolonging its battle with a Thai billionaire for control of the Singapore conglomerate. The OUE-led group pushed back the date on its S$9.08-per-share bid to January 14, according to a stock exchange statement yesterday. Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi on Wednesday moved the closing date on his S$8.88-per-share offer until January 10. Charoen agreed to buy a 22... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1119405/battle-over-fraser-neave-prolonged-consortium-extends-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1119405/battle-over-fraser-neave-prolonged-consortium-extends-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Heineken cleared the biggest hurdle in its fight to take control of Asia Pacific Breweries as billionaire stakeholder Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi's Thai Beverage pledged its support. Thai Bev and Charoen's TCC Assets will back Heineken's S$5.6 billion (HK$35.43 billion) bid for Fraser & Neave's 40 per cent stake in the business at a shareholder meeting next week after the Dutch brewer agreed not to make a competing offer for F&N, the Amsterdam-based brewer said yesterday. Heineken had previously... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1040911/thai-beverage-chief-backs-heinekens-asia-pacific-breweries-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1040911/thai-beverage-chief-backs-heinekens-asia-pacific-breweries-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi made a S$9 billion (HK$56.71 billion) bid for the 70 per cent of Fraser & Neave he does not control, potentially blocking Heineken from buying the company's beer business. TCC Assets, linked to Charoen's Thai Beverage, offered S$8.88 a share for F&N, TCC said in a filing yesterday. The bid is 4.3 per cent more than F&N's closing price on Wednesday and values the company at US$10.3 billion. Charoen set off a scramble for F&N and its assets when he agreed... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1036282/thai-billionaire-joins-heineken-bidding-race-fraser-neave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1036282/thai-billionaire-joins-heineken-bidding-race-fraser-neave?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Thai Beverage and related parties have approached several banks in Singapore for funding to make a potential general offer for Fraser and Neave (F&N), which has proposed selling its stake in Asia Pacific Breweries to Heineken, Singapore’s Business Times reported. Thai Beverage (ThaiBev), F&N’s largest shareholder with 29 per cent of the Singapore drinks and property conglomerate, may need less financing if it can find a partner, the report said. ThaiBev’s controlling shareholder is Charoen... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1033273/thai-beverage-talks-banks-about-funding-possible-fn-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1033273/thai-beverage-talks-banks-about-funding-possible-fn-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:31:47 +0000 Thai Beverage raised its stake in Fraser and Neave (F&N) to just below the level that would trigger a mandatory offer for the whole conglomerate, further challenging Heineken’s bid for the group’s crown jewel Asia Pacific Breweries (APB). ThaiBev, controlled by billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, said on Tuesday that it had bought a 2.6 per cent stake in F&N for S$316 million (US$252 million) to bring its interest to 29 per cent. If its holding hits 30 per cent, ThaiBev would be obliged to... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1025380/thai-beverage-raises-fn-stake-throws-down-gauntlet-brewing-giant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1025380/thai-beverage-raises-fn-stake-throws-down-gauntlet-brewing-giant?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:35:01 +0000 Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings has sold its stake of roughly 1.4 per cent in Asia Pacific Breweries to Heineken, sources said on Tuesday, potentially stopping the Dutch brewer’s Thai rival from blocking the takeover. APB shares soared 4.8 percent to a record S$53 in Singapore trading on Tuesday after Heineken sweetened its bid for the maker of Tiger Beer to US$6.35 billion to fend off Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who wants to expand Thai Beverage’s footprint in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1020725/sources-say-temasek-sells-asia-pacific-breweries-stake-heineken?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1020725/sources-say-temasek-sells-asia-pacific-breweries-stake-heineken?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Aug 2012 01:35:20 +0000 A British supplier of baseball caps, trays and plastic jugs has sued three former employees for allegedly breaching their duties by taking kickbacks and failing to inspect goods, which caused them to lose clients such as Heineken. Promo International filed a writ in the Court of First Instance against merchandisers Chae Man-tock, Chow Shuk-mei and Yeung Hoi-fan. Promo claims they amended suppliers' invoices and siphoned off the extra cash to private bank accounts. https://www.scmp.com/article/723838/uk-firm-sues-former-employees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/723838/uk-firm-sues-former-employees?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 BEER IS TO the Netherlands what wine is to France. In common with neighbouring Belgium, the country produces a huge variety of brews, and consumers tend also to be connoisseurs. Heineken is the country's best-known beer internationally, although the contents of its signature green bottles, when sold outside the Netherlands, tend to be produced by breweries controlled by the giant company in various locations around the world. Heineken ranks as the world's fourth-largest brewer. In Asia, the... https://www.scmp.com/article/546918/brews-known-world-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/546918/brews-known-world-over?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:00:00 +0000 Avant-garde French designer Ora-ito is being lured back to our sunny harbour and plans to open a studio here. 'I'll be coming back to Hong Kong soon because I want to open a little studio. I don't like very many countries, but I like Hong Kong very much. I want to design a big tower in Hong Kong,' says Ito with a mischievous grin. Ito was here for an exhibition of his designs organised by Heineken and fashion outlet D-Mop. It featured creations such as the Louis Vuitton 'Back-Up'... https://www.scmp.com/article/459800/designer-has-big-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/459800/designer-has-big-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jun 2004 16:00:00 +0000 La Terrasse Decor: Soft tones in the bar and restaurant. Terrace can be booked for private parties Happy Hour: 6.30pm-9pm. Four canapes with first drink order Standard beer: Heineken $45 Signature drinks: Full bar for cocktails. Large selection of wines by the glass starting at $48 Bar food: Includes foie gras ($132) and cheese platter ($95) Music: Laidback lounge complemented by a classical jazz pianist every Thursday, 11pm-1am 19 Old Bailey St, Central; tel: 2147 2225 Monday-Thursday,... https://www.scmp.com/article/439260/cheers-beers-and-mud-your-eye?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/439260/cheers-beers-and-mud-your-eye?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2003 16:00:00 +0000 JAN-KEES NIEMAN loves Heineken. So much so he has spent HK$20 million on it. Well, on marketing it anyway. Mr Nieman - as the general manager of Heineken Hong Kong - has headed up the launch of a new packaging campaign to tackle stiff competition. He hopes the innovative long-neck bottle and the new can design will help the company become the biggest beer company in Hong Kong. Q: Why did the company spend HK$20 million to promote the beer amid an economic downturn? A: The money we are... https://www.scmp.com/article/400317/heineken-repackages-ale-ing-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/400317/heineken-repackages-ale-ing-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2002 16:00:00 +0000 In a display of timing and dexterity worthy of the world's greatest DJ, Paul Oakenfold is said to have pocketed just over $1 million for a few hours' work last weekend. SAR hears the incredible one-man brand (right) was paid about $350,000 for twiddling his knobs at a packed Kee Club on Friday night and another $780,000 for doing it again at a sold-out Hitec centre in Kowloon Bay on Saturday. The tab was picked up mainly by promoter Heineken. Oakenfold, says his press machine, is the world's... https://www.scmp.com/article/393748/top-dj-spins-cool-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/393748/top-dj-spins-cool-million?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Oct 2002 16:00:00 +0000 TV stations are screening a multimillion-dollar series of beer adverts made for Hong Kong consumers by US director Oliver Stone that barely features a Chinese face. The second of the three-advert series, filmed in California to boost Heineken's share of the Hong Kong market, went out last night. But while San Miguel uses Chinese celebrities to sell its brand here, there was only one Chinese face visible among a sea of Western faces in Stone's advertisement. The 30-second advert, shot in... https://www.scmp.com/article/310094/beer-ad-debate-fizzes-stone-blocks-out-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/310094/beer-ad-debate-fizzes-stone-blocks-out-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Mar 2000 16:00:00 +0000 Amsterdam: Brewing giant Heineken reported a 16 per cent rise in net profit last year to 761 million guilders (about HK$2.85 billion). Heineken also announced it would dilute its shares with a bonus issue and a five-for-one split. The world's second largest brewer was upbeat for overall earnings this year and forecast an Asian revival in the medium term. https://www.scmp.com/article/233239/heineken-announces-16pc-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/233239/heineken-announces-16pc-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 1998 16:00:00 +0000 I was appalled at the rude treatment I received at the Heineken Music Horizons concert on the night of October 24. I paid $580 to see one of my favourite bands, the Gypsy Kings, but I was unable to enjoy the music as I had to deal with the head of security, a Mr Hui, who refused to give me his full name and any contact details. He was obnoxious and rude to me and my friends. We were repeatedly told to show our tickets during the performance and to stop dancing and return to our seats. If the... https://www.scmp.com/article/217697/security-chief-so-rude?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/217697/security-chief-so-rude?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 1997 16:00:00 +0000 After missing the chance to cover a live match on the first weekend of the Five Nations rugby championship, STAR are getting back on course with England's first game in the championship, against Scotland, live on Saturday (February 1). Two weeks later STAR have another live game, again featuring England, away to Ireland. So from the first three rounds, offering a choice of six games, the only two to be aired live are those featuring England. Any budding Oliver Stones or Area 51 watchers... https://www.scmp.com/article/183100/five-nations-delayed-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/183100/five-nations-delayed-start?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jan 1997 16:00:00 +0000 THE immensely popular Round the Island Race - the biggest sailing event in Hong Kong in terms of the number of starters taking part - will take on a new course this year. Reclamation work on the north of the Island including tunnel work for the Chek Lap Kok Airport has forced the November 13 race to take a new route, but organisers are nonetheless confident that this year's race will be among the best to date. It is expected that the race will resume its traditional course in 1996 once the... https://www.scmp.com/article/94400/island-race-change-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/94400/island-race-change-course?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Nov 1994 16:00:00 +0000