Miller, Coors Merge US Ventures

Feds approve plan; new company would control 30% of market

(NEWSER) - The US Justice Department today approved a merger between Miller and Coors, opening the door to a union that will command almost 30% of US beer sales, the Wall Street Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch, the country’s largest brewer, controls about 50%. Regulators said the merger—expected to be wrapped up mid-year—“is not likely to lessen competition substantially.” More»

Companies have 30 days to comply

(NEWSER) - The FDA has taken action against companies that make alcoholic energy drinks, giving the firms 30 days to provide evidence to support their claim that caffeine and booze are a safe combination. A group of concerned scientists have said there is no evidence to support the claim that the drinks are safe. "Being wide awake and drunk at the same time increases the risk of engaging in several forms of violent or other high-risk physical behaviors that can cause injury," they said in a statement. More»

(NEWSER) - The nation’s largest brewers plan to raise beer prices in the fall, the Wall Street Journal reports. Anheuser-Busch InBev—maker of Budweiser—and MillerCoors will further test the notion that beer is generally recession-proof. “The environment is very favorable, we think,” says an Anheuser exec. Both companies have been able to offset sales slumps by raising prices in the last year. More»

Natural Light, Busch, High Life see sales jump

(NEWSER) - With the recession drying up cash flow, thirsty Americans are seeking out “sub-premium” beers, and brewers are marketing accordingly, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Anheuser-Busch is creating its first-ever ad campaign for Natural Light, whose sales are up 4% this year; MillerCoors is pushing Miller High Life, whose sales have risen 1.6%. More»

AGs said to be concerned over deceptive marketing

(NEWSER) - State attorneys general are taking a hard look at increasingly popular caffeinated alcohol beverages amid fears the combination is dangerous and targeted at underage drinkers, the Wall Street Journal reports. The AGs are calling for company records from the makers of Joose and Four Loko. At 7-Eleven, Joose has had faster sales growth than any other alcoholic beverage this year. More»