Owners of Corona report £132M loss following virus outbreak

Anheuser-Busch In Bev also owns Budweiser and Becks

The company that owns Corona beer is facing its worst quarter in 10 years following the coronavirus outbreak.

Anheuser-Busch In Bev owns some of the world’s most famous beer brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Beck’s and Corona.

But in the last two months since coronavirus has been spreading throughout China, the company has suffered a $170m (£132m) loss in of earnings in the country, at at time when they were expecting strong sales because of lunar new year. 

The losses have forced it to cut its chief executive’s bonus and forecast one of the steepest declines in its quarterly profits.

The company believes the drop in profits is down to fewer people going out in public in China to avoid catching coronavirus. This is taking a toll on nightlife, with many bars and restaurants being forced to close down.

CEO Carlos Brito told CNBC: “Our business is all about going to restaurants, to nightlife, going out with friends, it’s really about to go back to normal, we’re preparing for the surge when things return to normal.

“As we look to the future, we are determined to lead growth through consumer-centricity, operational excellence and innovation.”

Briton added: “Our performance in 2019 was below our expectations, and we are not satisfied with these results.”

The spread of Coronavirus has now reached a “decisive point”, the World Health Organisation chief has said, as he urged governments to take “aggressive” action to prevent it.

“Every country must be ready for its first case, its first cluster, the first evidence of community transmission and for dealing with sustained community transmission. And it must be preparing for all of those scenarios at the same time,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The news comes in the same week Diageo, the world’s biggest spirits maker, warned the spread of coronavirus would knock as much as £200m off profits this year.

The total number of people infected worldwide by coronavirus has now risen above 80,000 with 2,700 recorded deaths.

So far, 16 patients in the UK have tested positive for the virus and chief medical officers have raised the risk level from low to moderate for the illness, which currently has no known cure or vaccine. 

(Source: Independent)

One of world's oldest beer varieties 'at risk from climate change'

Rising temperatures threaten survival of Belgium’s sour lambic beer, study warns

Climate change is putting one of the world’s oldest beer varieties at risk, environmental scientists and one of Belgium’s leading artisan brewers have said.

A study into temperatures in Brussels and the Pajottenland region south-west of the Belgian capital has raised doubts over the future of the sour lambic beer produced exclusively in the region.

Lambic is fermented in the open air through exposure to wild yeasts and airborne native bacteria. It relies on night-time temperatures of between -8C and 8C (18F-46F) for cooling and inoculation.

The traditional brewing season runs from October to April, with bezomerd – Brussels dialect for a beer that has had “too much summer” – a possibility if it is produced any later.

After cooling, the lambic is placed in wooden barrels where it is exposed to microbes living on the wood. The perfect temperature for ageing lambic is below 25C, above which the risk of unwelcome bacteria spoiling the beer rises.

A joint project between the climate scientists Mark and Asa Stone, Adam Harbaugh from the beer research site Lambic.info and the Brussels brewery Cantillon found this limited brewing window has shortened from 165 days in the early 1900s to about 140, as temperatures have pushed it later into the autumn and brought the season prematurely to an end in early spring.

The brewing season for lambic beer has shortened by 25 days since the early 1900s. Photograph: Keystone USA/Zuma/Rex/Shutterstock

It is feared the number of brewing days will shrink further, bringing the risk of a similar disaster to 2015, when beer had to be thrown away due to excessive temperatures.

Dr Mark Stone, a director at the University of New Mexico’s Resilience Institute, said: “The impacts of climate change are often gradual until a tipping point is crossed. Our results show that Cantillon is experiencing shifting brewing conditions, and that adaptation to avoid crossing a threshold will require changes in brewing operations that are outside of their traditional methods.

“The threat of climate change on traditional lambic production at Cantillon is indicative of the broader issue. That is, the impacts are not fully recognised until a threshold has been crossed, and adaptation strategies often exacerbate the problem while delaying the inevitable.”

Cantillon, which produces 400,000 bottles of the sour beer a year, has warned its ability to produce the beer could be under threat in the long term.

Jean Van Roy, Cantillon’s owner, told the Brussels Beer City blog that he believed if he artificially cooled the wort – a liquid extracted during the mashing process – it would change the taste of the beer.

“If tomorrow I would have this problem every season, financially it could be a bit difficult, so we would have to change something,” he said.

“[But] I would hate to do that … Or we move the brewery to go up north to begin to brew in Denmark, in Sweden, I don’t know.”

(Source: The Guardian)

Mapping the price of beer around the world

Whether you’re sipping a pint of kölsch in Germany or drinking a Heineken at a hotel bar in Hong Kong, there are a number of factors that can influence how much your beverage will cost. Cost of living is certainly a primary factor, but taxes, availability, type of establishment, type of beer (craft beer vs macro brew), and local tastes will also affect the price of your pint.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank recently gathered critical data on how much a pint of beer costs in various major cities around the world.

STICKER SHOCK
Many of the cities that topped the price list have a higher cost of living, and it’s no surprise to see Singapore and Oslo rank near the top.

The city of Dubai, however, is a unique case.

Technically, drinking is only permissible for expats and non-Muslim residents in Dubai, and being drunk in public can come with serious consequences. That said, the city’s establishments serve beer with prices that reflect its high-end look and feel. Considering the scarcity and heavy regulations, those craving a pint might be happy to overlook the price tag of $12.

CHEAP THRILLS
The thirsty citizens of the Czech Republic consume the most beer by a long shot – a full 36% more than neighbors Austria and Germany. This is partially because demand is so high that companies are willing to compete on cost. As a result, beer is often cheaper than water in restaurants and pubs in Prague.

Manila’s low cost of living and steady supply of domestic beer earned it the lowest price per pint on the Beer Price List. San Miguel, the Philippines’ largest brewery, dominates with a market share of over 90%, and beer consumption is also on the rise in the country.

THE 48 PACK
The median price of beer in the 48 cities analyzed was $5.70, and below is the full list of cities ordered from most to least expensive pint.

Rank City Country Price of Beer Pint
#1 Dubai United Arab Emirates $12.00
#2 Oslo Norway $10.30
#3 Hong Kong China $8.90
#4 Singapore Singapore $8.30
#5 Zurich Switzerland $7.70
#6 New York City United States $7.70
#7 San Francisco United States $7.70
#8 Paris France $7.30
#9 Stockholm Sweden $7.30
#10 London United Kingdom $7.20
#11 Dublin Ireland $7.10
#12 Helsinki Finland $7.10
#13 Auckland New Zealand $7.00
#14 Shanghai China $7.00
#15 Melbourne Australia $6.80
#16 Copenhagen Denmark $6.70
#17 Boston United States $6.70
#18 Milan Italy $6.50
#19 Amsterdam Netherlands $6.10
#20 Sydney Australia $6.10
#21 Edinburgh United Kingdom $6.00
#22 Chicago United States $5.70
#23 Madrid Spain $5.70
#24 Toronto Canada $5.70
#25 Wellington New Zealand $5.70
#26 Vancouver Canada $5.50
#27 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia $5.40
#28 Athens Greece $5.10
#29 Jakarta Indonesia $5.00
#30 Tokyo Japan $5.00
#31 Moscow Russia $4.70
#32 Vienna Austria $4.60
#33 Frankfurt Germany $4.60
#34 Brussels Belgium $4.50
#35 Mumbai India $3.90
#36 Berlin Germany $3.90
#37 São Paulo Brazil $3.70
#38 Istanbul Turkey $3.70
#39 New Delhi India $3.40
#40 Bangalore India $3.20
#41 Rio de Janeiro Brazil $3.20
#42 Lisbon Portugal $2.80
#43 Warsaw Poland $2.60
#44 Cape Town South Africa $2.60
#45 Mexico City Mexico $2.40
#46 Johannesburg South Africa $2.20
#47 Prague Czech Republic $1.60
#48 Manila Philippines $1.50

It’s worth noting that the data collection focuses on expat (read: touristy) areas of the city. While that’s not a perfect picture of prices in a city, it does allow for a more consistent comparison of wildly differing markets.

(Source: Visual Capitalist)

Arnold of Soissons: The patron saint of beer

Arnold of Soissons was born in the town of Brabant near Brussels around the year 1040. He trained to become a soldier since his youth and later served under Henry I of France for a few years.

Then he settled at the Benedictine St. Medard’s Abbey at Soissons in France, where he served as a hermit for the first three years. Then he was honored with the title of abbot of the monastery.

According to his hagiography, Arnold refused the title and went away.

As stated, he was forced by a wolf to go back to the monastery and to accept the honor. So he did return and became the abbot. Later, around the year 1080, he was again honored, this time with the position of bishop. And as modest as he was, he tried to avoid before being forced by divine intervention.

When another bishop intervened to take Arnold’s position, instead of fighting he willingly left the monastery and decided to live more quietly, so he founded the Abbey of St. Peter in Oudenburg.

Ruins of the Abbey in Oudenburg.

There he finally found his real passion – brewing beer. In medieval times, beer was an essential, as many places did not have access to clean drinking water. Arnold gladly brewed the beer for the local peasants and encouraged them to drink it instead of water.

At the time beer was considered as “gift of health” due to the spent yeast it contained and to its very low dosage of alcohol.

St. Arnold of Soissons is often depicted with a bishop’s miter and a mash rake 

This beer recipe was spread all around medieval Europe and was a common drink at breakfast and during the day.

The level of alcohol was enough for relaxation and sufficient for the body to stay hydrated, and on the other hand, the yeast provided vitamin B which just added to the healthy effect of the drink.

When the plague arrived in the town of Oudenburg, Arnold was still an abbot there and prevented the Christians from drinking the water. Instead, he served them with his alcoholic brews and many of the people in the town survived the plague.

Steenbrugge Dubbel Bruin with the picture Arnulf. 

The same happened with the outbreak of cholera, only this time, the epidemic was all around Belgium and Europe except in Oudenburg. Nobody in the town got sick.

Like old wine stories? Here’s another story from us:  Tasting wine from 150 year-old Civil War shipwreck Mary-Celestia – hints of crab & gasoline

Hence, Arnold is a real saint. He brewed medicine, not alcohol. St. Arnold is honored in July with a parade in Brussels on the “Day of Beer.”

(Source: The Vintage News)

Eight Beers That You Should Stop Drinking Immediately

Many of us choose what we eat very carefully, or at least dedicate our minimum attention to it. But when it comes to drinks, especially alcoholic beverages, we do little to make the best decisions for our health. Which is a HUGE mistake. All the work for your body can be ruined in a weekend out. While foods and non alcoholic beverages are required to list their ingredients and are monitored by the FDA, beer does not belong in either. Alcohol industry had lobbied for years to avoid labeling its ingredients. Some to protect its recipes, but most – to hide harmful ingredients.

Here’s some harmful ingredients that are commonly found in beer:

GMO Corn Syrup
GMO Corn
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Fish Bladder
Propylene Glycol
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Natural Flavors
GMO Sugars
Caramel Coloring
Insect-Based Dyes
Carrageenan
BPA
& lots more!

Here are the 8 beers that are commonly found in bars in United States that you should stop drinking immediately.

1. Newcastle Brown Ale

The Newcastle beer has been found to contain caramel coloring. Class 3 and 4 caramel coloring is made from ammonia, which is classified as a carcinogen. “The one and only” beer with cancer causing qualities.

2. Budweiser

One of the most popular beers, or most advertised is Budweiser. Budweiser contains genetically modified (GMO) corn. In 2007, Greenpeace discovered experimental GMO rice in Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) beer.

3. Corona Extra

I used to love Corona’s commercials. They were so peaceful and relaxing. That is until I found out that the beer contains GMO Corn Syrup and Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol is controversial, and is said to may be potentially harmful to your health.

4. Miller Lite

This is another very popular beer in America that contains GMOs. Miller Lite contains GMO corn and corn syrup. It’s “GMO time”.

5. Michelob Ultra

Less popular but still readily available Michelob beer, should be eliminated from your choices. This beer has been found to contain a genetically modified sweetener (GMO dextrose).

6. Guinness

Guinness is often praised for it’s smoothness.  However, several investigations proved that Guinness ingredients are quite disturbing. The beer  contains fish bladder and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup has been long banned from many stores and drinks.

7. Coors Light

Coors light is a drink that is very popular at bars and among college students.  Mostly because its cheap. The beer contains GMO corn syrup.

8. Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pabst Blue Ribbon contains GMO corn and GMO corn syrup.

Healthy Beer Alternatives

So when it comes to beer you have to be very careful. Your best option is to find a microbrewery that you can trust. As with everything, try to avoid cheap, low-quality products. Bars may offer Coors Light, Miller Lite or Budweiser specials, but they are cheap for a reason. The rest of the world is banning GMOs everywhere, while USA is lagging years behind, and only several states offer GMO labeling laws. Try to stay away from any American beers. Choose organic beer. Beers that contain 100% organic labels, have to have ingredients that are all 100% organic. While an “organic” label just means 95% of it will be organic.  European beer is most likely to be safe from GMO ingredients but unfortunately, most other beer contains GMO artificial ingredients, stabilizers, grains and preservatives, plus, HFCS.

GMO Free Beers:
Organic Beers (Unpasteurized & Unfiltered)

Wolaver’s – all beers
Lamar Street – Whole Foods label (brewed by Goose Island)
Bison – all beers
Dogfish Head (organic when ingredients available)
Fish Brewery Company – Fish Tale Ales
Lakefront Brewery – Organic ESB
Brooklyn – (organic when ingredients are available)
Pinkus – all beers
Samuel Smiths – Samuel Smiths Organic Ale
Wychwood – Scarecrow Ale
Non-Organic Beers (Unpasteurized & Unfiltered)

Sierra Nevada – all choices
Duck Rabbit – Brown Ale, Porter, Amber Ale, Milk Stout
Dogfish Head- 60 Minute IPA, Shelter Pale Ale, Chicory Stout
Shipyard – Summer Brew
Victory Brewery – Whirlwind
North Coast – Blue Star
Bridgeport – IPA (Bottle conditioned)
Ayinger – all choices
Royal Oak – Pale Ale
Fraziskaner – Hefeweisse and Dunkel Weisse
Weihenstephaner – Hefe Weissbier
Maisel’s – Weisse
Hoegaarden – Belgian Wit
Other

Heineken
Steamwhistle
Amstel Light
Duchy Original Ale Organic
Mill Street Brewery
Fuller’s Organic
Nelson Organic Ale
Natureland Organic

Share This with Fellow Beer Drinkers
It’s important to expose companies that use harmful ingredients in our products. This information is hidden from the public with millions of dollars of false advertising, laws, etc. You can always vote with your money. As this information about GMO beers spreads, we will see a decrease in production of these beers and the companies may eliminate the harmful ingredients altogether. Most importantly, when you hang out with your friends, you will be able to share beer that’s more delicious and healthier.

If you have any additional information about GMO or non-gmo beers, or want to correct some of the information, simply e-mail us or leave a comment with evidence bellow.

Sources:
www.atsdr.cdc.gov
foodbabe.com
www.greenpeace.org

Pakistan to export beer

When I came across the report that Pakistan is going to export beer, for a moment I wondered if I’m reading it right. Yes, I was right. Indeed, Pakistan is poised to become an exporter of beer! And interestingly, Pakistan is an Islamic republic where alcohol is forbidden to 97 per cent of the population. That means 97 per cent -- 173 million people-- of Pakistanis cannot legally buy beer and offenders can face 80 lashes of the whip as a penalty under law, though no one has been lashed for drinking since the 1980s. So, if a person is a Muslim, he/she can't drink alcohol legally in Pakistan. The minority Christians and Hindus can and do drink -- one brewery, the Zoroastrian-owned Murree Brewery. Under such circumstances, I doubt if the move will not anger religious conservatives. 

An official in the Ministry of Commerce in Islamabad told The Times that a ruling this month by its Economic Committee on Trade would allow Pakistan to export beer and spirits from next year. "India would be the largest market for our alcoholic products. It would be exported through non-Muslim enterprises to non-Muslim countries," the official said.

The change in law, which requires final approval by the Prime Minister, was welcomed today by Sabih-ur-Rehman, a retired army major who runs Murree, the Pakistan brewery, in Rawalpindi. It is licenced to produce beer and spirits for consumption by foreigners and Pakistani minorities, including Christians and Hindus. "The sky is the limit. If we get the permission we plan to distribute everywhere," he said.

Alcohol exports were banned by Pakistan in 1977 by the then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the father of Benazir Bhutto, in a move to favor Islamist groups. "Pakistan is known for a lot of bad things but it is time for us to be known for some good things too, like our beer," Isphanyar Bhandara, whose family owns the brewery, said.