Beer ban not to derail Budweiser's global World Cup campaign
The guys from the stand Budweiser pose for a photo at Fan Festival ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Fan Festival Al Bidda Park on November 18, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
A last-minute decision to ban the sale of alcohol at Qatar's World Cup stadiums will seriously limit Budweiser sales in the Gulf state, but will not derail its owner's global campaign during the tournament, industry analysts said.
Soccer world governing body FIFA's announcement of the ban on Friday, just two days before the event kicks off, leaves the world's largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev with at least a headache.
Budweiser, the major World Cup sponsor it owns, had been set to exclusively sell alcoholic beer within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each of the eight stadiums three hours before and one hour after each game during the four-week event.
"Well, this is awkward," Budweiser's official Twitter account read as news of the reversal emerged. The tweet was later deleted.
Budweiser has been a World Cup sponsor since the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
The event, held every four years, typically boosts beer consumption globally, and the Belgium-based maker of brands such as Stella Artois and Corona clearly wants to profit from the millions of dollars it has paid to be the tournament's official brewer.
The 2014 World Cup boosted AB InBev beer sales in host country Brazil - its second most profitable market after the United States - by 140 million litres, with extra drinking in usually weak winter months and an annual volume hike of more than 1 percentage point.
But Qatar 2022 was always going to be different, as the first World Cup held in a conservative Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, the consumption of which is banned in public.
In July, reflecting on information that the stadiums' stands would be alcohol-free, AB InBev chief executive Michel Doukeris said the tournament would offer a great opportunity to showcase non-alcoholic brands, such as Budweiser Zero.
With a planning window of a few months, rather than two days, AB InBev could have sought to substitute regular Budweiser with its non-alcohol version outside stadiums and indeed might have profited more given the latter's typically higher margin.
Elaina Bailes, committee member of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, said the last-minute change of position was likely to lead to a dispute.
"Budweiser now has a costly logistical problem of what to do with distributed stock it can no longer sell, and there could be knock on effects for contracts in their supply chain," she said, adding it would also have lost brand visibility during matches.
Ed Weeks, head of commercial dispute resolution at British-based lawyers Cripps, said the big question was whether the FIFA-Budweiser contract anticipated the possibility of a sudden change.
"If they did, and they put in a clause putting the risk on Budweiser, then they're going to be very smug right now. If they didn't, then FIFA and its lawyers are going to have a really bad weekend," he said.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of a legal dispute.
However, addressing the issue of the reversed decision at a news conference in Qatar on Saturday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said FIFA had failed to persuade the Qatar government to stand by the original decision to allow the sales.
"We tried and that is why I give you the late change of policy," he said. "We tried to see if it was possible."
He added that FIFA and Budweiser had been partners for decades and looked forward to being partners in the future.
"I think this particular situation has brought us even closer together." he said.
AB InBev said in a statement that "some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control", declining further comment.
Doukeris though has said that the far greater impact in terms of beer sales is from fans across the globe, many with a AB InBev beer in hand - from a Jupiler in Belgium to a Brahma in Brazil.
Indeed, the brewer has launched its biggest ever World Cup campaign in over 70 markets, more than double the number of participating countries, compared with just over 50 for the 2018 edition.
"The stadium sales themselves are a relatively small component of this," said Bernstein beverage analyst Trevor Stirling. "In terms of volumes of brands, it's about the global television audience and global activations."
Greater Manchester-based wine and spirits firm Kingsland Drinks Group has announced the appointment of Sarah Baldwin as Managing Director.
Baldwin will lead the employee-owned, full-service drinks company from April, leaving Purity Soft Drinks, where she sat as chief executive for over six years.
With a strong background in FMCG covering retail, consumer brands and own label, she has extensive and proven commercial experience earned in senior leadership roles at Gü Puds as managing director, Arla Foods as VP marketing (UK) and Asda as category director. Baldwin is also a long-standing board member and executive council member of the British Soft Drinks Association.
Baldwin’s appointment follows the departure of Ed Baker, who led the business until November 2024.
Andy Sagar, Kingsland Drinks Group chairman, said: “Sarah’s extensive experience in drinks and the wider FMCG industry will play a considerable role in the coming years as we continue to build our position as a competitive full-service drinks company.
“We cater for every part of the drinks industry, from UK high street retailers and the national on trade, to global brands requiring a production and packing partner and challenger brands wishing to scale. We are confident that Sarah’s expertise and vision will continue to drive our company forward and help us deliver our long-term company vision - to build a better drinks industry and society. We welcome Sarah to the Kingsland family.”
Baldwin commented: “I’m joining a talented and well-developed team in a unique business at an exciting time. I very much embrace the opportunity to embark on this new chapter at Kingsland Drinks Group and be part of how the firm grows in the long term.”
In recent years Kingsland has upweighted its focus on spirits and no and low alcohol creation and increased its capacity to pack wines and spirits in new and emerging formats including new carbonation, bottling, Bag in Box and canning lines.
The company also reinstated its onsite winery and expanded its NPD capabilities with a new laboratory in recent years. In 2021, the company transitioned into an employee-owned model, enabling its members to have a say in how the company is run.
Essex has seen a staggering rise of over 14,000 per cent in illegal vape seizures in the past 12 months, a new report has revealed.
The shocking figures place the county just behind the London Borough of Hillingdon for total seizures - which leading industry expert, Ben Johnson, Founder of Riot Labs, attributes to its proximity to Heathrow airport.
The Illegal Vape report, released by vape retailer Vape Club following a Freedom of Information request, revealed the ten counties with the highest seizures in the past 12 months and the percentage change versus 2023.
Two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2024, with almost £9 million worth of illegal products removed from UK streets. The number of illegal vapes seized year-on-year since 2020 saw a dramatic 100-fold increase.
Ben Johnson, who’s company has launched Riot Activist to defend the vape sector and protect smokers trying to quit, claims the government have a golden opportunity to reduce illegal vapes through the introduction of a licensing scheme.
“The bottom line is, the illegal vape black market is booming due to a lack of enforcement and the government’s ongoing attempts to use prohibition, which is only fueling the problem. Prohibition does not work,” Johnson commented.
“A well-executed licensing scheme for vapes which would be self-funded, and therefore enforced, is the best option to crack down on illegal vapes and manage the youth vape problem. Vapes have a vital role to play in the government’s smoke free ambitions, helping millions of adult smokers quit. Their current approach is absolute self-sabotage, and as these staggering figures show - they urgently need to wake up.”
In England, London contributed to nearly half of all illegal vape seizures (47%), while Newport, in Wales, saw significant increases contributing to 70 per cent of Wales’ total seizures.
In Scotland, Renfrewshire Council - the home of Glasgow airport - reported the highest number of seizures (3,814).
Dan Marchant, chief executive of Vape Club, added: “Innocent Brits who are using vapes as a legitimate tool to quit are being exploited by the black market, and more has to be done to protect them. Dangerously high nicotine levels and contaminated products are reaching consumers due to this illicit activity, and the government must reconsider its current position - and properly study the proposed retail and distributor licensing framework which is the most effective approach to solving the youth vape problem, without impacting smokers who use vaping to quit smoking.”
How to tell if you have an illegal vape:
Illegal vapes are dangerous, unregulated devices with unknown ingredients or much higher nicotine levels which can pose serious risks to health. The telltale signs to look out for include:
Vapes with a tank size larger than 2ml
Vapes with a nicotine strength greater than 20mg/ml
Vapes without the correct health or nicotine warnings
Poor quality packaging with low-resolution photos or labels
Vapes without a UK address or labelling in a foreign language
Untested vapes that haven't been properly safety checked, including vapes without full ingredient list displayed on packaging
Britain will investigate the long-term effects of vaping on children as young as eight in a decade-long study of their health and behaviour, the government said on Wednesday.
The government has been cracking down on the rapid rise of vaping among children, with estimates showing a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have tried it out.
A ban on disposable vapes is due to come into force in June, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently passing through parliament, will limit flavours and packaging on vapes designed to attract children.
"The long-term health impacts of youth vaping are not fully known, and this comprehensive approach will provide the most detailed picture yet," the health department said.
The £62 millionstudy will track 100,000 people aged 8-18 years through the 10-year period, collecting data on behaviour and biology as well as health records, the statement said.
The World Health Organisation has urged governments to treat e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco, warning of their health impact and potential to drive nicotine addiction among non-smokers, especially children and young people.
"It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition," said Sarah Sleet, CEO of British lung charity Asthma + Lung UK.
"Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine - also contained in vapes - can damage developing brains."
In Britain, unlike traditional cigarettes which are heavily taxed and face strict advertising limitations, vapes are not subject to 'sin tax' and carry colourful designs and fruity flavours that make them stand out on shop shelves.
The government, which plans to introduce a flat rate duty on vaping liquid from next October, said the study would provide researchers and policymakers with the evidence needed to protect the next generation from potential health risks.
It also launched a nationwide vaping campaign, due to roll out primarily on social media to "speak directly" to younger audience using influencers.
Commenting, Marina Murphy, senior director, scientific affairs at vape firm Haypp, said the study will help to build a strong scientific evidence base for UK policymakers.
“Without a strong evidence base, there may be a temptation to default to measures such as flavour bans that don’t directly address issues around youth access but may instead discourage adult smokers from switching. In other jurisdictions, flavours bans have led to increased smoking,” Murphy said.
“The first ever public health campaign to discourage youth vaping is a welcome step, but we must remember that vapes are already an adult only product. We also need clear information about vapes from government to adult smokers. Half the adults in the UK already believe vapes to be as harmful or more harmful than cigarettes, and this type of misinformation needs to be countered to encourage adult smokers to switch to less harmful vapes.”
United Wholesale, JW Filshill and CJ Lang & Sons emerged as the stars of Scotland wholesale world in the recently held annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.
Achievers, now in its 22nd year and organised by the Scottish Wholesale Association, recognises excellence across all sectors of the wholesale industry and the achievements that have made a difference to individuals, communities and businesses over the last year.
Over 500 guests attended the Achievers gala dinner and awards presentation, hosted by sports broadcaster Eilidh Barbour, at the O2 Academy Edinburgh, on Thursday (20). Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, was in attendance and presented two awards.
The Supplier Sales Executive of the Year award was won by Craig Barr, regional business development manager at AG Barr, who the judges described as “absolutely dedicated to his company and his customers”.
Multiple winners on the night included United Wholesale (Scotland) – picking up Best Delivered Operation – Retail, Best Cash & Carry for its depot in Queenslie, Glasgow, Best Licensed Wholesaler – Off-Trade, and Best Marketing Initiative.
In the Best Cash & Carry category, the judges praised United’s “first-class customer service and shopping experience, with particularly impressive NPD activation and digital activity”.
They added: “It offers retailers advice, collaborates closely with suppliers, and has a dedicated and well-supported team.”
In Best Delivered Operation – Retail, while United claimed the title, the worthy runner-up, CJ Lang & Son, went on to win Best Symbol Group, with the judges pointing to the Dundee-based Spar business’s “excellent execution in-store, and its onboarding strategy and initiatives involving local communities” which made it stand out from its competitors.
Meanwhile, United’s “Spin To Win” concept entered for Best Marketing Initiative was described by the judges as a “game-changer and a fantastic way to generate excitement for a brand, drive footfall into depots, and gain distribution”, ensuring another accolade for the wholesaler’s award cabinet.
For west of Scotland wholesaler JW Filshill, it was “meeting its vast number of sustainability and environmental goals” that saw it take home the important Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year category – with the judges stating that the business has worked on several initiatives that have been “for the wider benefit of other wholesalers, suppliers and retailers”, with staff empowered by senior management to take the lead in driving sustainability initiatives.
In the two drinks categories, United Wholesale (Scotland) won Best Licensed Wholesaler with the judges pointing to its “incredible supplier and customer relationships” and pushing NPD in a tough market, helping suppliers and customers understand Scottish legislation and investing in its retailers – and having a “forward-thinking attitude in the digital space”.
Suppliers were recognised for their support of the wholesale sector with awards in categories including Best Overall Service and Best Foodservice Supplier – both won by soft drinks giant AG Barr.
Both of these awards involves wholesaler members of the SWA voting each month over a four-month period for the shortlisted suppliers.
AG Barr also shone in the Project Wholesale category for “The Great Transition”, its project to move all the sales from Barr Direct into the wholesale industry. And in a fun segment during Achievers, attendees watched five TV ads shortlisted by wholesalers across Scotland with the Best Advertising Campaign going to the supplier’s IRN-BRU – ‘Mannschaft’.
The event also recognised wholesale members Dunns Food and Drinks and JW Filshill, both of which are celebrating their 150th anniversaries in 2025.
SWA chief executive Colin Smith said, “Tonight is all about recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of not only businesses but also individuals in the Scottish wholesale channel, the gateway to Scotland’s food and drink industry.
“The people who work in wholesale are the glue that binds our food and drink industry together – be it those who work in partnership with our producers and suppliers, or those who help support, develop and deliver into the local retailer, hotel, school or hospital.
“Once upon a time, the wholesale industry largely flew under the radar of those in the corridors of power, but today, Scotland’s wholesale industry is far more widely recognised by MSPs and MPs alike for the vital role it plays in the food and drink supply chain.
“Every wholesaler, every supplier – be they local or national, large or small – are an essential cog in Scotland’s complex food and drink supply chain. That’s why is it more important than ever that we celebrate their success and recognise everything they do to ensure that food and drink reaches our plates and tables.”
While a community group recently criticised self-service checkouts, saying automation lacks the "feel good factor", retailers maintain that rise in the trend is a response to changing consumer behaviour and the need of the hour.
Taking aim at self-checkouts in stores, Bridgwater Senior Citizens' Forum recently stated that such automation is replacing workers and damaging customer service.
"More and more supermarkets are replacing staff with machines, and we must help to reverse the trend," BBC quoted Forum chairman Ken Jones as saying.
"The knowledge and advice of retail staff is invaluable, but we also value human interaction above machines and artificial intelligence.
"Just saying hello to someone makes you come back, especially in dark days of winter. The feelgood factor, you can't put a price on it can you?"
Self-checkouts are present in 96 per cent of grocery stores worldwide.
In the UK's convenience channel, about 17 per cent of convenience stores now have a self-service till, states "Local Shop Report" by the Association of Convenience Stores, signifying a significant portion of the country's convenience stores offer self-checkout options.
Convenience stores often see self-checkout tills as an asset as they save time and queues at the counter in case of staff shortage.
Budgens Berrymoor has a self- checkout till. Retailer Biren Patel considers having the system as an asset and also as a backup in case of lesser staff.
Patel told Asian Trader in a recent conversation, "In future, in case, if I have to reduce the staff, I can have just one staff at the till and the other one customers can use themselves and save time by standing in the queue."
Retailers also argue self-service tills reflect changing consumer habits and offer speed and convenience.
Kris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium, said, "The expansion of self-service checkouts is a response to changing consumer behaviours, which show many people prioritising speed and convenience.
"Many retailers provide manned and unmanned checkouts as they work to deliver great service at low cost for their customers".
Apart from convenience, upcoming rise in wages is also expected to further push the use to self-checkout tills in the stores.
However, there is a con for retailers here as multiple studies show that shoppers tend to cheat at self-checkout tills while some use such tills to steal from stores.
According to the poll of 1,099 adults by Ipsos, one in eight adults (13 per cent) said they had selected a cheaper item on a self-service till than the one they were buying. If applied to the entire UK adult population, it would mean six million people have taken advantage of self-checkouts to steal from shops.
Earlier this month, another new research revealed that almost 40 per cent of UK shoppers have failed to scan at least one item when using self-checkouts.