As part of its market-wide audit focused on responsible drinks marketing, the Portman Group has chosen not to uphold complaints against beer giant Brewdog.  The complaint concerned Brewdog’s Lucky Break beer. It argued that the bright, playful design – including a Japanese lucky cat – made the product appealing to under-18s. In response, Brewdog conducted a consumer survey…

Lucky Saint has become the first alcohol alternative brand to join the Portman Group, as an associate member.  The alcohol-free beer brand joins Coca-Cola GB and Punch Pubs under the new associate membership tier, which allows companies to tailor their level of commitment to the organisation.  Suntory Global Spirits also joined the Portman Group as an associate member before later transitioning to…

A complaint made against Docks Beers’ Carbon Crush has been upheld by the alcohol industry’s Independent Complaints Panel, after concerns were raised that the packaging appealed to under-18s. The Portman Group said the predominant theme of the product’s label was a comic book strip style story which featured a caped crusader. The brewer said Carbon Crush was intended as a limited-edition product designed to spread…

Wines of Great Britain has announced the appointment of Nicola Bates as its new CEO, following the departure of former CEO Simon Thorpe MW earlier this year. Bates will join the trade body from the Portman Group, where she held the role of director of strategy and external affairs. She will assume her new position at WineGB on October 30, making her the…

Industry watchdog the Portman Group had updated its guidance around marketing techniques that appeal to underage drinkers, following a new report from a children’s marketing company. Kids Industries’ Marketing that appeals to under 18s report reviews marketing techniques that are used to appeal to children and teenagers outside of the alcohol industry. As part of the report, Kids Industries outlined six marketing techniques that are…

Industry watchdog the Portman Group has issued a Retailer Alert Bulletin (RAB) to request retailers stop placing orders for Bearded Brewery’s Unshaven Maiden cider. The move comes after the product was found to have an “indirect association with sexual activity and causing widespread offence”. The Portman Group said a RAB is only issued following an upheld complaint by its panel and when the producer chooses…

As 2023 begins, the Portman Group has urged the government to prioritise launching consultation on low/no labelling while also supporting the sector to ensure its continued growth.  According to the Portman Group, which moderates alcohol marketing, a new YouGov survey found 29% of drinkers now consume low/no alternatives on a “semi-regular” basis, with a further 17% reporting a reduction in their alcohol intake after…