DETROIT -- Stroh Brewing Co. here has introduced Wide-Top bottles and Wide-Mouth cans for most of its beer brands.
f its malt liquor lines that were placed in Wide-Top bottles last year, Stroh has introduced Wide-Top bottles to its Old Milwaukee, Old Milwaukee Light, Schlitz, Schlitz Malt Liquor, Schaefer, Schaefer Light, Silver Thunder, Bull Ice and Red Bull brands. The large bottles are filled at Stroh's Longview, Texas, brewery and are available in 20-, 32- and 40-ounce sizes.
Stroh's has also introduced 24-ounce Wide-Mouth cans that feature an innovative wide-opening lid that is 35% larger than a standard can-top opening. The cans have special stripes near the top, using phrases such as wide tab, easy pour, wide open and big bull tab to alert consumers that these cans are different from others on the market.
According to Stroh, the larger bottle and can openings enable consumers to more easily pour and drink its products.
Molson Sets Polar Beach Party
MILWAUKEE -- Over the Labor Day weekend, Molson Breweries U.S.A. here will hold a Molson Ice Polar Beach Party on a luxury icebreaker at the North Pole.
Promotion for the trip kicked off this month. Beer drinkers have several ways to win one of the over 70 slots available on the trip. For example, instant win bottle caps and cans in specially marked packages are available where legal and radio promotion giveaways are in select markets nationwide. On-premise tear pad entry forms also are available. Along with the party, contestants have a chance to create a 15-second Molson Ice video ad.
The cruise will be aboard the Russian icebreaker, Kapitan Dranitsyn, and will feature a performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on deck during the last day. This is the second year Molson has held the Polar Beach Party event.
Tornado Damages Frankenmuth
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. -- Frankenmuth Brewery here was severely damaged by a tornado and ensuing flood late last month, forcing the microbrewer to seek other contract breweries to handle its production until it can rebuild.
Frankenmuth has contacted several breweries east of the Mississippi River to handle brewery production needs for the next several months for its Frankenmuth brand, Old Detroit, Frog Island, Transylvania Ale, Bavarian Inn Dark, LaSenorita, Mr. B's Big Red, O'Neil's Irish and several private (restaurant) labels. Frankenmuth's Bad Frog beer contract brewing has been reassigned to Evansville Brewing Co. in Evansville, Ind. Frankenmuth officials are seeking alternative sources for Stoney Creek Brewing Co. and Riverosa (Perry's Majestic Organic Beer), two other contracted brands.
The former G. Heileman Brewery here, which closed in 1990, will serve as a temporary distribution center for Frankenmuth's 10- state wholesaler network.
O'Doul's Promotion Launched
ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch here has launched its annual "O'Doul's and Lime" summer promotion for its O'Doul's non-alcoholic beverage.
A key aspect of the promotion is that when combined with a lime wedge, the 70-calorie non-alcoholic brew provides a refreshing and tantalizing taste to consumers looking for a brief respite from the summer heat.
Promotions include print and television advertising, as well as in-store and on-premise point-of-sale materials.
