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The £4 pint? The next round is on you…

Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Branwell Johnson, Latest reporters' blogs September 15th, 2008 by Branwell Johnson

Things you never thought you’d see in your life – a man on the moon (depending on your age); a black president of the USA (still in the balance) and the £4 pint.

Magners Light keeps up the fight in cider wars – but at what price

Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Mel Varley, Latest reporters' blogs April 21st, 2008 by Melinda Varley

Cider has become a popular drink in recent years, and not just over summer, with Magners’ Irish Cider topping the cider charts. However, the arrival of rival brands including Bulmer’s has obviously scared Magners, which is driving innovation in the market forcing it to introduce a low calorie version.

Tory alcohol tax plans miss target

Posted in Latest reporters' blogs, Russell Parsons March 7th, 2008 by Russell Parsons

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You know there is a bandwagon rolling when the UK’s opposition party starts making populist announcements.

DoH campaign raises stakes for industry

Posted in General, Advertising, Media, Russell Parsons February 25th, 2008 by Russell Parsons

“But all I need is cigarettes and alcohol!” roared Mancunian dad-rockers Oasis way back in 1994, a more innocent time when Chris Evans was cool and you could enjoy a pint and a fag in the pub.

Blame it on the ads, again

Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Mel Varley, Latest reporters' blogs December 10th, 2007 by Melinda Varley

As if it wasn’t enough that we had to blame ads for the UK’s growing obesity crisis, now adland has received fresh claims that they also cause anorexia and alcohol abuse.

Spliffs and alcohol shouldn’t mix

Posted in General, Marketing, Arif Durrani, Latest reporters' blogs December 4th, 2007 by Arif Durrani

Ask any teenager whether it’s wise to mix spirits with cannabis and most will probably advise against it. As does the Portman Group, the UK’s alcohol body, although admittedly for different reasons.

Drink and girls: Still a boy’s staple

Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Arif Durrani, Latest reporters' blogs November 16th, 2007 by Arif Durrani

Young people are no longer being targeted by so many alcohol ads following the tightening of restrictions in 2005, trumpets a joint study from Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority today.

Will Guinness’ ad stem toppling sales?

Posted in Advertising, Creative, Oliver Milman, Latest reporters' blogs November 12th, 2007 by Oliver Milman

Guinness will be pleased with the media hoopla surrounding its new domino-themed ad campaign, but will it really help topple drinkers’ increasing aversion to beer and stout?

Free beer! Is Threshers at it again?

Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Direct Marketing, Mel Varley, Latest reporters' blogs August 13th, 2007 by Melinda Varley

Last week, Thresher’s kicked off a £2 million review of its advertising account shortly before sending around yet another voucher for its stores. Is the retailer looking for a change in its marketing strategy?

What constitutes an alcoholic?

Posted in General, Mel Varley August 3rd, 2007 by Melinda Varley

The government has spent millions of pounds trying to deter us from binge drinking and encouraging us to drink ‘responsibly.’ But is drinks marketing making us question what ‘responsible’ drinking is?