How is AI transforming the drinks industry?

AI is revolutionising the drinks industry by improving supply chain efficiency, enhancing product development, and enabling data-driven marketing strategies. It uses predictive analytics to optimise production processes, reduce waste, and forecast consumer demand. AI also helps in personalising product offerings based on consumer preferences and automating repetitive tasks, leading to increased productivity and operational efficiency.

What are common AI applications in the drinks sector?

Common applications include demand forecasting, inventory management, quality control, and product innovation. AI is used to analyse large datasets to identify trends, optimise production schedules, and develop new products that align with changing consumer tastes. In marketing, AI tools help craft personalised campaigns and predict consumer behaviour.

How can AI support sustainability in the drinks industry?

AI supports sustainability by optimising resource usage, reducing waste, and enhancing supply chain transparency. Through data analysis, AI can help companies monitor energy consumption, improve packaging design, and implement waste-reduction strategies. AI’s ability to streamline operations also minimises the environmental impact of production and logistics.

What are the challenges of AI adoption in the drinks industry?

Challenges include high implementation costs, the need for skilled personnel, and data privacy concerns. Integrating AI with existing systems can be complex, and maintaining data accuracy is crucial for effective AI outputs. Companies must also address ethical considerations related to automated decision-making.

What is the future of AI in the drinks industry?

The future of AI in the drinks industry involves more advanced applications like digital tasting, real-time consumer feedback analysis, and automated quality control. AI will continue to evolve, driving innovations in product development, personalised consumer experiences, and operational efficiency. As technology advances, AI will play a key role in helping brands remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven market.

Just Drinks

St Peter’s Brewery buys UK peer Portobello Brewing

The acquisition of Portobello follows on from the group's purchase of Curious Brewery in 2023.

UK beer manufacturer St Peter's Brewery Group has acquired London-based brewer Portobello Brewing.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

When asked how the group planned to grow the Portobello Brewing business, St Peter's Brewery Group Richard Mather CEO told Just Drinks the investment "will be focused on the demand side of the business".

He added: "It will be used to drive growth by supporting existing customers and attracting new customers by leveraging St Peter’s Brewery Group’s wider portfolio."

Portobello Brewing's portfolio includes the 4.6% abv Market Porter and 5% abv Stiff Lip IPA, which are made in keg, cask and bottled formats. Its products are sold across the UK through its website and the 19 pubs run by the Portobello Starboard group across London.

Commenting on the acquisition in an official statement, Portobello Brewing managing director Rob Jenkins said the move would "bring increased investment, improved brewing capabilities and enhanced marketing support for our products”.

Founded in 2013, Portobello Brewing employs a team of 18 people at its brewery in White City, west London, headed up by Jenkins. His role, as well those belonging to his team, will not be affected by the transaction, with production to still take place at the White City brewery, St Peter's Brewery said.

Mather added: “This is an exciting development in line with our goal of working with great people and brands. The aim being to accelerate growth and innovation through building long-term relationships with customers and consumers. We are looking forward to supporting Rob and his team in this new chapter for Portobello Brewing.”

The acquisition of Portobello follows on from the group's purchase of Curious Brewery for an undisclosed sum in 2023. The deal also included the Wild Beer brand, which Curious itself bought out of administration earlier that same year.

St Peter's Brewery is the holding company for St Peter's Brewery Co., based in Suffolk in the East of England.

According to Companies House filings yesterday (10 October), St Peter's Brewery Group has changed its name to Sunrise Alliance Beverages. The group declined to comment on the matter to Just Drinks.

The St Peter's Brewery beer brand is sold to UK retailers including Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons but the business is "predominantly export-focused", Mather told Just Drinks. Its international markets include the US, Canada, Mexico, Italy, France and Germany.