They "tend to drink beer more often at restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues, and they like to consume large volumes over a short period of time."

That quote was not about beer consumption habits among US college students, but about those of the Chinese. Speaking to The China Daily, Carlsberg China CEO Stephen Maher described China's market for beer in that oldest of Chinese tropes: "a challenge and an opportunity."

One such opportunity is a familiar one to foreigners in China: the chance for a schlub to be a star -- just for being foreign. 

Not many in the west would ever describe Budweiser as a luxury beer brand, but in China, it's a premium label retailing for more than twice some of its competitors. A spokesperson for Bud parent InBev told Bloomberg that the "premiumization trend continues with double-digit growth and Budweiser is further consolidating its leading position within this segment.” Continue reading...

Saab draws fresh interest after deal with Koenigsegg collapses. [WSJ]

iPhone-on-steroids may arrive mid-2010, available on AT&T and Verizon Wireless. [24/7 Wall St]

Monsanto's market dominance in crop seeds draws antitrust scrutiny. [WaPo]

Google fights to become the Number 1 search engine in Japan. [NY Times]

Wal-Mart's co-op ads are attractive, but costly for featured brands. [AdAge]

Panasonic takes on low-cost competitors with cheaper white goods. [FT]

Companies use Twitter for customer service assistance during the holiday season. [NY Times]

(More headlines: "Extreme" beer, C&C.)Continue reading...

UK antitrust regulators oppose Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger. [NY Times]

Alcoa reports first profit in 9 months, lifts Asian and European markets. [NY Times]

With no new cars to promote until mid-2010, new Ford ads (aimed at policymakers) tout innovation. [LA Times]

As Versace abandons market, analysts signal the end of luxury in Japan. [Times of London]

Hermes thrives in a "booming" Chinese market; US market is "slightly positive." [Bloomberg]

Kraft renames iSnack2.0 Vegemite "Cheesybite" after complaints. [Bloomberg]

Music industry relies on brand partnerships to finance marketing campaigns. [Bloomberg]

(More headlines: Starbucks sues Dunkin' exec; Wendy's, Estee Lauder campaigns.)Continue reading...