Beer consumption in North America and Europe may be falling, but folks in Africa and Latin America are apparently putting back a few more than they used to because the folks at the London-based SABMiller were singing the praises of those two regions to shareholders on Thursday.

Reuters reports that the brewer’s annual earnings actually went up 12 percent (to $5.6 billion in pre-tax profits) and that 70 percent of the SABMiller profits came from “fast-growing emerging markets.” The specific countries in the world beer market that helped boost SABMiller in those regions are Latin America’s Colombia and Peru as well as the African nations of Tanzania and Zambia.Continue reading...

British-based brewing company SABMiller has been avidly pursuing Foster's, including a bold move to snatch up Australian beer maker in August with a hostile takeover offer of $9.51 billion Australian ($9.68 billion US), but the Aussies didn’t go for it.

So the persistent SABMiller sweetened its proposal to A$9.9 billion, which was enough to finish things off and seal the deal for the Foster's board, according to Agence-France Presse.

Foster’s and its many beer brands can now be served up by company execs alongside SABMiller’s Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell, and Miller Genuine Draft.Continue reading...

In the most obvious beer brand launch ever, Discovery Channel's new series, Brew Masters, looks at a craft beer inspired by Miles Davis. As in Miles "Bitches Brew" Davis. Sundays at 10, folks! BYOB.

Yes, the popularity of cooking shows on TV never seems to wane, so it’s somewhat surprising that there haven’t been more shows dedicated to beverages. Brew Masters features the quest of Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione to explore the world of beer, looking for inspiration for brews ranging from one to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Bitches Brew album, to a beer based on an ancient Egyptian recipe.

It’s billed as a reality show, but it's more of a docudrama — though the drama will not unfold through personal meltdowns but via the search for the perfect beer, and the suspense of whether a tomato-based beer, for example, will come out drinkable.

Sounds like the perfect opportunity for the backseat brewer to unwind on the couch with a cold one. Join us for more beer (news, that is), after the jump.Continue reading...