Close×

Australia’s most famous beer has created a limited-edition run of the VB just for the UK cricket fans called England Bitter, touting it as a “big warm beer for our English foes”.

To ensure England’s men’s cricketers are aware of the offer, Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), who produces VB, will also release a rejigged version of its iconic jingle in the great tradition of banter between the two great cricketing nations.

The company had also taken out full-page ads in major Australian newspapers ahead of the third test stater at Headingley.

The move follows on from English coach Brendon McCullum’s refusal to have a beer with the Aussies.

“We know the English are bitter about the Lord’s Test, but when they’re feeling less bitter, we’ve got a beer to shout them, our fresh new England Bitter,” said Marc Lord, marketing manager at VB.

“England Bitter has got their name on it and we’re sending a few slabs to the English cricket team to enjoy once they’ve cooled off. 

“We raise our glass to the whole Australian team for securing a famous win in the second test, and wish them the best of luck in winning the series.”

Free England Bitter t-shirts were also given out to Aussie fans at the Headingley match.

Food & Drink Business

New Zealand-owned aluminium can manufacturer Recorp has expanded into Australia, offering beverage companies access to a range of can formats manufactured at its South Auckland facility.

The Middle East conflict is at the centre of how consumers across the Asia Pacific region are rethinking what value means, according to Mintel’s latest regional report. For manufacturers, APAC Food and Drink Landscape 2026, looks at the export markets that impacted FY26 results and the input and freight costs still working through the system.

Noumi has lifted net revenue 8.8 per cent to $648.4 million and adjusted operating EBITDA 7.6 per cent to $61.8 million in FY26, in what is likely its final full year result as a listed company.