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

Family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s Chocolates, has opened its new $120 million production, warehouse and online fulfilment facility in South Australia, enabling the company to almost double its chocolate production.

Sydney Brewery says its acquisition of the brewing assets and long-term lease of the White Bay Brewing site in Rozelle, Sydney, will give the brewery capacity to launch new product lines and expand its bar presence.

Lark Distilling Co. has appointed Four Pillars Gin co-founder, Stuart Gregor, as its new managing director and CEO, taking effect from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Satya (Sash) Sharma, who is stepping down after being in the role since May 2023.