San Miguel is going for a bigger share of the UK take home premium lager market through the introduction of a 440ml can. So far the Spanish brew has only been available in 33cl and 25cl bottles through distributor HP Bulmer. Campbell has increased the cash behind Jameson Irish whiskey and has launched a new national TV ad in the run up to St Patrick's Day on Wednesday (March 17). This is part of a £2m advertising budget which includes national press advertising. The ads have a common theme of What's the Rush'. Forth Wines has added a cabernet sauvignon and a rosé to its range of Torreon de Paredes wines from Chile. The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Especial Don Amado 1991 retails at £10 and the Cabernet Rosé sells at £6. Whitbread has introduced an added value pack for its white beer Hoegaarden. It contains four 330ml bottles and a half pint branded glass. This is designed to encourage larger purchases and increase the brand's impact on shelf. The naturally cloudy beer has been available in the UK from 1992 when it was sold in single bottles to the on-trade. These will still be available. The Princess of Darkness Tia Maria campaign is going back on TV and radio this spring with a £2m burst. This is the first time Allied Domecq has advertised the brand nationally outside the pre Christmas period. This is part of the company's effort to develop the liqueur as a mixable spirit among 18-24 female consumers. Londis has redesigned its own brand beer range. New to it is Extra Lager, described as a Foster's style 4% abv mainstream product. It joins Pilsner, Premium and Superstrength Lagers and a Bitter. The range has been produced by Scottish Courage. The giant Dutch brewing group Heineken has revealed profits ahead of expectations for 1998. They were up 29% to £301m and the company is predicting a smaller increase for 1999. The growth was fuelled by changes in the product mix, favourable exchange rates and the consolidation of recent takeovers. As part of its seasonal gift range Liverpool brewer Robert Cain has introduced Devilishly Wicked Chocolate Ale. This 5% abv brew became available this month retailing at £1.99, just in time for Easter. {{DRINKS }}

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