The frequently asked question, “What should I have to drink?” was the inspiration for Diageo’s flavored malt beverage (FMB) strategy. This summer’s advertising for Diageo’s Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks answers that question featuring a “Fridgetender,” a portable bartender character who appears in refrigerators and coolers at the right time.  In addition to Smirnoff Premium Malt Mixed Drinks, Diageo’s FMB lineup also includes the recently launched Jeremiah Weed FMBs and Smirnoff On The Rocks, which is a multi-serve version of the Premium Malt Mixed Drinks.

The beer category showcased a mixed bag of results as the industry saw prices increase and case sales decrease. Consumer preferences seemed to change compared to last year as some domestic below-premium brands saw sales decrease, while imported beers saw high points from a few particular brands.

Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif., released its latest collaboration beer, Baird/Ishii/Stone Japanese Green Tea IPA.

Carrollton, Texas-based T.G.I. Friday’s developed a new Buy Your Friend A Beer Facebook application to complement its Better with Brew menu. By “liking” the Friday’s fan page and placing an order through the custom tab, Facebook users 21 years and older can buy their Facebook friends as many as five beers. Recipients receive an electronic gift card to redeem in the restaurant. Purchase price is set at $5, regardless of the recipient’s regional location, and is redeemable for any beer of choice, including a selection of regional craft beers; non-alcohol beverage or food item at any local T.G.I. Friday’s.

 Roswell, Ga.-based Gila Brew Co., re-launched its CJ Crunk Juce line of flavored malt beverages in new packaging and flavors. The new design targets CJ’s audience of 21- to 29-year-old males and females, the company says. Packaged in 23.5-ounce cans, CJ Crunk Juce features colored bands representing the flavor profiles between the gray gothic text on a distressed black background. The design is intended to help the brand stand out from other flavored malt beverages, the company says. CJ Crunk Juce is available in Fruit Punch, Grape and Watermelon varieties and contains 6 to 12 percent alcohol by volume depending on the market, the company says.  

The MillerCoors brewery in Wisconsin is located on a 90-acre campus in the heart of Milwaukee, in what used to be the corporate headquarters for Miller Brewing — MillerCoors now has its headquarters in Chicago.