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

Queensland-based non-alcoholic spirits producer, Barnes and Brown Distilling Co., has launched into the Southeast Asian market through an exclusive partnership with Zero Proof Collective, a new alcohol-free distribution and brand building company in Singapore.

Monash Food Innovation (MFI) has partnered with global product intelligence platform Vypr to give students, researchers and industry partners access to real-time consumer insights as part of the product development process.

From regional manufacturers to global powerhouses, the finalists in The Hive Awards 2026 have it covered. Congratulations to the 45 people and companies that made the cut, in a highly competitive field of entries. Winners will be announced at the annual Hive Awards Long Lunch, in Sydney, on 21 May.