By David Richards | Tuesday | 22/05/2012 Spotify, a provider of free streaming music services, is finally set to hit Australian shores today, following a dabbling of its toes through its marketing presence.

United Spirits, India's largest spirits major, is going through a consolidation phase after a series of steps to deleverage and to further cement its emerging stature in the global spirits market.

When the Scottish firm BrewDog launched Tactical Nuclear Penguin - the strongest mass market beer to date, alcohol content 32% - the pint bottles came with a 'how-to': "It should be enjoyed in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance.

In order to enhance visibility and differentiation of products, the market for alcoholic beverages is witnessing innovation in its product packaging lately.

Carlton United Breweries is banking on a smartphone app to get more blokes back into pubs drinking its beer. The brewer hopes the app will also undermine Foxtel's plans for the same AFL fans to buy a pay TV package and stay at home.