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The Herald Scotland
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Why is Tennent's Super lager so popular in Italy?
Alongside the comment, he has shared a photo of a familiar, long-necked bottle with a deep blue, yellow and red label, its bold T standing out proudly amongst a lineup of other brands on what appears to be a restaurant shelf. 'I've just been to Naples,' one follower has chimed in. 'A sophisticated couple ordered one each, it's bonkers that it's everywhere in Italy.' Another has shared his testimony, writing: 'It really is the most bizarre thing to see. 'Yesterday, I saw a glammed-up lady drinking a bottle of Super T in the mountains. Contrast that with my memories of Scotland and a guy lapping up a spilt bottle from a table.' Anyone lucky enough to have journeyed to Italy themselves will know that these guys aren't exaggerating. From Milan to Florence, Naples or Rome, no matter where you end up, you're likely to come across fridges filled with Tennent's Super or even clock it for sale on draught at high-end bars and restaurants. And a quick scroll through the @ tennentsuper_ita official Instagram page reveals highly stylised photoshoots of young adults behind DJ decks, hanging around skate parks, and shooting pool at trendy bars, all with bottles of the beer in hand. So, what is behind Italy's fascination with a drink that was for years brewed in Scotland, and widely dismissed as the lager of choice for only loutish characters like Rab C Nesbitt? Originally from Northern Italy, author Luca Serra has been living in Scotland for eleven years and is a previous winner of the Scottish New Writers Award for Fiction. Weighing in on the strange phenomenon of Tennent's Super in Italy, he said: 'The drinking culture over there is very different to the UK. 'In Italy, you go out at maybe nine or 10 pm and then want to get a bit tipsy before going to a club. 'That's why most people drink a couple of pints of a strong beer like Tennent's Super. Belgian beers are also popular because of their high alcohol content. 'In Scotland, you leave the office at 5pm then stay out for the whole evening, meaning you drink maybe five, six or seven pints. 'We also like to eat in Italy, which means you're too full to do anything other than sip at a strong drink.' Going solely by the difference in alcohol percentage between Tennent's Super and a regular lager, this theory could well check out. Coming in at a whopping 9% ABV, Super T packs quite the punch with a strong, complex flavour that's closer to an Italian 'Doppio Malto' than the lighter beers that we're used to in Scotland. Sara Capaldi, co-owner of Partenope café in Glasgow's Southside, vividly remembers finding this out for herself while on holiday in Italy. (Image: newsquest) 'The barman came running up to us very excited to tell me that they had beer from Scotland, and when he said it was Tennent's, we expected the regular lager. I just thought 'oh cool, we're drinking Scottish beer!' 'But Tennent's Super is way stronger, which we discovered after having a few pints of it. 'It has an extra kick which is more suited to Italian drinking culture. They don't drink to get drunk and will happily have a few pints and then go home.' Although other holidaymakers might have experienced the same excitement when spotting a reminder of home in Italy, it is worth noting that Tennent's Super is no longer brewed in Scotland. The rights to Tennent's Lager and Tennent's Authentic Export brands are owned by the C&C Group. These beers are brewed by the C&C Group at Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow, where they have been made with the same Scottish Barley, water from Loch Katrine and hops since 1885. However, as of 2009, the rights to the Tennent's Super brand have been held by AB Inbev, with the beer brewed in Luton. Still, the brand's Scottish roots seem to be enough for this beer to be viewed as a premium, imported product overseas. 'I just think that beer from another country will sell better no matter where you are,' Capaldi continued. 'It's seen as fashionable to drink imported lagers. 'In Italy, you'll rarely see people drinking Peroni or Moretti, even though they are popular over here. 'On the other hand, I've never actually seen Tennent's Super sold in Scotland but it's everywhere in Italy.' So, there you have it. A beer which seems run of the mill to us Scots is in fact considered a delicacy elsewhere, perhaps due to novelty factor or simply because of a preference for a stronger brew. The next time you find yourself in Italy, why not take a leaf from the locals' book and order a bottle to sip during aperitivo hour. With just a little extra sunshine and a slower pace of evening, you might just see Super T in a whole new light.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cracking the 'spy ring': YouTuber, students and smugglers in North India's Pakistan-linked espionage network
NEW DELHI: India has launched a sweeping crackdown on an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network operating in the northern states, arresting at least 12 individuals, including a popular YouTuber, on charges of spying over the past fortnight. The suspects were picked up from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh amid heightened concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack and the military's Operation Sindoor. Also read: 'Told me she was going to Delhi, not Pakistan': YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's father makes U-turn Two women, Haryana-based influencer Jyoti Malhotra and 31-year-old Guzala from Punjab, were reportedly in contact with a Pakistani intelligence officer, Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. On May 13, India expelled the Pakistani official for alleged involvement in espionage activities. Investigators claim those arrested were relaying sensitive military and strategic information to Pakistani handlers. Forensic analysis of digital devices and financial transactions is underway, police said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Al Tech Millionaire Warns: "If You Have $250, Do This" SuperT Read More Undo Among the first arrests, Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih from Amritsar were taken into custody on 4 May for allegedly leaking photographs and details about army cantonments and airbases near the Pakistan border to ISI operatives. More arrests followed on 11 May, including Guzala and Yameen Mohammad from Malerkotla, who were allegedly paid via UPI transfers for sharing confidential military details. Police say Guzala confessed to sharing information with Danish for financial gain, receiving Rs 30,000 in two transactions. On May 13, two more men Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh from Gurdaspur were detained. They were allegedly involved in leaking data on troop movements during Operation Sindoor and strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Weapons and electronic evidence were seized during the arrests. 'During the investigation, it was also discovered that they were previously involved in drug smuggling activities, through which they came into contact with ISI handlers. Their financial transactions, including online and cash dealings, also came under scrutiny,' said Gurdaspur SSP Aditya. In Haryana, 24-year-old Nauman Ilahi was arrested in Panipat on 15 May for allegedly supplying information to Pakistan. Ilahi, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly in contact with an ISI handler. A day later, police arrested Devender Singh, a postgraduate student from Kaithal, who had travelled to Pakistan in November 2023 and was allegedly in touch with four Pakistani operatives. Kaithal SP Astha Modi confirmed Singh's arrest and said, 'The accused Devendra Singh is 25 years old and a first year MA student at a college in Patiala. He was in touch with 4 Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) - 3 men and a woman… We have searched his house, forensic audit of his bank accounts is being done… Around 300 GB of data has been obtained and we are analysing the data… The possibility of a honeytrap cannot be ruled out.' YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the 'Travel with JO' channel with over 3.7 lakh subscribers, was arrested on May 16 from Hisar. Her videos include titles like 'Indian Girl in Pakistan' and 'Indian Girl Exploring Lahore'. According to police, she met Danish at the Pakistan High Commission in 2023 while applying for a visa. Hisar SP Shashank Kumar Sawan said Malhotra was being 'developed as an asset' by PIOs during the military conflict following Operation Sindoor. 'This is also (a kind of) warfare, in which they try to push their narrative by recruiting influencers,' Sawan said. Malhotra, who has visited Pakistan multiple times and also travelled to China, is under five-day police remand. In further developments, Haryana Police arrested 26-year-old Armaan from Nuh and a local quack, Mohammad Tarif, on espionage charges. Tarif is accused of providing a SIM card to a Pakistani official and has reportedly confessed to visiting Pakistan. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, Shahzad from Rampur was arrested by the Special Task Force for allegedly passing sensitive information to ISI handlers while engaging in cross-border smuggling of goods like cosmetics and spices.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Printemps, Zimmermann Investor Borletti Group Buys Stake in True Religion
MILAN — Reflecting True Religion's momentum, the denim, sportswear and accessories brand distinguished by its 'Super T' stitch, has secured a minority investment from Borletti Group, which is set to help contribute to its growth. Washington, D.C.-based private equity Acon Investments and SB360 Capital Partners, a Schottenstein affiliate, took a majority stake in True Religion last January and they remain majority shareholders. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Printemps on Wall Street Makes Change in Command EXCLUSIVE: Aureum Collective and Parke Join Forces for 'Timeless' Capsule Collection Saint James to Open Pop-up at Printemps in New York Financial details were not disclosed. 'We are thrilled to support True Religion at such an exciting stage of its growth journey. Our decision to invest was driven by the brand's outstanding performance, particularly over the past four years, and by its clear growth trajectory and high profitability,' said Maurizio Borletti, cofounder and partner of Borletti Group. 'We look forward to actively contributing to True Religion's development, bringing our expertise in the retail and fashion sectors, our international network and a strategic vision focused on digital expansion and omnichannel growth.' Borletti Group was also founded by Paolo De Spirt, and has more than two decades of experience investing in premium and lifestyle brands ranging from Printemps and Rinascente to MooRER and Zimmermann. Acon led the transaction with the support of Borletti Group and its co-investors (including Azimut through the AZ RAIF II-Private Equity Borletti Investment fund and the founders of Moose Knuckles), and with the Schottenstein Group, which has a network of apparel and retail businesses that includes American Eagle Outfitters. Founded in 2002, True Religion is headquartered in Los Angeles and is led chief executive officer Michael Buckley. As reported, the brand, positioned in the accessible range, is aiming to reach $1 billion in annual sales in three to five years. The business is expected to reach $450 million in volume in 2025, driven by focused marketing and merchandising centered on hip-hop and rap performers and sports figures; showy logos; moderate prices; promotions, and edgier styles, such as Super T miniskirts and short shorts; slouchy, baggy men's jeans, and often formfitting midriff-baring women's outfits. Its e-commerce business is up 35 percent year-to-date, Buckley told WWD in March. Last year True Religion launched its holiday campaign with Megan Thee Stallion and Hunxho. Saweetie has also fronted images for the brand. In February, the label tapped Brazilian pop star Anitta to kick off its new marketing platform, called 'Own Your True.' In 2002, True Religion emerged onto the Los Angeles denim scene by blowing up the construction of the classic five-pocket jean. With its five-needle thread at a two-stitch-per-inch process, the True Religion Super T stitch has been recognized for its unique look. Borletti is the former Rinascente president and De Spirt is a former Emanuel Ungaro CEO. They formed Borletti Group in 2005 and in 2016 it was part of a consortium that completed the acquisition of Grandi Stazioni Retail from Italian state railway company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and private investment vehicle Eurostazioni, providing exclusive rights to the commercial leasing and advertising spaces of some of the main railway stations in Italy. Borletti Group was among the investors that acquired Italian department store chain La Rinascente in 2005 and French department store chain Printemps in 2006. De Spirt was a member of the Printemps board from 2006 until 2013. La Rinascente was sold to Thai group Central Retail Corp. in 2011, and Printemps in 2013 to Divine Investments SA, a Luxembourg-based investment fund backed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Sean Combs Regains Control of Sean John Brand Isabel Marant Said in Play Again: Sources Holding Industriale Invests in Shoe Specialist Valmor Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
