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just-drinks.com editor's weekly highlights | |
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Quofore white paper download: Retail Execution for BRIC & Beyond
What are we to take from the resignation of Dane Hudson, CEO of Australian Vintage? We are not generally given to cranking up the rumour mill here at just-drinks, but the timing of this announcement caught our eye last week. With Australian Vintage deep in talks with Constellation Brands over a possible merger of the two firms' Australian wine businesses, we find that Hudson's exit may offer a clue as to the timescale for a deal. Talks are "continuing", according to Australian Vintage last week. Yet, both sides have let it be known in recent months that they see a deal as necessary for their future profitability in a tough Australian wine sector. Australian Vintage is seeking control of the merged entity, which is likely to include Hardys. It is understood that not all of Constellation's wine arm downunder will be included, however. Hudson is to leave Australian Vintage in May and a permanent replacement will not be announced until the talks with Constellation have concluded, the firm has said. Keep your eyes peeled. In other news, a battle is brewing in Africa as Diageo and Heineken look to usurp SABMiller's regional dominance. The two brewers opened a state-of-the-art brewery in SABMiller's backyard market last week. The UK soft drinks market remains buoyant, with strong results from Vimto maker Nichols and new launches being prepared by Britvic. Last week brought worse news for alcohol in the UK, however. Duty tax has gone up, as expected, by 2% above inflation, prompting warnings of job cuts. Cider took the biggest hit, with a 10% above inflation rise. Elsewhere, we reported on the near-collapse of Indage Vintners and PepsiCo's plan for healthier soft drinks in schools. Until next time... Olly Wehring, Managing Editor Web: www.just-drinks.com Twitter: just_drinks
The full speaker programme for the 5th World Whiskies Conference now available. Join us in Glasgow 20-21 April. Book on line (with early-bird rates to 26 March) and join the global whisky business summit.
Did you know, in 2008 global Cognac sales fell for the first time in over 10 years? All-new research from just-drinks explains the reason for the fall in sales and through a complete market analysis, details what the future holds for this sector.
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Comment - A Word with Woodard - Cognac must mix substance with style [MEM] Cognac has caught the eye of high-profile bartenders around the world, but producers need to add a little more style to their substance if they are to win over new, cocktail-loving consumers, argues Richard Woodard following a visit to the International Cognac Summit.
Italian wine sector boosts quality to seize exports The Italian wine market has seen its fair share of troubles over the decades, but connoisseurs the around the world still consider Italian wine to be top of the line. just-drinks here investigates the latest developments in the rapidly evolving Italian wine market, from Italy’s falling domestic consumption, growing interest in wine tourism, new viticulture technologies, and increasing opportunities to sell wines online. This briefing gives an in-depth assessment of the Italian wine industry, its future and potential looming pitfalls.
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March 29, 2010 
