Europe's economy stands on the brink of a double-dip recession courtesy of a domino-like trail of bank debt stretching from Athens to Berlin, according to gloomy forecasts from financial experts. After some initial positives earlier this year, things are all of a sudden looking a lot less rosy for the Eurozone and, by way of trade, the UK.

Meanwhile, Government austerity measures agreed at the G20 summit could see sharp rises in unemployment in many established markets later this year.

Constellation Brands carried some of the grim tidings over into the drinks trade last week by reporting little uplift in the US wine market. The firm's first-quarter profits soared, but largely via tax and interest gains. Analysts subsequently reported disappointment with the company's top line.

In the midst of the economic malaise, just-drinks has noticed a flurry - a flurry, no less - of rebranding in the spirits and wine sectors. This is, however, more than likely to be as much about companies seeking to change the way they connect with consumers as it is about economic optimism.

The FIFA World Cup combined with decent summer weather could yet provide the drinks trade with a soft landing in Europe this year. Victories for Germany, Spain and the Netherlands in the weekend's quarter-finals games can only help.

just-drinks had a slight Chivas Brothers bent to it's features output last week. The Pernod Ricard-owned unit has been busy of late, what with last month's GBP10m investment in The Glenlivet, followed closely by last week's announcement that it will launch a Scotch whisky cross-portfolio promotional campaign. All this coincided with our opportunity to quiz the division's CEO, Christian Porta.

Until next time...

Olly Wehring
Managing Editor
Web: http://www.just-drinks.com
Email: editor@just-drinks.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/just_drinks