Drinkers around the world continue to slug as much Scotch whisky as Scotland can produce. Figures out today show that Scotch whisky exports rose by 19% in volume and 22% in value for the first six months of 2011.

So, while brewers are reliant on price rises to boost profits and many winemakers are struggling to maintain any kind of profit, Scotch distillers are riding roughshod over renewed uncertainty in the global economy.

Emerging markets are driving Scotch forward, but it would be too simplistic to lay all the praise at their door. Sales have also continued to rise in the US and France, where consumers are switching over to spirits from beer and wine respectively.

Talking of emerging markets: last week, we took the opportunity to round-up what we've learned from the recent results round. Deputy editor Chris Mercer thinks that companies are shouting much more loudly about their efforts to shift resources east and south, out of Europe and the US.

His comment piece was sparked by a speech from PepsiCo's CFO, Hugh Johnston, who warned of stagnation in developed economies.

Elsewhere in the news last week, Pernod Ricard reached “investment grade” at Moody's, but the company reiterated that it is not interested in blockbuster acquisitions for the time being.

Meanwhile, The Coca-Cola Co blamed a “communication error” for causing a political storm in France and Anheuser-Busch InBev had a tough time in the UK, where it was forced to recall three batches of Stella Artois Cidre after complaints that some of the bottles have “burst”.

Until next time...

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