Much has been written about Europe's dilapidated economies over the past few months; so much so, that describing the region a tough place to do business no longer causes much more than a half-hearted, Gallic shrug. And yet, judging by recent results, pockets of growth remain in several of the region's so-called developed markets.

When it wasn't bemoaning a French tax on added-sugar drinks, Coca-Cola Enterprises last week reported a double-digit rise in demand for its energy drinks in Europe. In beer and spirits, meanwhile, the big players still believe that consumers remain willing to pay a premium for products that are positioned in the right way.

Last week, SABMiller launched St Stefanus abbey beer in the UK, initially priced at more than GBP5 (US$8) in the country's on-trade - that's close to double the price of an average pint of beer. Diageo, meanwhile, thinks that it can sell yet more super-premium spirits to consumers in Western Europe.

Clearly, these heavyweights still see opportunities to capitalise on Europe's relatively high GDP per capita, even as they expand their presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. There may be doom and gloom, but we still need a drink. By golly, do we need a drink.

Features-wise last week, Richard Corbett considered the potential China affords for the soft drinks & water producers among us, while Chris Losh asked what the future holds for the wine market in the UK as prices rise but the song remains the same.

Finally, just-drinks is state-side in the coming days and weeks. Our soft drinks reporter, Michelle Russell, is in New York this week, until Wednesday. Meanwhile, I'll be over in the Big Apple (do people still call it that?) in mid-November for a few days. If you'd like to meet up with either of us, drop us a line at news@just-drinks.com.

Until next time...

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