Heineken's decision to further entrench itself in the UK pub sector took some of us by surprise at the end of last week. The brewer will become one of the country's largest pub operators after agreeing to take ownership of around 900 pubs that it already manages, giving it a total estate of around 1,300 outlets.

To understand the logic of the move, one must understand that the UK pub sector is a two-speed industry. For years, tens of pubs – which have focused mainly on drinks sales - have been closing their doors on a weekly basis. Higher duty and increased off-trade competition is certainly part of the story, but a lack of innovation is also a major cause. Meanwhile, outlets that have split their attention between drink and food have fared relatively better, as have pubs that have moved beyond 'opening the doors' as a way to prosper.

In the UK, we are in the middle of a seismic transition for the on-trade. It's a Darwinian world and only the fittest will survive, but the ones that continue to trade will be better for it. Heineken is betting that its new pub haul will remain above the water line.

Elsewhere in the news last week, we continued to see drinks companies publishing strong trading figures, despite the economic gloom. Remy Cointreau is riding the crest of the Cognac wave in China, while Laurent-Perrier appears to be selling Champagne by the bucketload.

As for Scotch whisky, figures released at the end of last week show that the sector's exports are heading for a sixth consecutive record year in value terms.

As the end of the year approaches, we are allowing ourselves a look back on the last 12 months. Starting this week, we will run our annual review of the drinks industry. Our five-part review of 2011 will form this month's management briefing for just-drinks' members (not a member? Sort it out), with all five chapters – beer, soft drinks, spirits, water and wine – live in time for Christmas.

How's that for a terrific present?

Finally, an echo of our call out to you last week. Ahead of next year's management briefings, we want to hear about your company's achievements in the field of environmental sustainability. Click here for full details of how to get involved.

Until next time...

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