Preview - 2009 for the drinks industry

January may be the time to look forward to the coming year but few in the drinks industry will be eyeing the coming year with relish. However, given the pessimistic tone of virtually every market and economic forecast, it is hard to imagine 2009 being any worse than is being predicted. Olly Wehring offers his view of what’s in store for the drinks market.

Preview - Looking ahead but not looking forward to 2009

22 January 2009

Soft drinks & water review 2008 - Coke has the best of a tough year for soft drinks

23 December 2008

While the past 12 months have been difficult for many soft drinks companies, notably in North America, the last year has seen continued development in better-for-you categories, notably enhanced waters and healthy colas. Ben Cooper takes a look back at 2008.

Wine review 2008 - Wine industry buffeted by economic storm

22 December 2008

Not surprisingly perhaps it is the effects of the global economic downturn that have dominated the wine pages of just-drinks over the past year. Richard Woodard reviews a difficult year for the international wine business and assesses the chances of things improving in the immediate future.

Spirits review 2008 - Pernod’s swoop for Absolut defines 2008 as Diageo has quiet year

19 December 2008

Pernod Ricard’s unexpected move for Absolut in March set the tone for a year in which Diageo eschewed any significant acquisitions in favour of joint deals with existing brand owners. Olly Wehring reviews the major events in the spirits arena during 2008.

Beer review 2008 - Mega-merger marks ‘watershed’ year for beer

18 December 2008

The brewing sector has seen steady consolidation in recent years and 2008 was certainly no exception. Olly Wehring reviews a year which began with the protracted takeover of S&N by Heineken and Carlsberg and later saw InBev’s colossal $52bn acquisition of Anheuser-Busch.