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just the answer - Ketel One - (5th November 2009)
Back in February last year, the owners of the Ketel One vodka brand, the Netherlands-based Nolet family, announced a tie-up for the brand with Diageo. The deal not only signaled the end of Diageo's interest in the race to acquire Vin & Sprit's Absolut, but also gave the Nolets a helping hand with its premium vodka brand. Last week, Michelle Russell met with Bob Nolet, the vice president of Nolet Distillery and 11th generation family member.
Focus - Soft drinks for the olds - (3rd November 2009)
Consumers are living longer due to medical advances, better nutrition and improved living conditions. Recent research published in The Lancet suggests that British children born in 2007 could feasibly expect to live to 103, while in Japan they would live to 107. Though this scenario might present governments with the challenge of finding solutions to the financial burden of ageing populations, it nevertheless offers soft drinks producers with a growing and captive target market: the ageing consumer. Annette Farr reports.
INDIA: Vodka to be India's next big thing – forecast - (30th October 2009)
Vodka will be the next drinks category to benefit from India's growing alcohol consumption going forward, according to industry forecasts.
Focus - Actimel ad ban is latest woe for probiotics - (29th October 2009)
The banning of a TV ad for Danone's drinking yoghurt brand, Actimel, is the latest reversal to hit the probiotic food and drinks sector. Despite being one of the most prominent categories within the fast-growing functional food and drink market, probiotics have not been immune from controversy. Ben Cooper reports.
The Losh Cause - South Africa's wine marketing misses a beat? - (27th October 2009)
A fortnight ago, Wines of South Africa held its biennial tasting event for the country's wine producers in London. At the show, the trade body unveiled its latest marketing tool: ‘DNA SA – a Brand Blueprint for South African Wine’. Will this approach help the nation steal greater share from its competitors? Chris Losh looks for holes.
Focus - Industry split on drink and drive partnership? - (22nd October 2009)
The decision by Pernod Ricard to rejoin the Century Council in the US followed the departure of both Brown-Forman and Jim Beam from NASCAR motor racing sponsorship. As Pernod Ricard’s decision to leave the organisation was linked to the motor racing issue, Ben Cooper finds out whether there was any connection between these events.
The View from A Farr - Fighting against the Fat Tax - (20th October 2009)
There's no doubt what's currently exercising the minds of beverage executives in the US - the threat of a Federal CSD tax. Now that President Obama has said the idea is worth investigating the ante has been upped and the industry's leading companies are aggressively fighting their corner – and, argues Annette Farr, with justification.
Preview - Tax Free World Association World Exhibition 2009 - (15th October 2009)
The duty-free industry’s most important annual trade show, the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) World Exhibition, celebrates its 25th anniversary in Cannes next week. This US$37bn global business has always prided itself on knowing how to throw a good party. But few heading to this year’s show will be in the mood to celebrate the silver jubilee, despite the lavish dinner and rock concert which organiser TFWA has planned. Joe Bates reports.
Focus - Any Port in a storm for Portuguese wine - (13th October 2009)
Those who have visited the Douro valley in Portugal will agree that it is a unique place. But scratch beneath the surface of this beautiful region and that uniqueness runs deep. So deep, indeed, that the laws of market forces appear not to apply. Chris Losh takes a look at the beneficio system, and the hornets nest it has stirred up in the Douro.
Spotlight - Alcohol industry advocates face tough crowd in Stockholm - (8th October 2009)
The second conference on alcohol-related harm convened by the Swedish Presidency of the EU included a large representation of NGOs opposed to self-regulation as a way of tackling alcohol-related harm. Ben Cooper asked representatives of the two industry bodies invited to speak whether they received a fair hearing.
