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The just-drinks interview – Constellation Brands - (13th May 2008)
Having blazed a trail in the world drinks market for some years, Constellation Brands suffered something of a reversal in its last fiscal year, recording a net loss of US$610. In this month’s two-part just-drinks interview, CEO Rob Sands tells Olly Wehring why the group is untroubled by last year’s result and, in spite of some worrying economic and market trends, remains upbeat about the future.
Interview - Beam puts Absolut reversal behind it and looks ahead - (9th May 2008)
Beam Global Spirits & Wine was the frontrunner to land Absolut vodka but was pipped at the post by Pernod Ricard. However, president and CEO Tom Flocco says the company has quickly put that disappointment behind it. Indeed, he spoke with Olly Wehring on the day that Pernod Ricard announced its acquisition of Absolut, and outlined what now lies ahead for Beam.
The Losh Cause – Fair question - (7th May 2008)
In anticipation of the London International Wine Fair, Chris Losh has put together a few questions, touching on some of the imponderable puzzlements of the drinks industry, for visitors to mull over, or perhaps fume over, on their way to the show. True to form, Chris has his own answers, which are likely to be as thought-provoking as the questions.
Focus - New FSA move on colourings leaves industry puzzled - (1st May 2008)
The call by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for the voluntary withdrawal of certain colourings, and its recommendation that British ministers push for a total ban in the EU, surprised observers from the industry and the campaigning community. The debate over the link between food colourings and hyperactivity now switches to the European arena. Ben Cooper reports.
The View from A Farr – Challenging climate - (29th April 2008)
Rising raw material prices and fuel costs, new regulatory pressures and adapting their businesses to meet environmental concerns represent a daunting cocktail of challenges for soft drinks companies to cope with. And, Annette Farr writes, while the soft drinks industry has a reputation for resourcefulness and adaptability, the current conditions look set to stretch this to the limit.
just the answer - Bacardi - (24th April 2008)
Earlier this month, Bacardi signed a one-year “multi-faceted” marketing agreement with UK dance act Groove Armada. The announcement made headlines, with some commentators suggesting the deal was another nail in the coffin of record labels. In this month’s Just the Answer, we talk to Bacardi’s global experiential marketing manager, Sarah Tinsley, to get the low-down on what has been hailed by some as the next step in the drinks/music industry relationship.
Spotlight - Enhanced opportunities in water market - (23rd April 2008)
Major global drinks groups and smaller innovative companies alike have identified the enhanced water category as a sector with strong growth potential. So far, the US has been the prime focus, but more activity is now being seen in the UK. Annette Farr reports.
The just-drinks interview - PepsiCo International, part two - (17th April 2008)
PepsiCo returned to the headlines last month, when it announced its plans to buy a major stake in Russian juice company Lebedyansky. The transaction, for a 75% stake in the company – which accounts for 30% of the country’s juice market - marked a clear statement of intent for the company in the emerging markets of the world. In the second part of this month’s just-drinks interview, PepsiCo International’s chairman and CEO, Mike White, tells Olly Wehring of the company’s approach in the developing markets, and considers the effect of the current economic climate on the soft drinks giant.
If you ask me CBC – malt whisky’s rocky evolution - (16th April 2008)
Malt whisky continues to outpace the growth of blended Scotch and its leading brands are putting in stellar performances. But as a new report from just-drinks explains, a closer look reveals a category still underperforming with issues of pricing, image and availability threatening its future. Chris Brook-Carter reports
The Losh Cause - Gin’s future at stake in explosion of flavour - (15th April 2008)
Ensuring that a category actually tastes how it should, might seem a fairly fundamental requirement in the drinks industry. But are there brands exploiting the name of gin and undermining its long-term health? Chris Losh believes so and makes a call for stricter adherence to gin’s heritage.
