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The just-drinks interview - Alexandre Ricard, CEO, Irish Distillers - (19th November 2009)
At only 37 years old, Alexandre Ricard's swift ascent on the Pernod Ricard power ladder has turned heads in the industry. His latest role, as CEO of Irish Distillers, has coincided with strong growth for the group's Jameson Irish whiskey brand. Just-drinks deputy editor Chris Mercer catches up with the hotly-tipped Pernod protege during a fly-by visit to London.
The Losh Cause - Time for biodynamic? - (17th November 2009)
In these days of pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap for wine, it would be understandable if the idea of a biodynamic calendar would cut little cloth with the larger retailers. Not so, as Chris Losh reports.
just the answer - AS Liviko chairman Janek Kalvi - (12th November 2009)
The Baltic countries have had it tougher than most in the global economic downturn, suffering double digit falls in gross domestic product. But the turmoil has not dented the ambition of Estonia-based AS Liviko, which continues to eye ambitious growth as both an importer to the Baltics and an exporter of its flagship brands, Viru Valge and Vana Tallinn. Chris Mercer flew to Tallinn to speak with Liviko chairman Janek Kalvi.
Focus - Industry and NGOs prepare for more debate on alcohol-related harm - (10th November 2009)
The EU’s Alcohol and Health Forum will hold its fifth plenary meeting this Thursday. Industry representatives are hoping the meeting will focus on actions on the ground rather than become a policy ‘talking-shop’, writes Ben Cooper. Meanwhile, chairman Robert Madelin will once again have to demonstrate his legendary skills for keeping the peace between parties with widely differing views on alcohol-related harm.
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.
