Latest drinks industry news &amp; insights

The Double Cola Co has secured further distribution in the US for its Minoku coconut water and Quad energy drink brands.

UK: Halewood International eyes German gin growth as Spain slows 1 Aug 2014

The founder of Halewood International's Whitley Neill gin brand has said an influx of new entrants to the category has slowed growth in Spain.

GLOBAL: West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association welcomes rum marque additions 1 Aug 2014

The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) has confirmed three additions to the portfolio of rums allowed to display its "marque of provenance" for rums from the Caribbean.

Product Launch - UK: William Grant & Sons' Taboo Red Berry Sour 1 Aug 2014

The UK division of William Grant & Sons has released a sour-flavoured extension of its Taboo vodka “fusion” brand.

just For Subscribers - The week in drinks 1 Aug 2014

Here are the most viewed, subscriber-only items on just-drinks this week:

just the Round-Up - The week in drinks 1 Aug 2014

The top ten stories published on just-drinks this week:

US: Cott Corp sees H1 loss as CSD market stays tough 31 Jul 2014

Cott Corp has reported a first-half loss as a decline in the US CSD segment continued to bite.

Product Launch - US: Anheuser-Busch InBev's Bud Light Apple-Ahhh-Rita 31 Jul 2014

Anheuser-Busch InBev has launched a new extension in its high-abv, flavoured beer Rita portfolio.

US: Boston Beer Co's marketing efforts pay off as H1 sales, profits up 31 Jul 2014

Boston Beer Company has seen a healthy rise in first-half profits and sales as spending on advertising and marketing helped see off competition in the craft beer market.

FRANCE: Remy Cointreau names liqueurs & spirits CEO 31 Jul 2014

Remy Cointreau has appointed a new head of its liqueurs & spirits division as it targets growth outside its core Remy Martin Cognac brand.

Product Launch - US: MillerCoors' Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale 31 Jul 2014

MillerCoors unit Blue Moon Brewing Company has launched a cinnamon-flavoured beer inspired by the traditional Latin American drink horchata.

BELGIUM: Anheuser-Busch InBev H1 profits, sales up after Grupo Modelo takeover 31 Jul 2014

Anheuser-Busch InBev's Grupo Modelo takeover has helped increase first-half sales and profits, while the World Cup boosted volumes in Brazil.

CHINA: Diageo writes down value of Shuijingfang by GBP264m 31 Jul 2014

Diageo has written down the value of baijiu maker Shuijingfang, of which it has a 39.7% stake, by GBP264m (US$446.2m) as sales of the white spirit have fallen sharply in the face of China's anti-extravagance measures.

UK: Weak emerging markets hamper Diageo in FY 31 Jul 2014

Diageo has bemoaned emerging market weakness for dragging on its full-year performance.

ISRAEL/US: SodaStream sees sales rise, but profits struggle in Q2 30 Jul 2014

SodaStream has seen its sales in the second quarter rise, but profits continued to struggle in the year so far.

FRANCE: Belvédère chairman to step down 30 Jul 2014

Stuart Todd

The chairman of French drinks group Belvédère has announced his resignation, citing "personal reasons".

UK: Morrisons bans 'super-strength' alcohol cans 30 Jul 2014

UK supermarket retailer Morrisons has banned the sale of all canned carbonated products containing more than four units of alcohol.

Product Launch – US: Diageo's Smirnoff Sorbet Light Summer Strawberry, White Peach 30 Jul 2014

Diageo has released two further additions to its Smirnoff Sorbet Light lower-calorie portfolio in the US.

IRELAND/POLAND: C&C Group attacks Polish ad law as Magners faces shirt ban 30 Jul 2014

C&C Group has branded as “discriminatory” a Polish law that bans cider sponsorship at sports events but not beer.

INDIA: ITC to expand from cigarettes to beverage sector 30 Jul 2014