Latest drinks industry news & insights

UK: Britvic promotes GB marketing head to global post 28 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

Britvic has promoted its GB marketing director to an international role that will see him lead promotional campaigns across the group.

---

UK/CHINA: Diageo silent over plans to write down Shuijingfang stake 28 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

Diageo has declined to comment on reports that it is to write down the value of its stake in baijiu brand Shuijingfang.

---

US: Constellation Brands elects General Motors Mexico head to board 28 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

Constellation Brands has appointed the MD of General Motors' Mexican business to its board of directors.

---

US: Major Brands to buy Missouri Beverage Co 28 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

Drinks distributor Major Brands is set to acquire fellow Missouri-based wholesaler Missouri Beverage Co (MoBev).

---

CANADA/US: Lassonde Industries completes US$148m Apple & Eve buy 28 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

Canada's Lassonde Industries has finalised its US$147.9m takeover of US juice maker Apple & Eve.

---

US/CANADA: Molson Coors CEO to retire, Europe chief to step up 25 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

Molson Coors has announced its CEO will retire at the end of this year to be replaced by the group's Europe chief.

---

ISRAEL: SodaStream in buyout talks - report 25 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

SodaStream is in talks with an investment firm keen to take the company private in a US$828m deal, according to a media report.

---

just For Subscribers - The week in drinks 25 Jul 2014

Olly Wehring

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

---

just the Round-Up - The week in drinks 25 Jul 2014

Olly Wehring

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

---

UK: Beer sales bounce back in Q2, boosted by World Cup 25 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

The FIFA World Cup, late Easter and a cut in beer duty helped UK beer sales in late spring and early summer bounce back.

---

UK: New Zealand wine ups premium off-trade share to pass Australia - figures 25 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

New Zealand has overtaken Australia as the UK's second-biggest seller of wine in the GBP7-plus off-trade segment (US$12), latest figures reveal.

---

AUS: Australian Vintage to sell Barossa's Yaldara winery, brand 25 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

Australian Vintage is selling its Barossa Valley winery Yaldara to Chinese-owned 1847 Winery for AUD15.5m (US$14.6m).

---

Product Launch - US: Brown-Forman's El Jimador Mango Mango, Mexican Lime 25 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

Brown-Forman has launched the first flavour extensions for its El Jimador Tequila brand.

---

UK: AG Barr's H1 on track as investments kick in 25 Jul 2014

Andy Morton

AG Barr has said it expects strong first-half sales as its brands benefit from increased marketing investments.

---

US: PepsiCo director steps down over health issue 25 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

A long-serving PepsiCo director has resigned from the firm's board due to “personal health reasons”.

---

FRANCE: Sales, profits fall at Moet Hennessy in H1 24 Jul 2014

Olly Wehring

The wine and spirits arm of LVMH has reported decreases in both sales and profits in the first six months of 2014.

---

US: Napa winery Quixote sold to China's Jinta Vineyards - reports 24 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

California winery Quixote has been sold to Chinese firm Jinta Vineyards & Winery, according to local reports.

---

FRANCE: Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte appoints new CEO 24 Jul 2014

Stuart Todd

Centre Vinicole - Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has promoted Julie Campos to the post of CEO.

---

ETHIOPIA: Castel launches inaugural Ethiopian wine 24 Jul 2014

Stuart Todd

Castel has launched the inaugural vintage of its Ethiopian wine range with 2014 production estimated at 1.2m bottles.

---

US: Seattle Cider Co signs Wirtz Beverage deal for Illinois 24 Jul 2014

James Wilmore

Seattle Cider Co has agreed a deal with Wirtz Beverage to launch its portfolio of craft ciders in Illinois as it looks to capitalise on the category's growth.