just For Subscribers - The week in drinks

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

10. Comment - Georgian Wine Has Moved On Since Russia Ban

When Russia closed its borders to Georgian wine in 2006, it was a bitter blow for the former soviet republic's industry. Russia accounted for around 80% of Georgia's wine sales.

9. Analysis - Coca-Cola Co better placed than PepsiCo as CSD spotlight hots-up

The Coca-Cola Co has the “upper-hand” over rival PepsiCo as the firms are forced to re-think their price mix to combat regulatory pressures on the CSD sector in the US, according to an analyst.

8. Comment – Soft Drinks & Water - Soft Drink or Objet D’Art?

Ray Rowlands of Drinksinfo Ltd looks at some of the pack designs being implemented for soft drinks and asks, is the industry in the business of selling beverages, or has it inappropriately diversified into the art world?

7. Exclusive - UK: Diageo calms Unite tax avoidance challenge

Diageo has clarified claims by UK trade union Unite that the drinks giant is not “paying what it is due” in tax in the country.

6. In the Spotlight - New York Soda Ban Overturned

It came very close, but at the last minute New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for once in his tenure, didn't get the health reform he wanted.

5. Comment - Spirits - Has Cachaca's Time Finally Come?

Almost a year ago, the Brazilian and US authorities lined up a deal that would see the term 'cachaca' refer to the white spirit that originates from Brazil. The ruling is set to come into effect on 11 April. So, does this mean a new dawn for cachaca? Chris Mercer considers the evidence.

4. Exclusive - US: Bacardi to launch flavoured Scotch expression, Dewar's Highlander Honey

Bacardi has lined up the launch of what is thought to be the first flavoured Scotch whisky expression in the world

3. Comment - Is New York's Soda Ban Ruling a Pyrrhic Victory for Industry?

After months of campaigning, the US beverage industry and New York City business owners finally got what they wanted yesterday (11 March), when a judge at New York State's Supreme Court threw out the proposed ban on large sugary drinks.

2. just The Answer - Heineken GM for Ethiopia, Johan Doyer

Last week, Heineken announced plans to build a 1.5m-litre capacity brewery in Ethiopia, a country that, with the second-largest population in Africa, is a major focus the Dutch brewer. Earlier this week, just-drinks spoke to Heineken's GM for Ethiopia, Johan Doyer, about the new plant, the country's rural spenders and Heineken's stiff competition.

1. Exclusive - RUSSIA: SPI Group sets up takeover bid for CEDC

SPI Group has joined a consortium to make a move for Central European Distribution Corp (CEDC), just-drinks can exclusively reveal.