just the Round-up - The week in drinks

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

• S AFRICA: Pioneer Foods makes move for KWV Holdings

Pioneer Foods and KWV Holdings have jointly confirmed that the South African food and drink group has tabled a takeover bid for the wine and spirits maker.

• US: Sunny Delight Beverages Co sells W Europe business to Orangina Schweppes

Sunny Delight Beverages Co has sold its Western European Sunny Delight juice drink business to Orangina Schweppes, while looking to up its focus on North America.

• FRANCE: Belvédère puts Marie Brizard sale on hold

Belvédère has confirmed that it has put the sale of the Marie Brizard subsidiary and its distribution activities in Poland on hold, citing “strategic reasons.”

• GREECE/NIGERIA: Coca-Cola Hellenic makes move for rest of Nigeria Bottling Co

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Co has made a EUR94m (US$125.9m) offer for the shares of Nigerian Bottling Company it does not already own.

• DUBAI: Diageo plans to double Middle East business

Diageo aims to double the size of its business in the Middle East within the next five years by selling more premium drinks in travel retail at the region's key airports.

• UK: Diageo, Intercontinental Brands settle Vodkat dispute

The UK arm of Diageo and Intercontinental Brands have agreed a final settlement over the latter's Vodkat RTD brand.

• just On Call - The Coca-Cola Co plays down rising commodity costs

The Coca-Cola Co has said that the size of its business following the takeover of Coca-Cola Enterprises in North America will give it better protection against rising commodity costs.

• UK: Gin & Vodka Association shuts up shop

UK trade body The Gin & Vodka Association has announced that it is to cease operations.

• GLOBAL: Fine wine sales flourish on Asian thirst

The value of fine wine has raced to its highest level on record, as Asia's thirst for prestigious bottles has helped auction houses to shake off their hangover from the global recession.

• US: Save the Children rows back on soda tax

A key charity has dented the campaign for a tax on sugary soft drinks in the US by pulling its support for the policy.