just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

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

• RUSSIA: CEDC signs La Martiniquaise deal

Central European Distribution Corp will be the exclusive distributor for La Martiniquaise's Label 5 Scotch whisky in Russia, the drinks group has announced.

• INDIA: Speculation mounts over UB Group finance plan for beer, spirits

UB Group's financial difficulties have lead to reports that it is again mulling a stock listing for Whyte & Mackay, as the pressure grows for greater outside investment in the firm's spirits and beer businesses.

• IRELAND: C&C Group creates MD role to push cider exports

C&C Group has created an international MD role as fresh figures show that the company's Magners cider is enjoying strong export sales.

• AUS: Industry rejects call for energy drinks warning labels

The Australian Beverages Council has dismissed a call by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for greater regulations of energy drinks.

• GLOBAL: Cognac trade body hails "remarkable" 2011

Cognac exports broke the EUR2bn (US$2.6bn) barrier for the first time in 2011, according to figures from trade body BNIC, driven mainly by China's thirst for the premium French spirit.

• US: PepsiCo, Ocean Spray join forces for Latin America deal

PepsiCo has formed an alliance with Ocean Spray Cranberries for the manufacture and distribution of fruit-based drinks in Latin America.

• US: Kraft Foods to cut 1,600 jobs in North America

Kraft Foods is to cut around 1,600 jobs across North America as it prepares to split the business into two.

• GLOBAL: Pernod Ricard ups Plymouth Gin price, revamps packaging

Pernod Ricard has lined up a global price rise and packaging upgrade for its Plymouth Gin brand.

• FRANCE: Chinese New Year spikes Remy Cointreau nine-month sales

Cognac sales ahead of Chinese New Year have driven Remy Cointreau to a strong sales increase in the first nine months of its fiscal year. 

• GLOBAL: SABMiller Q3 sales rise, Foster's unit loses share

Africa, Asia and Latin America have propelled SABMiller to a rise in beer sales in its fiscal third quarter, as Europe and North America remained troubled and the newly-acquired Foster's business lost market share.