just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

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

• UK: C&C Group aims to triple international business by 2016

C&C Group is aiming to triple the size of its international business over the next four years, with the division expected to account for a fifth of group earnings.

• US: Congressman calls for energy drinks claims investigation

A US Congressman has called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate advertising claims made by energy drinks producers.

• FRANCE: Pernod Ricard launches company-wide social network

Pernod Ricard has linked its global workforce in a new online company social network.

• FRANCE: Parliament approves 160% beer tax hike

A law to raise beer tax in France by 160% has been approved by the country's Parliament, sparking a fresh attack from a trade body.

• UK/CHINA: Diageo targets vodka growth in China, despite baijiu buy

Diageo has said it believes its vodka stable is well placed to grow in China, despite its recent entry into the country's domestic white spirits category.

• just On Call - Brown-Forman to go slow on Jack Daniel's extensions

Brown-Forman has said it is “so far, so good” for the global roll-out of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, but has distanced itself from further flavour extensions for the core brand.

• RUSSIA: Coca-Cola Hellenic debuts new Tetra Pak carton

Coca-Cola Hellenic is the first company to use a new Tetra Pak package for The Coca-Cola Co’s Dobry juice range in Russia.

• CANADA: Brick Brewing YTD profits rise despite tough Q3

Brick Brewing has announced a jump in nine-month profits despite operational “challenges” in Q3.

• IRELAND: Alcohol duty hikes spark industry outrage

Drinks trade bodies in Ireland have branded the Government's decision to hike alcohol taxes as “disproportionate”, and urged a re-think. 

• US/RUSSIA: Distilled Spirits Council hails Russian trade bill

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has welcomed a new trade agreement with Russia, saying it will accelerate spirits exports to the world's third-largest spirits market.