just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

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

• INDIA: Diageo avoids 30 years of work with United Spirits deal - report

Diageo has circumnavigated many years of work building up a spirits distribution network in India by buying a majority stake in United Spirits, according to a senior executive from one of the Indian group’s sister companies.

• GLOBAL: Pernod Ricard's growth potential brighter than Diageo's - analyst

Pernod Ricard has the edge over Diageo in terms of investor value partly due to its lower exposure to Europe’s struggling economies, according to an analyst.

• GLOBAL: Carlsberg will hold edge over rivals in 2013 - analyst

Carlsberg holds more potential for investors than its rivals brewers this year as its Russian performance continues to improve, according to an analyst.

• FRANCE/US: Bacardi snaps up St-Germain liqueur

Bacardi has confirmed the acquisition of French liqueur brand St-Germain.

• US: Anheuser-Busch InBev's Budweiser Black Crown to get Super Bowl exposure

Budweiser Black Crown – a stronger version of Anheuser-Busch's flagship beer – will go on sale in the US on 21 January and will be advertised during TV coverage of the Super Bowl.

• FRANCE : Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte sees 2012 volumes slip

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CNF) has posted a slight dip in full-year volumes, but still delivered its “second biggest performance” in its history.

• EUROPE: EFSA launches aspartame safety review

A full public consulutation on the safety of aspartame has been launched by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) today (8 January). 

• UK: Wemyss Malts owner plans GBP3m distillery

The Wemyss family, owner of Wemyss Malts, is to sink GBP3m (US$4.8m) into a new distillery in Scotland, with production set to start next summer.

• just On Call - Price pressures temper harvest joy - Constellation CEO

Constellation Brands' boss has said last year's California harvest will produce “fantastic wines”, but a rise in grape prices is set to hit the whole industry. 

• US: Beer market will avoid being "next Europe" - analyst

The US beer market will avoid suffering the same fate as Europe's, as the country's employment-led recovery boosts growth, according to an analyst.