just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

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

• US: Beam Inc hits back at Sidney Frank lawsuit

Beam Inc is “confident” of victory in a legal battle with Sidney Frank after the US importer filed a lawsuit against the global group and a subsidiary for US$100m.

• GLOBAL: Diageo to launch new product via bartender competition

Diageo is set to launch a new spirit or liqueur as part of a competition for bartenders across Western Europe.

• CHINA: Carlsberg to spend US$460m on Chongqing control

Carlsberg has lined up a stock transaction that will see it take majority control of Chongqing Brewery in China.

• LUXEMBOURG: SPI Group "considering" bid for CEDC

The owner of the Stolichnaya vodka brand, SPI Group, has confirmed that it is considering make a move for embattled spirits producer Central European Distribution Corporation.

• US: Coca-Cola Co brands orange juice lawsuit 'meritless'

The Coca-Cola Co has hit back at a lawsuit over the marketing of its orange juice brands after a US judge allowed the case to reach court.

• CANADA: Wine industry eyes opportunity as vineyard numbers grow

Canada's CAD6.8bn (US$6.6bn) wine industry has major potential for growth as drinkers move away from spirits and beer, according to a new report.

• just On Call - Nigeria beer market recovery dragging - Diageo

The head of Diageo's African operations has admitted that Nigeria's beer market is taking longer to recover than the company anticipated.

• Analysis - Brown-Forman casts eye over Scotch buy

Brown-Forman is unlikely to seek acquisitions in the short-term but may expand its whisk(e)y portfolio at a later date, according to an analyst.

• US: Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated FY profits fall

Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated has reported a slight drop in full-year net profits as marketing and staffing costs offset a rise in sales. 

• Analysis - Gruppo Campari faces "transitional" year

Gruppo Campari is set for a “transitional” year as it invests in its global infrastructure but this could pressurise short-term margins, according to an analyst.