just the Round-Up - The week in drinks

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

• AUSTRIA: Red Bull silent on contamination report

Red Bull has refused to comment directly on reports it has been the victim of threats to contaminate its products in Austria.

• EUROPE: Trade body hits out after absinthe plans rejected

Trade group spiritsEUROPE has voiced its disppointment after a bid by the European Commission to define and standardise absinthe was rejected.

• S AFRICA: The Company of Wine People changes name

The Company of Wine People has announced that it is changing its name to Stellenbosch Vineyards.

• US: Craft beer volumes jump in 2012 - figures

Volume sales from US craft brewers rose by 15% in 2012, giving the sub-category a 6.5% share of the country's beer market, according to latest figures.

• CAGE 2013 - Diageo set fair in China, despite tighter gifting controls

Diageo's sales in China have stayed firm despite stricter controls covering inter-governmental gifting and banqueting, according to the firm's chief operating officer.

• US: Beam Inc claims victory in Pucker trademark dispute

Beam Inc has welcomed a legal ruling in a trademark dispute over its Pucker flavoured vodka brand.

• UK: Budget - Beer duty escalator scrapped, but spirits, wine still hit

The UK Government has announced a cut in beer tax and scrapped the duty escalator on the category in its annual Budget. 

• UK: Diageo backs away from 'flavoured' Scotch move

Diageo has distanced itself from entering the 'flavoured' Scotch whisky arena, as Bacardi readies a honey-”infused” expression of its Dewar's Scotch brand.

• FRANCE: Belvedere gets debt restructure okay, sells off Danzka

Belvedere has been granted court approval for its debt restructuring plan, while the French spirits group has also lined up the sale of its Danzka vodka brand.

• CHINA: Pernod Ricard's sales hit by state crackdown

Pernod Ricard has said its performance in China has been hit this year by the clampdown on inter-governmental gift-giving and banquets.