just the round-up - The week in drinks

The top ten most visited stories on just-drinks this week:

Beam Global eyeing acquisitions

UK: Vin & Sprit defeat keeps Beam Global's "powder" dry - CEO

The head of Beam Global Spirits & Wine has said the company has "a lot of dry powder", and will consider other acquisitions following its failure to capture Vin & Sprit earlier this month.

UB Group exposes WTO tax brick wall

UK: UB Group chief hits out at WTO threats

The head of India's UB Group has warned that the ongoing struggle against higher taxes on imported spirits into the country cannot be resolved through the World Trade Organisation.

LVMH reveals Q1 results

FRANCE: LVMH reports revenue growth but wines and spirits suffer

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury group, said today (16 April) that it had achieved revenues of EUR4 billion (US$6.37bn) in the first quarter of 2008, up 5% on the same period last year.

United Spirits ponders energy drink sector

INDIA: United Spirits mulls energy drink launch - report

United Spirits is contemplating a move into the energy drink sector in India an effort to boost vodka sales, according to local reports.

Scotch - yet to reach full potential

If you ask me CBC - malt whisky's rocky evolution

Malt whisky continues to outpace the growth of blended Scotch and its leading brands are putting in stellar performances. But as a new report from just-drinks explains, a closer look reveals a category still underperforming with issues of pricing, image and availability threatening its future.

Danone reports Q1 results

FRANCE: Groupe Danone deliver Q1 sales lift

Groupe Danone has posted a healthy lift in first quarter sales, driven in part by rising revenues from its waters division.

Belvedere launches diamond pick

US: Belvedere Vodka launches Jade Jagger creation

Belvedere Vodka has teamed up with Jade Jagger to launch an 18-carat white gold ice pick, studded with 12-carats of cut diamonds.

SABMiller discloses FY figures

UK: SABMiller sales hit top end of projections

SABMiller has reported that sales for the 12 months to the end of March have been at the top end of its expectations, as the company benefited from what it described as "successful revenue management and enhanced productivity" as well as favourable exchange rates in some of its major countries.

Belvedere talks over Russian distillery

RUSSIA: Belvedere in talks to buy Russian distillery

Belvédère Group has confirmed it has held talks with a major distillery in Russia in an effort to "strengthen its position in the vodka market".

United Breweries in talks with Heineken

UK: "No roadblocks" to Heineken, United Breweries stake transfer

The head of United Breweries has said that there "shouldn't be any roadblocks" in his company's negotiations with Heineken over a stake in the Indian company.