just the round-up - The week in drinks

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 1 August 2008

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

French wine terrorist arrest?

FRANCE: Crav suspect arrested after winery explosion

A young French winemaker and suspected member of a wine militant group has been arrested after an explosion at his winery in southern France.

Diageo linked with Cobra Beer

UK: Cobra Beer in talks for investment, Diageo to buy in?

Cobra Beer has confirmed it is in talks with "several interested parties" with a view to lining up investment in the company.

Death of cult of celebrity?

UK: Consumers tiring of 'cult of celebrity' - research

Consumers are showing signs of fatigue towards celebrity marketing, according to new research from independent market analyst, Datamonitor.

Modelo, InBev still talking post-Anheuser-Busch deal

MEXICO: Grupo Modelo talks with InBev ongoing

Grupo Modelo is likely to form a partnership with new Anheuser-Busch owner InBev, despite the Mexican brewer's insistence that it has several options available, analysts believe.

Stolichanaya - still a way to go

RUSSIA: Stolichnaya vodka heading to US buyer?

US-based buyers would likely be favourites in an auction for Stolichnaya, one senior analyst has told just-drinks, but any potential sale remains shrouded in secrecy.

Bacardi buys into Patron

US: Bacardi buys into Patron Spirits Company

Bacardi has acquired a "significant" - albeit unspecified - minority stake in The Patrón Spirits Company.

Belvedere on the ropes?

FRANCE: Belvedere seeks permission to resume trading

Under-fire French wine and spirits firm Belvédère has filed a request to resume trading, following a court ruling protecting it from being declared bankrupt.

Scotch Whisky Association despair at WTO collapse

UK: Scotch whisky makers upset at WTO talks breakdown

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has expressed its frustration at the collapse of World Trade Organisation talks.

SABMiller Q1 volumes down

UK: SABMiller beer volumes slip in Q1

Shares in SABMiller fell this morning (31 July) after the brewer said organic lager volumes dipped by 1.6% in its first quarter.

Diageo denies Guinness ad link

UK: Diageo attacks naughty rogue Guinness ad

Diageo has moved to distance itself from a viral Internet advert for its Guinness beer brand.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks, Spirits, Water, Wine

Companies: Cobra Beer, Modelo, InBev, Diageo, Bacardi, Anheuser-Busch, Stolichnaya, Belvedere, Scotch Whisky Association, SABMiller, The Patrón Spirits Company, Guinness