Just the round-up - The week in drinks

The top ten stories published on just-drinks this week.

Credit crunch squeezes Innocent Drinks

UK: Innocent smoothie sales hit by credit crunch

Worsening economic conditions have hit sales for smoothie producer Innocent Drinks over the last six months. 

EU takes India back to the WTO

EU: Fresh WTO battle launched over Indian spirits tax  

EU trade officials have launched a fresh complaint at the World Trade Organisation over high import tariffs on wine and spirits in several Indian states.

AG Barr lifts sales, profits

UK: Irn-Bru, Rockstar boost AG Barr in H1  

Soft drinks group AG Barr has said that growth from its core Irn-Bru brand and a new partnership with Rockstar Energy boosted sales in its first half.

 Foster's sale rumours gather pace

AUS: Drinks industry suitors eye Foster's sale  

Some of the drinks industry's biggest names are thought to be eyeing Australian group Foster's, just-drinks understands.

French winemaker scores success with "vin de merde"

FRANCE: "Vin de merde" wine producer sells out  

A French winemaker who named his latest vintage "Vin de Merde", or "Shit Wine", has sold almost his entire production in what is seen as a triumph over severe advertising restrictions.

Russians get a taste for wine

ANALYSIS: Russia's growing wine market

Russia's wine market has been thrust into the spotlight in the last couple of weeks, following news that Constellation');return false;" href="http://www.just-drinks.com/factsheet.aspx?id=8">Constellation Brands plans to significantly increase sales in the country.

Alternatives to sulphites in wine

EU: Research to replace sulphites in wine  

An EU research project has been launched to prevent allergic reactions to wine, by finding alternatives to sulphur dioxide.

MillerCoors puts Sparks Red on hold

US: MillerCoors shelves Sparks Red launch  

MillerCoors has shelved its planned launch of caffeinated alcoholic drink Sparks Red, following a complaint by a coalition of 25 US States

Students oppose Scotland drinking age plan 

UK: Petition against raising drinking age handed to MPs  

A petition against plans to raise the legal age for buying alcohol in shops in Scotland, and signed by around 10,000 people, has been presented to Scottish MPs.