just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

The US spirits market

US: Recession hits spirits market growth

Economic woes in the US have begun to erode growth on the country's spirits market, hitting volumes at Pernod Ricard and Diageo, new figures show.

Constellation sells off spirits

US: Constellation Brands offloads value spirits business

Constellation Brands has lined up the sale of most of its spirits business, which consists of over 40 different brands, to Sazerac Company.

Pub struggle in the UK

UK: RBS looks to exit debt-ridden pub sector

The Royal Bank of Scotland is looking to sell off its 1,000-strong pub network, in an attempt to limit further financial loss by exiting the shrinking on-trade beer market.

Pernod Ricard H1 sales

FRANCE: Slower US sales peg back Pernod Ricard in H1

Pernod Ricard has seen sales in the US slow in its first half, as retailers in the country reduced their stock.

Diageo's South Korean tax bill

S KOREA: Diageo slapped with US$150m tax bill

Diageo has been hit with a tax demand for over US$153m in South Korea.

Duffy and Diet Coke

UK: Coca-Cola unveils Duffy for Diet Coke Europe campaign

Coca-Cola UK has confirmed that Welsh singer Duffy will star in its new Diet Coke European advertising campaign.

Anheuser-Busch InBev heads to New York

BELGIUM: Anheuser-Busch InBev to open New York office

Anheuser-Busch InBev is to transfer some of its operations to a new office in New York, resulting in a possible 89 job losses at the group's Leuven headquarters in Belgium.

Carlsberg job cuts in Northern Europe

DENMARK: Senior exec shake-up, job cuts beckon for Carlsberg

Carlsberg has announced a shake-up of its executive committee and a plan to cut almost 300 jobs in Northern Europe.

UK anti-duty rise coalition

UK: Drinks industry unites for tax freeze

Wine, beer and spirits sectors in the UK have united to press the government to abandon its plans for more duty tax rises this year.

Coca-Cola Co.'s Vitaminwater lawsuit

US: The Coca-Cola Co sued over VitaminWater

Lawyers and a consumer advocacy group are suing The Coca-Cola Co for deceptive marketing of its VitaminWater drink, a claim derided as "ludicrous" by the soft drinks giant.