just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

SABMiller, Heineken and MGD in Ireland

IRELAND: SABMiller takes Miller Genuine Draft off Heineken

Heineken-owned brewer Beamish & Crawford is to lose the brewing and distribution licence for Miller Genuine Draft in Ireland, brand owner SABMiller has said.

Tax rises and alcohol - research

GLOBAL: Tax rises cut alcohol consumption - study

Alcohol tax increases reduce demand for drinks more significantly than other public policies, according to a new study.

Pernod Ricard's US distribution

US: Pernod Ricard extends distribution deals

Pernod Ricard has signed fresh distribution deals for its drinks brands in the US with Southern Wine & Spirits of America and Republic National Distributing Company.

French winemakers on trial

FRANCE: Winemakers on trial in sugar scandal

Fifty-three French winemakers may face fines or prison after admitting that they illegally added extra sugar to their wines to increase alcohol levels.

Beam Global's US distribution

US: Beam Global signs deal with Southern Wine & Spirits

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has signed a new distribution deal with Southern Wine & Spirits of America.

Cott Corp. and Wal-Mart

US/CANADA: Cott Corp. loses Wal-Mart exclusive supply deal

Cott Corporation is to lose its exclusive supply agreement with its largest customer, US supermarket chain Wal-Mart, the private label soft drinks supplier has said.

UK guidelines for alcohol and children

UK: Under 15's should never be given alcohol - Government

Children aged under 15 should never be given alcohol, is the message from the UK's chief medical officer.

Fortune Brands' full-year results

US: Fortune Brands FY sales, profit tumble

Fortune brands has reported a 58% drop in full-year profit and an 11% slide in revenue, but said spirits arm Beam Global Spirits & Wine remains resilient in the recession.

Carlsberg and Belarus

BELARUS: Carlsberg looks to boost presence

Belarus has emerged as an unlikely battleground for global brewers in early 2009, after Carlsberg has followed SABMiller in expressing its interest in the country's beer market.

San Miguel Brewery full-year results

PHILIPPINES: San Miguel Brewery FY beer sales rise

San Miguel Brewery has reported an 11% rise in revenue and a 25% jump in net income for 2008, allaying fears of a decline in the global beer market.