just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

William Grant, Charmer Sunbelt and Stolichnaya

US: William Grant & Sons signs Stolichnaya deal with Charmer Sunbelt Group

Scotch whisky group William Grant & Sons has signed a new distribution deal in the US with The Charmer Sunbelt Group, as part of its strategy to reinvigorate Stolichnaya vodka in the country.

Diageo's tax attack

UK: Diageo in tax payments row

Drinks giant Diageo has defended its record on tax payments in the UK, following allegations that it has sought to shift profit to lower tax countries.

Coca-Cola Enterprises finance appointment

US: Coca-Cola Enterprises appoints finance VP

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has appointed Joseph Heinrich to the newly-created role of vice president for global financial intiatives.

Cobra Beer H1 sales

UK: Cobra Beer sales leap, sale progressing

Cobra Beer, which today (3 February) reported a 20% rise in beer volumes for its fiscal first-half, has begun presentations to potential buyers, just-drinks understands.

Maxxium, Beam Global and Russian Standard

SE ASIA: Russian Standard signs Maxxium, Beam Global deal

Russian Standard Vodka is to be distributed in South East Asia by Maxxium Worldwide, with Maxxium partner Beam Global Spirits & Wine set to take lead responsibility and eventual distribution control in the region, just-drinks understands.

SABMiller, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Oriental Brewery

S KOREA: SABMiller silent on A-B InBev, Oriental Brewery move

SABMiller has declined to comment on reports that it has been approached by Anheuser-Busch InBev as a potential buyer of the brewing giant's South Korea-based Oriental Brewery.

SWA, Khoday India and Peter Scott

UK/INDIA: SWA falls again at latest Khoday India hurdle

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) plans to continue its fight against Khoday India's Peter Scot whisky brand in India, despite its latest legal setback.

Diageo, United Spirits latest

UK/INDIA: Diageo silent on push for larger United Spirits stake talk

Diageo has declined to comment further on reports that it is looking for a larger than previously reported stake in United Spirits in India.

Asahi, Lotte team up for Oriental?

JAPAN/S KOREA: Asahi, Lotte deny Oriental Brewery team-up

Asahi Breweries and Lotte Group have denied reports that they are colluding to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev's Oriental Brewery in South Korea for over US$1bn.

Budejovický Budvar to look for GI application?

EUR: Budejovický Budvar pushed to lodge GI application

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) appears to be encouraging Czech brewery Budejovický Budvar to lodge a European Union (EU)-wide application for geographical indication protection for its beer.