just the round-up - The week in drinks

Scroll down to view 10 of the top stories published on just-drinks this week.

SABMiller, CR Snow

CHINA: SABMiller CR Snow buys breweries

SABMiller's Chinese joint venture, China Resources Snow Breweries, is to buy three breweries in the country for a total US$110m.

RTD

AUS: Senate rebellion may scupper RTD drinks tax

A 70% tax hike on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages in Australia is on a knife-edge as the government faces widespread rebellion in the country's Senate.

WSTA, UK

UK: Drinks Industry facing mass jobs cuts

The UK alcoholic drinks sector is braced for up to 80,000 job cuts and falling sales over the next four years, a new report has warned, as industry leaders notch up the pressure on the government's proposed duty tax rises.

Nestle

GLOBAL: Nestle slashes bottled water investment

Nestle cut investment in its under-performing bottled water business by more than a quarter last year and is looking to shave off more costs in 2009.

Absolut Vodka

The just-drinks interview - Absolut Vodka CEO

Ketil Eriksen spoke with Michelle Russell about the challenges of his first six months, and those to come.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, Labatt

US: A-B InBev sells Labatt US arm

Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed a deal to sell its InBev USA business, the distributor for Labatt beer in the US, to private equity group KPS Capital Partners.

Eastern Europe

COMMENT: Eastern Europe on the rocks?

The agreement by European leaders to top up funds held by the International Monetary Fund should be welcomed by anyone who has an interest in the economies of emerging markets, and particularly Central & Eastern Europe. 

Scotch Whisky

UK: Scotch Whisky distillers push for Korea tax deal

Talks between the EU and South Korea on a possible free trade agreement could significantly benefit Scotch whisky distillers, the Scotch Whisky Association has said.

Diageo

GLOBAL: Diageo acquires rights to Windhoek beer

Diageo plans to expand Windhoek beer across Africa after acquiring the global rights to produce and distribute the brand outside of its key South African and Namibian markets.

Carlsberg

DENMARK: Carlsberg launches EUR250 beer

Carlsberg has shrugged off concerns about the economic downturn to launch a limited edition beer worth EUR250 per bottle.