just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

Opposition to minimum price proposal

UK: Conservatives, PM oppose minimum alcohol price

David Cameron, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has joined prime minister Gordon Brown in opposing minimum pricing for alcoholic drinks.

New chief for Beam Global

US: Beam Global Spirits & Wine appoints CEO

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the drinks arm of Fortune Brands and owner of Jim Beam, has appointed ex-leading Cadbury executive Matt Shattock as its new chief executive.

Maxxium travel retail ready for Beam, Edrington team-up

GLOBAL: Maxxium readies travel retail unit for Beam Global, Edrington alliance

Maxxium has detailed the reorganisation of its travel retail wing, ahead of the slimming down of the sales and distribution alliance next month.

AG Barr chairman calls time

UK: AG Barr chairman to step down

The chairman of AG Barr has confirmed his intention to stand down later this year.

Champagne and the economy

FRANCE: Recession to ease pressure on Champagne stocks

A fall in demand for Champagne during the global economic downturn could hand producers a chance to rebuild depleted stocks, the president of Champagne Houses Union has said.

Coca-Cola Co., Huiyuan no-go

CHINA: Coca-Cola Co. Huiyuan buy gets authorities' cold shoulder

The Coca-Cola Co. has seen its bid to buy China's Huiyuan Juice Group turned down by the country's Ministry of Commerce.

Moet Hennessy head for Heineken

NETHERLANDS: Moet Hennessy chief to join Heineken board

Heineken has lined up the head of Moët Hennessy as a board member.

Australia's RTD tax hike

AUS: RTD tax rise crashes after Senate vote

Australia's tax hike on RTDs lays in tatters today (18 March), after a vote on the increase in the country's Senate.

William Grant, SPI Group and Stolichnaya

GLOBAL: William Grant & Sons extends Stolichnaya deal beyond US

William Grant & Sons has extended its distribution agreement with the owner of vodka brand Stolichnaya, SPI Group.

Concha y Toro, Diageo in Chile

CHILE: Concha y Toro ties up with Diageo in Chile - report

Vina Concha y Toro has secured a national distribution deal in its home market of Chile with Diageo's unit in the country, according to local reports.