just the round-up - The week in drinks

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 9 October 2009

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

PepsiCo bottling latest

PepsiCo is to create a new soft drinks bottler named PepsiCo Bottling North America, following its US$7.8bn deal to take full control of, and merge, Pepsi Bottling Group and PepsiAmericas.

Bruce Willis and Belvédère

FRANCE: Bruce Willis to become Belvédère shareholder

French drinks firm Belvédère, which is under bankruptcy protection, has said that Hollywood actor Bruce Willis is ready to invest in the company and is being invited to take a seat on its board.

Diageo and Baileys in Sweden

SWEDEN: Diageo launches Baileys Coffee in Sweden

Diageo has launched its Baileys Coffee liqueur in Sweden.

European call for strong arm on alcohol

EUR: Researchers call for tougher measures on alcohol

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has called for higher prices and tougher marketing restrictions to reduce alcohol-related harm, in a report commissioned by the current EU president nation, Sweden.

Pepsi Bottling Group Q3 results

Insight - Pepsi Bottling Group sees healthier drinks trends

Pepsi Bottling Group has reported an uplift in consumer demand for soft drinks across Europe and Mexico in the third quarter, but conditions in the US are likely to remain challenging.

Kirin closes on Lion Nathan

AUS: Court clears Kirin to swallow Lion Nathan

Lion Nathan has ceased to exist as a separate entity after Australia's Federal Court approved the takeover of the brewer by Japan's Kirin Holdings.

UK opposition to turn on alcohol - if it wins

UK: Conservative Government would "tear up" alcohol licensing laws

Licensing laws in England will be "torn up" and supermarkets will be banned from selling alcohol below cost if the Conservative Party wins the UK General Election, expected next year.

Diageo drops Fox News ads

US: Diageo cuts Fox News adverts

Diageo has ceased advertising on the Glenn Beck show on the Fox News network in the US.

Anheuser-Busch InBev sells theme parks

US: Anheuser-Busch InBev sells off theme parks to Blackstone

Anheuser-Busch InBev has completed the widely-expected sale of its entertainment business to private equity group Blackstone Capital Partners.

PepsiCo Q3 results

Insight - PepsiCo eyes 2010 as "unique" investment opportunity

PepsiCo said it sees 2010 as a "unique opportunity" to re-invest in long-term growth on the back of its recent purchase of two bottlers and falling costs

Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks, Spirits, Water, Wine

Companies: PepsiCo, Diageo, Pepsi Bottling, Belvédère, Lion Nathan, Kirin, PepsiAmericas, Anheuser-Busch, Anheuser-Busch InBev