just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

Heineken and United Breweries

INDIA: Heineken secures India deal with UB Group

Heineken has finally sealed a shareholder deal in India with United Breweries.

The World Cup of beer

SOUTH AFRICA: World Cup beer battle brewing

One of the biggest games in next year's Fifa World Cup in South Africa will be played out in the nation's bars and retailers.

Kirin Holdings in China

CHINA: Kirin Holdings raises soft drinks JV stake

Kirin Holdings is to expand its presence in China's soft drinks market by raising its stake in joint venture group Shanghai Jinjiang Kirin Beverage & Food.

Brown-Forman's H1...

US: Brown-Forman raises guidance on H1 profits rise

Jack Daniel's whiskey owner Brown-Forman has lifted its full-year profits guidance after reporting a rise in earnings for the first half of its fiscal year.

... and Aus/NZ appointment

US/AUS: Brown-Forman names Australia, NZ managing director

Brown-Forman has confirmed a replacement for its recently-promoted managing director for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The UK's pre-Budget report

UK: Chancellor confirms VAT rise, leaves alcohol duty

UK chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed that value added tax will return to 17.5% next year, but there will be no further direct rise on alcoholic drinks duty tax.

Diageo's Scotland adventure - the end

UK: Diageo concludes Scotland restructuring talks

Diageo has confirmed that "the vast majority" of workers affected by its planned restructure in Scotland have accepted the company's proposals.

PepsiCo's Gatorade and Tiger Woods

US: PepsiCo to drop Gatorade Tiger Focus

PepsiCo has denied any link between its decision to drop its Gatorade Tiger Focus drink and the current media speculation surrounding the private life of the product's inspiration, golfer Tiger Woods.

Diageo and Femsa

MEXICO: Analysts dampen Diageo, Femsa link

Diageo has been linked to a buyout deal for Mexcian brewer Femsa Cerveza but analysts believe the drinks giant remains very much an outsider, with SABMiller in pole position.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

US: Diageo exiting Bordeaux wine futures market

Diageo is exiting the market for first-growth Bordeaux wines in the US due to falling prices and lower market demand.