just the round-up - The week in drinks

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

MEXICO: Grupo Modelo FY profits drop

Grupo Modelo, Mexico's largest brewer, has reported a slip in net profits for 2009, despite a rise in sales and a surge in earnings in the fourth quarter of the year.

US: William Grant & Sons outsources Raynal distribution

William Grant & Sons has handed distribution of Raynal French brandy in the US to White Rock Distilleries, but will retain ownership of the brand.

UK: Pernod Ricard's plan to lift Jacob's Creek

Jacob’s Creek faces a crucial year in the UK as owner Pernod Ricard looks to arrest a sales decline and lift the brand to a more premium platform.

AUS: Wine business sale still an option - Foster's CEO

Foster’s Group may still look to sell its wine business, but the group has received no offers for either that or its more successful beer arm, CEO Ian Johnston has said.

US/VIRGIN ISLANDS: Diageo slams Bacardi over Virgin Islands rum deal claims

Diageo has launched a scathing attack on rival drinks group Bacardi, accusing the rum group of conducting a clandestine “campaign of misinformation” against Diageo's plan to move rum operations to the US Virgin Islands.

UK: LIWF organisers confident despite pullouts

Organisers of the London International Wine Fair have said that they remain confident for 2010, despite withdrawals of several high-profile wine companies, including Constellation Brands and E&J Gallo Winery.

Comment - Did Heineken get a raw deal on S&N?

Nearly two years since Carlsberg and Heineken joined forces to buy and carve up Scottish & Newcastle, it is hard to see what the Netherlands-based brewer got from the deal.

US: Coca-Cola Co confirms CCE acquisition

The Coca-Cola Co. has confirmed that it is to acquire the North American operations of its largest bottler, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE).

W EUROPE: Anheuser-Busch InBev faces union jobs ultimatum

Anheuser-Busch InBev faces the possibility of worker strikes across Western Europe over planned job cuts, unless the brewer accepts demands drawn up by a coalition of trade unions.

CHILE: Cheaper wine buys hit Vina Concha y Toro

Vina Concha y Toro has reported a fall in operating profits for 2009, hit by consumers spending less on wine in the economic downturn.