just the Ten - Top News Stories of 2010

With the end of the year looming, just-drinks is running a series of 'Top Tens of the Year' in the run-up to Christmas.

Here are the ten most read news stories on just-drinks in 2010.

10: SWITZ: WHO targets child obesity with marketing curbs

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set out a number of recommendations on the marketing of soft drinks and junk food to children in a bid to curb obesity levels.

9: UK: William Grant & Sons completes Tullamore Dew deal

William Grant & Sons has completed its deal to acquire the spirits and liqueurs business of C&C Group for EUR300m (US$367m).

8: MEXICO: SABMiller complaint sparks beer monopoly probe

SABMiller has sparked a fresh Government investigation into "monopolistic practices" in Mexico's beer industry, but analysts believe the move is unlikely to damage leading brewers FEMSA Cerveza and Grupo Modelo.

7: US: Fortune Brands separates units, holds on to Beam Global

Fortune Brands has confirmed that it will break up its three business units and will look to become "focused solely" on its Beam Global Spirits & Wine division.

6: 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).

5: AUS: Foster's Group confirms beer, wine split

Foster's Group has confirmed that it will demerge its beer and wine units.

4: 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.

3: MEXICO: Heineken to acquire FEMSA Cerveza

Heineken has signed a deal to acquire FEMSA Cerveza, Mexico's second largest brewer, in a deal worth EUR3.8bn (US$5.5bn).

2: AUS/UK: Constellation Brands Aus, UK sale imminent

Press speculation out of Australia last week has suggested that Constellation Brands is approaching a deal to sell its Australian and UK operations.

1: RUSSIA: PepsiCo to acquire control of Wimm-Bill-Dann

PepsiCo has agreed to buy 66% of Wimm-Bill-Dann for US$3.8bn and plans to acquire full ownership of the juice and dairy giant, in a move that will make PepsiCo the largest food and beverage group in Russia.