just the Ten - Top News Stories of 2011

By Olly Wehring | 21 December 2011

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 2011.

10: GLOBAL: GlaxoSmithKline eyes "globalisation" for drinks brands

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has said it still plans to launch its Lucozade energy drink in the US "when the time is right", and that it is also eyeing other global markets.

9: GUATEMALA/UK: Diageo takes control of Zacapa

Diageo has secured a controlling stake in the Zacapa rum brand from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, just-drinks can exclusively reveal.

8: IRELAND/UK: William Grant & Sons considers Tullamore Dew distillery

William Grant & Sons has confirmed that it will consider building a distillery in Ireland for its recently-acquired Tullamore Dew whiskey brand.

7: US: PepsiCo heads back to basics as pressures mount

The new CEO of PepsiCo Americas Beverages plans to renew the group's focus on core soft drinks brands in the US in order to improve sales and investor confidence.

6: GLOBAL: Bacardi sees Havana Club trademark revoked in three markets

Bacardi has had its registration of the Havana Club trademark revoked in three Eastern European markets, just-drinks understands.

5: TFWA: UB Group open to Diageo, Pernod Ricard tie-up for Beam Inc

The head of India's UB Group has suggested that the company would be “very interested” in teaming up with another drinks firm to make a move for Beam Inc at some point in the future.

4: Product Launch - UK: Aldi's Glenbridge 40 Year Old Single Malt

Aldi's Glenbridge 40 Year Old Single Malt

3: AUS: Foster's Group agrees takeover deal with SABMiller

SABMiller has agreed a deal to buy Foster's Group for AUD5.1 per share in cash, in a deal valuing the business at AUD12.3bn (US$12.6bn), including debt.

2: GLOBAL: Diageo rolls out review to entire operating model

Diageo has extended the review of its European operations to encompass its entire operating model, in an attempt to creating “a more cost-effective organisation”.

1: US: Beam Global Spirits & Wine snaps up Skinnygirl

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has acquired US spirits brand Skinnygirl for an undisclosed sum.

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

Companies: Diageo, PepsiCo, Bacardi, William Grant, Havana Club, Pernod, Ricard, UB Group, SABMiller, Foster’s, Beam Global

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