Smirnoff

just the Answer - Andy Fennell, chief marketing officer, Diageo

27 Apr 2010

In this month's just the Answer, we sit down with Diageo's chief marketing officer, Andy Fennell, who assumed the post in September 2008. Fennell timed his promotion to almost coincide with the economic downturn, but remains in strong support of the strategy of premiumisation.

The just-drinks Interview - Heineken's Head of Africa

15 Apr 2010

In the second of our just-drinks Interview special this month, Michelle Russell talks to Tom de Man, president of Africa and Middle East for Heineken, about the brewer's hopes in South Africa, and its partnership with Diageo in the region.

The just-drinks Interview - Diageo's Head of Africa

8 Apr 2010

Late last month, Diageo and Heineken officially opened a new brewery in South Africa. Among those attending the opening ceremony were Nick Blazquez, head of Diageo Africa, and Tom de Man, president of Africa and Middle East for Heineken. In a just-drinks African special this month, we have two interviews – the first of which sees Michelle Russell sit down with Blazquez.

In the Spotlight - Premium beer tussle in S Africa

29 Mar 2010

As Heineken CEO Jean-Francois Van Boxmeer last week hailed the opening of the firm's brewery with Diageo in South Africa as “a victory for consumer choice”, it is clear that a new battle for supremacy has begun in a country currently dominated by SABMiller.

just the facts - Diageo, Heineken's Sedibeng brewery

29 Mar 2010

Diageo and Heineken last week officially opened a brewery in South Africa as part of a joint venture. Here are some facts on the ZAR3.5bn (US$473m) brewery.

S AFRICA: Consumers want more choice - Heineken CEO

26 Mar 2010

Heineken CEO Jean-Francois Van Boxmeer has hailed the opening of the firm's brewery with Diageo in South Africa as a victory for consumer choice.

S AFRICA: Heineken, Diageo open brewery

25 Mar 2010

Diageo and Heineken have officially opened a brewery in South Africa as they look to take beer sales off SABMiller in its home territory.

US: Diageo plans vodka launches

24 Mar 2010

Diageo is planning several vodka launches on the US market this year, including two new brands targeted at consumers who are looking to spend less money per bottle.

UK: Diageo in Easter marketing push

19 Mar 2010

Diageo is to launch an Easter marketing campaign around its spirits portfolio in the UK.

Product Launch - US: Diageo's Smirnoff Blue: Spiced Root Beer, Dark Roasted Espresso

11 Mar 2010

Diageo's Smirnoff Blue: Spiced Root Beer, Dark Roasted Espresso

UK: Coca-Cola Enterprises, Diageo to launch GBP4m campaign

10 Mar 2010

Diageo and Coca-Cola Enterprises have announced plans to launch a GBP4m (US$6m) marketing campaign in the UK, focusing on cocktail culture among the growing number of home drinkers.

CHINA: Diageo signs deal to control China's ShuiJingFang spirits group

1 Mar 2010

Diageo has signed a deal to take a controlling stake in China's Sichuan Chengdu Quanxing Group, paving the way for the drinks giant to acquire one of the country's leading white spirits producers.

Analysis - Premium drinks to remain under pressure - Diageo chief

11 Feb 2010

Diageo CEO Paul Walsh has said that he sees little respite for the firm's premium drinks brands in key western markets over the medium term, but added that the drinks giant does expect improved profits in its second half.

GLOBAL: Diageo H1 profits down, maintains guidance

11 Feb 2010

Weak consumer demand in the economic downturn has caused Diageo to report a fall in half-year profits, but the drinks group said that a recovery is on the way.

UK: Diageo silent on deal offer to leave UK

3 Feb 2010

Diageo has declined to comment on a report that authorities in Switzerland have offered the drinks giant incentives to switch its corporate headquarters to the country from the UK.

GLOBAL: Diageo to rebound in 2010 - analyst

13 Jan 2010

Diageo's growth model remains intact and the drinks giant is set for steady growth in 2010, according to one analyst.

US: Spirits demand lower than expected - Diageo chief

16 Dec 2009

Diageo president for North America, Ivan Menezes, has said that consumer demand for spirits was lower than expected in November and the firm has cut its expectations for December.

UK: Diageo CEO cannot rule out overseas HQ move

16 Dec 2009

The chief executive of Diageo has refused to rule out moving the drinks firm's headquarters away from the UK.

NZ: Lion Nathan to distribute Diageo's Captain Morgan rum

14 Dec 2009

Lion Nathan, taken over by Japan's Kirin Holdings in October, has extended its agreement with Diageo to distribute and market Captain Morgan Rum in New Zealand.

In the Spotlight - Brown-Forman

11 Dec 2009

Jack Daniel’s whiskey owner Brown-Forman lifted its full-year profits guidance on Tuesday (8 December), exceeding expectations and moving analysts to raise their fair value estimate on the firm. Michelle Russell examines the results and market reaction.

US: Diageo combines marketing and innovation teams

9 Dec 2009

Diageo has combined its marketing and innovation teams in North America under the leadership of current innovation team head Peter McDonough.

UK: Smirnoff vodka advert escapes ban

9 Dec 2009

A television advert for Diageo's Smirnoff vodka brand has escaped a ban in the UK following complaints to the country's advertising watchdog.

US: Diageo renews Wirtz Beverage Group deal

2 Dec 2009

Diageo has renewed a distribution agreement with Wirtz Beverage Group in the US state of Illinois.

TANZANIA: Diageo hands spirits distribution to Serengeti Breweries

24 Nov 2009

Diageo and subsidiary East African Breweries have transferred distribution of all spirits brands in Tanzania to Serengeti Breweries with immediate effect.

CANADA: Diageo to close Dorval, Quebec bottling plant

23 Oct 2009

Diageo is to close its Dorval bottling plant in Quebec in what it describes as a “careful review” of the company’s supply chain.

GLOBAL: Diageo Q1 sales drop, holds guidance

14 Oct 2009

Diageo has reported a 6% fall in sales for its first fiscal quarter, but the drinks giant maintained profits guidance for the year.

just the preview - Diageo Q1

13 Oct 2009

Diageo is set to release a trading statement on its first fiscal quarter at the group's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (14 October).

US: Diageo cuts Fox News adverts

7 Oct 2009

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

just the answer – Brian Duffy, Guinness global brand director

24 Sep 2009

With today marking the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Guinness stout brand, just-drinks is in Dublin to speak to Guinness' global brand director, Brian Duffy.

US: Diageo opens Illinois upgrade, attacks state's tax hike

24 Aug 2009

Diageo has officially opened its new US bottling facility, geared up to help the company's ready-to-serve cocktail portfolio.