With the end of the year looming, we take a look back at 2018. Here are the ten biggest news stories on just-drinks in the last 12 months.

10. Stoli Group readies mezcal category entry – just-drinks EXCLUSIVE

The spirits arm of SPI Group, Stoli Group, said it was to launch a mezcal brand as it continues to expand its portfolio.

9. Bacardi’s Martini division tests alcohol-free sparkling wine – just-drinks EXCLUSIVE

The global director for Bacardi’s Martini sparkling wines portfolio told just-drinks that the company is testing an alcohol-free variant.

8. Global tariff threat could derail US spirits growth – Distilled Spirits Council

The US spirits industry said it is “extremely concerned” about the threat of retaliatory taxes on American whiskey.

7. Anheuser-Busch InBev hangs fire on cannabis move – CEO Carlos Brito – just-drinks EXCLUSIVE

The head of Anheuser-Busch InBev has said the group is happy to watch the development of the cannabis industry from the sidelines for the time being, despite a recent move into the category from one of its North American peers.

6. Dr Pepper Snapple Group poised to merge with Keurig Green Mountain

Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Keurig Green Mountain agreed to merge their businesses to create a new beverage company, called Keurig Dr Pepper.

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5. Bacardi snaps up Tequila powerhouse Patron

Bacardi upped its holding in Patrón, acquiring the high-end Tequila business outright.

4. Heineken brings UK production in-market as Brexit looms – just-drinks EXCLUSIVE

Heineken confirmed to just-drinks that it has moved some UK production of its namesake lager into the country, ahead of next year’s departure from the European Union.

3. Henkell & Co set to acquire Freixenet control – just-drinks EXCLUSIVE

Henkell & Co is poised to announce its purchase of majority control of Spanish Cava producer Freixenet in the coming days, just-drinks understands, almost two years after rumours of an acquisition first surfaced.

2. Heineken links up with China Resources Enterprises in US$3.1bn deal

Heineken is betting on premium beer growth in China with a US$3.1bn partnership with Snow owner China Resources Enterprises.

1. The Coca-Cola Co targets Costa’s retail power with US$5.1bn coffee chain takeover

The Coca-Cola Co is plotting its way into the retail channel with the GBP3.9bn (US$5.1bn) takeover of UK-based coffeehouse chain Costa Coffee.

Click here for just-drinks’ look back at 2018