Here's a look at what was happening on this day in…

Whenever you give a business journalist the opportunity to ask a senior drinks executive – particularly one who works in spirits – a question, you can be pretty certain this will be that question: &quotHow concerned are you about the gaps in your company's portfolio?&quot

It was Brown-Forman's &quotstellar year&quot, according to company CFO Don Berg. More accurately, however, it was the year of Jack Daniel's, which in yesterday's full-year results posted 11% sales growth – not bad for what Brown-Forman claims is the only truly global &quotpremium&quot spirits brand.

Diageo confirmed yesterday (6 June) that it will invest heavily in its Scotch whisky production capabilities going forward. As soon as the announcement was made, debate kicked off about whether the move was a positive for Diageo or Scotland, or both. Whatever the argument, the news confirms that Diageo is dead set on coming good on its promise to have half of its annual net sales coming from the emerging markets.

This month, Richard Corbett casts his eye in the direction of Afghanistan – a country of great danger, but maybe even greater potential, for the soft drinks and water producers among us.

France's Champagne council is keen to mute celebration of a sharp rise in exports to the US market in the first two months of 2010.

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Like prominent Indian companies in many sectors, spirits producer United Spirits India has not only benefited from the rapid development of its domestic market but is also expanding its own international horizons. In this month's just the answer, Chris Mercer spoke with United Spirits' president Vijay Rekhi.

The 61st World Health Assembly published its resolution on "Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol" last month. Ben Cooper examines the resolution and the response from public health agencies and industry.

The majority owner of Carlsberg is keen for the brewer to grow outside of potential partnerships, according to reports.

SABMiller has declined to comment on local reports linking the brewer with Indian rival United Breweries in the Tamil Nadu region of India.

Diageo has admitted that it has been involved with "all parties" about helping in the break-up of Allied Domecq.

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