On just-drinks last week:
New Zealand Winegrowers' director for Europe stepped down suddenly and quickly, leading to the nearest we've seen to a media frenzy for quite some time in the UK drinks industry. Michael Cox followed the announcement with a statement of his own, in which he merely said: "It felt right".
The Coca-Cola Co followed its H1 results announcement by highlighting its performance in China in the period. As the country has seen its economic growth slow, the company hailed the launch of smaller packaging offerings as helping it hold its own in recent years.
The long-expected legal challenge against Scotland's proposed minimum pricing introduction was finally launched, with the Scotch Whisky Association saying it will be complaining to Brussels. There really is something a bit arduous about all this: Throughout this process, which will conclude that minimum pricing breaches competition law, just-drinks will have to keep covering every twist and turn, regardless. I can feel your sympathy.
The big story last week came on Friday, when Heineken finally caved in and launched its bid to buy out Fraser & Neave from their joint venture, Asia Pacific Breweries. This is a tough one to call - as one analyst has highlighted, there are still "multiple scenarios" possible surrounding the deal. Heineken's US$4.07bn offer could be rejected, which could result in Heineken raising its offer "substantially"; alternatively, Heineken could sell its stake in APB; APB's assets could be split up, or Heineken may be forced to work with rival shareholders ThaiBev and/or Kirin. This is one we'll watch with relish.