On just-drinks last week:
- Carlsberg reported a leap in first-half net profits, but this was mainly due to the sale of its former brewery site in Copenhagen. The Danish brewer was cheered, however, by a recovery in its key market of Russia, with its CEO telling investors that the brewer is “back on a positive trend” in the region. Analysts were also impressed with the group's performance in Russia, while just-drinks' Andy Morton offered his take and a round-up of coverage.
- Treasury Wine Estates had a lively week. First, the Australian group unveiled the new MD of its Beringer unit. This was followed by a healthy set of full-year numbers, boosted by healthy exports into Asia.
- PepsiCo shuffled its personnel pack, announcing it is moving its Western Europe head into the newly-created role of PepsiCo Americas Beverages president. Gatorade president Sarah Robb O'Hagan will leave the group to "pursue other opportunities", as a result of the move.
- In spirits, Patience Gould dug out her atlas to ponder the question of what makes a brand "global". Many brands get referred to as "international" when they are regional at best, says Patience.
- Meanwhile, Diageo managed to persuade the UK's advertising authorities that its Smirnoff ad featuring Madonna did not break the rules. Its argument centred on the idea that Madge does not have a "strong appeal" to children, as the 53-year-old's fan base consists of "music lovers from the 1980s and 1990s".
- The week was rounded off by the sad news that the chairman of Pernod Ricard, Patrick Ricard, has died. The thoughts of us here at just-drinks are with Patrick's friends and family at this time.