Drinks industry body the Portman Group has leapt to the defence of former chief executive Baroness Coussins over her active role in shaping drinks labelling legislation in the House of Lords.

Belarus has emerged as an unlikely battleground for global brewers in early 2009, after Carlsberg has followed SABMiller in expressing its interest in the country's beer market.

South African wine brand Arniston Bay has reported a 35% rise in revenue in the UK for 2008.

Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) is to market and distribute Polish beer Zywiec beer in the UK. Zywiec beer is owned by Grupa Zywiec, which is part of Heineken Group like S&N. "We are delighted to welcome Zywiec beer as the latest addition to our premium lager portfolio," said speciality brands director Jonathan Townsend

Say goodbye to "Coca-Cola Classic."After nearly a quarter of a century, Coca-Cola Co. is dropping the word "Classic" from the name of its signature cola, parting with one of the most lasting consequences of its famous failed experiment with New Coke.

Last year's duty tax hikes have been "devastating" for the UK pub and beer sector, the head of Fuller, Smith & Turner has said, amid a 1% slip in beer volumes during the first 43 weeks of its fiscal year.

SABMiller has acquired a 71% stake in Romanian brewer Bere Azuga, as it looks to expand in the country's fast-growing beer market.