European brewers that have failed to broaden their portfolios into emerging markets are likely to suffer increasing pressure from sluggish sales and sliding markets, analysts and market watchers say. Shrinking European populations, a shift in tastes among younger drinkers to spirits-based products or wine, and a trend to drinking at home rather than in bars all threaten volumes - The Business
Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries and Tizer-to-Orangina group AG Barr are both expected to serve up some welcome refreshment for the City when they report this week. Wolverhampton & Dudley has impressed investors of late and analysts will be hoping that this record has been extended, while AG Barr should unveil a healthy set of annual figures on Wednesday, despite competitive trading conditions and the impact of a poor summer on the weather front - Sunday Telegraph
The first barman to sue over the effects of passive smoking is to go to court in a case that could trigger a multi-million pound compensation bill for Britain's pub trade. Lawyers believe it could set a legal precedent. The case involves a bar worker in Nottingham, who developed severe breathing difficulties. His lawyers believe these stemmed directly from his working in a pub. Thompsons solicitors, which is pursuing the claim, has received scores of further potential claims from pub staff - The Observer
Almost 4,000 children aged 11 - 15 were hospitalised last year suffering from the effects of alcohol. The Department of Health statistics have been issued to coincide with the Bank Holiday weekend as police prepare to deal with underage drinking on a massive scale and come amid what the Mail calls 'continuing fears over the impact of the government's 24-hour drinking regime' - The Mail on Sunday
Carlsberg's 12-year sponsorship deal with Liverpool Football Club is on the verge of collapse. The deal, the longest-running in the Premiership, comes to an end this season. The two parties had been locked in exclusive negotiations to renew the contract, which is thought to be worth around £6m a year. But sources say the talks have stalled and Liverpool is thought to be close to securing a replacement sponsor. The stumbling block is believed to have been Liverpool's failure to win major trophies such as the Premiership - The Independent on Sunday
Coca-Cola's UK sales plunged by more than £100m last year as consumer demand for healthier options hit home. According to a review of the soft drinks sector by rival Britvic, Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), saw sales slide 7 per cent last year to £1.46bn. The withdrawal of Dasani, the bottled water that turned out to be glorified tap water with added cancer-causing chemicals, and a wet summer would have played a part in the decline - The Independent on Sunday