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Harpers Leader: So much for a quiet start to 2007

Published:  30 November, 1999

So, just back from the Christmas and New Year festivities and we are already looking at changes, restructuring and possible further consolidation in the industry.

The news that the Swedish government has finally decided to privatise Vin & Sprit, owners of Absolut, has sparked a flurry of speculation about where the premium vodka brand is likely to end up.

While that will be forefront of mind (with pound signs) to the City, of equal importance to the trade is what is likely to happen to Maxxium, the grouping of V&S, Edrington and Jim Beam, now that Rmy Cointreau has decided to withdraw

from the sales and distribution consortium.

With Fortune Brands having set up Beam Global Distribution (UK) Ltd to handle its enhanced drinks business following the carve-up of Allied Domecq and now V&S up for sale, you have to wonder what the future has in store for Maxxium.

The coming months will also be interesting on the corporate front.

Otherwise, the trade seems to have enjoyed a healthy Christmas and it was good to hear that the venerable Hugh Johnson has been awarded an OBE - even it was for 'winemaking and gardening'.



Christian Davis

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