News Briefs
July 1, 2004
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News Briefs
Arrowhead Water Products recently bought competitor, bottled
water producer Pure Water Shops, Calgary, Alberta. The purchase price constituted
a mix of cash and stock. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval.
The U.K. government and whisky- makers are still
wrangling over plans by the government to introduce strip stamps on whisky
bottles in April of 2006. Under a recent amendment to the finance bill,
whisky-makers would be permitted to put stamps on existing labels rather
than over the tops of bottles. Incorporating the stamp into the label on
the front or back of bottles would reduce the costs of investing in new
machinery.
Hoping to make peace between Mexico and the United
States, the World Trade Organization is working
to settle a dispute over soft drink imports. The WTO is setting up a panel
to review the dispute over Mexico’s 20 percent tax on sodas and other
beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup or any sweetener other than
cane sugar. U.S. officials claim the tax is a protectionist measure by the
Mexican government and that there is not enough difference between cane
sugar and other sweeteners to warrant the tax. Don’t bank on a quick
settlement, Mexico thinks it’s too early to turn over the matter to
the WTO.
Information Resources Inc.
and HealthFocus International formed an alliance to provide CPG companies with information
about the health and wellness marketplace. The partners announced the
immediate availability of HealthTracker, a syndicated service to help
manufacturers and retailers continually monitor and understand the impact
of health and wellness trends in attitudes and awareness on consumer
behaviors.
Corrections: In the June issue, page 60, Hillebrand
Wines’ location was incorrectly cited as Toronto, Ontario. The
correct location is Vancouver, British Columbia. Beverage Industry apologizes for
the confusion.
Page 12 of the May issue contained the wrong photo of
Barton Brands’ Ridgemont Reserve 1792.
This is the correct photo.
