Fiji Water LLC, Basalt, Colo., has been purchased by Roll International Corp., owner of Pom Wonderful pomegranate juices. According to Fiji Water, which sources its water in the Fiji islands, it is the second-largest selling imported water in the United States, and while financial details were not disclosed, some reports put the sale in the range of $50 million.

The company will continue to operate as an independent company under the current management structure. “Fiji Water has been, by far, my most satisfying business venture, both personally and professionally,” said David Gilmour, company founder. “It is with great pride that I turn the reins of this exceptional company over to a group that shares our vision of quality and excellence in all they do. I am confident that the Fiji Water brand will continue to thrive as part of Roll International.”

The Republic of Colombia has filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, against Pernod Ricard SA; Pernod Ricard USA LLC; Diageo North America Inc.; United Distillers Manufacturing; Diageo plc and Seagram Export Sales Co. Colombia and several of its regional departments allege the spirits companies have competed unfairly with government-owned businesses in the production and distribution of their products by selling into illegal channels and receiving payments from companies that deal in laundered funds. BI

Drinktec 2005, the “World Fair for Beverages and Liquid Food Technology,” has broadened its coverage to include milk- and whey-based beverages. Show organizers report such drinks are becoming popular globally, and affect not only the milk market, but the beverage and ingredient industries overall.

The group reports that modest sales in traditional milk belie the category’s potential due to “wellness” trends. White milk sales in Europe, for example, increased only 1.6 percent between 2000 and 2002, but yogurt-based drinks grew 18 percent, and 21 percent globally. Whey-based drinks and dairy smoothies also are expected to make impressive gains.

In a separate beverage direction, show organizers also point out that Drinktec is the No. 1 global platform for the production of wine and sparkling wine, and say “everything needed for the industrial manufacture and processing of wine and sparkling wines will be on show in Munich at the stands of exhibitors from all over the world.” Drinktec will focus on high-production wine areas such as France, Spain and Italy, as well as “New World” producers in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Chile.

Drinktec will be held Sept. 12-17 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany.

Jim L. Turner, president and chief executive officer at Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group, Dallas, announced he plans to retire in mid-2005. Turner founded the Dr Pepper Bottling Co. of Texas, which was acquired in 1999 by Cadbury Schweppes and the Carlyle Group and merged with the American Bottling Co. to form DPSUBG...

Bacardi Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Javier Farrán has resigned from the company. Chairman Ruben Rodriguez will assume his responsibilities while the company searches for a new chief executive...

Summerfield K. Johnston Jr., chairman of Coca-Cola Enterprises’ executive committee, has resigned from the board at CCE. During his tenure with the company, Johnston served twice as the company’s chief executive officer, and as chairman of the board...

Future Brands LLC, Deerfield, Ill., announced President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Donohoe plans to retire the middle of next year. He will be succeeded by alcohol industry veteran Steve Bellini, who most recently served as president of Presidio Beverage Co.