Heineken N.V. today announced that, effective October 1, 2010, it will create a Global Business Services organisation focused on the most effective and efficient delivery of Purchasing and Business Process & Technology services across the company.

Frans Eusman, currently Managing Director, Heineken France, will be appointed Global Business Services Director reporting to René Hooft Graafland, Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Frans will become a member of Heineken’s Executive Committee.

Frans will be succeeded as Managing Director of Heineken France by Marc Busain, currently Managing Director of Heineken’s Egyptian business, Al Ahram Beverages.

The current Group Business Process & Technology Director and Group Purchasing Director will continue in their existing roles, now reporting to Frans in his role as Global Business Services Director, and will form part of the management team of the Global Business Services organisation.

Over time, it is envisaged that the Global Business Services organisation will also explore opportunities to improve transactional financial shared services.

Commenting on the change, Jean-François van Boxmeer, Heineken’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer said, “Given the scale and speed of our organisational development, we believe there is considerable benefit in moving towards a more structured approach to providing business services. With Frans’ extensive knowledge and experience across our business, he is the right person to lead this ambitious and long-term initiative.”

Press enquiries

John Clarke

Tel: +31 (0)20 5239 355

john.g.clarke@heineken.com

Investor and analyst enquiries

Jan van de Merbel

Tel: +31 (0)20 5239 590

investors@heineken.com

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) and Coors Light are bringing yet another eye-catching, highly functional packaging innovation to market that is bolder, colder and more portable than ever before. Coors Light is launching the 16-oz. resealable Silver Bullet Aluminum Pint in Alumi-Tek bottles nationally on September 1, just in time for football season.

“The Coors Light Silver Bullet bottle represents a great opportunity for us,” said Rick Gomez, vice president, Coors Family of Brands. “We’ve seen our past innovations drive share and volume growth. And we’re going to really leverage the Silver Bullet bottle to gain incremental distribution.”

With its striking design emphasizing the Cold Activated mountains, the new Silver Bullet Aluminum Pint reinforces Coors Light’s positioning as the World’s Most Refreshing Beer, according to Gomez. The bottle delivers portability with a resealable twist off cap and wide mouth opening for a smooth pour. Cold Activated technology provided by thermochromic graphics printed on the bottle plus a Cold Activation Window in the secondary packaging lets consumers see that the beer is cold before they buy it. The unbreakable, 100 percent recyclable bottle helps keep beer cold and is perfect for any occasion, including patios, beaches, sporting events and other occasions in which glass may not be appropriate.

In addition to beer, Ball’s light weight Alumi-Tek bottle can be used for a wide variety of beverages, such as carbonated soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, enhanced water and beverages requiring retort processing. Ball leverages its two-piece aluminum beverage can manufacturing expertise to produce the Alumi-Tek bottle because the manufacturing technology for both packages is very similar. The bottles have the same high quality graphics found on cans and are decorated with the same printing process. Ball manufactures both 12-oz. and 16-oz. bottles at its plant in Monticello, Ind.

Ball Corporation is a supplier of high-quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 13,000 people worldwide and reported 2009 sales of more than $7.3 billion including discontinued operations. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit www.ball.com.

Fosters Full Year Results

• Net profit (pre material items and SGARA) $711.3 million

• Earnings per share (pre material items and SGARA) 36.9 cents

• Material items loss after tax of $1,162.7 million, SGARA loss after tax of $13.0 million

• Net loss (post material items and SGARA) $464.4 million

• Operating cash flow pre interest and tax $1,371.5 million

• Net debt down $426.8 million to $2.2 billion

Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR), the world’s leading wine company, announced today that it has taken steps to delist from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) by the end of fiscal year 2011, (Feb. 28, 2011). The company made the decision due to the securities being thinly traded in Australia, coupled with the additional complexity of administration and compliance associated with this listing.

The ASX delisting effort is not a share buyback and does not have an impact on the company’s securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, the delisting process does not impact the company’s Australian business operations.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands is the world’s leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation’s brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000(R) company with more than 100 brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations at more than 40 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation, visit the company’s web site at www.cbrands.com.

SOURCE Constellation Brands, Inc.

“We have a longstanding relationship with Carlton & United Breweries and we’re delighted it is set to continue”, said, Asahi Breweries Ltd President & Chief Operating Officer Mr Naoki Izumiya. “We are extremely pleased with Asahi Super Dry’s performance in Australia and are confident Carlton & United Breweries will continue to position the brand for future growth.”

Since 1992, Asahi has been amongst Australia’s favourite premium imported beers. Under this new agreement, the brand is positioned for rapid growth in coming years.

“Asahi continues to be a leading brand in the Carlton & United Breweries portfolio and we’re delighted to cement our partnership with Asahi,” said Carlton & United Breweries Managing Director, John Pollaers. “We value this extended long term agreement and are proud to have built the Asahi brand into Australia’s favourite Japanese beer.”

Competing juice makers Ocean Spray Cranberries and Decas Cranberry Sales are set for another legal battle, after Ocean Spray this week filed an action over “deceptive business practices”, though Decas has vowed to fight the case.

Ocean Spray is suing its rival, claiming that it engaged in an “unlawful and malicious” campaign to defame it with disparaging letters, emails, blogs, YouTube videos and Twitter postings.

Chuck Dillon, chief executive of Decas, told NutraIngredients-USA.com that the lawsuit was “totally frivolous” but the firm had not yet consulted its lawyers to determine its next course of action.

Richard Stamm, vice-president and general counsel for Ocean Spray said: “Decas has colluded with a group of growers and handlers to engage in a calculated and unlawful propaganda campaign to damage Ocean Spray’s reputation and relationships with our growers, customers and consumers.”

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative of cranberry growers and grapefruit producers first set up in 1930, in the US state of Massachusetts.

Flavour and fragrance supplier Treatt has unveiled a new flavouring ingredient for the soft drinks market, which the company claims can offer a sweeter taste than its conventional counterpart spearmint oil.

According to BeverageDaily, Spearmint Treattarome 9764 gives consumers the aroma of freshly trimmed spearmint leaves, imparting a scent reminiscent of the Mojito cocktail drink.

A spokesperson told the news provider: “The product does not enhance sweetness to a measurable degree. It leaves a sweeter impression than spearmint oil, probably because it is lighter in character and has no still notes.”

Distilled entirely from the spearmint plant, Mentha spicata, Treatt’s latest innovation constitutes what the firm calls a 100 per cent natural, FTNF (From The Named Food) clear distillate.

Earlier this month, Four Loko, a carbonated, fruit-flavoured beverage laced with caffeine and alcohol, was slammed by US officials, who claimed the product was being marketed to underage drinkers.

Jamaican rum producer Appleton Estate is bringing a rare 30-year-old rum to the UK market.

The company has created just 1,440 bottles of the drink, and expects plenty of interest from connoisseurs.

“The Appleton Estate is recognised around the world for producing premium aged rums of the finest quality and we are very excited about the prospects,” said UK brand manager Barnaby Rodgers.

“This rum will appeal not only to people passionate about rum, but to all spirit connoisseurs.”

Rum produced in Jamaica must follow the English law of minimum ageing, which dictates that the age indicated on the label must be the age of the youngest rum in the blend.

This means each of the individual rum marques that make up the 30-year-old Jamaica Rum blend have been aged in oak casks for a minimum of 30 years.

Carlsberg UK has unveiled a multimillion pound ad campaign for its San Miguel beer brand.

The two executions for the “Make Time” campaign — “Hourglass” and “Sundial” — are built around San Miguel’s iconic Chalice glass.

“We are delighted to unveil San Miguel’s biggest ever outdoor and press campaign,” said director of brands & insight, Paul Davies.

“These adverts get across the very essence of San Miguel – that we should take a leaf out of the book of the Spanish; to make time for yourself, to make time for friends and to make time for a pint of San Miguel.

“We all work hard in today’s society and spare time is a precious commodity – so you have to make the most of your downtime. What better way is there to do this over the summer than enjoying a pint of San Miguel with friends?”

The campaign has been rolled out nationwide and it will run throughout August — a second burst of activity will launch later in the month and will be focused on key cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

The campaign is supported by cinema advertising throughout the summer featuring the ‘slow men’ advert first aired in 2009.

It is the biggest outdoor poster campaign in the history of Carlsberg UK, with over 11,000 poster sites across the UK showcasing the campaign, including bus stops and digital panels on the London Underground.

The creatives will also be showcased in national press such as The Guardian and The Times as well as men’s magazines like GQ and FHM.

‘RELAXATION BEVERAGES’ FIGHT FOR SHELF SPACE AT SEATTLE RETAILER FROM NORTH END TO WEST SEATTLE

(DALLAS, Texas) July 15, 2010 – Step aside, Coke and Pepsi. Relaxation drinks are heading to the frontlines of a new beverage war in Seattle. The battle lines are being drawn in Seattle grocery and convenience stores including Jacksons Food Stores, Fred Meyers, QFC and Albertsons.

According to Vacation in a Bottle founder and CEO Travis Hollman, a great deal of media attention has surged around ‘energy drinks’ but he says the real fight lies in the fast-growing relaxation drink market which expects to hit $500 million in category wide sales.

“The real fight is going to be on the grocery aisle,” says ViB co-founder Travis Hollman.

“Vacation in a Bottle was the first to market with placement in national convenience and grocery store chains with a family-friendly drink that helps you to relax, chill out and be happy,” Hollman explains.

Hollman formulated the lightly carbonated beverage for all ages. Its key ingredient is L-theanine, the same amino acid found in green tea.

The drink has celebrity appeal too. And those celebrities are drinking up profits.

All Star forward and the newest member of the New York Knicks, Amar’e Stoudemire is one such example.

“Our celebrity roster of fans and brand-name investors sets the mark for our competitors.” says Hollman. “At this point, everyone else is trying to catch up.”
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Hollman does have one concern, however. “When I see beverages laced with melatonin, pushing the envelope, using shock-value marketing by comparing themselves to a very dangerous street drug, and offering even more ‘extreme’ versions of their drinks in a two-ounce shot form, I know they are grabbing at anything they can to gain market share while bringing negative attention to the relaxation beverage category as a whole.”

Hollman adds, “Extreme relaxation is counter-intuitive, and not a healthy approach. Melatonin is recognized for increasing drowsiness and inducing sleep, not relaxation. We are staying true to our brand’s founding principles of providing a healthy beverage that is low in sugar and delivers on taste and relaxation. Our product contains only 60 calories compared to Drank’s whopping 220 calories and 54 grams of sugar. Best of all, Vacation in a Bottle provides a relaxed and peaceful feeling without the crash associated with energy drinks or extreme beverages.”

ViB has been leading the category with its Pomegranate Berry and Mango Lime flavors.

About Vacation in a Bottle
Dallas entrepreneurs Travis Hollman and Johnny Dela Valdene know a few things about fun. Right on the heels of their hit toy, The Marshmallow Shooter, the fun-preneurs are at it again with their latest creation, ViB (Vacation in a Bottle). ViB [pronounced Vibe] is leading the next drinkable trend: the relaxation beverage. Hollman and Valdene launched ViB after seeing a growing backlash against the energy drink market. ViB’s main ingredient is the amino acid L-Theanine, the same ingredient that gives green tea its calming effect. Combined with other amino acids and B-vitamins, ViB is a low-sugar, no caffeine, lightly carbonated beverage that relaxes, while increasing focus and concentration.

And, ViB has tremendous star power behind it. Singer and actress Jessica Simpson says, “Vacation in a Bottle is the most refreshing surprise. With my crazy schedule ViB helps me to relax and stay focused. I feel less stressed and more balanced after just one. Who doesn’t love to go on a vacation! I can be there every day with Vacation in a Bottle.”

ViB has been the relaxation beverage of choice in many late night and reality show green rooms. Celebrity investors include: Cincinnati Bengals sensation Roy Williams, Dallas Stars’ Forward Mike Modano, Mavericks’ President Donnie Nelson, Phoenix Suns forward Amar’e Stoudemire, and Green Bay Packer Great, Marco Riviera.

In Seattle, ViB is sold at Jacksons Food Stores, Fred Meyers, QFC and Albertsons.

For more information about ViB and ViB Holdings LLC, visit www.vacationinabottle.com or follow ViB on Twitter @drinkvib. Or, visit our official fan page on Facebook at ViB – Vacation in a Bottle.

In tune with the retro movement that is going on everywhere – Soda Stream makes a welcome return to TV and the shops.

Dr Pepper Commemorates 125 Years With Collectible Cans Honoring Its Heritage

Dr Pepper, the oldest major soft drink in America, continues its 125th Anniversary celebration with the release of Dr Pepper made with real sugar in six collectible cans, inspired by the beloved brand’s rich history. Consumers can enjoy the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper in this new packaging beginning in early July through early September.

The anniversary cans feature legacy artwork and popular advertising slogans such as “I’m a Pepper” and “10, 2 and 4.” In addition, 12-pack cases highlight key moments from the brand’s history from its origin at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, TX, in 1885, and its introduction at the 1904 World’s Fair, to the widely popular “I’m a Pepper” advertisements first released in 1977.

“Dr Pepper has evolved for 125 years, thanks to its unique flavor and a fan base that continues to grow,” said Dave Fleming, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. “We’re honoring the brand’s legacy and thanking our fans everywhere for their support by offering something special – commemorative cans depicting some of the most memorable moments in our history.”

Dr Pepper kicked off its anniversary year on the symbolic date of January 25, 2010, when Dr Pepper ad icons David Naughton and Gene Simmons rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Continuing the celebration, the brand launched its Dr Pepper Cherry flavor during Super Bowl XLIV. The ad spot featured Gene Simmons as “Doctor Love” joined by Paul Stanley and their KISS band mates as well as tribute band MiniKISS.

Dr Pepper 125th Anniversary product is available in 12-oz cans with six collectible can designs and 20-oz bottles at retailers nationwide, until supplies last.

For more information on Dr Pepper and its 125 years of history, visit www.drpepper.com.

About Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored soft drinks, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information on Dr Pepper, visit www.drpepper.com or www.drpeppersnapple.com.

SOURCE Dr Pepper

July 12, 2010

Highlights:

* Income from continuing operations of $137 million or $0.13 per share; net income of $136 million or $0.13 per share.
* Revenue of $5.2 billion, a six percent increase from the first quarter of 2010, primarily driven by higher volume.
* EBITDA of $724 million — EBITDA Margin of 14.0 percent highest since third quarter 2008.
* Free cash flow in the second quarter totaled $87 million.
* Cash on hand of $1.34 billion.
* Global aluminum consumption forecast raised from 10 to 12 percent on improved end-market demand.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alcoa (NYSE: AA) today announced second quarter 2010 income from continuing operations of $137 million or $0.13 per share compared with a first quarter 2010 loss from continuing operations of $194 million, or a loss of $0.19 per share. First quarter 2010 results included restructuring and special charges of $295 million, or $0.29 per share. The second quarter of 2009 showed a loss from continuing operations of $312 million, or $0.32 per share including restructuring charges.

Earnings for the second quarter improved $331 million sequentially as stronger volumes, productivity improvements, favorable currency and lower energy costs more than offset slightly lower average realized metal prices which declined $22 a metric ton, to an average of $2,309 a ton in the quarter.

The second quarter 2010 results reflect the impact of restructuring including job reductions and special items such as costs associated with the recently completed United Steelworkers contract negotiations, offset by non-cash, mark-to-market benefits on derivatives in several power contracts as well as a net discrete tax benefit. Taken together these items had a net unfavorable impact of $2 million in the quarter. First quarter 2010 results included restructuring and special charges of $295 million or $0.29 per share.

Revenues for the quarter were $5.2 billion, a six percent increase from the first quarter of 2010 driven by a four percent increase in aluminum shipments and a one percent increase in third-party prices for alumina, partially offset by a one percent decrease in realized prices for aluminum. In many markets we saw strong revenue growth from the previous quarter with packaging (+17%), commercial transportation (+10%), building and construction (+9%), distribution (+5%), industrial gas turbines (+5%) and aerospace (+5%) realizing gains. Revenues increased 22 percent from $4.2 billion in the second quarter of 2009.

“We improved profits and revenues and maintained our solid cash position,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and CEO. “The top and bottom line growth was driven by higher volumes from stronger end markets and continued gains from our productivity programs. Based on this improved end-market demand, we are raising our projection for aluminum consumption from 10 percent to 12 percent this year.

“Prospects for Alcoa and aluminum continue to be excellent,” Kleinfeld said. “Aluminum is traditionally a backbone of growing economies and is penetrating new applications every day. Alcoa has enviable positions in bauxite, alumina and aluminum and our investments will move us further down the cost curve. Meanwhile, our mid- and downstream businesses continue to improve margins.”

Alcoa continued to produce strong results in its cash sustainability program. After the first six months of 2010, the Company is tracking toward its expanded goals for 2010, including: $1.4 billion of the targeted $2.5 billion in procurement savings; $311 million of the targeted $500 million in annual overhead reduction savings; days of working capital at 42, a six-day improvement from the same period last year; and $514 million toward the targeted $1.25 billion in capital spending. The capital spending includes the Company’s investment in the Ma’aden/Alcoa joint venture in Saudi Arabia, which will create the world’s lowest-cost aluminum complex, including a mine, refinery, smelter and rolling mill.

Cash sustainability efforts helped improve the cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales by 90 basis points to 81.2 percent from 82.1 percent in the first quarter of 2010. EBITDA for the second quarter 2010 was $724 million. The Company’s second quarter 2010 EBITDA margin of 14.0 percent was the highest since third quarter 2008.

Net income for the second quarter 2010 was $136 million or $0.13 per share compared with a net loss of $201 million, or a loss of $0.20 per share in the first quarter of 2010, which includes the previously mentioned restructuring and special items. The second quarter of 2009 showed a net loss of $454 million, or $0.47 per share, including restructuring charges.

Free cash flow in the second quarter of 2010 totaled $87 million. In the quarter, the Company ended several accounts receivable sales programs, which resulted in an unfavorable working capital impact of approximately $260 million and held free cash flow back from even stronger performance.

Debt-to-capital at the end of the second quarter 2010 stands at 38.4 percent, 130 basis points lower than the second quarter of 2009. Overall debt decreased $465 million from the second quarter of 2009. Cash on hand at the end of the second quarter of 2010 was $1.34 billion.

Revenues for the first half of 2010 were $10.1 billion, and results from continuing operations showed a loss of $57 million, or $0.06 per share. The first half of 2010 showed a net loss of $65 million, or $0.06 per share.

Segment Results

Alumina

After-tax operating income (ATOI) in the second quarter was $94 million, an increase of $22 million compared with first quarter ATOI of $72 million. Higher production and a one percent increase in realized price, along with favorable currency and productivity benefits, were partially offset by commissioning issues at the Sao Luis refinery. Alumina production in the second quarter increased 24 thousand metric tons (kmt) to 3,890 kmt as increases across our global system more than offset declines at Sao Luis.

Primary Metals

ATOI in the second quarter was $109 million, a decrease of $14 million from the first quarter. Lower LME prices and higher LME-linked costs, primarily energy, were partially offset by favorable currency, non-LME-linked energy benefits and continued productivity gains. Litigation related to a power contract at the Rockdale smelter and the associated legal costs negatively impacted results by $10 million. Also in the quarter, the Fusina smelter was fully curtailed and the Aviles smelter was forced to halt operations due to flooding. Primary metal production for the quarter increased 4 kmt to 893 kmt and buy/resell activity totaled 68 kmt.

Flat-Rolled Products

ATOI in the second quarter was $71 million, a sequential increase of $41 million. Higher volumes in Russia, China and North America, and continued productivity gains were partially offset by lower prices. In the quarter, the Russia operations benefited from improving market conditions and a lower cost structure to generate positive ATOI.

Engineered Products and Solutions

ATOI in the second quarter was $107 million, up 32 percent while sales rose four percent. Higher volumes in the aerospace, building & construction and commercial vehicle markets along with strong productivity gains.

Alcoa will hold its quarterly conference call at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on July 12, 2010 to present the quarter’s results. The meeting will be webcast via alcoa.com. Call information and related details are available at www.alcoa.com under “Invest.”

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include those containing such words as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “plans,” “projects,” “should,” “targets,” “will,” or other words of similar meaning. All statements that reflect Alcoa’s expectations, assumptions, or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, forecasts concerning aluminum industry growth, aluminum end-market demand or other trend projections, anticipated financial results or operating performance, anticipated achievement of 2010 cash sustainability targets, and statements about Alcoa’s strategies, objectives, goals, targets, outlook, and business and financial prospects. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results, performance, or outcomes may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: (a) material adverse changes in aluminum industry conditions, including global supply and demand conditions and fluctuations in London Metal Exchange-based prices for primary aluminum, alumina and other products; (b) unfavorable changes in general business and economic conditions, in the global financial markets, or in the markets served by Alcoa, including automotive and commercial transportation, aerospace, building and construction, distribution, packaging, and industrial gas turbine; (c) the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on costs and results, particularly the Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Canadian dollar and Euro; (d) increases in energy costs, including electricity, natural gas and fuel oil, or the unavailability or interruption of energy supplies; (e) increases in the costs of other raw materials, including caustic soda or carbon products; (f) Alcoa’s inability to achieve the level of cash generation, cost savings, improvement in profitability and margins, or strengthening of operations anticipated from its cash sustainability, productivity improvement and other initiatives; (g) Alcoa’s inability to realize expected benefits from newly constructed, expanded or acquired facilities or from international joint ventures as planned and by targeted completion dates, including the joint venture in Saudi Arabia or the upstream operations in Brazil; (h) political, economic and regulatory risks in the countries in which Alcoa operates or sells products, including unfavorable changes in laws and governmental policies; (i) the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings, government investigations and environmental remediation; (j) the outcome of negotiations with, and the business or financial condition of, key customers, suppliers and business partners; (k) changes in tax rates or benefits; and (l) the other risk factors summarized in Alcoa’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Alcoa disclaims any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

July 6th 2010, ABSOLUT VODKA, the world’s fourth largest premium spirits brand, today announced the successful integration of ProProcure’s (www.proprocure.com)  e-procurement platform for marketing materials with their internal financial systems.

ABSOLUT VODKA creates a wide range of branded marketing materials to support their brands in international markets and have chosen to make these materials available to their global distributor network through a set of e-catalogues which are hosted on the ProProcure platform.

ABSOLUT also use ProProcure’s e-procurement tools to aggregate total distributor demand for marketing materials in order to achieve better pricing from suppliers.

During the integration project ProProcure worked closely with ABSOLUT and their third party service providers to create a secure, robust, gateway for communication between the ProProcure platform and ABSOLUT’s financial systems.  This has been seamlessly integrated into ProProcure’s user interface to deliver a simple and intuitive ordering process for ABSOLUT’s international distributors.

Frank Treanor, Managing Director of ProProcure, said “We are delighted to complete this important integration project on-time and to budget. ABSOLUT’s decision to integrate ProProcure with their financial systems demonstrates the confidence they have in our e-procurement technology for marketing materials, and the value we deliver to this long term strategic relationship.  ABSOLUT is a true global brand and we are very proud they have chosen our technology and business services to manage their marketing collateral procurement.”

About  ‘The ABSOLUT Company’
The ABSOLUT Company has worldwide responsibility for the production, marketing and commercial development of ABSOLUT VODKA and Level VODKA. ABSOLUT VODKA is the world’s fourth largest premium spirits brand, and it is sold in 126 markets. Every bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA is produced in Åhus in southern Sweden. The head office is located in Stockholm. The ABSOLUT Company is a part of Pernod Ricard, which holds some of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector.

About ProProcure Ltd
ProProcure Ltd is a technology and business services company providing Marketing Collateral Procurement solutions to multinational corporations.  Companies use ProProcure to create e-catalogues and aggregate demand across global markets. By using a single platform, international companies gain visibility over their expenditure which ultimately drives down costs and improves the quality of branded marketing materials.

Established in 2000 by Frank Treanor, and headquartered in the UK, ProProcure delivers marketing collateral procurement solutions to some of the world’s most famous brands. For more information visit: www.proprocure.com or call +44 870 380 1717.

As broadcast on the Bloomberg TV channel in the USA.

Diageo has redesigned its Smirnoff 21 packaging. The new bottles have launched in the UK and will roll out across the world from August.

The bottle now includes prominent signatures of Smirnoff’s historical producer Pierre Smirnoff alongside the crown and other copy associated with the heritage of the brand.

A ‘regal eagle’ has replaced the spike graphic and according to the release, the new brand icon is a ‘tribute to the brand’s stature and authenticity’.

Amy Mooney, senior brand manager for Diageo GB said: “With this redesign, we’re looking to encapsulate the premium, heritage and purity cues that consumers associate with the Smirnoff brand, as well as providing a contemporary edge to keep the bottle looking freshfor maximum standout on shelf.”

The redesign will also feature on the Smirnoff flavours range.

William Grant & Son has announced the completion of its €300 million deal to buy C&C International’s portfolio of Irish spirits and liqueur brands.

The brands include Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist

The new business will operate from now as William Grant & Sons Irish Brands Ltd and will be based in Dublin and Clonmel. There are 63 employees and other support from C&C will join the new company, including 42 employees from Clonmel and 15 from Dublin.

The deal means the 600,000 case Tullamore Dew brand, which is the world’s second largest Irish whiskey brand, will become William Grant & Sons’ sixth core brand in a portfolio which also includes Glenfiddich and The Balvenie single malt scotch whiskies, Grant’s blended scotch whisky, Hendrick’s gin and Sailor Jerry spiced rum.

Speaking from the company’s production facility in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Grant chief executive, Stella David said: “This acquisition provides us with a complementary portfolio of brands and a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth in non-scotch and enter the dynamic Irish whiskey category.

“We shall invest significantly in the Irish operations and are committed to building a strong business in Ireland and to maintaining and developing current operations here in Clonmel.We look forward to working with the team in Ireland to ensure a successful integration of the two businesses,” she said.

One of the UK’s leading lager brands, Foster’s, is being given a sales boost this summer by a new, multi-million pound advertising campaign.

The multimedia package includes three TV ads plus digital, social media and outdoor ambient activity, which aim to re-establish the brand’s sunny, care-free view of the world.

Brad and Dan, two laid back Aussie blokes, lead the campaign, giving over-the-phone advice to British callers facing all kinds of social dilemmas.

The pair’s optimistic outlook – helped by the ‘no worries’ attitude to life – means that no problem is unsolvable.

Gayle Harrison, marketing manager for Foster’s at Heineken UK, said: “We know that Foster’s drinkers aspire to the Aussie, ‘no worries’ attitude to life and the new campaign brings it to life perfectly – in a simple, humorous way.”

Foster’s latest campaign also introduces a new strap line for the brand, “Good Call”. The advertising begun on July 2nd and will run for the rest of the summer.

The joint venture of US brewing companies SABMiller and Molson Coors has found an innovative use for one of its breweries’ waste water.

MillerCoors’ brewery in Ohio has teamed up with a company which produces animal feeds from renewable sources to run a full-scale trial.

The new product will use specialist technology to create a fish food ingredient to replace less sustainable ones currently used on fish farms nationwide.

Leo Kiely, chief executive of the joint venture, said: “We aim to ensure that we utilise our waste resources to the greatest extent possible.”

He added that innovations such as this show that there are “innumerable ways” in which one person’s waste can be made useful to others.

SABMiller recently announced that it would also be improving its recycling infrastructure to help reduce the amount of its packaging that ends up in landfill.

The brewer’s Bavaria subsidiary, in Colombia, has partnered with supermarket chain Carrefour to install 15 recycling centres in several major cities.

Almost 20 years after girls last adorned tins of Tennents’ best-selling beer, its so-called Lager Lovelies are back, in a quirky homage to the original branding.

A new campaign by the Scottish brewing firm will see an unusual return to its use of attractive, scantily-clothed models on cans, by putting elegantly-attired chimpanzees in their place.

According to Herald Scotland, the new packaging imagines how company founder Hugh Tennent might have decorated the drink’s cans in 1885, as an eccentric Victorian “with a penchant for pet simians”.

Jane Cannon, marketing manager for Tennents, said: “We couldn’t do the Lager Lovelies today like we did 30 years ago, [but] the Lager Lovelies absolutely have a fond place in the brand. They play a huge part in our history, so this ad fondly pays homage to them.”

The campaign will also include the launch of two new television advertisements, with actor Sam Heughan playing the role of Tennent, who concocted Scotland’s favourite brew in 1885, just five years before his death at the age of 27.