Industry - Beverage latest news

DEERFIELD, IL (MARKET WIRE) Così, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the premium convenience restaurant company, today reported that total revenues for the 2008 second quarter grew 3.6% to $36,722,800 from $35,448,100 in the 2007 second quarter. Company-owned net restaurant revenues, excluding discontinued operations, grew 3.3% in the quarter to $36,207,000, compared to $35,043,300 in the previous year's quarter. Franchise fees and royalty revenues for the quarter contributed $515,800, compared to $404,800 in the 2007 second quarter.

Pernod Ricard has refused to confirm reports it is in talks to sell its Glendronach malt whisky distillery for GBP30m.

OLYMPIA, WA (MARKET WIRE) One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. When Fred Goldberg, co-founder of Donedei Wines, www.donedei.com, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he became one of the fortunate Washington state patients to benefit from the da Vinci Surgical System, which -- under the control of an experienced urologic surgeon -- uses finely controlled robotic instruments to remove the cancer more safely, while speeding patient recovery.

Coca-Cola Enterprises today (18 July) reported a second-quarter net loss of US$3.2 billion, as the company took a hot from a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of US$5.3 billion.

The Coca-Cola Company has reported a fall in second quarter earnings, as the company took a hit on a non-cash impairment charge at bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises. Despite the fall, the result was still ahead of many analysts expectations.

Scottish & Newcastle has confirmed Sarah Warby as marketing director, following the company's takeover by Heineken UK.

Food and drink products will be able to use a voluntary EU labelling scheme that shows consumers which are the most "eco-friendly", under plans announced by the European Commission.

The French Health Minister has advised parents to boycott Red Bull.

The burgeoning market for ultra-premium offerings, particularly in the US, has provided the Tequila category with high-value growth, allowing it to move on from its 'shooter and slammer' image of old. Richard Woodard reports on the growth in sipping Tequilas, the debate over the Mexican spirit's classification system, and the implications of the current over-supply of Tequila's basic constituent ingredient, blue agave.

JM Smucker's intention to acquire Procter & Gamble's Folgers coffee business has received approval from the US antitrust authorities.