Czechs top the list of Europe’s biggest shoplifters. Last year, almost ten billion crowns (USD 480 million) worth of goods were stolen from shops across the country. Despite a slight drop from the previous year, shoplifting, together with thefts by shop employees, accounted for nearly 1.4 percent of total retail sales, making Czechs Europe’s biggest shoplifters.

During the first nine months of 2008 Krones remained on course for growth, despite the cyclical downturn. On a like-for-like basis, sales rose by 12.5 % to reach EUR 1,765.9 m. During the period under review, the company benefited from the increasing number of clients looking for all-inclusive job packages. Another growth driver during the year’ s first three quarters was the group’ s Plastics Technology Division.

The InBev company in Germany (Beck’ s, Franziskaner Weissbier, Hasseröder) increased its sales volume in the third quarter 2008 by 8.8 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. The financial statement of the first nine months shows an increase of overall 6.4 percent.

In addition to the existing Veloce filler based on mechanical filling valve technology, Sidel is rounding out its offering with the Veloce FM, a filler with an electronic flow meter filling valve.

Over the past few years, a growing variety of new large-size beverage containers, such as party kegs, home draft systems, and PET kegs has infiltrated the market. KHS has acted as consultant in the development of nearly all of these new types of container by designing and supplying the new filling systems accordingly. True to this philosophy, KHS AG is now pleased to announce its collaboration with Lightweight Containers B.V. (NL) in the development and marketing of plant and filling technology for the disposable KeyKeg®.

After having recently expanded its development centers in Shanghai and Mexico, Symrise has now significantly enlarged its Moscow site. The international fragrance and flavorings manufacturer has added over 500 sq. m to its facilities in the form of new development laboratories for its Sweet, Savory and Beverages business units, as well as a new center for sensory and consumer research.

On 1st September 2008, SIPA acquired 100% of Parma’ s Berchi Group, a manufacturer of complete bottling and packaging lines. With this action the company has reinforced its position as a supplier of complete lines, from the manufacturing of PET bottles through to final packaging.

In recent weeks, ever since InBev’s shareholders voted on 29 September 2008 in favour of buying Anheuser-Busch, rumours have gone round that InBev may not be able to get its financing lined up to complete its takeover of Anheuser-Busch. Needless to say that InBev has reaffirmed that it is “fully committed” to its increasingly expensive seeming USD 70 a share bid.

In the past I have had to sing for my dinner. I even had to give the dinner speech once. But never, never before did I have to cook my own dinner when I had been invited out. Well, to be honest never did I have a Michelin-starred chef to teach me how to cook my dinner. Which makes all the difference. Especially if there is copious amounts of Hövels Original to be enjoyed.

In the grand scheme of things, the recent change in shareholders and management at Esau & Hueber, a privately-owned supplier to the beverage industry, would only warrant a short notice. But given the current turmoil at international financial markets, Esau & Hueber’s story behind the headline shows the vulnerability of companies which do not have a strategic investor whose interest in them is vital and long-term.