Life's A Picnic

Diageo fears drinkers' spirits will dampen

The world's largest alcoholic drinks group says world slowdown and rising costs will hit growth next year

Premier looks for rise from Hovis relaunch

Branded food company has made six out of nine planned factory closures and expects to see benefits in second half

Chinese disease stalks Florida oranges

The Sunshine State is one of the foreclosure capitals of America and now its citrus industry is fighting for survival

Heineken loses fizz through S&N acquisition

The brewer predicts rising sales for premium brand beers as prices and raw materials costs rise

Samsung joins Yahoo! for TV internet service

Consumer electronics company is partnering Y! to give content for new integrated internet access service in its televisions

Sanyo in talks to supply hybrid car batteries

The Japanese electronics company wants to thumb a ride on the rush to hybrid vehicles through lithium-ion batteries

Heineken's S&N hit by consumer downturn

Smoking ban and credit crunch force Dutch brewer to say that UK acquisition may not add to earnings in 2009

Michelle launches seven more Ultimo shops

Entepreneur Michelle Mone is to launch seven more Ultimo "shop in shop" lingerie boutiques in Debenhams stores

Lifestyle magazines thrive as lads' mags hit

Upmarket magazine titles experienced an increase in half-yearly circulation figures in the face of the credit crunch

Royal endorsements are Prince's prerogative

The Prince of Wales espouses the magic of his favourite tipple and shows the power of the Royal warrant

Small businesses shift to home working

According to O2, which surveyed 530 small businesses, 50 per cent of companies it contacted do not work in formal offices

Water company says bills to hit £300 a year

Thames Water said that it expected bills to rise from the current average of £280 to £303 in 2010-11

Stanley Gibbons collects battered investors

Stamps and memorabilia group says 'all-consuming passion' of collectors will help insulate it from economic downturn

BAT share listing shake-up dashes bid hopes

Cigarette maker's takeover hopes end as South African shareholders Richemont and Remgro say they will spin off holding

School clothing brightens week for John Lewis

Electricals and clothing spark 3.7 per cent rise at the department store group's sales but homewares continue falling