Investments: EU causes alarm and despondency

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Lukoil: downstream focus gathers pace

Leading Russian oil producer Lukoil has entered into talks with ConocoPhillips to acquire some 380 filling stations under the Jet brand. This move illustrates the fact that, while the US giant begins a huge divesture program to fund upstream investments, Lukoil is heading downstream with a vengeance.

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Lukoil: go West

Lukoil has announced its acquisition of petrol stations in Hungary, while its purchase of Finland's Teboil has also been approved by the European Commission. Not only do these deals secure a dependable outlet for its oil exports, they are also an indication of Lukoil's clear ambition to establish itself firmly in European fuel retail.

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Metabolic syndrome: a future candidate for treatment

A long-term Finnish study has found that metabolic syndrome, which is similar to pre-diabetic conditions, is associated with an increased risk of mortality cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological therapy targeting metabolic syndrome may reduce this associated risk, but this has yet to be demonstrated in clinical trials.

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Mobile telephones: European penetration to increase 18% annually to 2003

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Mutual funds: fledgling Finnish market growing

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New drinks review: a prickly kind of vodka hits the market

Some more unusual flavored drinks have been noted by Productscan this month, ranging from a coffee flavored cider, to cactus flavored vodka. While such new and innovative flavorings could gain the interest of the consumer, the trend for health products has shown no sign of abating, with a new tea product recently launched that offers some very specific health claims.

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New drinks review: beauty drinks attract big league backers

This month's roundup of novel new drinks launches finds that the beauty from within beverage market is gaining ground with the emergence of a skin nourishing beverage from Nestle. Meanwhile, the release of an energy drink with all-natural ingredients shows that the allure of the natural is emerging in an increasing number of drink sectors.

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New drinks review: beer breaks flavor boundaries

This month's selection of innovative new drinks products sees the launch of a variety of novel alcoholic beverages, including a wine in a pouch and beer that is designed to complement challenging food combinations. This shows the original ways in which manufacturers are attempting to gain an edge over the competition.

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New drinks review: Diva vodka, rich in taste

The beer market is to broaden its scope beyond its normal target audience with the unusual launch of a (non-alcoholic) beer for dogs. Another unusual offering reported on Productscan Online is that of the DIVA Premium Vodka, which costs more than $3,000 for its cheapest bottle, putting other premium vodkas in the shade.

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