Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE: DPS) reported second quarter 2010 diluted earnings of $0.74 per share compared to $0.62 per share in the prior year period.  Year-to-date, the company reported earnings of $1.09 per diluted share compared to $1.14 per share in the prior year period.  Excluding a separation-related foreign deferred tax charge in the current year and a net gain on certain distribution agreement changes in the prior year, the company earned $1.14 per diluted share compared to $0.99 in the prior year-to-date period.

For the quarter, sales volume increased 1% on solid branded sales growth.  Contract manufacturing reduced sales volume growth by one percentage point as the company continued to de-emphasize this business.  Net sales increased 3% reflecting sales volume growth, foreign currency benefits and revenue recognized under the PepsiCo, Inc. (PepsiCo) licensing agreements.  Favorable pricing trends in Beverage Concentrates were offset by increased promotional activity in Packaged Beverages.  Segment operating profit (SOP) increased 5% reflecting net sales growth and supply chain efficiencies offset by a $12 million increase in marketplace investments as well as increased productivity office costs.  Reported income from operations was $310 million compared to $297 million in the prior year period.

DPS President and CEO Larry Young said, “While we continue to see some signs of economic stability, consumer confidence remains weak.  Investing behind our brands, driving traffic for our customers and delivering value to our consumers are still a must-do for us.  Our portfolio of preferred flavored CSDs, teas and juices continues to do well despite macroeconomic headwinds and a changing beverage landscape.  For the quarter, we continued to see solid consumer takeaway and we gained value share across the portfolio.  I’m immensely proud of our teams for delivering strong results, achieving ongoing success with Snapple and embracing our Rapid Continuous Improvement initiative.  Looking ahead, we remain confident in delivering on our commitments for 2010 and beyond.”

Net sales and SOP in the tables and commentary below are presented on a currency neutral basis.  For a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures see page A-5 accompanying this release.

BCS Volume

For the quarter, BCS volume increased 3% with carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) growing 3% and non-carbonated beverages (NCBs) up 3%.

In CSDs, Dr Pepper volume increased 3%.  “Core 4” brands – 7UP, Sunkist soda, A&W and Canada Dry – declined 1%.  Canada Dry grew double digits while 7UP and A&W declined low single digits and Sunkist soda declined high single digits.  Additionally, Crush and Squirt volume grew double digits.  Fountain foodservice volume increased 4%.

In NCBs, Hawaiian Punch volume grew 7% on increased promotional activity in the grocery channel.  Snapple grew 9% reflecting continued distribution gains across the portfolio.  Aguafiel declined 10% on lower sales to third party distributors.

By geography, volume increased 2% in the U.S. and Canada and 10% in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Across all measured channels year-to-date, as reported by The Nielsen Company, the company grew U.S. CSD dollar share 0.6 percentage points and flavored CSD dollar share 0.4 percentage points.

Sales volume

For the quarter, sales volume increased 1% on solid branded sales growth.  Contract manufacturing reduced sales growth by over one percentage point as the company continued to de-emphasize this business.

Beverage Concentrates

Net sales for the quarter increased 12% reflecting low single-digit concentrate price increases taken at the beginning of the year, trade favorability and revenue recognized from the PepsiCo licensing agreements.  Segment operating profit increased 11% reflecting net sales growth, partially offset by higher marketplace investments.

Packaged Beverages

Net sales for the quarter decreased 2%.  Volume growth in Snapple and Hawaiian Punch was offset by increased promotional activity and negative product mix.  Contract manufacturing reduced net sales growth by 2 percentage points.  Segment operating profit decreased 6% reflecting net sales declines, higher costs associated with the new Victorville facility and higher productivity office costs partially offset by ongoing supply chain efficiencies.

Latin America Beverages

Net sales for the quarter increased 6% reflecting sales volume growth driven by double-digit growth in Squirt and Crush partially offset by the negative impact of product and channel mix.  Segment operating profit declined 5% as higher net sales were more than offset by increased distribution costs related to company-owned route expansion and higher marketplace investments.

Corporate and other items

For the quarter, corporate costs totaled $81 million including $5 million of unrealized commodity-related mark-to-market losses, $4 million pension-related costs and a $2 million increase in stock-based compensation expense.  Corporate costs in 2009 were $61 million, including $8 million of unrealized commodity-related mark-to-market gains.

For the quarter, productivity office investments recorded in the segments as well as corporate were $8 million.  Additionally, the company recorded a $4 million gain related to the sale of a West Coast facility.

Net interest expense decreased $23 million reflecting lower net debt and lower interest rates.

For the quarter, the effective tax rate was 35.9%.  The tax rate also included a $3 million tax expense related to certain tax items indemnified by Kraft Foods Inc. and/or one of its subsidiaries (Kraft) as well as ongoing tax planning benefits.

Cash flow

Year-to-date, the company generated $1.3 billion of cash from operating activities including a $900 million one-time payment from PepsiCo.  Net capital spending totaled $98 million.  The company repaid $405 million of its debt obligations and returned $633 million to shareholders in the form of stock repurchases ($557 million) and dividends ($76 million).

2010 full year guidance

The company continues to expect full year net sales to increase 3% to 5% and remains on track to invest incrementally in brand health over the year.  Reported diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.29 to $2.37. The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 38%, including a $13 million separation-related foreign deferred tax charge recorded in the first quarter.  This rate also includes approximately $13 million of items indemnified by Kraft as well as ongoing tax planning benefits.  Excluding the separation-related foreign deferred tax charge, full year 2010 diluted earnings per share are expected to be $2.34 to $2.42.

The company expects net capital spending to be approximately 5% of net sales and remains on track to repurchase $1 billion of its common stock in 2010 subject to market conditions.

Impact of the PepsiCo licensing agreements

On February 26, 2010, the company completed its licensing agreements with PepsiCo.  Under these agreements, PepsiCo began distributing Dr Pepper, Crush and Schweppes in the U.S. territories where these brands were previously distributed by The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) and PepsiAmericas, Inc. (PAS).  The same applies to Dr Pepper, Crush, Schweppes, Vernors and Sussex in Canada, and Squirt and Canada Dry in Mexico.  These agreements have an initial term of 20 years, with 20-year renewal periods, and require PepsiCo to meet certain performance conditions.

Additionally, in certain U.S. territories where it has a manufacturing and distribution footprint, the company has begun selling certain owned and licensed brands, including Sunkist soda, Squirt, Vernors and Hawaiian Punch, that were previously distributed by PBG and PAS.

The one-time cash payment of $900 million, received February 26, 2010, was recorded as deferred revenue and is being recognized as net sales over 25 years.  The company recognized $9 million of revenue in the second quarter.

Impact of the Coca-Cola Company licensing agreements

On June 7, 2010, the company reached an agreement to license certain brands to The Coca-Cola Company or its affiliates (KO).  Under the new licensing agreements, KO will distribute Dr Pepper in the U.S. and Canada Dry in the Northeast U.S. where they are currently distributed by CCE.  The new agreements will have an initial term of 20 years, with 20-year renewal periods, and will require KO to meet certain performance conditions.  KO will continue to distribute Canada Dry, C’Plus and Schweppes in Canada.  In addition, KO will offer Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper in local fountain accounts currently serviced by CCE and will include Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper on its Freestyle fountain dispenser.

Additionally, in certain U.S. territories where it has a manufacturing and distribution footprint, DPS will begin selling Squirt, Canada Dry, Schweppes and Cactus Cooler, which are currently sold by CCE, shortly after the agreements are completed.

The one-time cash payment of $715 million will be recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as net sales over 25 years.  

These transactions are subject to KO completing its planned acquisition of CCE’s North American bottling business.

Definitions

Bottler case sales (BCS) volume: Sales of finished beverages, in equivalent 288 fluid ounce cases, sold by the company and its bottling partners to retailers and independent distributors and excludes contract manufacturing volume.  Volume for products sold by the company and its bottling partners is reported on a monthly basis, with the second quarter comprising April, May and June.

Sales volume: Sales of concentrates and finished beverages, in equivalent 288 fluid ounce cases, shipped by the company to its bottlers, retailers and independent distributors and includes contract manufacturing volume.

Pricing refers to the impact of list price changes.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, in particular, statements about future events, future financial performance, plans, strategies, expectations, prospects, competitive environment, regulation, and cost and availability of raw materials. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements have been based on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Our actual financial performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, forecasts and projections, and our financial performance may be better or worse than anticipated. Given these uncertainties, you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We do not undertake any duty to update the forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assump

Women everywhere can finally stop making excuses to spend more time with girlfriends. Studies have shown that time with friends can lead to better health. The "girlfriend" experts at Seagram's Escapes suggest soaking up health benefits by planning girl time on August 1 - National Girlfriends Day - or any day in September during National Women's Friendship Month.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100730/NY43799 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100730/NY43799 )

National Girlfriends Day represents the official time of year when girlfriends should make a conscious effort to inspire, support and encourage each other either through a simple card, get-together, dinner or all-out celebration with your girlfriends.

In 1999, Kappa Delta Sorority created a National Women's Friendship Day. The day was so popular that the celebration expanded to National Women's Friendship Month in 2009, encouraging women around the country to celebrate each other the entire month of September.

"There's something to be said for the power of girlfriends and the unique bonds between women that only women understand," said Jennifer McCauley, brand manager for Seagram's Escapes. "On a bad day, your girlfriends always have your back. At Seagram's Escapes, we understand how important girlfriends are... and these relationships deserve to be celebrated!"

Oftentimes, though, women struggle to balance work and play and they push their friendships to the side. Experts say that's a big mistake because friends are good for the heart and soul.

"Women connect and create friendships through celebrations. Grab your BFFs and celebrate any time of year with a girls' night in or spa day," said Debba Haupert of Girlfriendology.com, an online community for women.

Seagram's Escapes suggests calling up the women in your life and celebrating on National Girlfriends Day and during National Women's Friendship Month. Check out these fun, 'girly' drink recipes in honor of female friendship:

About Seagram's Escapes

Introduced in 1985, Seagram's Escapes currently offers nine varieties of malt beverage flavored coolers, available in four-pack carriers and 24-pack cartons. Sold across the U.S., Seagram's Escapes are produced at The Genesee Brewery in Rochester, New York. North American Breweries owns a perpetual license for Seagram's Escapes from Pernod Ricard USA, LLC, along with the Genesee Brewing Company and Labatt USA. For more information, visit www.SeagramsEscapes.com or http://www.facebook.com/SeagramsEscapes. View and subscribe to more news from Seagram's Escapes here: http://www.pitchfeed.com/seagram'sescapes/18968.

Please unwind responsibly.

SOURCE The Genesee Brewery

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Pasternak Wine Imports, (PWI) a leading national importer of fine wines from around the world and Chateau La Nerthe, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, announced today, the appointment of PWI as their sole U.S. Agent and Importer. Pasternak will also be importing Prieure de Montezargues from Tavel and Domaine de La Renjarde from Cotes du Rhone Villages as part of the agreement.

Chateau La Nerthe has a rich heritage dating back to 1560 and is recognized as a benchmark producer from the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. 225 acres of organically certified old vine vineyards ring the graceful grand Chateau which creates wines that express the unique terroir and delivers unparalleled elegance. Chateau La Nerthe is owned and managed by the renowned Richard family, involved in wine making and wine distribution since 1892.

In making the announcement, Corinne Richard- Saier, Managing Director, commented, "We are confident Chateau La Nerthe's wines will create an unparalleled synergy within Pasternak's in-depth portfolio of premium wines from around the world. Pasternak's ability to strategically target channels and markets with our range of iconic wines provides Chateau La Nerthe the opportunity to build and grow our wines in this most important market. We look forward to a successful and long term relationship with Pasternak."

PWI's President and CEO James Galtieri noted, "Pasternak welcomes Chateau La Nerthe and is pleased to be associated with the dynamic, renowned Maison Richard. Chateau La Nerthe is recognized as one of the most prestigious, leading producers of the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape and will add depth and dimension to our existing portfolio of fine French estates. Chateauneuf-du-Pape has achieved notoriety with American consumers and Chateau La Nerthe is the iconic expression of this region. We are proud to represent them in the United States. "

The appointment was effective July 1, 2010.

About Pasternak

Founded in 1988, Pasternak Wine Imports is a national importer of fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and California. Headquartered in Harrison, NY, the company distributes its products in all fifty states through wholesalers and state boards. Their producers are leaders in their regions and their portfolios are all exceptional in quality and value. For further information, please visit www.pasternakwine.com.

SOURCE Pasternak Wine Imports

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Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. (Pink Sheets: IBGH) today announced the launch of their summer 2010 video submission contest "Sing It, Rap It, Play It – Win It!"

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090219/DRANKLOGO )

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090219/DRANKLOGO )

The contest encourages drank® fans and consumers to submit videos consisting of songs, raps, spoken word, air guitar, etc., of between 30 seconds and five minutes long. The contest will be run exclusively through the official drank® Facebook page – www.facebook.com/drankrelaxation - with entries being accepted between August 1 at 9:00am EDT and August 31 at 5:00pm EDT.

"We wanted to set up something special for our fans, new and old, to reward them for their loyalty to the brand over the years," said Peter Bianchi, CEO of Innovative Beverage Group. "Music has always been a part of my life and my career, so it seemed like a natural fit to tie it into this contest and really give the fans an opportunity to be creative by using their musical talents to win a really cool gift - drank® for a year!"

The grand prize winner of "Sing It, Rap It, Play It – Win It" will receive a year's supply of drank®  - one case per month – in addition to giftbags including t-shirts, stickers, gear, etc. Five runners up will receive a case of drank® and drank® giftbags.

All submissions will be judged primarily by an internal drank® team, however fan feedback on Facebook will also be a factor. Internal judging will be based on (1) Link to drank brand (35%); (2) Creativity (25%);  (3) Content (25%); and (4) public feedback (15%).

"Creative music is something that really blows my hair back," said Bianchi. "Our drank® Nation has been faithfully submitting original content for some time, and we wanted to provide a venue for inspiration, collaboration, and admiration. I can't wait to see the submissions!"

To view complete contest details, please visit the drank® Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/drankrelaxation . For any questions regarding contest submission requirements, please e-mail drankcontest@beckermanpr.com

drank® is the antithesis of the herd of energy drinks crowding the functional beverage sector. With a slogan of "slow your roll®," this lightly carbonated relaxation product uses melatonin, valerian root and rose hips to provide a relaxing effect for consumers. Since launching drank® to select markets in early 2008, it has quickly become the go-to product for people looking to relax their mind and body.

About Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc. is a Nevada-based corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas that engages in the distribution and wholesale of products in the New Age beverage category. The company recently launched its first proprietary product drank®.  drank® was created to induce a natural calming and soothing effect when consumed. Lightly carbonated and grape flavored drank® was formulated with natural calming agents including melatonin, rose hips, and valerian root. drank® is sold in prominent purple, signature 16 ounce cans bearing the slogan "slow your roll®" and is available in convenience and grocery outlets in a growing number of regions throughout the United States. Innovative Beverage Group began operations as a distributor for well-known national brands of beverage products including Jolt, Rock Star, Crystal Geyser, Sweet Leaf tea, Arizona Ice tea, and Volvic Water.  Although the company continues to distribute many of these well known brands in the greater Houston area, the expansion of Innovative's proprietary product division has become foremost in their business model.  Recent corporate strategies have been focused on the marketing and distribution of drank® to accommodate the growing demand for the product. Innovative Beverage Group is also currently working to add additional proprietary products to its line that will complement drank® and provide consumers with an array of new and unique concepts in the New Age beverage category.

All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain oral statements made by management from time to time and certain statements contained in press releases and periodic reports issued by Innovative Beverage Group, Inc., (the "Company"), as well as those contained herein, that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including those in Management's Discussion and Analysis, are statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations, estimates, or projections of the Company, its directors, or its officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates and are based on assumptions made by management. Forward-looking statements include without limitation statements regarding: (a) the Company's strategies regarding growth and business expansion, including future acquisitions; (b) the Company's financing plans; (c) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (d) the Company's ability to continue to control costs and to meet its liquidity and other financing needs; (e) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (f) the Company's ability to respond to changes in customer demand and regulations. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur. When issued in this report, the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

For media samples, product photography, and additional information- contact Beckerman at 201-465-8008 or email drankpr@beckermanpr.com

SOURCE Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, Inc.

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Pasternak Wine Imports, (PWI) a leading national importer of fine wines from around the world and Chateau La Nerthe, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, announced today, the appointment of PWI as their sole U.S. Agent and Importer. Pasternak will also be importing Prieure de Montezargues from Tavel and Domaine de La Renjarde from Cotes du Rhone Villages as part of the agreement.

Chateau La Nerthe has a rich heritage dating back to 1560 and is recognized as a benchmark producer from the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. 225 acres of organically certified old vine vineyards ring the graceful grand Chateau which creates wines that express the unique terroir and delivers unparalleled elegance. Chateau La Nerthe is owned and managed by the renowned Richard family, involved in wine making and wine distribution since 1892.

In making the announcement, Corinne Richard- Saier, Managing Director, commented, "We are confident Chateau La Nerthe's wines will create an unparalleled synergy within Pasternak's in-depth portfolio of premium wines from around the world. Pasternak's ability to strategically target channels and markets with our range of iconic wines provides Chateau La Nerthe the opportunity to build and grow our wines in this most important market. We look forward to a successful and long term relationship with Pasternak."

PWI's President and CEO James Galtieri noted, "Pasternak welcomes Chateau La Nerthe and is pleased to be associated with the dynamic, renowned Maison Richard. Chateau La Nerthe is recognized as one of the most prestigious, leading producers of the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape and will add depth and dimension to our existing portfolio of fine French estates. Chateauneuf-du-Pape has achieved notoriety with American consumers and Chateau La Nerthe is the iconic expression of this region. We are proud to represent them in the United States. "

The appointment was effective July 1, 2010.

About Pasternak

Founded in 1988, Pasternak Wine Imports is a national importer of fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and California. Headquartered in Harrison, NY, the company distributes its products in all fifty states through wholesalers and state boards. Their producers are leaders in their regions and their portfolios are all exceptional in quality and value. For further information, please visit www.pasternakwine.com.

SOURCE Pasternak Wine Imports

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http://www.pasternakwine.com