Hong Kong-based Vats Liquor and Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., announced a long-term strategic agreement to jointly develop the wine brand Robert Mondavi in China. Vats Liquor and Constellation will work together to exclusively market and promote the brand. The format and the scale of this agreement are unique in the global wine industry, the companies say.

Rabobank Group, a global financial services leader based in New York, has published a new report on the global beverage industry, predicting growth that is lower than historical standards but can be mitigated by strategic initiatives focusing on direct selling, co-manufacturing and distribution efficiency, it says.

A person’s taste preferences might be affected by the region in which he or she lives, according to a 2009 University of Nottingham study.

When visiting the nation’s capitol last month, in addition to enjoying the museums, monuments and memorials, I couldn’t help but take notice of the popular beverage of choice on those hot July days — bottled water. Vendors carried around coolers and walked up and down the streets selling water, and tourists flocked to them.