In the beverage alcohol industry the potential for disaster was there last year: the recession starting in April; the continued ducking in the stock market; layoffs in virtually each industry resulting in the highest unemployment rate in six and a half years; ebbing consumer confidence; the fallout from the former Seagram Americas' brands.

In the beverage alcohol industry the potential for disaster was there last year: the recession starting in April; the continued ducking in the stock market; layoffs in virtually each industry resulting in the highest unemployment rate in six and a half years; ebbing consumer confidence; the fallout from the former Seagram Americas' brands, and the horrific terminations of September 11. Remarkably the industry prevailed, and high-end beverage alcohol produces that have outperformed the spirits, wine and beer business overall during the '90 persever modern government data show that in fact consumer have been doing their part to restrain the economy ...