Britain's Most Admired Companies 2012: Beverages
Making everything from scotch to soft drinks, beer to IrnBru - this year's BMAC top five beverages businesses are brewing up a storm.

Sector winner Diageo also takes home the prestigious overall title of Britain’s Most Admired Company for the second time. The global drinks giant last won the top gong in 2008, and this year also collects the honours for value as a long-term investment. The firm’s focus on premium brands such as Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray, plus emerging markets, has paid off with consistently strong results despite the economic climate. Profits for 2012 were up 32% to £3.2bn. Second place goes to Coca-Cola Enterprises, the world’s third-largest independent Coke bottler, employing 4,500 people in the UK. Third place goes to brewer SAB Miller, with AG Barr of Irn Bru fame (shortly to merge with Britvic in a £1.4bn deal) in fifth.