Business briefs: Microsoft tablet sales are modest

Microsoft’S recently launched Surface tablet, a rival to Apple’s iPad, has had a “modest” start to sales because of limited availability, the group’s chief executive said yesterday.

In an interview, Steve Ballmer pointed out Surface was only currently available through Microsoft’s online retail site and a small number of stores in the US.

Brazil growth tips balance for Campari

Italian drinks group Campari has blamed weakness in its home market and higher taxes in France for a 3.8 per cent dip in sales of Glen Grant whisky.

However, improving trends in Brazil helped lift overall sales to €931.6 million (£746.6m) in the nine months to 30 September, up 4.8 per cent on last year. Group pre-tax profits rose 0.8 per cent to €175.7m.