The latest consumer data from New York-based Nielsen CGA has revealed that Thanksgiving is the most valuable annual occasion for still wine, providing ample opportunity for local bars and restaurants expecting an influx of hometown consumers this week, it says. Wine outperforms spirits, beer, cocktails and soft drinks in that 39 percent of U.S. consumers choose to drink wine when out-of-home during the Thanksgiving period, with significant opportunity for wine-led bars as well as specific dining channels where wine and food pairings are key.

White Plains, N.Y.-based HEINEKEN USA announced that Strongbow Hard Ciders will release its Original Dry to on-premise outlets with the availability of 50-liter steel kegs.

Leuven, Belgium-based AB InBev, through its Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC), is introducing PureDraught, a one-way, polymer keg system that keeps beer fresher up to four times longer than a traditional steel keg and reduces the carbon footprint of shipping beer — all while offering more versatility and variety for bar and restaurant owners, it says.