As beverage alcohol manufacturers seek out ways to provide a low-calorie solution, it seems as though the latest craze to hit the flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment is fulfilling that need state. “Hard seltzers are raising the bar around perceived health and wellness and attracting much of the dollars spent in the space,” says Brian Sudano, managing partner for Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC).

As part of the continued innovation from St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, the beer-maker launched Ritas, originally marketed as Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita, in 2012. Ritas is the first brand in the Anheuser-Busch InBev portfolio to explicitly target women and last year introduced "The Ritas," legendary women who take a "life's-a-party attitude in every situation,” according to the company.

FIFCO USA launched Hemptails, a flavored malt beverage (FMB) made with organic, sterilized hemp seeds, the company says. 

Virtue Cider launched Mezzo Spritz Blood Orange, a classic Italian cocktail with an American twist, it says. 

As Americans prepare to watch the Super Bowl this coming Sunday, they will be flocking to retail outlets for their food and beverage needs. According to an Insights from New York-based Nielsen titled “The Evolution of Super Bowl Consumption,” the market research firm identified how today’s viewing experience has evolved.

Nielsen details that the female fan base remains substantial, noting that it has held steady at about 46-47 percent of total viewership from Super Bowl XLVII in 2014 to Super Bowl LII in 2018.

Braxton Brewing Co. released Vive Hard Seltzer, a hard seltzer crafted with pure Kentucky artisan water, the company says. 

Sazerac Co. Inc., Metairie, La., announced it will be purchasing 19 brands from London-based Diageo plc, including brands across the spirits and beer categories, the company says.

Briggs Hard Seltzer released its line of hard seltzers in three flavors: Pineapple, Cranberry and Grapefruit.

The company’s entrepreneurial spirit, focus on making best-in-class tasting products, and its organizational purpose to bring Flavor to Life is helping the company succeed in a competitive beverage market.

Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, a brand of Chicago-based MillerCoors, now is available in new 12-ounce slim cans at retailers nationwide.