Monster Beverage Corp., Corona, Calif., reported a more than 10 percent increase in gross sales to nearly $614 million in the first quarter of 2014, which ended March 31. Net sales in the term also increased by more than 10 percent to $536 million, and gross profit reached 53.5 percent of net sales.

Based in Draper, Utah, Swire Coca-Cola USA historically has served mostly rural areas in 11 Western states.

Accumulating 130 additional SKUs within the last five years to reach nearly 500 total SKUs, Beverage Industry Bottler of the Year Swire Coca-Cola USA was pressed to find a warehousing solution to accommodate this proliferation.

When it comes to consumer packaged goods, thinking big with a positive attitude could be the key to innovation.

 The non-aseptic energy drink category reported more than $6.9 billion in sales for a 19.4 percent increase for the 52 weeks ending April 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug, gas, convenience and mass merchandise retailers, excluding Walmart, according to Chicago-based market research firm SymphonyIRI Group.  

Corona, Calif.-based Monster Energy Co. launched the Monster Energy Ultimate Intern Search to fill two newly created intern positions. The Monster Energy Ultimate Intern Search will award two individuals a compensation package worth more than $15,000 and the opportunity to work directly with athletes, music artists, celebrities and the Monster Energy staff at major national sports and entertainment events across America, including X-Games 18, the Vans Warped Tour 2012, and the Street League DC Pro Tour fueled by Monster Energy, during the summer.

Sales of energy drinks have taken on the energy of its products compared to a year ago. The energy drinks category increased 15.7 percent for $6.9 billion in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, for the 52 weeks ending May 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart.

Monster Energy drinks with services from Chromatic Technologies Inc. launched worldwide commemorative cans earmarked for the U.S. armed forces. As the cans are chilled, the color of the uniforms transition from a neutral desert camouflage color to a cold-weather arctic blue color.