At any time of day, a quick scan of a train or bus would likely reveal at least one or two people on their mobile devices — particularly smartphones. Around the world, more consumers are turning to smartphones for their mobile needs.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co., Chicago, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by leveraging the equity it has built in its flagship flavored malt beverage brand and releasing two new flavors, a reformulated offering, a new category entrant and new packaging.

With many consumers lacking the tools or know-how to reproduce some of their favorite on-premise cocktails, beverage manufacturers have found a way to deliver that same enjoyment to consumers in their own homes.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. announced a partnership with celebrity chef and former “Top Chef” contestant Spike Mendelsohn in support of its July 4 consumer promotion, which begins June 19. The in-store promotion offers one winner and 11 friends the chance to win a trip to New York City to attend a private barbecue hosted by Spike.

It’s amazing how much can change in a year’s time. As our staff began compiling Beverage Industry’s list of the Top 100 beverage companies (page 24), I realized the magnitude of changes that have taken place in the beverage realm within the last year.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. took its first step into the beer category by introducing Mike’s Authentic Shandy Hard Lemonade & Lager.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. reformulated its Mike’s Lite Hard Lemonade and Cranberry Lemonade varieties with all-natural sweeteners and flavors.