The distilled spirits sector achieved accelerated growth in 2016 with supplier sales up 4.5 percent to $25.2 billion, volumes up 2.4 percent to 220 million cases and a seventh straight year of market share gains relative to beer, the New York-based Distilled Spirits Council announced at its annual economic briefing for media and Wall Street analysts, sponsored by Spirited Funds.

As the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots prepare to hit the gridiron Feb. 5 for Super Bowl 51, consumers across the country are gearing up as well. Many plan to catch the game on live TV and are figuring out which foods and beverages they’ll want when it’s time to sit down and watch the game.

Aware Beverages announced plans to introduce SoCIAL LITE Vodka in select markets in the United States. 

Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) announced results from its study analyzing the habits of U.S. consumers regarding alcohol beverages. Although drinks of choice differed among generations, consumers — from millennials to seniors — continue to indulge in beer, wine and spirits products with regular frequency at home and on-premise, it reports. 

Smirnoff, a brand of Diageo North America, added Spiked Sparkling Seltzers to its portfolio.

Minneapolis-based Phillips Distilling Co. announced the launch of its newest whisky innovation: Revel Stoke Root Beer Flavored Whisky. 

The American Craft Spirits Association (ASCA), International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR) and Park Street released highlights from the Craft Spirits Data Project at the inaugural Craft Spirits Economic Briefing at the Nomad Hotel in New York. The Craft Spirits Data Project, announced earlier this year, is a research initiative to provide a solid and reliable fact-base for evaluating performance and trends in the U.S. craft spirit industry, the companies say.

Truly Spiked & Sparkling, a brand of The Boston Beer Co., added a new flavor to its lineup of spiked, sparkling waters.