Across geographies, consumer demand appears to be beginning to stabilize toward previous year trends, although in some categories demand is significantly higher or lower than the previous year, according to recent information from Information Resources Inc. (IRI), Chicago.

Sparkling Ice, made by Seattle-based Talking Rain Beverage Co., announced its first-ever Cheers to Heroes campaign to celebrate America's everyday hometown heroes, in conjunction with its fifth annual partnership with the Honor Flight Network. Throughout the campaign, Sparkling Ice has pledged to give back $400,000 to unsung heroes through various initiatives including their new Cheers to Heroes contest, a donation to the Honor Flight Network, and by creating moments to surprise and delight everyday consumers.

Liquid I.V., El Segundo, Calif., is pivoting resources previously dedicated to large scale events like Coachella and Stagecoach to focus on donating to those battling the COVID-19 pandemic on the frontlines.

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., announced additional steps it is taking to reduce its brewery production activities in Mexico to a level that safeguards the environment and avoids irreversible impact to its operations. 

The coronavirus outbreak is a human tragedy with very real business and economic consequences. Business leaders globally are in uncharted waters as together we face the challenges surrounding the recent pandemic and resulting economic impact. Clear Seas Research, a BNP Media Company, polled publication subscribers across its food and beverage manufacturing titles the week of March 23 to see how they are adapting.

Healdsburg, Calif.-based Gracianna Winery, a family owned and operated winery in the Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, has announced a new way to honor America's healthcare professionals, it says.

In the United States, IRI National Consumer Panel data shows customers are both making more trips and buying larger baskets in the most recent two weeks. Both pantry stocking and smaller quick trips were up significantly.

As part of ongoing efforts to support communities around the world amid the impact of COVID-19, The Starbucks Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Seattle-based Starbucks Corp., announced it is donating more than $3 million to support community response efforts globally.

As efforts accelerate worldwide to provide relief from the ravages of COVID-19, Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc. and The PepsiCo Foundation announced a more than $45 million initiative focused on helping people and communities most affected by this virus.