The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, plans to host events for fans of all ages in the company’s hometown during the 2013 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Final Four weekend, which also is taking place in Atlanta. Coke Zero, the official fan refreshment of the NCAA, and Powerade, the official sports drink of the NCAA, will be the dominant players in the company’s celebrations, it says.

Mountain Dew, a brand of PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., tapped into its Southern roots and welcomed country music star Brantley Gilbert to the family.

Diet Coke, a brand of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., partnered with actress Minka Kelly to support the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness about heart health.

The Double Cola Co. is reintroducing its Double-Dry Ginger Ale with new graphics and packaging.

Utmost Brands Inc.’s GuS – Grown-up Soda unveiled new, brighter graphics on both its bottles and four-pack carriers.

For brands with a rich history, the challenge often is to find fresh ways to stay relevant to new generations of consumers.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS), Plano, Texas, announced that it has reached an agreement with Mondeléz International Inc., Deerfield, Ill., to reacquire the distribution rights for Snapple and several other non-carbonated beverage brands in parts of Asia-Pacific.

 Big Red is giving everyday Joes the opportunity to be an action hero like John McClane, the hero of the “Die Hard” movie saga, for a day.  

 The old adage, “You are what you eat,” has been more top of mind in recent years as the wealth of health and wellness information inspires consumers to consider their diets. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2012 Food & Health Survey, nearly all Americans say they have given at least a little thought to the healthfulness of their diets, physical activity and the safety of the food they eat and are trying to improve at least one of their eating habits.  

Cheerwine announced that it will introduce a four-pack of 12-ounce sleek cans launching in California for initial distribution on the West Coast.