Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. announced the official launch and expansion of its premium Jones Cane Sugar Soda fountain program.

The Nightclub & Bar Show (NCB) will celebrate its 30^th anniversary this year. The event will take place March 30-April 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. An estimated 39,000 industry professionals will be in attendance.

With gas prices down 31 percent since June 2014 and oil prices were around $85 a barrel, American Consumer Confidence has improved, going up 12 percentage points year over year, New York-based Nielsen reports.

During the recession, private-label products enjoyed increasing popularity as consumers looked for new ways to save on everyday purchases during the economic downturn. In fact, U.S. consumers spent $120 billion on private-label products during the past year, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.1 percent, according to Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI). However, this growth now seems to be leveling off, and this small uptick was largely driven by price increases, it reports.

In celebration of National Hot Tea Month, Starbucks Coffee Co. brand Teavana released its newest handcrafted variety: Winterberry Green Tea Blend. Available in all Teavana stores, Winterberry is a blend of green tea infused with hints of strawberry and citrus, the Seattle-based company says.

When consumers shopped the aisles of different retail channels during the past couple of months as they prepared for the holidays, product assortments and even store environments probably started to seem the same after a while.

Forbes Consulting Group, Lexington, Mass., announced that holiday shoppers who read online reviews, and generally feel they were useful, are more likely to feel fulfilled about their overall purchase.

It’s that time of year where homes and businesses get in the holiday spirit with decorations, festive music and tasty treats. The consumer packaged goods (CPG) market is no stranger to this holiday inspiration including limited-edition products and packaging. However, adding these seasonal items to a retailer’s merchandising plans adds a special consideration during this time of year.

In today’s fast-paced world with little down time, consumers are looking for quick, in-and-out shopping trips that fit into their busy lifestyles, says Susan Viamari, editor of thought leadership at Information Resources Inc. (IRI), Chicago.

Sonic Drive-In, Oklahoma City, Okla., introduced new Sonic Splash Hand-Crafted Sodas that offer customers a lighter artisanal beverage option, the company says. Sonic Splash sodas are made to order to guests’ taste specifications, starting with sparkling filtered water and infused with a selection of real fruit or fruit flavors.