Reflecting the evolving needs of today's consumer and the increased desire for more better-for-you choices on-the-go, Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc. launched a new, state-of-the-art food and beverage vending initiative called Hello Goodness. 

Demand for wine packaging in the United States is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2019, according to a new study from New York-based Freedonia titled “Wine Packaging.” Growth will benefit from continued favorable gains in domestic wine consumption and production as well as increases in disposable personal income, the market research firm states. In the United States, wine is becoming more prevalent as an accompaniment to meals at home rather than a beverage consumed at restaurants or special events. Opportunities for related packaging will benefit from the importance of packaging both as a marketing tool and for its ability to enhance the perception of wine quality. 

The Bardstown Bourbon Co., Bardstown, Ky., announced the creation of its Collaborative Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye Wholesale Distilling Program, which is slated to open this summer. The new program will offer wholesale customers the opportunity to create custom, authentic, Kentucky whiskey products, while also providing barrel financing, the company says. The program works to expand the growth of the craft distilling industry by providing craft distillers and brand owners high-quality whiskey to strengthen their supply, it adds.

Whether it's relaxing at home, dining out at a restaurant or celebrating with friends and family, American consumers are enjoying wine in a wider variety of occasions. A recent report titled “The 2015 Gallo Consumer Wine Trends Survey,” commissioned by Modesto-Calif.-based E. & J. Gallo Winery, found that 85 percent of frequent wine drinkers now consider wine as an appropriate beverage for casual and formal settings alike. One-thousand frequent wine drinkers between the ages of 21 and 64 were surveyed as a follow-up to the 2014 survey of the same name, which aims to capture the current state of American wine-drinking attitudes and behaviors, the company says. 

Keurig Green Mountain Inc., Waterbury, Vt., and Luxembourg-based JAB Holding Co. announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which a JAB-led investor group will acquire Keurig Green Mountain for $92 per share in cash, or a total equity value of approximately $13.9 billion. 

Just in time for the holiday season, Schweppes, a brand of Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group, announced it is releasing Schweppes Dark Ginger Ale. Tapping into an increasing demand for stronger flavors, Schweppes Dark Ginger Ale offers a bolder, darker and richer flavor experience while maintaining the traditional, refreshing ginger ale taste, the company says.

Wild Turkey, a brand of San Francisco-based Campari America, a division of Gruppo Campari, debuted a new look for its premium bourbon and rye whiskey range. Although no changes were made to the liquid, Wild Turkey designed the new packaging for its global line of products to better reflect the core values of the brand, it says. A new, detailed turkey illustration now can be found on every expression, most prominently displayed on Wild Turkey 101, and depicts a spirited bird that is authentic, proud, and bold, it adds. 

The Board of Directors of New Rochelle, N.Y.-based Sidney Frank Importing Co. Inc. (SFIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mast-Jagermeister, named Jeffrey B. Popkin as the company's chief executive officer.

The Recycling Partnership, Falls Church, Va., a national nonprofit committed to improving curbside residential recycling, announced that White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA is the first alcohol company member, effective immediately, to join its program. As a leading sponsor, the brewer will provide industry expertise to help improve consumer education, elevate the quality of curbside recycling and drive increased recovery of recyclable glass in communities nationwide, the companies say.

Stella Artois, a brand of Anheuser-Busch Inbev, Leuven, Belgium, and award-winning artist John Legend debuted "Under the Stars," an exclusive holiday single written and performed by Legend, which launched in conjunction with the Stella Artois Give Beautifully holiday campaign, the company says. The duet pays homage to the brand's name, "Stella," which directly translates to "star" in Latin, it adds.