The craft brewing industry has continued its strong growth in the first half of 2015, according to new mid-year data released by the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small, independent American craft brewers. American craft beer production volume increased 16 percent during the first half of the year, it says. 

Readers of Beverage Industry Magazine are showing an affinity for organic protein smoothies. In the June New Product of the Month poll, Baltimore-based B’more Organic’s Strawberry Skyr Smoothie took the top spot.

 As summer temperatures steadily rise, so does the outlook for the bottled water market. 

New York-based Thirstie, an on-demand wine, beer and spirits delivery service, announced a partnership with Veev Spirits LLC,Los Angeles, to bring A Better Way to Drink to consumers. This partnership will be the first of many in Thirstie’s Brand Partnership Program as an initiative to continuously evolve the way consumers discover new spirit brands, it says.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, a founding partner of Special Olympics International, is encouraging fans worldwide to “Reach Up” in support of people with intellectual disabilities as thousands of athletes converge in Los Angeles later this month for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015.

Los Angeles-based Pabst Brewing Co., announced today that it will open a new brewery in Milwaukee on the site of the original Pabst Brewery, which was founded in 1844. Partnering with Milwaukee-based developers Zilber Ltd. and BRM, Pabst plans to sign a multi-year lease on a building within the Pabst brewery complex and expects to open the brewery to the public in the summer of 2016, marking a return to its hometown and birthplace, the company says.

Jamba Juice Co., Emeryville, Calif., is teaming up with ClassPass, the premier fitness membership, for a special event collaboration to unveil three new flavor additions to its Freshly Squeezed Juice line: Veggie Vitality, Cucumber Orange Cooler and Orange Supreme.

Beverage Industry provides an in-depth look at the performances and trends in non-alcohol and alcohol categories in the last year. 

Nashville-based Bonnie Rose, a new Tennessee white corn whiskey with a southern vibe, launched two new, natural flavors: Orange Peel and Spiced Apple, both with a suggested retail price of $18.99. Inspired by the legend of Bonnie Rose, the new brand makes its premiere in her favorite city, Nashville, and rolls out nationally immediately following, the company says.

White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA announces the return of the Beers of Mexicovariety pack. Joining the mix this year is Dos Equis Roja, a distinctive red lager crafted with Mexican malted barley and hops. This latest version of the Beers of Mexico pack will be available in 12- and 24-packs starting Aug. 1.