Bacardi U.S.A. Inc., Coral Gables, Fla., will launch Grey Goose VX (Vodka Exceptionnelle) in the U.S. market this fall.

Inspired by the popularity of variety packs in the craft beer segment, Seattle-based Dry Soda Co. launched a Summer Discovery Pack mixed pack of its three best-selling natural soda flavors.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Monster Beverage Corp., Corona, Calif., have entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic partnership that they expect will accelerate growth for both companies in the global energy drink category.

In celebration of National Coffee Month in August, Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ Brands introduced its new Colombian Packaged Coffee under the Dunkin’ Donuts brand name.

White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA’s Newcastle beer brand is resurrecting its Werewolf Blood-Red Ale for the 2014 Halloween season. The company reports that the brew was its top-selling imported, limited-edition beer last year.

San Francisco-based DripDrop Inc., the maker of a same-named medical-grade
rehydration solution, announced that it has closed a $5.8 million round of financing, which will help the company to accelerate development and continue to drive availability in retailers and hospitals, the company says. Investors include funds affiliated with owners of the San Francisco 49ers, Seth Taube and Brook Taube of Medley Corp., and American rock musicians Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, and Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.
 

London-based Diageo plc’s Irish beer brand Guinness announced plans to launch a Blonde American Lager this fall.

The Pulse Beverage Corp., Northglenn, Colo., launched a new wholly owned subsidiary, Pulse Beverage S.A., in order to establish a presence in Mexico.

Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., announced the closing of its acquisition of CytoSport Holdings Inc., Benicia, Calif. The purchase price was approximately $450 million. The deal includes the Muscle Milk brand of shelf-stable, ready-to-drink protein beverages; a manufacturing facility in Benicia, Calif.; as well as several manufacturing and distribution agreements both domestically and abroad, according to Hormel Foods.

Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., announced results for the second quarter, which ended June 30. Total consolidated net sales increased 28 percent to $29.6 million during the three-month period from $23.1 million during the same three-month period in 2013. This increase is primarily attributable to increased sales and awareness of the company’s flagship Kefir line as well as its ProBugs Organic Kefir for kids and BioKefir lines.