The number of Americans who consider healthfulness when purchasing their food and beverages has shown a significant uptick in the past two years, according to the Washington, D.C.-based International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2014 Food and Health Survey. The survey also evaluated the “emotional” conversations consumers have about food, finding that fewer than one in four have these conversations.

Geneva, N.Y.-based Cheribundi Inc. launched the Cheribundi 7-Day Challenge, which encourages consumers to drink tart cherry juice for seven consecutive days to experience the benefits of tart cherries.

Bacardí, the namesake brand within Coral Gables, Fla.-based  Bacardi U.S.A. Inc.’s portfolio, launched Bacardí Loud & Untameable, a digital content series that showcases collaborations between popular modern artists and a Cuban-inspired ensemble band in all-out, anything-goes studio sessions streamed on the brand's custom Pandora station, www.pandora.com/bacardi.

Kefir manufacturer Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., announced positive results for the first quarter ending March 31.

Gatorade, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., launched “Unreal Around the World,” a contest that encourages entrants to demonstrate how their training and hard work translates to “unreal” performances on the pitch. Winners will receive a unique soccer experience at iconic “football” clubs including FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Boca Juniors and the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Monster Beverage Corp., Corona, Calif., reported a more than 10 percent increase in gross sales to nearly $614 million in the first quarter of 2014, which ended March 31. Net sales in the term also increased by more than 10 percent to $536 million, and gross profit reached 53.5 percent of net sales.

Concord, Mass.-based Drinkmaple launched maple., an all-natural, plant-based water sourced from North American maple trees. The new water now is available in 8.45-ounce cartons at retail throughout the greater Boston area as well as online at www.drinkmaple.com.

Chicago-based MillerCoors, a joint venture between London-based SABMiller plc and Denver-based Molson Coors Brewing Co., saw its net income for the first quarter increase 7.4 percent to $291.9 million compared with the same period in the prior-year period. This income growth was driven by positive pricing and sales mix, cost savings, and lower marketing spending, primarily due to timing differences versus last year, the company says.

Lipton Iced Tea launched the first video in a three-part comedic film series produced in partnership with actress Kristen Bell, who for the first time stepped behind the camera to serve as creative director.

Timed with the start of the summer season and warmer weather, Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Suntory Inc.’s Sauza brand added a new Watermelon flavor to its lineup of ready-to-drink Sparkling Margaritas, which made their debut last spring.