Los Angeles-based G.O.A.T. Fuel, the health-forward energy drink from Pro Football Hall of Famer and renowned NFL G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, announced closing on its initial Series Seed round of financing, which was oversubscribed and raised $5 million, putting total funds raised since launching in 2020 during the pandemic at $12 million. 

The founders of Funky Buddha Brewery — Ryan and KC Sentz — are reacquiring their Oakland Park, Fla.-based business from Constellation Brands, Victor, N.Y. Both the Sentzs and Constellation agreed that now is the ideal time for the original owners to reclaim control of the company and focus on beverage innovation, new consumer experiences, and additional product lines.  

DoorDash released its inaugural Alcohol Online Ordering Trends Report and a first look at the third annual Restaurant Online Ordering Trends Report. Consumers continue to look for convenience as delivery apps have become a part of people’s everyday routines from ordering food and alcohol to groceries, gifts, and more. In fact, in 2023, consumers prefer ordering food via third-party apps or websites significantly more than in 2022.

Rockstar Energy, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced that starting this weekend, the brand wants to “Fuel Your Drive” by giving away $50,000 to help summer travelers across the country get cash back at the pump and stay energized to get to their next destination. In addition to the Memorial Day weekend giveaway, to keep consumers fueled up and energized all summer long, Rockstar Energy will reward travelers with up to $5 cash back when they buy two products now through Labor Day, it says.

Seattle-based The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic amaro, announced a strategic investment from Stoli Group, New York.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the launch of Coca-Cola Flex powered by Freestyle, a new beverage dispenser that offers an enhanced guest experience while reducing operational complexity. The next-generation dispenser debuted at the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., has acquired a minority stake in TÖST, a flavor-forward and alcohol-free sparkling beverage brand. The investment was made through Constellation’s venture capital group, which aims to collaborate with people and brands driving innovation and transforming the future of the industry together.

Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., makers of Samuel Adams beer, announced at the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville a donation of $225,000 to the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A). This donation was timed to the launch of the NB2A, an organization dedicated to addressing underrepresentation of Black people in the brewing industry.

Following its successful introduction to the popular ready-to-drink category last year, Dos Equis, a brand of Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., is expanding its product portfolio with Dos Equis Lime & Salt ZERO non-alcoholic, Dos Equis Michelada and Dos Equis Mango Margarita.

The craft brewing business accounted for nearly $29 billion in beer sales last year, which is nearly one-quarter of the $120 billion beer industry revenue in the United States. But of the nearly 10,000 craft brewers in the country, only about 1% are Black individuals. A group of like-minded Black entrepreneurs now are setting out ― determined to change this dynamic.