The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, as well as Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Co., Pittsburgh-based The H.J. Heinz Co., Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike Inc. and Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble announced the formation of the Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC), a strategic working group focused on accelerating the development and use of 100 percent plant-based PET materials and fiber in their products.

Jim Beam, a brand of Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., launched its Live Music Series in support of the nation’s troops. This year, the series includes six concerts featuring artists who have partnered in the past with the bourbon brand, including Kid Rock, Daughtry, David Gray, Darius Rucker, Bush and Train.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., expanded its Sierra Mist carbonated soft drink brand with the addition of its newest flavor, Strawberry Kiwi Splash.  The new flavor is made with real sugar and does not contain artificial additives or preservatives, the company says.

Bombay Saphhire gin, a brand of Bacardi Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda, named David Wolowidnyk of Canada the World’s Most Imaginative Bartender. The contest was hosted in Morocco where eight finalists took part in a four-day experience visiting the Moroccan home of one of the Bombay Sapphire botanicals, coriander, and exploring the world of the historic gin.

With more than 4,500 attendees from 35 countries, the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, hosted by the Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., May 2-5 in San Diego, was a testament to the growth in the industry. Setting the tone for the event, Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian addressed any doubts about the industry’s potential, saying, “We are not in a bubble, we are knee-deep in foam — and the foam is still rising.”

After announcing the launch of a Half Lemonade & Half Iced Tea flavored drink mix, Country Time is turning to its fans to help nickname its latest variety. A select group of celebrity Country Time fans will offer up their own name suggestions for the new half-and-half drink.  Consumers can then choose their favorite or make their own suggestions via the Country Time Facebook page.

Coca-Cola ranks as the No. 1 most valuable global beverage brand at $74.3 billion, according to the annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study by Millward Brown, New York City.

Students recycled more than 4.5 million aluminum beverage cans from America Recycles Day, which was Nov. 15, 2011, through Earth Day on April 22 in the second annual Great American Can Roundup, a national recycling competition sponsored by the U.S. can industry.

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew brand partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to promote “The Dark Knight Rises,” which makes its debut in theaters July 20.

Following the debut of its new “No Bollocks” national advertising campaign, White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA brand Newcastle Brown Ale launched its “No Bollocks Guarantee” summer retail program.