U.S. honey demand reached an all-time high, according to the latest Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In a special article on the U.S. honey market, record-setting consumption of honey and made-with-honey products totaled 618 million pounds in 2021. The previous record was 596 million pounds in 2017.

Phyll, New York, introduced shelf-stable, ready-to-drink (RTD) fruit and greens smoothies. Phyll provides a healthy option for consumers on-the-go, with each of its smoothies packed with three servings of fruits and veggies, 15 grams of plant-based protein and no added sugars or sweeteners ― all in an eco-friendly, recyclable paperboard carton.

Launched in 2021, the company created the canned crush cocktail, Dewey Crush. The “Famous Friends” singer was introduced to Dewey Crush by a family member — he hadn’t heard of one until meeting his wife and spending time with her on the East Coast — and immediately fell in love, the company says.

Rancho La Gloria, a brand of MPL NV Brands, Sausalito, Calif., announced its expansion into the spirits category with the launch of premium Infused Tequilas.

TAZO announces a multiyear transition plan of its tea portfolio to a regenerative organic approach. TAZO is taking the principles of regenerative and applying them to the way the brand operates its business, it says.

BioSteel Sports Nutrition Inc., Toronto, announced the latest addition to #TeamBioSteel with the signing of Connor Bedard, a rising hockey star and top prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft. 

Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., announced its limited release of Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey through its partnership with Chicago-based Beam Suntory. The 32.5% ABV Sweet Tea Whiskey, made with real brewed tea and inspired by Twisted Tea’s flagship product, packs the classic sweet tea taste balanced with real, well-rounded whiskey for a deliciously smooth blend of oak and bright lemon, the company says

New research from Chicago-based IRI, which recently merged with The NPD Group, reveals elevated at-home beverage alcohol consumption is here to stay. Despite high inflation concerns, retail price increases for beverage alcohol remain more moderate than other CPG categories. IRI’s 2022 Midyear Alcohol Update highlights that many consumers are opting to celebrate and socialize at home.

Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield, Calif., has closed its acquisition of Evolution Fresh from Starbucks, Seattle. The acquisition includes the brand, business, and employees supporting Evolution Fresh. By uniting the two powerhouse brands, Bolthouse Farms looks to further accelerate the company’s leadership within the premium juice and refrigerated beverage categories in retail, it says.

PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., and Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., maker of a global fitness energy drink CELSIUS, announced a definitive agreement forging a long-term strategic distribution arrangement. The distribution agreement initially transitions Celsius’ current U.S. distribution to PepsiCo’s best-in-class capabilities, the companies note. As part of the transaction, PepsiCo also will make an investment in Celsius in support of its growth agenda and will nominate a director to serve on Celsius’ Board of Directors.