Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced an innovative second screen NFT experience in partnership with Billboard and MRC Live & Alternative to provide a new way for consumers to engage with live entertainment. The Pepsi Mic Drop x Billboard Music Awards “Winners’ Club” NFT Collection, available through the Billboard ChartStars platform, is a limited-edition digital collectible collection created for the “2022 Billboard Music Awards” (BBMAs), which gives fans the opportunity to claim NFTs in real-time as awards are announced throughout the show. 

Los Angeles-based Calexo announced the launch of Watercolors, a new collection of cannabis-infused sparkling waters and an accompanying streetwear apparel line. 

Chicago-based Molson Coors Beverage Co. announced its Simply Spiked Lemonade, the new lineup of full-flavor alcohol beverages inspired by the Simply juice brand, will arrive on shelves this June. Simply Spiked Lemonade marks the latest product line in the agreement between Molson Coors and Atlanta-based The Coca Cola Co., and will bring real fruit juice credentials to the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol beverage space, it says.

Cheribundi, Portland, Ore., announced the launch of two new tart cherry-based products to their extensive recovery portfolio: Immunity and Sleep Concentrates. These premium products feature tart cherries carefully blended through Cheribundi’s proprietary juice extraction process. The grab-and-go concentrates contain new ingredients for maximum recovery: ginger and vitamin C in Immunity and melatonin and magnesium in Sleep. 

Essentia Water, Bothell, Wash., launched a new campaign featuring NBA basketball star Jimmy Butler, NFL quarterback Justin Fields, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Tate McRae. A continuation of its Stop for Nothing campaign, which launched in 2021, this new creative focuses on maintaining resilience by taking a moment to pause and hydrate, the company says.

Truly Hard Seltzer, a brand of The Boston Beer Co., Boston, announced the launch of its new, limited-edition Truly Poolside Variety Pack inspired by Grammy award-winning pop star Dua Lipa. The limited-edition pack from Truly features four new summer cocktail-inspired flavors including Strawberry Melon Fizz, Orange Peach Fizz, Piña Colada Style and Kiwi Mojito Style.

Muscle Milk announced its first cause-based initiative, the Lifting Project to help make fitness more accessible to individuals in underserved communities. With the launch of the Lifting Project, Muscle Milk also is announcing the next iteration of its consumer engagement campaign Own Your Strength.

Lone River Beverage Co. announced the launch of its new Margarita style beverage, Lone River Ranch Rita. Ranch Rita, made with agave nectar and a taste of lime, is a premium take on the canned Margarita style beverage, with quality ingredients, full flavor and a 6% ABV. 

Consumers in the United States are opting to spend more on their drinks in bars and restaurants as premiumization drives the recovery of the on-premise channel after COVID-19. A trend that was paused during the pandemic now is accelerating again, CGA’s exclusive On Premise Measurement (OPM) service shows. The premium price tier of the spirits market took a 40% share of sales by value in February 2022, while super-premium took 18%.