The Jack Daniel's Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery announced that Minneapolis-based Du Nord Social Spirits, a small batch distillery producing gin, vodka, liqueurs and whiskeys, is the first graduate of the Business Incubation Program, one of the core pillars of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative. 

Raleigh, N.C.-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC (PBV), a joint venture of Suntory Group and PepsiCo, named Derek Hill as president and chief executive officer (CEO). The announcement followed the retirement of Paul Finney, who served as president and CEO from 2012-2021. 

Rockstar Energy Drink, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, is creating a new kind of energy drink with the launch of Rockstar Unplugged. Rockstar Unplugged focuses less on providing a big hit of energy and more focus on enhancing good vibes with ingredients like hemp seed oil and B vitamins, the company says. 

Donae Burston, founder and CEO of La Fête Wine Co., Miami, announced that Chris Paul (CP3), Phoenix Suns point guard and 11-time NBA all-star, has joined the La Fête Wine Co. family as an equity partner. Founded in 2019 as a fresh, modern and inclusive wine brand geared toward drinkers of all backgrounds, Paul joins the company at a time of extraordinary growth, the company says.

CELSIUS, a brand of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Celsius Holdings Inc., announced a new flavor exclusively available at participating 7-Eleven and Speedway stores. Sparkling Mango Passionfruit CELSIUS energy drink is a combination of sweet and tart for an afternoon pick-me-up, or as the ideal beverage to pair with 7-Eleven snacks, the company says.

Chicago-based Molson Coors Beverage Co. expanded its exclusive agreement with The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, to develop and commercialize a brand of full-flavor alcohol beverages inspired by the country’s No. 1 chilled juice brand: Simply. 

Treasury Wine Estates’ 19 Crimes, Napa, Calif., added a new face to its lineup of boundary pushing and culture molding characters: Martha Stewart. An American businesswoman known for her entrepreneurial skills and ever evolving lifestyle, Stewart adds another bullet to her resume: winemaker. 

Los Angeles-based Califia Farms is kicking off the new year with a variety of new dairy-free beverages that expand the brand’s existing product offering of plant milks, creamers, brewed-to-blend coffees, and barista products using ingredients like almonds, oats, coconuts and more.