Gran Patrón Smoky roasted in underground stone pits
September 10, 2018
Patrón Tequila, a brand of Hamilton, Bermuda-based Bacardi Ltd., launched Gran Patrón Smoky, which uses agave that is roasted with mesquite for about seven days in small underground stone pits to craft the artisanal tequila. Gran Patrón Smoky honors traditional production methods dating back hundreds of years, it says. Like all Patrón Tequila, the process for Gran Patrón Smoky begins with the high-quality, 100 percent Weber Blue Agave.
William Grant & Sons Ltd., North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom, announced a global brand refresh which includes new packaging and a renaming of its signature blend, a refined portfolio and a new direction for its communication’s campaign, the company says.
Accelerator program seeks 10 start-ups in US, Canada
September 6, 2018
PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., announced the launch of its Nutrition Greenhouse accelerator program in North America, an innovation initiative designed to discover and support emerging brands in the food and beverage sector. The North American program follows the launch of PepsiCo's Nutrition Greenhouse in Europe, now in its second year.
The American Beverage Association (ABA), Washington, D.C., announced that Katherine Lugar, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), will join ABA as its new president and CEO later this year. Lugar will succeed Susan K. Neely, who led the ABA for 13 years. Neely was named president and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in May 2018.
Fort Collins, Colo.-based Joy Organics announced the release of its new zero-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) energy drink mix. The CBD Energy + Focus Energy Drink and Recovery Mix is designed to enhance anyone’s workout plan and provide improved workout recovery, the company says. The CBD Energy + Focus Drink contains 75 mg of caffeine, which helps improve focus and mental clarity, it adds.
Acquisition will add scalable coffee platform for company
September 4, 2018
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Costa Ltd., which was founded in London in 1971. The acquisition of Costa from parent company Whitbread PLC is valued at $5.1 billion and will give Coca-Cola a strong coffee platform across parts of Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, with the opportunity for additional expansion, the company says.
As Labor Day just marked the official end of summer, consumers still are continuing to try different beverages from their favorite companies. In the Reader’s Choice: New Product of the Month poll for July, the readers selected Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen as their favorite product.
Beer brand partners with Cat De Orio, Barilla Pasta
August 29, 2018
Birra Moretti, a brand of White Plains N.Y.-based Heineken USA, announced that the brand’s What’s More Italian summer program includes a partnership with former "Check, Please!" Host Cat De Orio and Barilla Pasta Executive Chef Lorenzo Boni to encourage legal-drinking-age consumers to enjoy Birra Moretti and Italian cuisine with friends and family at home or at other social get-togethers this summer.
Money Bag Soda launched in cooperation with Rock Steady Sodas
August 28, 2018
Gene Simmons, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of KISS, launched a premium soda line called Money Bag Sodas this month in cooperation with Niagara Falls, N.Y.-based Rock Steady Sodas Inc., a subsidiary of Johnnie Ryan Bottling Co.