Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, a brand of E.J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, Calif., announced that it will ring in the New Year as the Official Bubbly of New Year's Eve Times Square. As the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball drops, Barefoot will toast with millions to the start of another year full of opportunities and bring people together in celebration, the company says.

Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., and Papa John's announced the kickoff of the Halftime of a Lifetime promotion, giving fans an opportunity to get a front-row seat to the Pepsi Zero Sugar Halftime Show at Super Bowl LI.

Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., manufacturer of the dietary supplement brand CELSIUS, announced an expansion in the Asian market in partnership with the Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson Group (ASW). 

Miami-based Sun Orchard, a premier juice and beverage products producer, announced the acquisition of certain assets of Blue Lake Citrus Products LLC, Winter Haven, Fla. Previously, Blue Lake was held by the Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc. and Wm. G. Roe & Sons Inc.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (DPS), Plano, Texas, has reached an agreement to acquire Bai Brands LLC, Princeton, N.J., and its complete portfolio of high-growth premium antioxidant-infused beverages. 

With the holiday season just around the corner, the beverage market will see more consumers turning to cocktails for their celebrations. Perhaps that is what motivated the readers of Beverage Industry in this month’s Readers’ Choice of the Month for October poll.

Euromonitor International, Chicago, released new retailing industry data alongside its report: “What’s New in Retail: Emerging Global Concepts.” The new research showcases how the rise of omnichannel and demand for convenience are boosting innovation within the retail landscape, the market research firm says.

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Oxnard, Calif.-based KeVita, a producer of fermented probiotic and kombucha beverages. The transaction will expand PepsiCo's health-and-wellness offerings in the premium chilled beverage space, the company says.  

Adding to its portfolio of aloe vera-based consumer packaged goods, Rilassati LLC launched Curaloe, a pure aloe vera juice. 

With the holidays fast approaching, many consumers will be looking for the best buys at the grocery store. To give grocery retailers and manufacturers direct access to the voice of the consumer, Boston-based Trace One recently conducted a survey to determine what shoppers want from private-label products.