Braintrust Investments LLC, Burr Ridge, Ill., announced that its  Wilmington, DE-based subsidiary Wholesome Tea Company LLC acquired the business of Blue Buddha Beverages LLC, Westerly, R.I.

U.S. consumers have shown how enthusiastic they are about Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum Cream. The import brand of Rochester, N.Y.-based Fishbowl Spirits that was created and owned by country music star Kenny Chesney announced that the limited-edition variety sold out nationwide.

In celebration of its 21^st anniversary, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii-based Kona Brewing Co. created a special series of small-batch beers that will be available only throughout Hawaii.

Sonoma Cider, Healdsburg, Calif., added two new members to its sales team. James Williams was appointed senior vice president of sales overseeing six sales team members, and Ken Komar was named vice president of sales for the company’s Central territory, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Chivas Regal, an import brand of New York-based Pernod Ricard USA, introduced Chivas Regal Extra, the brand’s first new global expression since 2007. Crafted to complement the brand’s collection of premium blended Scotch whiskies, Chivas Regal Extra is a rich-tasting whisky blended for consumers seeking more from their drinking experiences, the brand says.

Forbes Consulting Group, Lexington, Mass., announced that holiday shoppers who read online reviews, and generally feel they were useful, are more likely to feel fulfilled about their overall purchase.

Just before its 80th anniversary, the former Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. unveiled a new corporate name, Heaven Hill Brands, and a new logo that captures the Bardstown, Ky.-based company’s evolution from a leader in American whiskey production to the nation’s sixth-largest distilled spirits supplier, it says.

Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co., a division of Birmingham, Ala.-based Coca-Cola Bottling United, announced a $35 million investment in the Montgomery, Ala., area that will improve distribution, create jobs and help the local community.

As the year draws to a close, the Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., released its review of the 2014 craft beer market.

It’s that time of year where homes and businesses get in the holiday spirit with decorations, festive music and tasty treats. The consumer packaged goods (CPG) market is no stranger to this holiday inspiration including limited-edition products and packaging. However, adding these seasonal items to a retailer’s merchandising plans adds a special consideration during this time of year.