To support New York-based Diageo North America’s growth strategy in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, the company announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint and install two can lines at a new facility in Plainfield, Ill. With an investment of approximately $80 million, the site will have the capacity to produce more than 25 million cases of RTDs a year, including Smirnoff seltzers and the newly launched spirits-based RTD cocktails from Crown Royal and Ketel One Botanicals.

Pepsi, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced the nationwide rollout of Pepsi Mango, the brand's first new permanent flavored cola in five years. The new variety combines bright citrus and rich caramel notes, according to the company.

In partnership with NBA icon, businessman and philanthropist LeBron James, MTN DEW announced the launch of RISE ENERGY,  an energy drink specifically formulated with ingredients to kick off the morning with a mental boost, immune support, and zero grams of added sugar, the company says.

Newton, Mass.-based Spindrift sparkling water introduces Spindrift Spiked, a lightly carbonated hard sparkling water made with only real ingredients, no synthetic natural flavors, sweeteners or additives, it says.

Califia Farms, Los Angeles, announced the passing of its founder and executive director, Greg Steltenpohl. “It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the passing of our company’s founder, Greg Steltenpohl. He built the Califia Farms brand from the ground up with a passion for nourishing people and the planet. Greg touched so many lives on his plant-fueled journey to make the world a healthier place. He will be profoundly missed. We tip our hats to our visionary founder,” the statement said.

New York-based Hydrant announced that pro quarterback Josh Allen has been named the brand’s first ambassador.

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, Pa., announced a collaboration with DraftKings, a digital sports entertainment and gaming company known for its industry-leading daily fantasy sports and mobile sports betting products. The agreement marks the brewery's first-ever fantasy sports collaboration and merges the love of sports and beer through year-round events, contests and great prizes.

Chicago-based GoodSport Nutrition is launching GoodSport, a natural sports drink made from milk.

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, Pa., celebrated International Women’s Day by supporting Pink Boots Society, a nonprofit focused on encouraging and inspiring women beer professionals through education.

Nestlé USA, Arlington, Va., announced that it has acquired Essentia Water, Bothell, Wash. Essentia pioneered ionized alkaline water more than 20 years ago and is a leading brand in that space in the United States. This transaction is part of Nestlé's continued transformation of its global water business, which was announced in June 2020. The company is sharpening its portfolio to focus on international premium and mineral water brands and healthy hydration products, such as functional water.