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.

Los Angeles-based Cave Shake, innovator of a ready-to-drink (RTD) ketogenic shake, announced its partnership with beverage accelerator L.A. Libations.

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.

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.

Philadelphia-based La Colombe Coffee Roasters announced the early release of its seasonal batch of Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte. Made with cold-pressed espresso and fresh milk, then combined with real pumpkin puree and a blend of natural spices, La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte is available online, in cafés, and in select retailers nationwide, the company says.

Los Angeles-based The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf introduced limited-edition “Bright Future” Blend Coffee and Tea for the back to school season to benefit local teacher projects. Available in-store and online through Sept. 30, $1 for each sale of the coffee and tea blends will help fund projects at schools around company-owned retail locations in California and Arizona, and participating franchise stores.

Amp Energy Organic, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., announced The Search for the Ultimate Side Hustlers Powered by Amp Energy Organic, a national search for the five most unique side hustlers.

Smirnoff Vodka, a brand of Diageo North America, Norwalk, Conn., announced its new campaign entitled Welcome to the Fun%, which celebrates good times with a quality product everyone can afford, the company says.

Vintage Wine Estates, Santa Rosa, Calif., announced a new partnership with Jon Sebastiani and Sonoma Brands. Sonoma Brands is a food and beverage products incubator and private equity fund led by Sonoma-based Jon Sebastiani. 

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo and Tel Aviv, Israel-based SodaStream International Ltd., announced they have entered into an agreement under which PepsiCo will acquire all outstanding shares of SodaStream for $144 per share in cash, valued at $3.2 billion, the companies said. “PepsiCo and SodaStream are an inspired match,” said Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), in a statement.