Heritage brands are finding more ways to ensure consumers who are looking for something new and exciting will find favor with storied brands through new product innovation. In the recent Readers’ Choice: New Product of the Month poll for October, we saw that the readers of Beverage Industry feel the same way.

Chicago-based Beam Suntory announced that it donated $100,000 to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that builds strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities that they've worked so hard to protect. The funds will support Holiday Meals for Military, a program providing more than 8,400 family meals across the country this holiday season, run by Operation Homefront.

Newcastle Brown Ale is unveiling a new look and a fresh, localized plan for growth in the United States under management of the Five Points Trading Co., White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken’s venture aimed at incubating a range of premium global beer brands in the United States. 

Monroe, Wis.-based Small Town Craft Spirits announced the launch of Not Your Father’s Bourbon, the first in a new line of spirits from the craft spirits company. The company is putting a spin on the centuries-old spirit for a new generation of whiskey drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs, it says. 

Twinings Tea, a brand of New York-based Twinings North America, is inviting tea drinkers to unwind with its three latest herbal tea blends: Lemon Delight, Berry Fusion and Buttermint. 

Drinking water instead of one 8-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage can save a person about 100 calories, which might help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, says the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Alexandria, Va. The association is reminding the public of water’s important role in helping people live healthier lifestyles and has partnered with other organizations and groups around the world in recognizing World Diabetes Day, Nov. 14.