American Beverage (AB), Washington, D.C., announced that Kevin W. Keane, a longtime member of the beverage industry’s leadership team, has been named its new president and chief executive officer. Keane will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the industry trade group to advance its strategic priorities, working in close partnership with AB’s full team and the AB Board leadership.

As Brewing the American Dream celebrates 15 years supporting small food and beverage businesses across the United States, Samuel Adams announced that its priority philanthropy program has surpassed $100 million of funding. This milestone commemorates the program’s dedication to uplifting devoted craftspeople everywhere in partnership with nonprofit lenders like Accion Opportunity Fund.

Chobani, New Berlin, N.Y., introduced Chobani Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice, a rich, creamy, pumpkin spice flavored oat drink made from whole grain oats. The latest addition to the brand’s pumpkin patch is vegan-friendly, a good source of calcium, free of dairy and lactose, and perfect for pumpkin spice enthusiasts looking for fall beverages that don’t compromise on quality or flavor, it says.

Tilray Brands Inc., New York, announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis. Upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions, Tilray will acquire Shock Top, Breckenridge Brewery, Blue Point Brewing Co., 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Co. and HiBall Energy.

Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., announced its first-ever high-ABV test launch: Twisted Tea Extreme, an 8% take on its hard iced tea lineup.

Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago, has reached an agreement to acquire Georgetown, Ky.-based Blue Run Spirits, an award-winning producer of finely crafted bourbon and rye whiskies. The deal represents another step in Molson Coors’ evolution as a total beverage company while providing Blue Run with resources to continue its growth. As its first spirits acquisition, the addition of Blue Run boosts the Molson Coors’ footprint in spirits as it continues to evolve from its storied history as a beer company and premiumize its portfolio, the company says.

Ole Smoky Distillery, Gatlinburg, Tenn., announced they have closed upon a merger agreement with Tanteo Spirits LLC, one of the fastest growing ultra-premium tequila companies. This transaction marks the Tennessee-based distillery’s entry into the fast-growing tequila market, as it moves to diversify its portfolio across other high-growth spirits categories.

PEPSI Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with Pepsi Dig In Day, its annual calling to encourage diners across the country to visit Black-owned restaurants. 

As Lynyrd Skynyrd approaches the 50th anniversary of its groundbreaking debut album, the band announced the release of its highly anticipated new American Whiskey, Hell House Whiskey, paying homage to the famous cabin where it crafted countless legendary songs. Lynyrd Skynyrd partnered with Bespoken, a craft whiskey maker, to create a whiskey that “is as bold, timeless, and unforgettable as their music.”

Austin, Texas-based Nutrabolt, owner of the C4 brand, and the WWE announced an expansion to its multi-year partnership with the launch of its first-ever co-branded product collaboration: WWE-inspired flavors of C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder and C4 Ultimate Energy Drink. The products will be available exclusively at GNC ahead of WWE SummerSlam in Detroit on Aug. 5.