Drink sales remain a dynamic and important part of the restaurant and bar business, but finding growth continues to be a challenge for operators and brand marketers alike.

Since Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., acquired a controlling stake of Red Stripe Beer in 2015 and returned production back to the brand’s Jamaican homeland in 2016, the company has embarked on an aggressive 10-year investment plan dedicated to building Red Stripe’s position as a truly global brand. 

After 35 years, Diet Coke, a brand of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. announced that it is entering a new era. 

This New Year, the team behind Johnnie Walker, a brand of Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America Inc., released a special-edition whisky exclusive to travelers: Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Sherry Cask Finish, which now is available in duty-free stores worldwide.

Folgers, a brand of Orrville, Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co., launched its Here's to Coaches campaign for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The new campaign recognizes coaches who are invested in helping athletes achieve their Olympic glory — one morning at a time, one cup at a time, the company says. 

No stranger to revolutions, Samuel Adams, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., has once again mirrored the rebellious traits of its namesake and crafted Sam ’76, a union of lager and ale. Brewed using a unique process, Sam ’76 captures the best attributes of these two beer styles, the company says.

LIFEWTR, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., announced it is championing arts in education in its fourth label design series. Although arts education has a significant impact on students beyond self-expression, it is increasingly disappearing from schools, the company says. Highlighting the importance of arts education, LIFEWTR Series 4 will showcase the works of three young artists who demonstrate the impact that art has had on their lives, it adds. 

Louisville-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. announced the sale of a minority equity stake to Victor, N.Y.-based Constellation Brands, a leading international producer of beer, wine and spirits.

New York-based Castle Brands Inc. has purchased, or agreed to purchase, an additional $4.2 million of aging and new-fill bourbon. These additional purchases bring Castle Brands total purchases of aging and new-fill bourbon to $9.6 million for the current fiscal year. 

Kraft Hockeyville USA, a program of Pittsburgh- and Chicago-based Kraft Heinz, returns for its fourth year and nominations are officially open to find America’s most spirited and enthusiastic hockey communities. Towns nationwide can compete for the coveted title of “Kraft Hockeyville USA 2018,” which includes the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game and $150,000 in rink upgrades.