Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., announced that its Board of Directors has rejected the unsolicited proposal made Sept. 23, by Danone North America PBC to acquire all the shares of Lifeway that it does not already own for $25 a share.

Jim Beam announced the official release of its limited-edition Jim Beam Winter Reserve. 

Campbell’s V8 and Grillo's Pickles joined forces to create a fresh take on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail with the launch of V8 Grillo’s Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix.

Ingredient suppliers release innovations to support immune health, plant-based food and beverages.

Ingredient companies continue to advance operations with new product launches, facility expansions, as well as a diversified workforces. 

Ingredient suppliers are making moves to aid today’s beverage-makers. Monin Americas released a Spicy Agave Sweetener, while Kyowa Hakko USA announced the launch of CENTR Enhanced sparkling water.  

The company notes that these functional beverages provide both energy and the “added benefit of mental focus.” The 12-ounce servings contain 100 mg of natural caffeine, as well as 100 mg of natural L-theanine.

Aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages are safe, according to a definitive new finding issued jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The WHO and FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reviewed decades of high-quality evidence and real-world consumption data, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at which aspartame can be safely consumed daily over the course of an entire lifetime.

The regulatory approval marks a milestone in Sweegen opening new markets in countries where brands seek new generation stevia ingredients, the company says.

With this acquisition, it is expected that Brenntag’s product portfolio in Life Sciences, especially in Nutrition, will be complemented and expanded. 

Ingredient companies announced new hires as well as case studies detailing consumer trends influencing new product development.

SupplySide West, which took place Oct. 25-26 in Las Vegas, hosted more than 1,400 exhibitors, up 27% from 2022. Exhibitors showcased the latest developments in ingredients, formulation, manufacturing and packaging covering categories including dietary supplements, food, beverage, personal care and animal nutrition.

Ingredient companies announced new research on ingredients performance as well as company progress toward ESG.

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability and new facilities.

Ingredient suppliers announce headquarter moves, while awareness of Uganda -sourced vanilla grows.

BENEO announces its new CEO while HOWTIAN introduces SoPure Andromeda.

Health considerations have impacted the beverage industry by way of fortified beverages. 

In the bottling world, companies recognize the importance of being proactive members of the communities they operate in and serve. For Buffalo Rock Company, Birmingham, Ala., the company’s culture is centered on investing in its people and communities.

Jones Soda Co. announced the launch of 7.5-ounce mini cans with its new Jones Mini product. Jones is selling Jones Mini in 700 Walmart stores nationwide, with more retailers to follow. 

With the countdown to summer officially on, MTN DEW wants everyone to celebrate the great outdoors by unveiling three new limited-time MTN DEW RED, WHITE & BLUE offerings.

MUG Root Beer, a new sponsor of the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, has upped the ante this year. Wild Thang, the 2024 winner, will be featured on limited-edition cans of MUG Root Beer.

Fanta, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Warner Bros. Pictures announced a global partnership ahead of the release of the highly anticipated movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which debuts in cinemas on Sept. 6. 

The Coca-Cola and OREO brands have teamed up as “besties” to create two exclusive and limited-edition products: OREO Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition. 

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., has teamed up with award-winning singer Kelly Rowland to turn local restaurant regulars into hometown celebrities with a chance to be featured in a Pepsi ad and have their favorite menu item renamed in their honor.

Pepsi, Purchase N.Y., unveiled its Gladiator-themed campaign titled “Make Your Gameday Epic.” As a longtime NFL sponsor, Pepsi is celebrating the start of the 2024 NFL season and the anticipated theatrical release of Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II,” with a short-film that will electrify game days for cola-lovers and NFL fans alike.

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, has captured the essence of the favorite campfire dessert with its new limited-edition Jones S’mores Soda. The S’mores Soda is the latest in a series of Jones SPECIAL RELEASE beverages that showcase the company’s unique soda flavors.

Barritt’s Ginger Beer, from Barritt’s Beverages International Ltd, is celebrating 150 years of its ginger beer with the launch of a vibrant new mixer line, as well as a brand refresh inspired by Bermuda’s pastel-colored houses.

7UP is bringing a ready-to-drink version of the beloved classic Shirley Temple beverage to retail shelves nationwide this month, for a limited time only and just in time for the holiday season.

Mountain Dew, a brand of PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., announced that it is taking on a brand-new visual identity, reclaiming the mountain with a new logo and visual identity. The official rollout of the new visual identity will debut next summer, with packaging hitting shelves as early as May 2025.  

Zevia, a zero sugar beverage company, announced the launch of its new Salted Caramel Soda, a limited-edition flavor sold only on Amazon and Zevia.com.

Mingle Mocktails announced the release of its new Sparkler Pack. The festive new variety pack will feature a selection of best-selling flavors from the female-founded mocktail brand.

Tilray Brands Inc., New York, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire four craft breweries from Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago. The acquisition includes Hop Valley Brewing Co., Terrapin Beer Co., Revolver Brewing and Atwater Brewery.

Spoetzl Brewery, the family-owned and independent craft brewer of Shiner Bock, released a new slim 12-ounce can for Shiner Light.

Angry Orchard, a brand of The Boston Beer Co., has brought back its Fireside Mix Pack, which contains fan-favorite Crisp Apple, Baked Apple Pie, Cinnful Apple, and Green Apple.

To kick off the fall season, Samuel Adams released its Beer Fest Variety Pack, containing OctoberFest, Jack-O, Flannel Fest and its flagship Boston Lager.

KYLA Hard Kombucha introduced a new Colada Crush flavor to its Sunbreak Series, a refreshing blend of coconut, pineapple and yuzu.

To make it easier than ever to rep your favorite teams, Bud Light has released its 2024 lineup of fan-favorite NFL team packaging, displaying full-bleed team colors and prominent team logos.

The limited-edition L0VE.L0VE Heineken 0.0 packaging is available exclusively at the U.S. Open to celebrate the start of every match and the endless outcomes when enjoying a zero alcohol brew.

Blake’s Hard Cider launched its new Fully Loaded Imperial Cider Variety Pack. The mixed 12-pack of 12-ounce cans now is available across Blake’s Hard Cider’s expansive distribution footprint.

Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, announced the introduction of Michelob ULTRA Zero, a new alcohol-free brew. With only 29 calories, it is an alcohol-free beer that is brewed to remove alcohol with a 0% alcohol by volume.

Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, announced a new $16 million investment in its Los Angeles brewery. The Los Angeles brewery has played a crucial role in the $2.6 billion capital investments the brewer has made in California, to date. 

This spooky season, Samuel Adams invites consumers to share a cold Sam Adams with a cold Sam Adams through an otherworldly, limited-edition At-Home Séance Kit.

The BHC recently joined forces with Austin Eastciders, Austin, Texas, and AVID Cider Co., Bend, Ore., to form BBC, an independent cider company with a distribution footprint spanning across 40 states.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s Building Relationships and Empowering Women (BREW) initiative and the Alliance for Women in Beer co-hosted the largest Making Moves to-date, as more than 430 attendees joined the two-day event to gain valuable leadership skills and celebrate women’s important role in the beverage industry.

As the beer market expands and consumers have more options to choose from, experts highlight how craft beer brands are positioning themselves in a shifting market while catering their products to meet consumer demand.

The company says it is dedicated to investing in its facilities to fuel economic growth in St. Louis and beyond. 

Celebrate National American Beer Day on Sunday, Oct. 27. 

TailGate Brewery announced the return of its Peanut Butter Milk Stout, available for a limited time only this fall and winter.

Chobani, New Berlin, N.Y., and La Colombe, coffee roaster, are getting into the festive fall spirit with the reveal of their 2024 pumpkin spice collection, which includes two new seasonal products – Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink and Chobani Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk. 

There has been a rise in weekly consumption of hot coffee specialties, influenced by the current cost-of-living crisis driving consumers to seek affordable luxuries. Furthermore, there has been an impact from rising prices on luxury-related beverage categories and a shift toward more economical alternatives in the soft drink category.