2016: The year’s biggest Drinks Insight Network stories

Koia launches plant-based protein drink

Functional beverage brand Koia launched a plant-based protein and dairy-free drink with no excess sugar.

Koia is claimed to be one of the first refrigerated, ready-to-drink, 100% plant-based protein drinks ranges to retail in US.

According to the brand, the drink contains only plant-based ingredients and is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, features no genetically modified organisms (GMO) and has no excess sugar or calories, with a five-to-one ratio of plant protein to sugar content.

Braman Brands launches beers in Ardagh beverage cans

US-based Braman Brands launched five new Running Walker craft beers in beverage cans manufactured by Irish-based packaging company Ardagh.

The new beers are IPA, Stout, Pilsner, Kolsch and Texas Secession. The Ardagh cans cool quickly and remain cold for a long period of time.

Braman Brands' founder Joe Braman said: "Each beer here is unique. We use the highest quality ingredients.

Stubborn Soda launches new line of sodas

Stubborn Soda, a brand of PepsiCo, launched its new line of sodas in five flavour combinations in the US.

They include black cherry with tarragon, orange-hibiscus, agave vanilla cream soda, classic root beer, and lemon berry açaí.

Stubborn Soda marketing director Megan Gagnon said: “Stubborn Soda is the next generation of carbonated soft drinks. We gave it that name because we don’t compromise on our ingredients, flavours or the way the product is experienced.

PepsiCo to acquire probiotic beverage provider KeVita

PepsiCo entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KeVita, a fermented probiotic and kombucha beverages provider.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

PepsiCo's health and wellness offerings in the chilled beverage category are expected to expand with the transaction.

Asahi Group to acquire Peroni, Grolsch, and Meantime brands from SABMiller for $2.9bn

Japan-based Asahi Group agreed to acquire SABMiller's Peroni, Grolsch, and Meantime brands in a $2.9bn deal.

The move paves the way for the planned $108bn merger between Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller.

The acquisition is subject to the completion of Anheuser-Busch InBev's merger with SABMiller.

Bevolution Group takes over Dr Smoothie Brands

US-based Bevolution Group, a portfolio company of Highlander Partner’s, has expanded its offerings in the specialty beverage category, with the acquisition of Dr Smoothie Brands, a US-based speciality beverage producer.

Highlander Partner is a provider of cold and hot beverage solutions to the foodservice industry.

The financial details of the transaction have not been divulged by both companies.

Hangar 1 creates vodka from fog

US-based Hangar 1 Vodka created Fog Point, a vodka made from fog in San Francisco, California.

The company stationed fog catchers at various places in the city, including Sutro Tower and El Sobrante, which convert fog into water.

Hangar 1 Vodka was quoted by the website as saying: "This water is then blended with vodka distilled from premium wine sourced from a sustainable vineyard on the Central Coast.

St Austell Brewery acquires Bath Ales

Cornwall-based St Austell Brewery Company acquired brewer and pub company, Bath Ales.

The financial details of the deal have not been divulged by the company.

The deal comprised the Bath Ales brewery, situated between Bath and Bristol, UK, its portfolio of beer brands, and its 11 pub estate, which includes three Graze outlets and three Beerd bars.

AB InBev secures approval from South Africa's Competition Commission for SABMiller takeover

South Africa's Competition Commission gave its approval to Anheuser-Busch InBev's (AB InBev) acquisition of SABMiller. The deal will now be placed before the country's Competition Tribunal for final clearance.

South Africa is one of the three markets where AB InBev needs to get clearance in order to complete the acquisition of SABMiller for $108bn, reported the Wall Street Journal.

Regulatory agencies from China and the US are still reviewing the takeover deal.

Virtue Energy Water launches sugar-free energy drinks in UK

Virtue Energy Waters launched natural sugar-free energy drinks in the UK.

The drinks, which come in two flavours, are free from sweeteners, and contain zero sugar and zero calories.

Virtue Energy Waters claimed that the energy water will help to sharpen the mind and increase stamina.