August’s top stories: New Stubborn Soda varieties, Dr Smoothie Brands purchased

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.

The flavours are 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.

Bevolution Group takes over Dr Smoothie Brands

The US-based Bevolution Group, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners, 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 either company.

China gives approval to AB InBev for SABMiller acquisition

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) secured regulatory approval in China for its takeover of SABMiller.

The approval from the Chinese ministry of commerce was secured on the condition that it would sell SABMiller's interest in CR Snow, a beer joint venture in the country, reported Reuters.

According to AB InBev, this conditional clearance indicates that it had met all pre-conditions.

Old Orchard introduces Organic 100% Juice line

Michigan-based Old Orchard Brands introduced a new line of organic juice blends, Organic 100% Juice, in the American market.

Old Orchard's shelf-stable Organic 100% Juice is offered in four child-friendly flavours, namely Apple, Apple Cherry, Peach Mango, and Wild Berry.

The company claims that its new juice product features organic and non genetically modified organism (GMO) ingredients that many consumers are looking for, and does not contain any sugar or artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

EU lose €1.3bn annually due to fake spirits and wine

According to a report released by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the production of fake spirits and wine costs EU businesses €1.3bn annually.

The report shows that 4.4% of genuine sales of spirits and 2.3% of legitimate sales of wine are lost each year due to the counterfeiting of alcoholic drinks.

EUIPO executive director of the António Campinos said: “The spirits and wine manufacture sector in the EU is overwhelmingly made up of small and medium enterprises, with an average of ten workers per firm.

Coca-Cola European Partners acquires Vifilfell

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has acquired Vifilfell, an Icelandic Coca-Cola bottling company.

Financial terms of the transaction have not been divulged by either of the companies. Vifilfell is one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods businesses in Iceland.

CCEP was created following the merger of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners and Coca-Cola Erfrischungsgetränke in May.

Gevalia Kaffe introduces special reserve line of coffees in US

Gevalia Kaffe introduced a Special Reserve line of coffees, which include four premium, 100% Arabica, single-origin coffees consisting of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, and Papua New Guinea varieties.

The company claims that its these coffee varieties have been sourced exclusively from the respective country.

Gevalia Kaffe brand manager Kale Schnettler said: “Much like grapes used to make wine, coffee beans also take on the unique characteristics of their growing regions.

Nestlé to invest $42.5m to construct carbohydrate ingredient facility in Manila

Switzerland-based Nestlé plans to construct a new facility in Manila, the Philippines, with an investment of PHP2bn ($42.5m).

The facility will manufacture carbohydrate ingredients for its Milo brand of malt and chocolate malt drinks.

Of the four Nestlé locations to produce Protomalt, the Manila facility will be the smallest. It will be operational by the end of 2017.

Cott signs agreement to acquire S&D Coffee for $355m

Cott Corporation, a distributor of bottled and canned carbonated beverages, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire S&D Coffee, a coffee roaster and provider of customised coffee, tea, and extract solutions to foodservice, hospitality and office segments in the US.

Cott will purchase S&D Coffee for approximately $355m, on a debt and cash free basis.

S&D chief executive officer Ron Hinson and its leadership team will join Cott and continue to lead the business.

Dulce Vida Spirits launches 70-proof lime and grapefruit tequila

Dulce Vida Tequilas, a brand of Milestone Brands, launched 70-proof Dulce Vida Lime Tequila and Dulce Vida Grapefruit Tequila in the US.

Milestone Brands founder and CEO Eric Dopkins said: “Dulce Vida has seen amazing growth since our acquisition, and we're thrilled with the launch of these naturally infused flavours.

“These cocktail ready, category disruptors continue our standards in providing healthier cocktail solutions and handcrafted products.”