Kona Gold Solutions has signed new distribution agreements with Milestone Beverage and Carolina Coastal Beverage.

Based in South Carolina, the selected firms will be responsible for distributing Kona Gold’s hemp energy drinks and HighDrate cannabidiol (CBD) energy waters.

The transaction is in line with Kona Gold Solutions’ strategy to expand its business in the Southeastern US.

Milestone Beverage is a distributor of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including juices, energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, sparkling waters, alkaline waters, wine and craft beer.

Carolina Coastal Beverage has distribution networks in Horry County.

Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev and Tilray have agreed to conduct research on non-alcoholic beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Based in Belgium, AB InBev is one of the world’s leading brewers, while Tilray is a cannabis producer and distributor.

The research combines AB InBev’s experience in beverages and Tilray’s knowledge of cannabis products. The companies will invest up to $50m each to the project.

AB InBev subsidiary Labatt Breweries of Canada will participate in the research, while Tilray will work through its Canadian cannabis subsidiary High Park Company.

Both the companies will initially limit the partnership to Canada. The commercialisation of any beverages formed under the research agreement will be decided at a later date.

Iris Nova has raised $15m through a seed funding round, which involved participation from The Coca-Cola Company’s Venturing & Emerging Brands unit, GGV, Greycroft, CASSIUS, Imaginary Ventures and Betaworks Ventures, as well as Lakehouse Ventures and Nebari Ventures.

Based in the US, Iris Nova is a consumer goods company that focuses on non-alcoholic beverages.

Valley Wine has raised CNY63m ($9.15m) through a Pre-Series A funding round.

The round was led by Bojiang Capital, Alibaba partner Wang Shuai and Zhongjin Huicai.

Thomas & Scott has secured £1m ($1.26m) through a crowdfunding round.

“Delta Corporation intends to acquire United National Breweries (UNB) from Diego South Africa Proprietary.”

Based in the UK, Thomas & Scott is a sparkling wine brand offering vegan and organic credentials.

The funding round witnessed participation from 350 investors.

Celsius Holdings has raised $10m through unsecured convertible notes, which will pay a semi-annual rate of 5% until they mature in December 2020.

Based in the US, Celsius Holdings is a producer and marketer of calorie and fat-burning beverages.

Art et Terroirs has agreed to acquire The Glenturret malt whisky distillery from Edrington.

Based in the UK, Edrington is a spirits group, while Art et Terroirs produces and distributes premium wines across Europe.

The Glenturret distillery has been operational since the 1770s.

The transaction enables Art et Terroirs to enter the Scotch whisky industry.

The Black Sheep Brewery has acquired York Brewery.

The transaction involved the acquisition of York Brewery’s brands and its four outlets.

Delta Corporation intends to acquire United National Breweries (UNB) from Diego South Africa Proprietary.

Headquartered in Midrand, UNB is the owner of beer brands Chibuku, Ijuba and Leo in South Africa.

Based in Zimbabwe, Delta Corporation is a division of AB InBev.

The transaction will enable Delta Corporation to receive much required foreign currency as it has closed its soft drinks plant due to foreign currency shortages.