Refresco is an independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices. Credit: Refresco/Richard Sinon.
Four-pack of Jolt Cola. Credit: PRNewsfoto/Jolt Cola.
Ocean Spray rounds out its product portfolio of juices with new Organic 100% Juice Blend and Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100% Juice, available in the US. Credit: Ocean Spray/PR Newswire Association.
South Beach Brewing Company's Family of Beers. Credit: South Beach Brewing Company.

PAI and bcIMC to acquire beverage firm Refresco for €1.6bn

A consortium of French PAI Partners and Canada-based British Columbia Investment Management (bcIMC) entered a conditional agreement to acquire Dutch beverage firm Refresco for a total of €1.623bn.

As per the terms of the deal, a price of €20 will be paid per ordinary share of Refresco.

The offer is reported to be 22% above Refresco’s average closing share price since the announcement of the Cott bottling deal in July this year and 41% higher than the firm’s closing share price in April.

Bogart Spirits unveiled new limited edition whiskey

In partnership with consumer goods company ROK Stars, Bogart Spirits launched a new limited edition whiskey.

Bogart Spirits is a collaboration between the Humphrey Bogart Estate and ROK Drinks that produces the Bogart’s Gin, Bogart’s Rum, and Bogart’s Vodka at its craft distillery in California. The new product is the latest addition to the company’s spirits portfolio.

The beverage’s label will feature American actor Humphrey Bogart’s quotes, including “I defend my American right to take a drink when I feel like it.”

Jolt Cola signed distribution agreement with Amazon

US-based carbonated drink maker Jolt Cola entered an exclusive distribution deal with online retailer Amazon.

As part of the partnership, Amazon will retail Jolt Cola’s carbonated energy drinks through its site beginning October 2017.

The new partnership will see product availability in the global market and will be delivered to customers worldwide at $12.99 for a four-pack.

Wales unveiled new law to define minimum price for alcohol

The Welsh Government unveiled a new law that aims to determine a minimum price for the sale of alcohol.

Having been introduced to the National Assembly for Wales, the Public Health Minimum Price for Alcohol Wales Bill intends to tackle the health issues that arise from excessive alcohol consumption.

Part of a wider government strategy to maintain the availability and affordability of cheap, strong alcohol, the bill intends to make it a punishable offence to sell alcohol below a specified minimum price.

Ocean Spray launched two beverage lines in US

Ocean Spray expanded its juice portfolio with the addition of new beverage lines Ocean Spray Organic 100% Juice Blends and Ocean Spray Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100% Juice in the US market.

The company claims that its new Ocean Spray Organic 100% Juice Blends beverages are a combination of organic fruit juices and cranberries grown and produced in North America.

The lineup will be available in three flavours, including Cranberry, Cranberry Apple, and Cranberry Blueberry.

Constellation to acquire stake in Canopy Growth for $190m

Global beverage alcohol company Constellation Brands signed an agreement to acquire a 9.9% stake in Canada-based medicinal cannabis products supplier Canopy Growth for C$245m ($190m).

Constellation will also have the option to acquire an additional stake in the future.

The company’s investment is reported to be in line with its strategy to identify, meet, and stay ahead of evolving consumer trends, while maintaining focus on its core total beverage alcohol business.

South Beach Brewing Company debuted in US

Reality star and animal advocate Prince Lorenzo Borghese launched South Beach Brewing Company (SBCC) in the US.

SBCC has entered an agreement with the Eagle Brands for the distribution of its beer products across Southern Florida.

Through this new partnership, SBBC’s beer products will be available to consumers living in Miami-Dade County and Monroe County.

UK Scotch sales declined after tax hike

Scotch whiskey sales in the UK were reported to have dropped by one million bottles following an increase of spirits duty by 3.9% in the March budget, meaning tax makes up 80% of the cost of a bottle of Scotch.

According to the figures released by the HM Revenue and Customs, 36.7 million bottles were released for sale in the first six months of 2017 compared to 37.7 million in the same period last year.

In response to the reduced sales, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has launched a new ‘Drop The Dram Duty’ campaign urging Chancellor Philip Hammond to cut excise duty on spirits to protect the UK’s food and drink businesses, which support nearly 40,000 jobs.

Harney & Sons launched speciality tea for athletes in US

US-based tea company Harney & Sons launched new line AthleTea, which is specifically created for athletes.

The launch follows a recent partnership with AthleteMinder, a technology platform that helps athletes optimise their physical training and performance.

AthleTea will be available in Orange ManGo For It Performance Hydration Plus, Get Your Passion Berry Performance Hydration, and Go To Goji Recovery Hydration flavours.

Coca-Cola United acquired production facility and new territories in southeast US

Alabama-based Coca-Cola Bottling Company United acquired ten new sales and distribution territories across southeastern US after successfully closing transactions with Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated and The Coca-Cola Company.

The territories acquired by United include Florence, Leroy, Mobile, and Robertsdale in Alabama, as well as Bainbridge, Columbus, and Sylvester in Georgia.

United has also received a production facility in Mobile city, Alabama.