Coca-Cola’s next-gen fountain dispenser. Credit: The Coca-Cola Company.
Bacardi completed acquisition of Patrón Spirits in US. Credit: Bacardi Limited.
Absolut has released a new limited edition vodka called Absolut America. Credit: Absolut.
Coffee-Mate's cold brew coffee is now available in retailers across the US. Credit: Nestlé USA.

Coca-Cola launched new drinks dispenser

Global beverage company Coca-Cola unveiled its latest fountain dispenser, Coca-Cola Freestyle 9100.

With more than 200 options, the dispenser will offer low and no-calorie beverages.

Coca-Cola Freestyle vice-president general manager Chris Hellmann said: “When we introduced Freestyle, it was truly a disruptive innovation.”

Tesco unveiled Waste Not cold-pressed juices in UK

UK-based retailer Tesco launched Waste Not cold-pressed juices that have been produced using wonky fruits and vegetables.

The new Waste Not juice line-up was created with surplus apples, beetroot, strawberries and watermelons, which would usually have gone to waste.

Waste Not official Mike Bullock said: “Around 50% of celery is discarded in the UK before it even gets past the farm gate, beetroot deemed too large or small is rejected.”

Budweiser launched Freedom Reserve Red Lager

Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev’s beer brand Budweiser expanded its Reserve Collection with the launch of Budweiser Freedom Reserve Red Lager.

Brewed by Budweiser, Freedom Reserve Red Lager is the second addition to the brewer’s Reserve Collection.

The company will continue to support American veterans by offering a portion of proceeds from its Freedom Reserve Red Lager sold this summer to Folds of Honour, a non-profit organisation providing educational scholarships to military families.

Bacardi completes acquisition of Patrón

Global spirits company Bacardi completed a transaction to acquire Patrón Spirits International and its premium tequila brand Patrón in the US.

The transaction was announced by the company in January this year when Bacardi agreed to acquire all of Patrón Spirits for $5.1bn. In 2008, Bacardi acquired a 30% stake in the company.

Bacardi CEO Mahesh Madhavan said: “We are delighted to welcome the team from Patrón into the Bacardi family.”

 

Starbucks and Nestlé to form global coffee alliance

Starbucks is planning to form a global coffee alliance with Swiss food and beverage firm Nestlé to expand the footprint of its brands in the consumer packaged goods and foodservice segments across the globe.

As per the terms of the agreement, Nestlé will pay Starbucks $7.15bn in closing consideration and Starbucks will retain a significant stake as licensor and supplier of roast and ground coffee, as well as other products.

In addition, the Starbucks brand portfolio will be represented on Nestlé’s single-serve capsule systems.

Arla to launch Milk & Oats in UK

Global dairy company Arla Foods (Arla) is set to enter the breakfast food-to-go segment by launching its Milk & Oats ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage.

Featuring a blend of skimmed milk, wholegrain oats and natural flavours, Arla’s Milk & Oats will be available in two different flavours, namely maple and vanilla.

The dairy firm explained that its Milk & Oats is high in fibre and protein, low in fat and a source of calcium.

Absolut launched limited edition America vodka

Pernod Ricard’s brand Absolut released a new limited-edition vodka called Absolut America.

Coloured red, white and blue, the company explains that its new Absolut America bottle has been designed especially for consumers to show their US patriotism.

The spirits producer also partnered with Keep America Beautiful (KAB), a non-profit organisation that was formed with a mission to inspire and educate people across the nation to improve and beautify their communities.

SunTx Capital sold Carolina Beverage Group to Brynwood Partners

US-based private equity firm SunTx Capital Partners announced the sale of its Carolina Beverage Group to Brynwood Partners for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1997, Carolina Beverage Group produces speciality-sized cans and packaging to a wide range of beverage manufacturers including energy drink, tea, sparkling water, distilled beverages, wine, and other ready-to-drink products.

Carolina Beverage Group president and CEO Andy Kerner said: “SunTx has been a valuable partner and resource provider during their stewardship. Their strategic vision for Carolina Beverage Group was spot on and their commitment to achieving our mutual goals never wavered.”

Our/Vodka to open first distillery in Manhattan, New York

Our/Vodka is set to open new micro-distillery Our/New York in Manhattan, US.

The new distillery will be operated by Dave Ortiz, an entrepreneur and founder of Dave’s Quality Meat (DQM).

Our/Vodka founder and CEO Åsa Caap said: “Our/New York is an important and exciting chapter in the Our/Vodka story and Dave, a born and raised New Yorker, is the perfect partner to write that chapter.”

Nestlé’s Coffee-Mate launched cold brew coffee products to the US

Nestlé’s Coffee-Mate has launched its ready-to-drink cold brew coffee across the US.

The company claims that its cold brew coffee has been produced using an intensive brewing process and only all-natural ingredients, such as non-fat milk, cold brew coffee, cane sugar, heavy cream, natural flavourings and baking soda.

Additionally, the milk and cream used for producing the beverage are said to have been sourced from California cows that are not treated with the growth hormone recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST).