It’s known throughout the industry that beverage packaging is of utmost importance to woo and, in some cases, win over consumers.

The Abita Brewing Co., New Orleans, announced its plans to offer three of its flagship beer varieties in cans by early 2012.

Although energy drinks were not immune from the effects of the economy, the category has shown its ability to grow in sales. Energy drink sales increased 14 percent to more than $5.9 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending June 12 in supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Walmart, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago. The energy shots category also posted strong numbers with a 31.6 percent increase generating $1 billion in sales during the same time period.

This month, redesigned Honest Tea and Honest Ade PET bottles began hitting store shelves.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced a multimillion dollar partnership agreement with three leading biotechnology companies to accelerate development of commercial solutions for next-generation PlantBottle packaging made from 100 percent plant-based materials.