News Briefs

Coca-Cola Enterprises
has begun construction on a 100,000-square-foot distribution center in Lakeland, Fla. The facility will employ about 100 people and is expected to open later this year. It will mainly consist of warehouse and office space, and will serve the company’s Tampa and Orlando bottling plants.
International Wine & Spirits will distribute Antinori’s wines in the United States. Brands in the agreement include Tignanello, Solaia, Tormaresca, Montenisa, Haras de Pirque and Antinori California in addition to the Col Solare brand it already distributes. The company estimates the deal will add $25 million to $30 million to its annual revenues, and will open a new office in New York City.
Pepsi has established a new research center in Shanghai, China, its first outside of the United States, to develop food and beverage products for Chinese consumers.
InBev is said to be putting its Rolling Rock brand up for sale, hoping to concentrate instead on its imported brands Stella Artois, Bass, Brahma and Labatt Blue in the United States.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide recently switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi-Cola products. Somewhat surprisingly, the decision was presided over by former Coca-Cola President and Chief Operating Officer Steven Heyer, who is the new chief executive at the hotel chain. Under the new agreement, Starwood will serve Pepsi products at most of its locations, with the exception of Atlanta, Disney World and the St. Regis chain.
Coors Brewing Co. has signed a licensing agreement with the Steve & Barry’s apparel chain. Steve & Barry’s will produce Coors branded apparel and accessories, including Coors, Coors Light, Killian’s and Keystone Light, for men and women.
Glacéau, Whitestone, N.Y., has filed a complaint in New York federal court against PepsiCo over packaging of SoBe Lifewater, which it says looks too similar to its Vitaminwater products.