Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo unveiled an “Internet Taste Test” for its new reduced-sugar Pepsi Next variety. Designed to be a digital incarnation of the product’s “Drink it to believe it” premise, the product’s marketing campaign encourages consumers to take their first sip of the cola at Walmart Supercenter sampling events, at similar events in 40 national cities or online via its Internet Taste Test.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced that Pepsi Next, a cola with 60 percent less sugar than Pepsi-Cola, will launch nationwide March 26. The cola’s launch is intended to meet the needs of a segment of consumers who are resistant to full-calorie and diet soft drink offerings, the company said.

Sprite, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, launched a search for undiscovered and “uncontainable” basketball players from around the world. Twenty-four amateur players will be chosen to represent either Team Sudden or Team Intense in the Sprite Uncontainable Game at the 2013 NBA All-Star game in Houston.

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.