Bacardi announced U.S. bartender Shingo Gokan was named the winner of its second annual Global Legacy Cocktail Competition. Gokan of New York City won with his drink “Speak Low,” which was inspired by his grandmother’s Japanese tea ceremony.

Skinnygirl Cocktails, a brand of Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Inc., announced new additions to its line of low-calorie cocktails that will be available in May. Joining Skinnygirl Margarita, Sangria and White Cranberry Cosmo, the brand introduced Skinnygirl Pina Colada, Skinnygirl Vodka with Natural Flavors and Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection.

The Canadian Beverage Association, Encorp Pacific-Canada, Nestlé Waters Canada and the city of Richmond, British Columbia, announced that their recent Go Recycle! pilot public spaces recycling program resulted in a 27 percent reduction of beverage containers found in the waste stream.

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.

Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill., reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2011 results, driven by revenue growth, effective cost management and focused investments in the company’s iconic brands, the company said. However, the company’s net revenues for U.S. beverages were $725 million in the fourth quarter, down 3.2 percent. For the full year, U.S. beverages net revenue was $3 billion, a 6.4 percent decrease.

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., Chippewa Falls, Wis., a subsidiary of MillerCoors’ Tenth and Blake Brewing Co., is celebrating its 145th birthday by taking its craft beer portfolio on a cross-country tour this summer.

Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis-based subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, announced a $70 million to $80 million investment in its Metal Container Corp. (MCC) facility in Arnold, Mo. The investment will increase production and create at least 20 new jobs at the facility, which produces aluminum cans for Anheuser-Busch and soft drink makers, the company said.

The 27th edition of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, March 12-14, plans to take Las Vegas by storm — yet again. This year’s event includes a conference program, exhibit hall and, last but not least — parties.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Plano, Texas, announced an exclusive partnership between its Snapple brand and NBC, FremantleMedia Enterprises and Syco’s “America’s Got Talent” reality talent competition. Snapple is the first exclusive beverage partner of the series, the companies said.

Chicago-based MillerCoors brand Coors Light partnered with 100 Black Men of America Inc., a national organization committed to enhancing educational and economic opportunities for African-American men, for the Coors Light Ice Cold Leader program that will recognize exemplary community ambassadors.