Three-quarters of Americans believe many consumer products are over-packaged, according to a survey of lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) consumers conducted by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), Harleysville, Pa. Minimal packaging is most preferred among consumers, followed by recyclable packaging and use of environmentally friendly packaging materials.

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., launched the "Pepsi Max for Life" video contest, a national search to find the brand's most passionate fans.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS), Plano, Texas, debuted its new “Always One of a Kind” advertising campaign for Dr Pepper that continues the brand’s 125-year celebration of originality.

Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill., and SodaStream International Ltd., Airport City, Israel, formed a strategic partnership for the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of Kraft Foods branded flavors for use with the SodaStream soda-making system.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, and Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland, have agreed to focus the geographic scope of their ready-to-drink (RTD) tea joint venture known as Beverage Partners Worldwide (BPW) on Europe and Canada.

Sara Lee Corp., Utrecht, The Netherlands, acquired Tea Forté, a Massachusetts-based ultra-premium tea company. The acquisition will strengthen Sara Lee’s expertise and presence in the luxury tea segment, the company said.

Caribou Coffee, Minneapolis, announced that all coffee and espresso varieties available in its stores, online and at retail are now sourced from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.

In a taste test of 10 full-calorie and light beers, Consumer Reports announced that Chicago-based MillerCoors’ Coors brand ranked No. 1 in terms of taste.

Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., donated 2,000 meals to military service members and their families through its annual “Holiday Meals for Military Families” program. In partnership with Operation Homefront and nearly 50 business partners, Beam visited six active military bases across the Midwest and Northeast, which is double the number of donated meals from last year, the company said.

Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif., announced the release of “The Alchemist/Ninkasi/Stone More Brown than Black IPA.” The beer is the fifth collaboration beer released by Stone and various partners in 2011.