Global consumers’ intent to buy food and beverages online increased 44 percent in two years, with 26 percent of global respondents reporting they planned to purchase food and beverage products by way of a device with Internet access, such as a computer, mobile phone or tablet, in the next three to six months, according to market research firm Nielsen, New York.

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.