Retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are dealing with new rules of consumer engagement as they seize opportunities from advanced technology and the digitally connected consumer, according to the 2013 Financial Performance Report titled “Growth Strategies: Unlocking the Power of the Consumer” by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Washington, D.C., and PwC US, New York. Despite the overall slowing of net sales growth rates in 2012, the report notes that food, beverage and household products companies experienced positive net sales growth of 7.0 percent, 5.5 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. announced a partnership with celebrity chef and former “Top Chef” contestant Spike Mendelsohn in support of its July 4 consumer promotion, which begins June 19. The in-store promotion offers one winner and 11 friends the chance to win a trip to New York City to attend a private barbecue hosted by Spike.

Samuel Adams brewers at Boston-based The Boston Beer Co. have brought back Samuel Adams Brewlywed Ale for another limited release. The Belgian-style "bride ale" will be available only on June 26 exclusively at the Boston Brewery, according to the brand.

As the economy improves, a majority of Americans are not returning to their pre-recession ways, according to Deloitte’s 2013 American Pantry Study.

Brown-Forman Corp. added Little Black Dress Divalicious Pink Pinot Grigio to its portfolio.

New York-based Vita Coco launched Vita Coco Kids, a new line of coconut water beverages formulated especially for children between the ages of 2 and 8. The new beverages will be available in Apple Island, Paradise Punch and Very Cherry Beach flavors.

The beverage marketplace continues to make strides against the economic downturn that hampered consumers and businesses beginning in 2008. In Beverage Industry’s compilation of the Top 100 beverage companies based on 2012 sales, The Coca-Cola Co. continued to lead the list by recording an additional $1.5 billion in sales compared with 2011.

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., which launched Dasani Drops in October of last year, launched another brand into the liquid drink mix segment but with a sports drink angle.

Precept Wine, Seattle, purchased a Yakima Valley-area vineyard located just south of Red Mountain outside of Benton City, Wash.

Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y., announced that it completed its acquisition of Grupo Modelo's U.S. beer business from Anheuser-Busch InBev, Leuven, Belgium, for approximately $4.75 billion. The transaction includes full ownership of Crown Imports LLC, which provides Constellation with complete, independent control of all aspects of the U.S. commercial business; a state-of-the-art brewery in Nava (Piedras Negras), Mexico; an exclusive perpetual brand license in the United States to import, market and sell Corona and the Modelo brands Crown currently sells; and the freedom to develop brand extensions and innovations for the U.S. market.

FoodAsia features numerous food and beverage products and supplies brought to Asia by industry manufacturers and suppliers from around the world.

The National Leadership Conference plays a critical role in training state leaders, building strong networks and assisting professionals with membership growth.

The WSWA Convention & Exposition is where distributors seek out new and exciting beverage products for U.S. consumers, meet with existing portfolio partners, and look for services to enhance internal operations.

The Food Safety Summit is a solutions-based conference and expo designed to meet the educational and information needs of the food industry.

Future Connect 2013 provides a roadmap to success in the dynamic food retail industry. Programming addresses all levels of management and includes information-rich general sessions as well as four concurrent breakout tracks.

Each year SIAL China positions itself as the event not to be missed for professionals in the food, beverage, wine and spirits industries in China.

Every year, during the course of four days, more than 1,800 suppliers and tens of thousands of buyers come together to make lasting connections that drive business profitability and shape the future of the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry.

For more than 27 years, PLMA’s annual World of Private Label International Tradeshow has brought retailers together with manufacturers to help them find new products, make new contacts, and discover new ideas that will help their private label programs succeed and grow.

Nielsen Consumer 360 is a global events series that brings together innovative thought leaders and industry experts who share their cutting edge solutions.

The annual World Tea Expo gathers thousands of professionals for a three-day platform of new tea products, educational sessions, workshops and business-growing activities.