The Switch Beverage Co., Richmond, Va., has new distribution in New York through Oak Beverages, a wholesale distributor in the New York metro area. The Switch 100-percent carbonated  juices will be available in the five boroughs of New York City, and Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Boening Brothers will distribute the drinks in Long Island.

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America, Westport, Conn., has signed a First Choice Supplier agreement with Glazer’s Distributors in Texas, Louisiana, and Indiana, where it operates as Olinger Distributing Co. Glazer’s also will distribute the brands in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., recently toured Diageo’s Plainfield, Ill., plant and brand technical center. He is pictured with Dave Wengerhoff, global supply senior vice president of technical operations; Guy Smith, executive vice president of corporate relations; Mike Bertman, director of federal and international affairs; and Bill McDowell, global supply vice president of technical operations.

Energy Brands, Whitestone, N.Y., has signed on with Dr Pepper/ Seven Up Bottling Group for distribution in the central United States, including Chicago; Minneapolis; St. Louis, Mo.; Kansas City; Cincinnati; Indianapolis; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade announced it will move its headquarters from Denver to Seattle in April. The company currently employs about 90 people, but says it will increase that number when it is established in its new location.

Blavod Extreme Spirits, Franklin, Tenn., will distribute L’Illuminata wines in the United States. L’Illuminata wines are produced in the Langhe region of Italy by Guido Folonari.

Constellation Brands has been named Anton Airfood Inc.’s 2004 Vendor Partner of the Year. The airport foodservice company bestowed the award for marketing, promotional and operation expertise.

Eber Bros.-Paramount Brands has agreed to carry Starr African Rum in the New York City area. The brand debuted in that market in October.

LVMH has merged its three operating units in the United States to create Moet Hennessy USA. The move combines Schieffelin and Co., Cliquot Inc. and Millennium Import LLC, and will be responsible for the commercial and marketing services of brands such as Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky, Hennessy Cognac, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Krug, Belvedere and Chopin Vodkas, Newton Vineyard and Domaine Chandon wines, among others.

The company also said it has acquired the 30 percent of the Belvedere vodka business it did not already own.

Corrections:

January’s Category Focus incorrectly stated Odwalla’s 2004 sales as $2.4 million. That figure represents sales for a single category; Odwalla has overall sales of more than $150 million.

February’s packaging story did not contain a photo credit for Crew Designs, which supplied the point-of-sale photos.

Beverage Industry regrets any confusion this might have caused.