News Briefs

Zero Mixers has announceda deal with Gusto Brands Inc. for distribution in Georgia. This agreement will put low-calorie Zero Mixers on shelves in liquor stores, grocery stores, restaurants, bars and convenience stores across the state.
Trinity Springs products will now be available in Canada. The company says its Paradise, Idaho, source is the only water source recognized by Quality Assurance International as an organic source.
The Brewers Association recently presented the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Brewing to Greg Noonan of Vermont Pub and Brewery; the Brewers Association Recognition Award to Carol Stoudt of Stoudts Brewing Co.; and the F.X. Matt Defense of the Small Brewing Industry Award to Marc Sorini of McDermott Will & Emery.
Source Beverages, Greensboro, N.C., has added distribution in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware for its Source Burn and Sugar Free Source Burn energy drinks. LML International and Liquid Motivation will serve Pennsylvania, and parts of New Jersey and Delaware, while Specialty Beverage will be responsible for eastern Virginia.
Boening Brothers Inc., North Lindenhurst, N.Y., and Oak Beverages, Blauvelt, N.Y., have begun distributing Saranti sparkling wines throughout the New York-metro area. The companies also have announced distribution rights for Jolt Cola energy drinks with their new logo and packaging.
Grant Burge Wines has joined U.K.-based distribution company Hatch Mansfield as the only Australian wine in its portfolio. The company also has distribution with Schumberger in Germany and Wilson Daniels in the United States.
Heineken announced it will take over the sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League, which is said to have four billion viewers worldwide in 227 countries. The first campaign will break in late summer 2005 and will run through the 2006 finals.
Koelnmesse Inc. and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) have partnered to promote the USA Frozen Food Pavilion at Anuga 2005, Oct. 8-12 in Cologne, Germany. The pavilion will feature five to eight U.S. companies, and the show itself will host 10 dedicated product category halls under one roof. For more information, call 773/326-9922.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Paso Robles, Calif., has acquired Nectar Ales, a line of craft-brewed beers, from Humboldt Brewing Co. Adam Lambert has been named to oversee sales for the brand as national brand manager.
Pernod Ricard announced it will consolidate production of Wild Turkey from a facility in Lawrenceburg, Ky., to Lawrenceburg, Ind., eliminating about 60 jobs in Kentucky.
The International Bottled Water Association, Alexandria, Va., has launched its Web site for the IBWA 47th Annual Convention and Trade Show, to be held in Orlando, Fla., Sept. 27-30. The site, at bottledwater.org, will offer online registration for attendees and exhibitors
Bravo! Foods International announced it will launch its Slammers flavored milk drinks in schools in key markets nationwide through its Vending and Schools division. Already signed on are 46 schools in Florida and a major university.
V&S Absolut Spirits has opened a new distillery in Nobbelov, Sweden. The company says the new facility will increase capacity from 87.5 million liters to 125 million liters of vodka per year.  
Lifeway Foods Inc. announced a deal that puts its kefir cultured milk beverages in Target stores. Company Chief Financial Officer Edward Smolyansky said the agreement provides more penetration into the mass market. Target will carry four flavors of the yogurt-like beverage.