Edward F. Boyd, one of the first African American managers for Pepsi Cola, died late last month at the age of 92. Boyd was hired from the National Urban League in 1947 as part of an all-black sales force to sell Pepsi nationwide. The company says that during his tenure, Boyd, “helped integrate the professional ranks of a large American corporation while changing the image of African-Americans in advertising from caricatures to attractive, everyday, middle-class Americans.”

Republic Beverage Co. and National Distributing Co. have combined to create Republic National Distributing Co., which distributes premium wine and spirits in 17 states and the District of Columbia.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Charlotte, N.C., has added BooKoo Beverages’ energy drinks to its distribution lineup. The products, which are available in Wild Berry, Wild Berry Zero Carb, Citrus, Bite and Jugo flavors, will join Consolidated’s Full Throttle and Tab Energy drink offerings.

Sweet Leaf Tea, Austin, Texas, announced its Organic Original Sweet Tea and Organic Mint & Honey Green Tea will be available at Costco stores in Texas. The products will be available in 12 bottle club packs.

Clement Pappas & Co., Seabrook, N.J., has purchased the HR Nicholson Co., Baltimore, Md. In addition to inventory, Pappas has acquired processing equipment for aseptic juice boxes for health care, schools and other institutional customers.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced it has signed a five-year beverage agreement with United Airlines, Chicago. Coca-Cola will be its primary soft drink supplier on flights, in airport lounges and its offices.

Bacardi U.S.A. Inc. will move its headquarters to Coral Gables, Fla. The company says it will take over approximately 230,000 square feet of space, and the new building is expected to be complete by the end of next year.

Global Beverage Enterprises Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Goya Foods Inc. to distribute its “Mabi” soda throughout the United States, Canada, Spain, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Francis Ford Coppola Presents LLC, Geyersville, Calif., bestowed the former Chateau Souverain winery with the name of its everyday wine label, Rosso & Bianco. The Rosso & Bianco wines will feature new labels to reflect the graphic identity of the Sonoma, Calif., winery, which was purchased in March 2006.

Gruppo Campari and Skyy Spirits, San Francisco, Calif., acquired controlling interest in Cabo Wabo tequilas. The brand, formerly owned by musician Sammy Hagar, will become part of the company effective January 2008. Hagar will retain 20 percent ownership in the brand and will continue to be involved in the brand’s quality guidelines and marketing campaigns, the company says.

Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc., Bardstown, Ky., entered into a joint venture with Excelsior Imports to become the worldwide importer and distributor for Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca.

Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, Wis., named the winners of its Miller Urban Entrepreneurs Series and Business Plan Competition. The 2006 winners were awarded monetary grants totaling $162,500 at a reception at the company headquarters in May. Among the winners was Bagua Juice LLC juice and smoothie bar in Jersey City, N.J.

Pittsburgh Brewing Acquisitions announced the Lawrenceville, Pa.-based brewery has begun to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following an agreement with its creditors. If approved by a judge, a proposed reorganization plan may soon go into effect, the company says.

Jim’s Organic Coffee, Wareham, Mass., partnered with Sterling Planet and the Environmental Protection Agency to convert to 100 percent renewable energy sources. The coffee company also uses 10 percent post-consumer recycled materials in its coffee cups.

Roza Hills Vineyards LLC, Woodinville, Wash., completed the purchase of a winery facility from Constellation Wines U.S. in Zillah, Wash.