The Wine Group (TWG), Livermore, Calif., and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Miami, announced that they have expanded their relationship to form a national strategic alignment. The new agreement includes a portfolio expansion in the open markets of the District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, as well as the brokerage markets of Maine, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. The Wine Group will begin the transition of its portfolio to these markets beginning April 1, with Southern Glazer’s exclusive responsibility taking effect May 1.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, and Nutrabolt announced a strategic partnership, including a definitive agreement for a long-term sales and distribution arrangement that leverages KDP’s go-to-market capabilities and a equity investment that enables KDP to participate in the value creation upside expected to be created through the strategic partnership, the company says.

Accolade Wines announced that it has entered into a national strategic alignment with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), the second largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States. This partnership will expand Accolade Wines’ availability in the United States to include 24 states and the District of Columbia.

PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., and Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., maker of a global fitness energy drink CELSIUS, announced a definitive agreement forging a long-term strategic distribution arrangement. The distribution agreement initially transitions Celsius’ current U.S. distribution to PepsiCo’s best-in-class capabilities, the companies note. As part of the transaction, PepsiCo also will make an investment in Celsius in support of its growth agenda and will nominate a director to serve on Celsius’ Board of Directors.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Miami and Dallas, announced that Prestige Wine Imports, importer of a diverse portfolio of high-quality Italian wines, is expanding its distribution relationship to seven additional markets: Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Washington D.C.

Stone Distributing Co. (SDC), Escondido, Calif., announced the addition of Ashland Hard Seltzer and El Segundo Brewing Co. to its Southern California portfolio of craft beers. The two new partners began distribution from Stone effective Nov. 8.

New York-based Wilson Daniels Wholesale announced that Galaxy Wine Co., Portland, Ore., is expanding its wholesale operations into the state of Washington, effective Jan. 1, 2022. 

Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. announced a key expansion of its retail footprint with the addition of 210 Meijer stores in six Midwest states. The agreement adds a new marquee regional retailer to Jones Soda’s portfolio, it says.

Founded by innovators in the beer industry and rival gang leaders of the Bloods, Crips, GD and BD, TRU Colors, with its mission statement to unite communities to stop violence and divisiveness, created a sustainable business model that provides active gang members with economic opportunities, the company says.

AF Life Sciences Inc., Denver, announced a strategic manufacturing, marketing and global distribution partnership with Cheech Marin, the multi-generational actor, writer, comedian and pioneer cannabis advocate.