The Coca-Cola Co. announced that two of its biggest brands in North America are taking major steps to support a circular economy for plastic packaging. DASANI is rolling out bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic (excluding caps and labels), and Sprite is transitioning from green to clear plastic to increase the material’s likelihood of being remade into new beverage bottles. 

Stewart’s craft sodas announced the expansion of its Spiked Seltzers lineup with the launch of Stewart's Spiked Soda. Reminiscent of the original Stewart’s Soda flavors, these spiked sodas remain true to the brands legacy, available in Key Lime, Black Cherry, Orange Cream and Root Beer expressions, the company says.

This year’s State of the Industry report on carbonated soft drinks (CSD) notes that, as the market faces increased consumer demand for functional beverages, CSD brands are seeking to find a balance between indulgence and health.

Beverage Industry provides an in-depth look into the performances and trends in the alcohol and non-alcohol categories within the last year. The report includes update statistics from Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) as well as industry trends and forecasts into what’s next.

After 25 years of creating signature craft soda flavors and featuring fan-submitted photo labels on every bottle, Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. entered a new category with the Mary Jones brand of cannabis-infused sodas. Mary Jones 10 mg Cannabis-Infused Sodas are available in Jones’ fan-favorite varietals of Root Beer, Berry Lemonade, Green Apple, and Orange & Cream.

Wild Bill’s, the veteran-owned, non-alcohol craft beverage company, introduced a limited-edition line of summer soda flavors in addition to announcing an expanded retail footprint at more than 250 retailers nationwide. 

Paddy Spence will still hold his position as Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors. Amy Taylor, president, will succeed Spence as CEO beginning Aug. 1.

MTN DEW, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, is bringing summer flavors to stores. The original MTN DEW BAJA BLAST and MTN DEW BAJA BLAST Zero Sugar are returning, and will be joined by two new tropical flavors: MTN DEW BAJA MANGO GEM and MTN DEW BAJA GOLD. Additionally, for the first time, the flavor of BAJA BLAST will be available as an energy drink with the launch of MTN DEW ENERGY BAJA BLAST.

Waterloo Sparkling Water announced its all-new Passion Fruit sparkling water and return of its Summer Berry, both as limited-time-only offerings for the summer. 

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the launch of Coca-Cola Freestyle 8100, a new back-of-house dispenser developed specifically for the crew-serve occasion. The new dispenser’s advanced technology streamlines drink pouring for foodservice crews, helping reduce drive-thru wait times for diners while providing the beverage quality and variety they crave, according to the company.