Gene Simmons, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of KISS, launched a premium soda line called Money Bag Sodas this month in cooperation with Niagara Falls, N.Y.-based Rock Steady Sodas Inc., a subsidiary of Johnnie Ryan Bottling Co.

After 12 years as chief executive officer (CEO) of PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., Indra Nooyi announced that she will step down Oct. 3. Nooyi has been with the company for 24 years. She will remain chairman until early 2019. Following a unanimous election by the Board of Directors, Ramon Laguarta, president of PepsiCo, will assume the CEO position as well as election to the Board of Directors.

Beverage Industry releases its annual Top 100 list. The list reflects the top beverage companies based on 2017 fiscal year sales.

The U.S. liquid refreshment beverage market grew again in 2017, with retail sales increasing about 3 percent and volume by around 2 percent, according to newly released preliminary data from Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), New York.

Chattanooga, Tenn.-based The Double Cola Co. announced the return of Tropical SKI, a carbonated soft drink (CSD) known for its bright blue color. The limited-edition flavor will return this month in select market in the Midwest and Southeast, including Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky.

Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Charlotte, N.C., reported operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2017.