San Francisco-based Uber Technologies Inc. and Drizly, Boston, announced that they have reached an agreement for Uber to acquire Drizly for approximately $1.1 billion in stock and cash. After the completion of the transaction, Drizly will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Uber. Drizly’s marketplace will eventually be integrated with the Uber Eats app, while also maintaining a separate Drizly app.

iPourIt, a beverage dispensing technology, uses RFID-activated screens and taps that allow users to pour on their own and serve as little or as much as they please, sampling beers, seltzers, wines and more, the company says.  

Recognizing the diverse range of delicious food, rich history and culture that Black-owned restaurants contribute to the American experience, Pepsi, a brand in Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, introduced Dig In. The consumer-facing, multi-year platform is a rallying call for people to double down on supporting Black-owned restaurants.

Paris-based VIVANT debuts as an interactive online platform to connect winemakers, consumers and expert wine advisers in streaming Live Experiences. The platform blends engaging interaction, personalized education and lively entertainment by transporting members to iconic wine regions without leaving home, according to the company.

A Drizly study found nearly half of retailers predicting significantly higher sales this holiday season. Additionally, 78 percent of respondents reported higher online sales since March, and Mezcal is projected to leapfrog the likes of Irish and Japanese whiskies in expectations for growth next year. 

As eCommerce shopping rates are on the rise, experts note that mass merchandisers that capitalize on strategic product placement, variety, and ease of locating and purchasing product will come out on top. 

The National Urban League and PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., joined forces to create the Black Restaurant Accelerator, which will boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years.