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Brown spirits are leading much of the growth in the U.S. spirits market, with the segment growing 3 percent in the first four months of 2014, according to New York-based Rabobank’s latest global spirits report. More specifically, sales of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon expanded their already large shares, while flavored whiskey, rye, small-batch whiskey, and Irish whiskey and single-malt Scotch whisky maintained their impressive growth rates, it reports.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro, an Italian beer brand of London-based SABMiller plc, is teaming up with AIDS charity (Red) as the official beer of Eat (Red). Drink (Red). Save Lives. The new (Red) campaign, which runs through June 10, is led by chef Mario Batali and butcher and meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda to raise money and awareness to fight AIDS. Peroni will provide support at a number of participating restaurants and bars across the country during the campaign.

Marley Beverage Co., Southfield, Mich., appointed Harry Bigelow as its new president and chief executive officer, effective June 2.

Sunny Delight Beverages Co., Cincinnati, announced the test market launch of SunnyD X, a carbonated juice drink designed as an alternative to energy drinks. Available in Orange, Lemon Lime and Fruit Punch flavors, the beverage lineup offers energy from B vitamins and carbohydrates instead of caffeine.

Life Up LLC, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based importer and distributor of Foco coconut water announced the appointment of Donna Bimbo as chief executive officer and Bob D’Amico as chief marketing officer.

Nestea, a brand of Stamford, Conn.-based Nestlé Waters North America, announced the revival of the brand’s “Nestea Plunge” marketing effort with the new 2014 advertising campaign. This updated communication strategy is designed to promote Nestea’s new recipe, which features more flavor and fewer calories, the company says.

7-Eleven Inc., Dallas, added the new Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Slurpee to its lineup of frozen beverages lineup. Inspired by the limited-edition Sprite flavor developed between The Coca-Cola Co. and the NBA superstar, the new Slurpee also features the taste of traditional Sprite mixed with cherry and orange flavors, the company says.

Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. announced that distribution for its natural soda line expanded into the Pacific Northwest, Texas and Canada.

Jamba Juice stores in all five boroughs of New York City are coming together to support Food Bank of New York City through a consumer donation initiative. The stores owned by Emeryville, Calif.-based parent company Jamba Juice Co. are encouraging consumers to donate $1 to Food Bank For New York City and, in return, will give the consumers a Jamba Juice coupon book with various deals for use with their next Jamba Juice visits. All proceeds collected through June 13 will provide funding for the approximately 400,000 free meals that are distributed by Food Bank each day to New Yorkers in need.

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc. and its philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation, are donating $300,000 to support international relief efforts in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina following massive flooding that has caused widespread devastation and destruction. In addition to this financial commitment, the company is donating 1.5 tons of its products to help the more than 1 million people in need.