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Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo and two of its independent bottlers, Raleigh, N.C.-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC (PBV) and the Honickman Group's Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York (PCNY), College Point, N.Y., announced their intent to transfer certain franchise ownerships in New York, North Carolina, Idaho and Vermont in order to drive local growth.

Natural Products Expo West, produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton, showcased a record number of new natural and organic product launches at its 33rd show, which took place March 7-10 in Anaheim, Calif. Of the exhibitors, beverage-makers from established and emerging categories showcased their natural offerings.

Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle, announced plans to expand its $70 million comprehensive ethical sourcing program with a new farming research and development center in Costa Rica. These programs are part of Starbucks’ ongoing billion-dollar commitment to ethically sourcing 100 percent of its coffee by 2015, the company says.

In 2012, the total U.S. beer market grew by 1 percent; however, craft beer grew 15 percent in volume and 17 percent in dollar sales, representing a total barrel increase of nearly 1.8 million, according to preliminary data from the Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo.

White Rock Beverages, Whitestone, N.Y., acquired Jersey City, N.J.-based Fizzy Lizzy natural sparkling juices, which include its Grapefruit, Cranberry, Raspberry, Lemon, Fuji Apple, Yakima Grape and Tangerine Passion Fruit varieties. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT) will host its 60th annual BevTech meeting April 29-May 1 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Now in its 15th year, the annual Food Safety Summit is moving to a new location: Baltimore.

Wondering whether using social media for advertising purposes is crossing the line?

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s ban on soft drinks larger than 16 ounces in size was overturned by a New York state judge on Monday, according to a March 11 USA Today article.

New York-based Wat-aah is partnering with teen pop stars the OMG Girlz for a multi-faceted, national TV, retail, print and digital campaign for its line of premium functional water for kids and teens.