The Coca-Cola Foundation, the global philanthropic arm of Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co., awarded $26 million in grants to 85 community organizations during the first quarter of 2012. The grants support the foundation’s global priority areas, including the following: $9.7 million for water stewardship; $3.6 million for fitness and nutrition; $7.4 million for education; and $4.9 million for community recycling and other local priorities such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, youth development and civic initiatives.
Jamba Juice Co., Emeryville, Calif., announced that The Organic Center has pledged to support Jamba’s “Team Up for a Healthy America” lifestyle initiative. The Jamba-sponsored annual program seeks to raise awareness about the nation’s obesity epidemic by encouraging people to make weekly pledges to live a healthier lifestyle. Pledges can range from eating healthier foods to incorporating exercise into a daily routine, the company said.
E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, Calif., and Accolade Wines, Napa, Calif., both recently announced brand purchases from Healdsburg, Calif.-based Ascentia Wine Estates.
After weeks of public voting, fans have appointed Salisbury, N.C.-based Caroline Beverage Corp.’s second annual Miss Cheerwine. Bria Freed of Fort Myers, Fla., was selected to represent the 95-year-old family-owned soda as brand ambassador to spread the Legend of the South in the ultimate summer job.
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, as well as Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Co., Pittsburgh-based The H.J. Heinz Co., Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike Inc. and Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble announced the formation of the Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC), a strategic working group focused on accelerating the development and use of 100 percent plant-based PET materials and fiber in their products.
Jim Beam, a brand of Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., launched its Live Music Series in support of the nation’s troops. This year, the series includes six concerts featuring artists who have partnered in the past with the bourbon brand, including Kid Rock, Daughtry, David Gray, Darius Rucker, Bush and Train.
PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., expanded its Sierra Mist carbonated soft drink brand with the addition of its newest flavor, Strawberry Kiwi Splash. The new flavor is made with real sugar and does not contain artificial additives or preservatives, the company says.
Bombay Saphhire gin, a brand of Bacardi Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda, named David Wolowidnyk of Canada the World’s Most Imaginative Bartender. The contest was hosted in Morocco where eight finalists took part in a four-day experience visiting the Moroccan home of one of the Bombay Sapphire botanicals, coriander, and exploring the world of the historic gin.
With more than 4,500 attendees from 35 countries, the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, hosted by the Brewers Association, Boulder, Colo., May 2-5 in San Diego, was a testament to the growth in the industry. Setting the tone for the event, Brewers Association President Charlie Papazian addressed any doubts about the industry’s potential, saying, “We are not in a bubble, we are knee-deep in foam — and the foam is still rising.”
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