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PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., published its most recent Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report, illustrating actions that are driving equity and further embedding pep+ into the organization. Key accomplishments include making progress on gender parity in management globally, maintaining pay equity, while supporting historically marginalized communities around the world. 

The Boston Beer Co.’s Truly Hard Seltzer, an innovator in the hard seltzer category, reintroduced its first spirits-based seltzer as Truly Vodka Soda. Rolling out now in time for the summer season, Truly Vodka Soda combines six-times-distilled vodka, real fruit juice and premium flavors, it says.

Los Angeles-based G.O.A.T. Fuel, the health-forward energy drink from Pro Football Hall of Famer and renowned NFL G.O.A.T. Jerry Rice, announced closing on its initial Series Seed round of financing, which was oversubscribed and raised $5 million, putting total funds raised since launching in 2020 during the pandemic at $12 million. 

The founders of Funky Buddha Brewery — Ryan and KC Sentz — are reacquiring their Oakland Park, Fla.-based business from Constellation Brands, Victor, N.Y. Both the Sentzs and Constellation agreed that now is the ideal time for the original owners to reclaim control of the company and focus on beverage innovation, new consumer experiences, and additional product lines.  

Rockstar Energy, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, announced that starting this weekend, the brand wants to “Fuel Your Drive” by giving away $50,000 to help summer travelers across the country get cash back at the pump and stay energized to get to their next destination. In addition to the Memorial Day weekend giveaway, to keep consumers fueled up and energized all summer long, Rockstar Energy will reward travelers with up to $5 cash back when they buy two products now through Labor Day, it says.

Seattle-based The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic amaro, announced a strategic investment from Stoli Group, New York.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, announced the launch of Coca-Cola Flex powered by Freestyle, a new beverage dispenser that offers an enhanced guest experience while reducing operational complexity. The next-generation dispenser debuted at the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., makers of Samuel Adams beer, announced at the Annual Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville a donation of $225,000 to the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A). This donation was timed to the launch of the NB2A, an organization dedicated to addressing underrepresentation of Black people in the brewing industry.