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The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), Washington, D.C., announced the selection of Kraig R. Naasz, 55, the current head of the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), as its new president and chief executive officer. 

New York-based Nielsen launched Nielsen Homescan Consumer Moments. This new offering, which will be available to U.S. clients in the fourth quarter of this year, leverages mobile application technology to create a new and powerful consumer market research tool, the market research firm says. For marketers, the Nielsen Homescan Consumer Moments will offer a visual, interactive digital dashboard, revealing a complete view of consumer eating and drinking habits. This new service will link to Nielsen’s Homescan Panel purchase behavior data to bridge behavioral patterns of purchase and consumption, it adds.

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. expanded its commitment to supporting the specialty coffee industry by announcing that it will distribute coffee trees to farmers most impacted by coffee rust, a plant fungus that damages millions of coffee trees around the world, the company says. Through September 2016, Starbucks will plant a coffee tree for every bag of coffee purchased in participating U.S. stores.

Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Co., Boston, brewer of Samuel Adams beers is writing a book titled “Quench Your Own Thirst: Business Lessons Learned Over a Beer or Two.” Based on more than 30 years of experience as a business owner and brewer, Koch offers insights into the ride from scrappy start-up to thriving public company, according to New York-based Macmillan Publishers. His business model and recollections offer counterintuitive lessons that entrepreneurs and drinkers can apply to business and to life, it adds.

Heaven Hill Brands, Bardstown, Ky., announced the one-time release of John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve Bourbon. Comprised of 12 barrels of wheated bourbon produced at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, original home of Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald and ancestor of the Larceny brand, the ultra-rare release will offer an extraordinary sensory experience and a glimpse at the DNA of bourbon lore, the company says.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., Ontario, Canada, one of the leading publishers of books for women, announced the launch of Vintages by Harlequin, a new line of three wine varietals, with vintage Harlequin branding, the company says.

Absolut Vodka, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based Pernod Ricard USA, announced a new limited-edition bottle, Absolut Electrik

Clearly the readers of Beverage Industry are fans of kombucha as Clearly Kombucha won the August New Product of the Month poll. The organic beverage obtained 21 percent of the votes. Voting took place between Sept. 8 and 18.

Bill Leigon, president of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, announced his purchase of the Napa, Calif., winery. The purchase was finalized Sept. 18. Purchase price was not disclosed. Bill Spear will continue to manage all sales and marketing and is taking the title of the winery's general manager and co-partner.