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On-premise ale and cider sales were on the rise in the third quarter of 2013, reports Restaurant Sciences LLC, Newton, Mass. Ale sales grew 2 percent and cider sales grew 39 percent compared with the prior-year period, it reports. Comparatively, nationwide on-premise lager sales were down 7 percent compared with the third quarter of 2012, it adds.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (DPS), Plano, Texas, reported that its third quarter net sales increased 1 percent, reflecting 3 percentage points of positive mix and pricing partially offset by a 1 percent sales volume decline and higher discounts.

Denver-based PL360 Beverage Partners imported a new line of wines inspired by the PBS series “Downton Abbey” into the United States. Launching Nov. 1, New York-based Wines That Rock's Downton Abbey Wine Collection features two blends from the Bordeaux region of France: a Blanc white wine and a Claret red wine.

Drinktec 2013, which took place Sept. 16-20 in Munich, attracted 66,886 visitors from 183 countries, representing a 14 percent increase in attendance compared with drinktec 2009. Of these visitors, 62 percent traveled from countries outside of Germany, with 16 percent of the total visitors traveling from the United States.

Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America, a division of Diageo plc, announced the U.S. release of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. Previously only available in select global markets, the limited offering introduces a new step in the Johnnie Walker flavor journey, and its special bottling provides an unexpected yet stunning profile for a Scotch whisky, the company says. A multi-layered whisky, Gold Label Reserve offers a smooth balance of sweet fruits and creaminess with a light smoke, it adds.

Information Resources Inc. (IRI), Chicago, and SPINS, Schaumburg, Ill., created SPINS NaturaLink, a new segmentation of the total U.S. population that focuses on how shoppers think about, purchase and use natural, organic and eco-friendly products. Consumers increasingly are embracing natural and organic products and often are as concerned about what is not in the products they buy as much as what is in them, IRI notes. SPINS NaturaLink is designed to assist consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers in generating new levels of growth through a better understanding of these shopper needs.

Bethesda, Md.-based Honest Tea, an independent operating unit of The Coca-Cola Co., released its 2013 Mission Report as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to be transparent about its business practices and its mission “to seek to create and promote great-tasting, healthier, organic beverages.”

Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., reported positive results for its third-quarter and year-to-date 2013 results ending Sept. 30.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Boulevard Brewing Co. announced that Belgium-based Duvel Moortgat has acquired the craft brewery.

Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo reported net revenue of $16.9 billion in the third quarter of 2013. This marks 1.5 percent growth in the quarter and 2 growth percent year-to-date, the company reports. Organic revenue grew 3.3 percent in the quarter and 3.9 percent year-to-date, and core constant currency operating profit rose 3 percent in the quarter, reflecting increased advertising and marketing expense and $28 million of incremental investments.