Premiering at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) 69th Annual Convention & Exposition on April 5 in Las Vegas, the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum will offer educational sessions for suppliers and wholesalers. The U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum is a partnership between WSWA and the U.S. Drinks Conference (USDC) that will feature business-related sessions from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Caesars Palace.
Starbucks Corp., Seattle, introduced two new retail concepts for its Seattle’s Best Coffee and Evolution Fresh Inc. subsidiaries. In addition, the company also shared plans to launch its own single-cup coffee system.
Consumer product goods (CPG) manufacturers continue to navigate the whims of undecided consumers, some of whom feel more optimistic about the economy while a similar-sized group expect continued deterioration of economic and personal financial health, according to Susan Viamari, editor of SymphonyIRI’s Times and Trends report. The Chicago-based market research firm released its “CPG 2011 Year in Review: The Search for Footing in an Evolving Marketplace” report that finds that consumers plan to continue their current path of frugality and conservatism this year.
Dunkin’ Donuts, Canton, Mass., welcomed three new caramel iced coffee flavors to its collection: Caramel Turtle, Caramel Almond and Caramel Mocha. Available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants for a limited time nationwide, the freshly brewed iced beverages join Dunkin’ Donuts’ lineup of iced coffee flavors, including Blueberry, Cinnamon, Hazelnut and Raspberry.
PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced that Pepsi Next, a cola with 60 percent less sugar than Pepsi-Cola, will launch nationwide March 26. The cola’s launch is intended to meet the needs of a segment of consumers who are resistant to full-calorie and diet soft drink offerings, the company said.
To help fans plan their get-togethers for this month’s National Collegiate Athletic Association’s March Madness, Minneapolis-based Betty Crocker partnered with actor and TV personality Mario Lopez to create 16 beer-infused party food ideas for its second annual “Betty Bracket” recipe showdown.
Jamba Juice, Emeryville, Calif., announced the launch of its new juice blends platform. Three new juice blend beverages will be available March 13 in more than 700 stores. The platform was designed to complement Jamba Juice’s existing fresh-squeezed carrot, orange and wheatgrass juice offerings.
Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. is encouraging consumers to discover new espresso favorites. From March 8 to 14, Starbucks will feature a limited-time beverage offer that allows consumers to buy any espresso beverage before 11 a.m., bring back their receipt after 2 p.m. the same day and purchase any hot or iced espresso beverage for half price.
Bacardi announced U.S. bartender Shingo Gokan was named the winner of its second annual Global Legacy Cocktail Competition. Gokan of New York City won with his drink “Speak Low,” which was inspired by his grandmother’s Japanese tea ceremony.
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