As the unofficial beverage of winter, hot cocoa is getting a new twist thanks to the latest product innovation from Pepsi. 

Campari America introduced a new addition to its rum portfolio: The Baron Samedi Spiced Rum. 

The WhiteWave Foods Co., Denver, announced that 100 percent of the cocoa powder sourced across its portfolio of plant-based, dairy and creamer products within its Americas Foods & Beverages segment will be independently certified sustainable by the end of 2016. All WhiteWave brands based in North America, including Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, Vega, Horizon Organic and International Delight, using cocoa as an ingredient will make the transition, the company says. 

In response to higher cocoa prices, David Michael & Co. relaunched Cocoa-Mate, its line of cocoa extenders that are functionally capable of replacing up to 50 percent of the cocoa powder used in a finished product, the company says.

Once considered a food of the gods by Aztec and Mayan cultures, chocolate today is an affordable indulgence with some health benefits that has retained its popularity even during rough economic times.