As craft beer has shown itself to be measurable force in the beer market, more craft brewers are exploring varying beer styles to appeal to broader consumer base. Now, sour beer and more sessionable offerings like lagers are populating craft brewers portfolios.

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., Burlington, Mass., and Plano, Texas, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending Dec. 31, 2018, and provided guidance for adjusted diluted EPS growth for 2019 in line with the company's merger targets.   

Given the volume growth of packaged water, beverage manufacturers have taken notice of how consumers are reaching for hydration beverages over sweeter options, prompting them to rethink their own portfolios. This shifting sentiment caught the attention of Cott Corporation, thereby paving the way for the beverage manufacturer to create a new identity for itself.

Employees, brands and warehouses of Eastern Oregon’s largest beverage distribution company will continue normal operations under the new ownership when the transaction closes on or around Feb. 28, it said.

Beverage ingredient suppliers are collaborating with other companies as a way to expand their distribution reach and develop new products.

Sufferfest Beer Co., San Francisco, will join Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif., and Mills River, N.C., the breweries announced. Sierra Nevada will acquire 100 percent of Sufferfest, which is the company’s first-ever acquisition. The breweries stated shared values, commitment to innovation, and common goals as the root of the partnership, they add.

The transaction is another step in PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose journey, supporting health and wellness through environmentally friendly, cost-effective and fun-to-use beverage solutions, and the company’s Beyond the Bottle strategy to form a more sustainable beverage ecosystem, it says.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, has completed the acquisition of Costa Ltd. from Whitbread PLC. The $4.9 billion transaction follows approval from regulatory authorities in the European Union and China. The acquisition was first announced Aug. 31, 2018.

The Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., has completed the purchase of a number of brands from Star Industries, Syosset, N.Y., and Black Prince Distillery, Clifton, N.J.  

Helping to guide the legacy company through this latest evolution is James Quincey, The Coca-Cola Co.’s president and chief executive officer (CEO).