Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield, Calif., has closed its acquisition of Evolution Fresh from Starbucks, Seattle. The acquisition includes the brand, business, and employees supporting Evolution Fresh. By uniting the two powerhouse brands, Bolthouse Farms looks to further accelerate the company’s leadership within the premium juice and refrigerated beverage categories in retail, it says.

Michigan-based Blake’s Hard Cider is setting out to expand hard cider’s drinking occasion beyond the fall months through its new products and territory expansion.

EARI Beverage Group, Charlotte, N.Y., a diversified beverage and media group, announced the acquisition of the Blossom Botanical Water Brand.

Primo Water Corp., Tampa, Fla., announced that Primo Water North America (PWNA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Primo, has acquired Highland Mountain Water, Atlanta. Highland Mountain Water is a leading independent distributor of Primo's Mountain Valley premium water brand.

Sapporo U.S.A. and Stone Brewing, San Diego, have reached an agreement for Sapporo U.S.A. to acquire Stone Brewing. Supporting both business’ long-term growth strategies in the U.S. market, the transaction is expected to close in August. Stone is the second acquisition in the growing craft brew segment of Sapporo U.S.A.’s business, which acquired Anchor Brewing Co. in 2017. Anchor Brewing operations will remain unchanged. 

Newport Beach, Calif.-based SYSTM Foods, an impact-focused food and beverage brand platform, announced the acquisition of Chameleon Organic Coffee from Nestlé USA Inc. Chameleon is a leading provider of organic, sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee and joins the SYSTM Foods portfolio of brands, including plant-powered functional beverage brand, REBBL.

Beverage Industry’s Top 100 Beverage Companies report, based on 2021 fiscal year sales, reflects the ebbs and flows that different factions of alcohol and non-alcohol beverage market experienced this past year.

Diageo plc, London, announced it has acquired 21Seeds, a rapidly growing flavored tequila infused with the juice of real fruits. The brand is available in three varieties: Valencia Orange, Grapefruit Hibiscus and Cucumber Jalapeño.

Ingredients companies are bringing their natural, sustainably sourced tea and coffee solutions to Europe, and with sustainability top of mind, Chr. Hansen ranked No. 2 on a Global 100 sustainability list. 

Ingredient companies are broadening their operations by hiring new leaders and expanding their value-added services.