Here, just-drinks consolidates the M&A activity in the global drinks industry during January, a month that saw Suntory move for a stake in Edrington, Distill Ventures bring another non-alcoholic spirits brand to Diageo‘s attention and Molson Coors make its latest craft beer play.

Beer

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US craft brewer Two Rivers Beer Co has taken majority control of its peer, Bare Arms Brewing. The transaction, announced in late-December, brings together two brewers based in the Texas city of Waco. Financial details were not disclosed.

Molson Coors is to buy Detroit brewer Atwater Brewing. The company confirmed its intention to acquire Atwater, Michigan’s fourth-largest brewer.

Anheuser-Busch InBev‘s Canadian unit, Labatt Breweries, has reportedly acquired a distillery known for its ready-to-drink products. According to local reports, Labatt has purchased British Columbia-based Goodridge & Williams.

What’s coming up in beer in 2020? – Predictions for the Year Ahead

Our category previews of the year ahead continue. Here’s beer expert Stephen Beaumont with his take on what will shape the brewing industry over the next 12 months.

Soft Drinks

The Coca-Cola Co has taken full control of Fairlife after buying a complete stake in the milk beverages company. Coca-Cola confirmed it has taken its share in Fairlife to 100% from 42.5% after buying up the additional holding from its business venture with Select Milk Producers.

Californian organic food company Purity Organic has acquired the owner of the Sweet Leaf Tea iced-tea brand. The company said yesterday is has purchased Dunn’s River Brands. Dunn’s brands include Sweet Leaf Tea as well as Tradewinds Beverage Co.

Keurig Dr Pepper has acquired Chicago-based caffeinated soft drinks company Limitless. Confirming the transaction to just-drinks towards the end of last month, a spokesperson for KDP said the company plans to expand US distribution for Limitless, which is primarily sold through Wal-Mart.

What’s coming up in soft drinks in 2020? – Predictions for the Year Ahead

As 2020 kicks off, soft drinks commentator Lucy Britner offers her views on the key trends that are set to shape the category during the next 12 months.

Spirits

Diageo-backed incubator programme Distill Ventures has taken a minority stake in another non-alcoholic spirits maker, Ritual Zero Proof. Distill, which helped grow Seedlip into one of the best-known non-alc spirits after backing the brand in 2016, said it has made a cash investment in Chicago-based Ritual Zero Proof.

UK spirits company The British Honey Co has rescued The London Distillery Co from administration through an acquisition. The British Honey Co said the purchase is part of the company’s “ambitious growth strategy” for 2020.

Halewood Wines & Spirits has purchased a 48% share of Vestal Vodka as it continues to build its focus on “artisanal spirits”. The company said in late-January that the move comes ahead of a “revival for vodka”.

Suntory Holdings has agreed to purchase a 10% holding in Scottish distiller Edrington for an undisclosed sum. Suntory, which owns the Beam Suntory global spirits unit and also produces beer and soft drinks, announced the deal on 28 January.

What’s coming up in dark spirits in 2020? – Predictions for the Year Ahead

The dawning of a new decade will bring plenty of surprises, creativity and optimism. As we welcome 2020, then, what will be the first likely trends in dark spirits? Category commentator Neil Ridley takes a look.

Wine

Accolade Wines is reportedly looking for a buyer for Geyser Peak, seven years after having acquired the Californian wine brand. In an article in California daily The Press Democrat, a spokesperson for Accolade was cited as saying the group is hoping to offload Healdsburg-based Geyser Peak.

WX Brands has acquired several California wine brands from the Niven family. The US wine company has purchased the 100,000+ case portfolio of wines for an undisclosed sum.

What’s coming up in wine in 2020? – Predictions for the Year Ahead

This month, our category commentators are lining up to share with us their thoughts on how 2020 will shape their respective sectors. Here’s Chris Losh, our wine expert, with his take on the year ahead.

Drinks Manufacturing

US private-equity firm Encore Consumer Capital has acquired Pennsylvania-based contract manufacturer Lion Beverages. Lion, based in Wilkes-Barre, makes energy drinks, non-alcoholic brewed beverages, better-for-you sodas and craft beer.

What will shape consumer trends in 2020? – Predictions for the Year Ahead

As 2020 kicks off, consumer trends commentator Lucy Britner offers her views on the key trends that are set to shape the next 12 months.