Most Clicked ABA SmartBrief Stories
1. Monarch Beverage Co. spreading its wings
ABA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
Monarch Beverage Co. is slightly ahead of schedule with construction of a $45 million warehouse and distribution plant in Lawrence, Ind., even as the economy sputters. The 500,000-square-foot warehouse will employ 400 people, with an additional 250 sales representatives in the field. Indianapolis Star, The (01/01)
2. Bottle maker Constar files for bankruptcy
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Constar International, a bottle-making company based in Philadelphia, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The company, which employs 1,570, went public with a heavy debt load after spinning off from Crown Holdings in 2002. Philadelphia Inquirer, The (12/30)
3. Ocean Spray hopes new sugar-free mixes make a splash
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
Ocean Spray has introduced sugar-free mixes that are five calories per serving. They are available in Cranberry Grape, White Cranberry Peach, Cranberry Lemonade, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry and Ruby Red. MediaPost Communications (12/29)
4. Gatorade gets a face-lift
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
PepsiCo is giving Gatorade a new look and renaming some of its line extensions. The flagship brand, Gatorade Thirst Quencher, will get a new label with a large "G" next to the iconic bolt. Among the name changes, Gatorade Fierce is now Bring It, and X-Factor is Be Tough. Brandweek (12/29)
5. Stevia stirs up health debate
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
The Food and Drug Administration has accepted stevia-derived sweeteners as "generally recognized as safe" for food and drinks, and its use is expected to become widespread. But at least one scientist believes the FDA moved prematurely, saying the sweetener has been shown in lab tests to damage genetic material. Palm Beach Post (Fla.), The (12/28)
6. Soft-drink tax plan falls flat in New York
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
New York's state health commissioner created a YouTube presentation to push an 18% tax on soft drinks. "The ensuing howl of indignation from the public was predictable and not undeserved," a columnist notes. Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) (12/31)
7. Starbucks brewing tea-based drinks
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Starbucks Corp. is introducing three new tea-based lattes and two nondairy tea drinks, all with no more than 250 calories per 12-ounce serving. The lattes are made with steamed milk and Tazo full-leaf tea bags, while the nondairy Tazo Tea Infusions will be available in Berry Chai and Apple Chai flavors. Seattle Post-Intelligencer (12/30)
8. Too many cows means too much milk
ABA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
A global dairy expansion has turned sour as demand for dairy products shrinks in the economic slowdown. But dairy farmers can't simply turn off the supply. "They are going to produce it because they have to milk the cows," one company owner noted. New York Times, The (01/01)
9. Collector gives tours of Coca-Cola Co. house
ABA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
Wanda Cook of Furlow, Ark., gives tours of her house, which contains more than 4,000 Coca-Cola Co. items. "We collect [because] we enjoy sharing with other people," she said. Jacksonville Patriot (Cabot, Ark.) (12/31)
10. Children urged to drink only milk and water between meals
ABA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy statement urging children to limit consumption between meals to milk and water. The goal is to decrease the risk of cavities and promote oral health. Cattle Network (12/29)
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