After experiencing a higher than desirable level of bottle breakage with repurposed packaging equipment, Midwestern stalwart Boulevard Brewing Company approached Standard-Knapp to create a solution to meet its non-traditional packaging demands, which include four different bottle types, multiple packaging sizes, and no carton dividers. The packaging company responded with an innovative solution that picks the product from the infeed conveyor and gently places it into the bottom of the empty case. The company now reports virtually zero packaging breakage and has increased throughput by about 10% because of increased efficiency and less down time.

FIJI Water introduces the FIJI Straw: a fun and fresh way to discover Earth’s Finest Water on-the-go. The straw, designed with the savvy consumer in mind, is reusable, dishwasher safe and BPA free. Due to the overwhelming demand following appearances at key special events, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards and New York Fashion Week, the FIJI Straw will be available to all consumers for purchase beginning April 22nd on FIJIWater.com for $9.95 (package of six). Only Earth’s Finest Water deserves to be experienced in such a refined way, sipped and savored through a straw.

Starting on April 1st, Opening Day, Major League Baseball fans can zip, sip and root for their home team. Beer, the long preferred beverage at baseball games, will see major competition as Mendocino County wine pioneer Fetzer and industry newcomer Zipz launch a unique new product in select North American stadiums.

Pepsi has unveiled a new single-serve bottle for its Pepsi trademark portfolio including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi MAX and Pepsi NEXT, marking its first design update since 1996. A visual expression of the brand's Excitement of Now positioning, the bottle is rolling out in markets nationwide starting in April in 16-ounce and 20-ounce packaging, with full conversion taking a few years.

Del Monte has brought out a new product range, ‘Del Monte Occasions’, in combifitMidi 1,000 ml carton packs with screw cap combiSwift from SIG Combibloc. The new line-up of fruit-based juice drinks comes in the exceptional varieties Pineapple Mojito, Spicy Tomato and Orchard Zest, and offers a stylish drink that works just as well without alcohol.

Chicken Cock Distilling announces that, after nearly a century hiatus, Chicken Cock Whiskey is back. Inspired by a 157 year-old legacy, Chicken Cock is making a triumphant return to the market with a new look and fresh flavors.

Last year, Fowler Products (www.fowlerproducts.com), powered by Pro Mach and Zalkin sponsored the Application Fundamentals of Aluminum Closures (AFAC) conference, a non-commercial symposium attended by a who’s who of Spirits, Wine, Beer and Soft Drink brand owners.

Nature’s Coffee Kettle is a coffee brewing system for campers, hikers and coffee connoisseurs. Now their updated spouted pouch from Flair Flexible Packaging helps Nature’s Coffee Kettle better communicate their unique brewing method and the freshness of their custom-roasted gourmet coffee.

That first sip of cold beer from an aluminum can or a bottle tastes great, doesn’t it? But don’t you wish there was a convenient way to keep that can colder, longer? Commodore Plastics has the answer with its new Labec® foam label stock, and is targeting both large and small breweries.