Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Research by Mintel on the craft beer market in the U.S. shows that sales of craft beer nearly doubled between 2007 and 2012.

Mounting demand for crafted alcoholic beverages and premium products is giving niche producers a reason to eat, drink and be merry.

Beer remained the largest segment of the U.S. adult beverage industry, accounting for more than four-fifths of total alcohol volume, but was challenged by both economic and consumer trends that resulted in a 1.3% decline in 2011.

PepsiCo is testing a malt-flavored version of Mountain Dew.

Craft brewers saw volume rise 13%, with a 15% increase in retail sales from 2010 to 2011, representing a total barrel increase of 1.3 million.