The Coca-Cola Company acquired full ownership of coconut water brand ZICO Beverages LLC, El Segundo, CA. Coca-Cola had bought a majority stake in the brand back in 2012. Atlanta-based Coca-Cola now owns several major natural and organic beverage brands in different categories, including ZICO, Honest Tea and Odwalla.

Boulder Brands, Boulder, CO, has purchased EVOL Foods, Boulder, CO, for $48 million. Founded by Phil Anson, the brand makes frozen meals including burritos, quesadillas and other items.

Sebastopol, CA-based Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery has been recognized as a Sonoma County Green Business environmental leader. The Sonoma Green Business Program assists, recognizes and promotes local organizations that operate in environmentally responsible ways.

The 29th annual Regional Innovation Awards gave top honors for Ag Innovation to Lundberg Family Farms, Richvale, CA. The company was selected from among 100 finalists in 25 categories. The awards represent businesses in the “530” area code, which comprises most of northern California.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2014