TORONTO, March 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Introducing NEW Simply Spiked Limeade, bringing Summer ready Canadians a juicy new flavour to join the Simply Spiked lineup.

The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived —it's time to put away our parkas and say hello to awkward tan lines, because Summer is (practically) here! Simply Spiked knows that nothing hits quite like a sunny day in early Spring, when you're reminded that there's more to life than snow and darkness. That's why there's no better time to bring a taste of Summer with Simply Spiked's newest flavour - Simply Spiked Limeade.

¹ The fastest growing Cooler in Canada in 2024 is bringing a bold flavour to every sip. Simply Spiked is a premium flavoured alcohol beverage with a refreshing taste of 5% real fruit juice—just what you'd expect from Simply. Simply Spiked Limeade joins the juicy line-up alongside Signature Lemonade and Signature Peach.

"We've seen how much our Simply Spiked fans enjoy our bold, juicy flavours, which is why we're so excited to introduce a new citrus twist with Simply Spiked Limeade," Jeanene Miniaci, Senior Marketing Manager, Beyond Beer & Innovation. "With citrus being the #1 preferred RTD flavour in Canada, we saw an opportunity to bring Canadians a new, bold limeade experience with the Simply Spiked quality they know and enjoy."

Try Summer's newest drink, available in three bold new flavours—Signature Limeade, Cherry Limeade, and Blackberry Limeade. Grab a variety 12-pack to taste them all!

Available now at participating locations across Canada. To learn more, visit simplyspiked.ca and follow the brand on social @SimplySpikedCA.

¹ This statistic references data from the RTD National Share Report - December 2024.

Toronto, March 27, 2025 – Restaurants Canada announced Nicolas Filiatrault, Quebec-based CEO of Benny&Co., as its new Chair of the Board at its Annual General Meeting of the Members, held on March 26. Nicolas succeeds outgoing Board Chair Jeremy Bonia.

“I'm deeply honoured and carry a profound sense of responsibility in stepping into the role of Chair of Restaurants Canada's Board of Directors,” said Filiatrault. “While facing significant trade challenges, I'm confident our industry's resilience, creativity, and collective determination will allow us to adapt and innovate. Having witnessed major transformations over my near-decade involvement with Restaurants Canada, I've seen our sector's ability to overcome adversity. By working together, sharing insights, and supporting one another, we can overcome adversity and continue to serve Canadians with passion and excellence.”

Filiatrault has been the CEO of Quebec's largest family-owned rotisserie chain, Benny&Co., since November 2023. From his arrival at the company nearly 15 years ago, he has worked closely with Jean Benny, President of Benny&Co., to carry out the ambitious vision of the eight founding brothers of the family business established in 1960. As Director of Finance, and then Vice President of Finance and Administration, he implemented the family franchise system and created the company's administrative, accounting, and financial teams.

As Chair, Filiatrault will lead the Board, provide strong leadership to the Directors, and support the CEO while ensuring governance best practices and executing the Board’s directives. He will collaborate with President and CEO Kelly Higginson to strengthen the organization’s advocacy for the foodservice industry as she and the team execute the strategic goals of the organization.

In addition to Filiatrault’s new role, Restaurants Canada is appointing eight new members to its board: Sarah Chown, Metropolitain Brasserie, Ontario; Meeru Dhalwala, Lilia Restaurant, British Columbia; Musette Fowke, Integrated Food Systems Inc, Manitoba; Vanessa Fracheboud, Mandy’s, Quebec; Phoebe Fung, Vin Room, Alberta; Ben Osmow, Osmow’s Inc, Ontario; Cara Piggot, Boston Pizza; and Claudia Vorlaufer, Earls Restaurants, British Columbia.

Filiatrault succeeds Jeremy Bonia, an accomplished Newfoundland & Labrador-based restaurateur and sommelier, who was elected as Chair in April 2023. Bonia played an integral role in supporting Higginson as she stepped into the President and CEO role and leading the organization through its post-pandemic period of shifting policy priorities.

“I am immensely grateful to Jeremy for his years of service on Restaurants Canada’s board and for his support to me personally. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the organization and helped us become stronger than ever,” said Higginson. “In his new role, Nicolas will build on Jeremy's foundation, leading the board by uniting Directors, fostering board development, showing strong leadership, and supporting me and the Restaurants Canada team.”

TORONTO, March 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Smirnoff vodka is shaking up the Canadian ready-to-drink market with the launch of three exciting new cocktails: Raspberry Mule, Cosmo Bellini, and Passion Fruit Martini. Crafted with premium quality and packed with bold, vibrant flavours, these expertly crafted drinks deliver an elevated cocktail experience anytime, anywhere. Whether you're relaxing with friends or toasting to a special moment, new creations from Smirnoff offer the perfect blend of convenience and a refreshing taste.

Building on the rich heritage of Smirnoff in quality and innovation, these new cocktails reimagine timeless classics with a fresh, modern twist. Designed for those who crave bold flavours without the fuss, each variety balances nostalgia with vibrant new tastes:

• Raspberry Mule: A refreshingly sweet and tart blend of tangy raspberry notes and zesty ginger flavour, perfect for those who love a punchy kick of flavour.
• Cosmo Bellini: A smooth and delicious combination of cranberry and citrus flavours, offering a sweet yet sophisticated profile, making it a perfect complement to any celebration.
• Passion Fruit Martini: A tropical delight that marries exotic passion fruit notes with the smoothness of Smirnoff vodka, delivering a sweet and tangy taste sensation.

"Smirnoff has always been about bringing people together with flavourful drinks to complement the moment," said Nadia Niccoli, Head of Marketing at Diageo Canada. "With our new ready-to-drink cocktails, Canadians can now enjoy the same high-quality taste they'd expect at a restaurant or bar - no matter the occasion".

As more brands enter the ready-to-drink space, Smirnoff's legacy as a vodka pioneer since 1864 ensures it continues to stand out with expertly crafted cocktails.

Each drink is carefully made with Smirnoff vodka, delivering a premium experience with every sip.

The perfect complement for gatherings with friends or impromptu celebrations, Smirnoff ready-to-drink cocktails are designed to complement any occasion. Available in convenient cans, these innovative beverages offer a bar-quality cocktail experience with no bartending skills required. Just crack open, sip, and enjoy.

All three flavours of the new Smirnoff ready-to-drink cocktails are now available in Western Canada and Quebec, with the Passion Fruit Martini available in Ontario. Why not grab a can, gather your friends, and get ready to cocktail! Please enjoy responsibly.

To learn more, please visit

CLERMONT, Ky., March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim Beam is getting ready for summer with the unveiling of its latest flavor innovation, Jim Beam Pineapple, adding to its award-winning portfolio. This new expression blends the bold flavor of pineapple with signature smooth Kentucky straight bourbon – a fresh and flavorful take that adds a tropical piña twist to classic Southern traditions.

This new release infuses the sweetness of pineapple notes with the smooth oak and caramel that bourbon fans know and love. It is a fresh take that is easy to enjoy, whether you are a seasoned whiskey drinker or whiskey curious. With its bold flavor and laid-back vibe, Jim Beam Pineapple offers an inviting introduction for those who find whiskey intimidating and encourages more people to raise a glass and enjoy it together.

"As a brand rooted in Kentucky tradition, we love putting fresh spins on our brands— and Jim Beam Pineapple does exactly that," said Freddie Noe, 8^th Generation Master Distiller of the James B. Beam Distilling Co. "This new flavor is our first flavored spirit in four years, and reflects the bold, vibrant spirit of today's South. It is a celebration of flavor and community, made to be enjoyed with family and friends this summer season."

Designed for versatility, Jim Beam Pineapple can be enjoyed in a variety of refreshing serves, including the Jim Beam Pineapple & Lemon Lime Soda — served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a slice of lime or a Pica y Piña, a bright yet spicy cocktail of Jim Beam Pineapple, lime juice, simply syrup, jalapeños and a tajin rim. Jim Beam Pineapple is ideal for bringing people together for backyard barbecues and front porch gatherings, offering a modern take on Southern flavors for drinkers 21+.

Jim Beam Pineapple (32.5% ABV) is now available nationwide at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750mL bottle.

For more information about Jim Beam Pineapple and to discover cocktail recipes, follow Jim Beam on Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) and Twitter (@jimbeam) or visit