HAMILTON, Bermuda — Feb. 4 marked Bacardi’s 150th year in business and a series of celebrations that included star-studded parties and a Bacardi family reunion.

"This is an extraordinary milestone to celebrate as the passion and entrepreneurial spirit shown by my great-great grandfather in Santiago de Cuba a century and a half ago gave birth to exceptional rum that changed the spirits industry forever," said Facundo L. Bacardi, chairman of Bacardi Limited.

TORONTO — Canyon Creek has partnered with Vivreau Advance Water Systems, installing the water company’s filtration systems at eight of its chain locations.

George Kakaletris, president of Canyon Creek, said the restaurant group’s top priority is superior quality. “Quite simply, if it’s not outstanding it’s not a consideration,” he said. “Environmental responsibility is important to us and Vivreau.”

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. introduced its Blonde Roast recently in response to an overwhelming demand for a lighter roast coffee.

“This is a significant opportunity for Starbucks to gain a greater share of the brewed coffee market — both in our stores and down the coffee aisle,” said Cliff Burrows, president of the Americas for Starbucks.

OSOYOOS, B.C. — The Nk’Mip Cellars, the only North American winery owned by an aboriginal tribe in the Okanagan Valley, will soon launch its first wine, reports The Vancouver Sun.

It’s been an exciting time at the winery where Justin Hall, the assistant winemaker, is primed to become a full-fledged winemaker. “My first concern is obviously not to just become a winemaker but to be the first aboriginal winemaker or the first in North America ... [to] bring some pride to the Osoyoos Indian Band,” Hall, was quoted as saying in The Vancouver Sun.