As this year draws to a close we at Sip & Savor are reflecting back on some of the highlights for the beverage industry in 2015.

We started the year by announcing grants in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to six cities for their efforts in fighting childhood obesity. The grant program recognizes mayors who have gone above and beyond to create programs in their communities that encourage a balanced lifestyle.

In May, we traveled to Los Angeles and Little Rock, Ark. to kick off our community efforts in the two cities as part of our nationwide Balance Calories Initiative. In these “test-and-learn” communities, which have higher than average obesity rates, Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper and Pepsi are using their marketing and innovation strengths to encourage people to reduce their beverage calories. We followed-up these launches by announcing that New York City would be the third “test-and-learn” community in the initiative.

The summer months were highlighted by our Mixify™ Truck Tour that traveled to eleven cities across the country and was attended by almost 5,000 teens. The events featured fun activities, giveaways and tips from nutritionists and helped encourage teens to balance what they eat, drink and do.

In the Fall cities and states such as Alabama, Illinois and Chicago listened to local businesses and voters by deciding against taxing sugar-sweetened beverages.

And we wrapped up the year by launching our new InnovationNaturally.org website to highlight the industry’s leadership on environmental issues such as water conservation, recycling and energy conservation.

All in all, 2015, was a busy but successful year for the beverage industry. Bring on 2016!