Beer gets a "skunky" taste. Wine develops an unpleasant flavor termed "light-struck." And exposure to light causes off flavors, colors, and aromas in hundreds of other foods and beverages and decreases shelf life.

The most accomplished baristas from California and Hawaii will vie to become the region's best during the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) Western Regional Barista Competition (WRBC) - hosted by Pacific Bay Coffee Co. and Micro-Roastery - at the Gaia Arts Center, March 28-30 in Berkeley, Calif.

Coca-Cola Co reported that it made terms with Honest Tea Inc to buy 40 percent stake in this company, the latest step by the world's largest beverage company to expand in faster-growing noncarbonated drinks.

Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. is celebrating its 80th birthday with free Slurpees for all.