Blue Cow Relaxation Drink, an anti-stress beverage, recently gained an exclusive distribution deal with Haralambos Beverages, a beverage distributor in Southern California. The relaxation beverage that was launched in late 2005 will join the Haralambos distribution family, which includes, vitaminwater, Snapple, Gatorade, Arizona beverages and Nestlé Waters and Campbell's beverages as a result of the deal.Anthony Haralambos, president of Haralambos Beverages, and George Smart, chairman/founder of Blue Cow jointly made the announcement Aug. 21. Blue Cow is beginning to launch its products starting in Southern California where it is currently in select Ralphs, Albertsons, 7-Elevens, AM/PM's and other stores, according to the company."The deal with Haralambos represents the opportunity for our company to enter 16,000 markets, stores, in Southern California.

EPA considers limiting teahouse polystyrene cups

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) is mulling several measures to address a resurgence in the popularity of polystyrene cups in tea houses.

Ho Shun-chin (��ϵ^), director of EPA's Department of Waste Management, discussed the measures amid reports that the renewed trend of polystyrene cup use in some chain tea houses poses a threat to the environment.

She said measures under consideration to cut down on use of the cups include one that would offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups.

However, there is no law to force business operators to do so and whether the measure would be effective would rely on the cooperation of operators, she said, adding that Starbucks offers discounts to customers who bring their own cups and has received a positive response for doing so.