New Diet Coke flavors
Diet Coke has launched two new flavors this month - Blueberry Acai and Strawberry Guava - following the brand’s revamp in 2018.
The two flavors were chosen from a shortlist of 20 options and tested by 2,000 Americans. They join the existing Diet Coke lineup of Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango.
Rafael Acevedo, group director, Diet Coke, said: “Flavor variety is key because it provides more points of entry into the brand. Different consumers have different favorites, so it’s important to offer a range. And we’re finding that when new drinkers try a flavor, they’re also more likely to reach for (original) Diet Coke.”
Diet Coke Blueberry Acai and Strawberry Guava hit shelves in the US in mid-January in sleek 12oz cans.
Diet Coke rebranded in 2018 with a modern new look, sleek packaging, new flavors and a marketing boost to re-energise and contemporise the brand. The restage helped spark a 2018 turnaround for the brand: which posted retail dollar sales growth in Nielsen measured channels for four consecutive quarters after at least five years of decline.
Sipp Infusions
US brand Sipp Sparkling Organics has launched Sipp Infusions: a light, low calorie and low sugar sparkling water.
Sipp Infusions come in three flavors: cool cucumber, pineapple breeze and strawberry delight.
The beverages are made with USDA certified organic ingredients, and contain 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar. Ingredients include organic agave syrup, juice from concentrate, and monk fruit extract.
Retailing at $5.49 per six pack, Sipp Infusions can be found at stores including Lassen’s, Kroger and Giant; as well as online.
Spiked cold brew
Cafe Agave has launched a line of prepackaged spiked cold brew coffees: Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew. Made with 100% Arabica Colombian Cold Brew Coffee, the 12.5% ABV coffee cocktail comes in four flavors: espresso shot, caffe mocha, salted caramel and vanilla cinnamon.
Cafe Agave is a premium blend of dark roast Arabica coffee cold brewed to extract the highest amounts of natural caffeine blended with real dairy cream, fermented agave and other natural flavors. Each single serve can is equivalent to a ½ cup of brewed coffee.
Mark Scialdone, Founder of Cafe Agave, said: “People are drinking better and looking for quality – whether it’s alcohol or coffee.
“In coffee, they are choosing gourmet blends and new brewing techniques. Cold brewing is at the top of this coffee revolution. The coffee is brewed for 12 hours or more delivering a smoother, less bitter experience than traditional brewing methods and its mass-market appeal is growing exponentially as people continue to discover it. We saw the opportunity to create a new category of beverages that combined two of peoples’ favorite things – gourmet cold brewed coffee and alcohol.”
Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew Coffee comes in sleek 6.3oz cans, available in both singles and 4-packs. It has launched initially in Nevada, Arizona, California, Washington and Oregon.
Vodka infused with cannabis oil
Weedka, a quintuple distilled vodka infused with natural cannabis oil, has been launched in The Netherlands.
"There is a global trend to merge cannabis with alcoholic drinks. Weedka is the first high quality drink in this segment," says the company.
"The cannabis oil gives Weedka a particular well-balanced and fine taste with a soft finish."
Weedka can be drunk neat, mixed with sparkling water or ginger beer or cola, of used in a cocktail with dry vermouth. The vodka does not contain THC or other psychoactive substances.
Weedka is marketed by Weedka BV and produced in cooperation with Herman Jansen Beverages (distillers).
Minute Maid Colour
Coca-Cola has launched Minute Maid Colour - a drink made with black grape juice - in India.
Coca-Cola India is seeking to develop products that target particular regions, and says that the new drink has been designed for consumers in Tamil Nadu who like grape flavored beverages.
The brand will roll out with an advertising campaign featuring Tamil movie star Keerthy Suresh.
Minute Maid Colour comes in a 250ml PET bottle.
Alcohol-infused sparkling water
Swedish fruit cider brand Kopparberg has launched an alcohol-infused sparkling water in the UK.
Balans Aqua Spritz comes in two flavors - Mandarin and Lime – in sleek 250ml RTD cans. The drinks are naturally flavored, gluten-free and contain 60 calories or less per can.
Rob Salvesen, head of marketing, Kopparberg, said: “Balans is refreshing, light in taste, and is currently the lowest calorie 4% ABV drink of Its kind available in its current 250ml serve.”
Balans is available in ASDA and selected On Trade accounts at a RRP of £1.70.
Meal replacement mēle
NYC-based wellness food brand mēle has launched a 'meal in a shake' using freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and protein in the US.
The shakes are available in both grass-fed whey and plant-based versions: in rawberry, supergreen and cocoa-nut flavors.
Designed for on-the-go consumption, mēle comes in a packet that is mixed with 8oz water in a shaker bottle.
"The product utilizes a freeze-dried technique to protect the cellular structure of the food, allowing it to maintain its original flavor and nutritional value," says the company. "mēle pairs a delicious taste with a clean label including non-GMO, soy-free, and preservative-free ingredients plus no added sugar."
Clausthaler Dry Hopped
Clausthaler, a brand specialising in non-alcoholic malt beverages brewed in Germany, has launched Clausthaler Dry Hopped in 11.2oz cans in the US.
"Clausthaler Dry Hopped combines the traditions of German beermaking and the innovative spirit of America craft. Cascade Hops imported from the US are added following the initial brewing processes resulting in a full-bodies and hoppy brew with hints of malty caramel. Crisp citrus notes complete this refreshing amber non-alcoholic beverage".
A patented process prevents the creation of alcohol, rather than removing alcohol like many other non-alcoholic beers.
The beer is imported to the US by Radeberger Gruppe USA, an importer of brands of parent company Radeberger Gruppe.
Aloe coco water
UK 'superfruit water' brand Water Works has launched two new products: Aloe Coco water and 'Planet Friendly Spring Water'.
Aloe coco water combines not from concentrate coconut water and pulp free Aloe vera. It joins Water Works' two other flavors: watermelon and cactus.
'Planet Friendly Spring Water' is packaged in cartons that use paperboard from FSC-certified forests, while caps are made from sugar cane. The cartons are filled at source in the UK.
RTD electrolyte tea
US company MindFull is introducing two RTD organic electrolyte tea brands.
Galam teas are green teas made with artesian spring water including naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals. Each 500ml Tetra Pak contains 38-42 milligrams of caffeine from USDA certified organic green tea; hydration from naturally-occurring electrolytes; 2g sugar from organic sugar and 20 calories. Galam teas come in four flavors: hibiscus, lemon, mint and pomegranate.
Vibe teas contain 49 milligrams of caffeine from black tea, hydration from naturally-occurring electrolytes, 1g sugar from organic honey and 20 calories. Vibe teas come in four flavors: mint, lemon, peach and pomegranate.
The two lines have launched in Whole Foods Market’s 365 stores and Central Market. By March the lines will be available in 400 stores across the US.
Heineken 0.0
Heineken has launched its zero alcohol version, Heineken 0.0, in the US.
Heineken 0.0 initially launched in The Netherlands in 2017 and has since expanded to 30 markets worldwide. It has now launched in the US this month.
“Heineken 0.0 brings an incredible beer taste to the non-alcoholic space and opens a world of opportunity for people to come together and enjoy a brew that expands drinking occasions—not limits them,” says Heineken.
“The launch of Heineken 0.0 in the US represents a significant investment for the brand, which has seen strong growth in the zero-alcohol segment in other markets.”
