Edelweiss launches in new markets
Heineken’s premium wheat beer brand Edelweiss is expanding into new markets: including Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia and Denmark.
Edelweiss offers ‘a contemporary twist to a centuries-old beer brand, channelling the snow-capped peaks and crisp air of the Alps’. The wheat beer is crafted from natural ingredients and a unique blend of mountain herbs (including sage, coriander and elderflower).
“Following a successful pilot launch in Korea, Edelweiss continues its ascent with a roll out in Asia-Pacific, including China, Singapore and Malaysia, also launching in Russia and Denmark,” said Malgorzata Lubelska, Senior Director Global International Brands at Heineken.
The launches are accompanied by a global TV campaign for the brand, ‘Feel the Alps’, taking the viewer on a cinematographic, sensory journey through the Alpine landscape.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer launches in Australia
Coca-Cola Australia has launched Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in Australia: with the drink marking the company’s entry into the alcohol market in the country.
The hard seltzer will debut with three flavors: Tangy Lemon Lime, Pineapple Twist, and Strawberry Guava.
Robert Priest, Coca-Cola South Pacific Vice President, said Topo Chico will appeal to drinkers who are looking for something new and refreshing as the southern hemisphere looks to the summer months.
“We are excited to be entering the hard seltzer category, which has seen incredible growth over the last 12 months. We have a fantastic product in Topo Chico Hard Seltzer which is backed by fans in Latin America and Europe and we’re confident Australians will love the light, refreshing taste.”
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer will be available from September in sleek 355ml cans, each containing 4.7% ABV, under 104 calories per can, are gluten free and contain no artificial sweeteners. It will be available in packs of four from select Dan Murphy’s, BWS and independent liquor stores.
Rowdy Energy
US better-for-you energy drink, Rowdy Energy, has released two new flavors: Blue Raspberry and Grape.
Both drinks contain electrolytes and 160mg of naturally occurring caffeine derived from green tea, paired with the nootropic, L-Theanine giving consumers a ‘powerful lift without the unwanted and irritable crash’.
“We’re thrilled to be offering two new flavors of Rowdy Energy, one that is zero sugar and one that is low sugar, whatever your preference, there is something for you,” said beverage entrepreneur Jeff Church, who co-founded the brand in 2020 with 2x NASCAR Cap Champion Kyle Busch. “It’s important to continue to bring our consumers new innovation and we are looking forward to debuting additional flavors and product lines in the future.”
Rowdy Blue Raspberry and Rowdy Grape can now be purchased via Rowdy Energy online and on Amazon for $29.95 (12-pack). They join several other flavors: Cherry Limeade, Peach Mango, Sour Green Apple, Orange Citrus, Cotton Candy, Chiseled Ice, and Strawberry Lemonade.
Essentia 2 Gallon Box
Ionized alkaline water brand Essentia Water has unveiled a 2 Gallon Box: offering the water in a more sustainable packaging targeted at the home office, home gym, picnics and camping trips.
Each external box is made with recycled corrugate and is 100% recyclable, while the inside uses 80% less plastic than eight 1L bottles by volume.
Like its bottled counterparts, the 2 Gallon Box contains Essentia's ionized alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 or higher. The specially formulated bag and spout keep air out, extending freshness and consumption over time, as confirmed by internal testing and research for multi-serve uses.
The Essentia Water 2 Gallon Box begins rollout regionally at retailers including CVS and Walmart this month, with full distribution in early 2022 for a MSRP of $16.99.
Mtn Dew Flamin’ Hot
Mtn Dew has launched a new flavor: tapping on fellow PepsiCo brand Cheetos to create a beverage combining ‘sweet, citrus Dew with a new spicy goodness’.
“As a brand, Dew has a rich history of experimenting with new flavors our fans love. We certainly had them in mind when we developed the Flamin’ Hot beverage,” says Matt Nielsten, Sr. Director, Marketing.
“This is one of our most provocative beverages yet, and we’re excited for Dew Nation to taste the unique blend of spicy and classic sweet citrus flavor of Mtn Dew.”
The drink is available online in the US while stocks last.
Paloma RTD cocktail
US hard beverage brand Crook & Marker has launched a canned Paloma RTD cocktail.
“With great benefits like zero sugar and health-conscious ingredients, this new RTD offering features flavors like all-natural grapefruit, organic tequila, and lime,” says the brand.
The 5% ABV drink joins the recently launched line of organic RTD cocktails, which includes Blackberry Lime Mojito, Pina Colada and Lime Margarita.
New kombucha flavor
UK kombucha brand Remedy has launched a new flavor: Mango Passion.
Initially available in 330ml glass bottles (RRP. £2.99 each or £24.99 for 12), Remedy Kombucha Mango Passion is ‘silky-smooth and sweet, with a hint of passionfruit to up the tang’.
Remedy is handcrafted in small batches, following a long-aged brewing process and using quality natural ingredients.
Anna Dominey, Remedy’s UK General Manager, said: “We have seen Remedy’s sales grow by more than 300% this last year, as consumers seek out healthier soft drink alternatives and then realise the incredible quality and depth of flavour available to them through our range of Remedy Kombucha, Switchel and Coconut Water Kefir. Through exciting innovations and new flavours such as Remedy Kombucha Mango Passion, we hope to continue delighting our customers with new flavours of quality drinks that further expand the healthy choices available to them.”
Remedy Kombucha is now available in Cherry Plum, Apple Crisp, Raspberry Lemonade, Ginger Lemon, Peach and Mango Passion.
Cocktail inspired seltzers
Australian seltzer brand, Saintly Hard Seltzer, has launched a new range of cocktail inspired seltzers.
The four cocktail inspired flavours are:
- The Faithful Ginger Mule, a spin on the Moscow Mule which is ‘zesty with a spicy kick’.
- Glory Be Grapefruit Margarita, Saintly’s take on a timeless classic
- Almighty Mojito, with ‘fresh citrus in abundance with a hint of mint’.
- Paradise Passionfruit Martini, a spin on a ‘Pornstar Martini’, with passion fruit, lime and a touch of vanilla.
As with the debut range of seltzers which launched in 2020, the new cocktail inspired collection contains zero sugar, zero carbs, is all natural and contains 76 calories per serve.
Saintly’s founder Kieron Barton commented: “With the growing demand for both cocktails & Saintly Hard Seltzer, we were inspired to combine the two by launching a premium 5% ABV cocktail range featuring some of the hottest trending cocktails in the world with a Saintly Hard Seltzer twist.
“The result is an alchemic miracle with incredibly refreshing drinks low in calories, gluten-free, zero carbs & sugar that do not compromise taste.
“With this launch, Saintly demonstrates its versatility to provide consumers with on-trend drinks they will love and our retail partners with quality innovation that will drive volume and value.”
The new range is available in Dan Murphy’s as a 12 pack for $54.99.
Cross Keys RTD gin
Amber Beverage Group is expanding its premium gin portfolio with the launch of two RTDs for its flagship Cross Keys Gin brand.
The 5% ABV drinks are Cross Keys Gin & Tonic and Cross Keys Gin Black Current & Tonic, available in 33ml cans.
The drinks are being rolled out in the Baltics, which will be followed by Global Travel Retail and the UK later this year.
“By launching Cross Keys Gin & Tonic, we have set ourselves the ambition to become the No.1 Gin & Tonic RTD brand in the Baltics. We have developed an amazing product with a very tasty and refreshing liquid that will fit our consumers’ needs, not only during the summer months, but throughout the whole year,” said Māris Kalniņš, Global Brand Director of Cross Keys Gin.
Weetabix immunity support
UK breakfast drink Weetabix On The Go has launched a new immunity support range: Weetabix On The Go Plus Immune Support is high in fiber, high in protein (19g per bottle) and fortified with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D.
It comes in three flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Berry Burst and Vanilla Maple.
The brand takes an almost 60% share of the breakfast drinks sector: and believes the launch will introduce further consumers to the functional drink category.
“The demand for food and drink that contribute to a healthy immune system has been on the rise, with the pandemic fuelling this trend,” noted Emma Varlow, general manager, Weetabix On The Go. “We know that 67% of shoppers globally are interested in products that support immune health and as the breakfast drinks category leaders, Weetabix On The Go has an important part to play in introducing immune-enhanced products to a wider audience.”
Immune Support comes in PET bottles made from 51% recycled plastic, and initially launches in Asda this month with a RSP of £1.99.
Nestlé’s Milo Activ-Go
Nestlé’s Milo Activ-Go – an RTD Malaysian chocolate malt drink – is coming to the UK.
Milo Activ-Go is fortified with vitamins and minerals, and will be available in the World Foods aisle at Tesco and Asda this month.
Daniela Campanaro, brand manager for Milo at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “We are very excited to launch this new addition to Milo.
"Milo is hugely popular in the World Foods aisles which continue to be a growing category with supermarkets bringing you a taste of your favorite flavors from across the world.”