What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches: October
Red Bull Winter Edition Pomegranate
Limited edition Red Bull Winter Edition Pomegranate has launched in the US, featuring ‘the taste of pomegranate with notes of sour cherry and red berries’.
“Whether you’re hitting the slopes, taking to the ice or warming up by the fire while winter camping or apres ski – Red Bull Winter Edition Pomegranate is a great accompaniment for winter activities,” says the brand.
Red Bull Winter Edition Pomegranate is available in 8.4 fl oz and 12 fl oz crimson colored matte cans. This taste will be made available for purchase at select retailers beginning October 4, including 7-Eleven, and will be sold nationwide starting November 4 for a limited-time.
Blackberry Perrier
Perrier is launching its first-ever limited-edition offering in a new blackberry flavor with can art inspired by Día de Los Muertos, featuring the iconic sugar skull associated with the Mexican holiday.
The new limited edition can features classic Perrier carbonated mineral water, infused with blackberry flavor, with 0 calories or 0 sweeteners.
Perrier Día de los Muertos is now available at Target, with a 10-can fridge pack of 8.45 fluid ounce cans available at a the suggested retail price of $6.89.
As part of the overall celebration, Perrier has committed support to The Hispanic Heritage Foundation and United Farm Workers - two organizations who work to empower members of the Latino community.
Old Jamaica
Old Jamaica has overhauled its soda range: revealing a complete brand redesign, new tropical fruit flavour, and new two litre PET bottle format.
The new look is modern and vibrant with a strong colour palette to create stand-out on shelf.
The new Old Jamaica Tropical Soda is available in a 330ml can (RSP £0.45) and two litre PET bottle format (RSP £1.49). The two litre bottle format has also been extended to the existing pineapple soda and grape soda flavours.
The new tropical flavor joins pineapple soda, grape soda and cream soda.
Old Jamaica Sodas are available from Asda and Morrisons stores in the UK.
Barista Barleymilk
Take Two, an upcycled foods company, is launching a new plant-based Barista Barleymilk in the US.
Barista Barleymilk can be used as a creamer or steamed and frothed when used in coffee and lattes. It contains 3 grams of complete plant protein per serving, is a source of calcium, and contains healthy, energizing fats like MCTs (medium chain triglycerides).
Take Two Barleymilk is made from upcycled barley. With over 8 billion pounds of spent grain going to waste annually from beer brewing, Take Two transforms it into the plant-based milk.
Each 32oz bottle of the Barista saves over ⅓ lb of spent grain, which in turn saves approximately 36 gallons of water, (equivalent to the amount of water used in 2 showers) and 1 lb of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to charging 55 smartphones).
The Barista joins Take Two’s portfolio of Barleymilk already available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla and Chocolate flavors in 40 oz refrigerated bottles, and Original and Unsweetened flavors in 32oz shelf-stable packaging.
Sprite: Winter Spiced Cranberry
Sprite is bringing back its Winter Spiced Cranberry flavor, alongside a new zero sugar version.
Available across the US, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry comes in 20oz or 2 liter bottles, while zero sugar comes in 2 liter bottles.
Legends Untold
Diageo has unveiled its 2021 Scotch Whisky Special Releases Collection: ‘Legends Untold’ (pictured above).
The range features eight whiskies accompanied, for the first time, by an augmented reality experience for the distillers behind the spirits.
“The 2021 collection, drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables, and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters,” says Diageo.
“Drawn from renowned distilleries, the collection nods to the hidden gems that can be found in each corner of the Scottish terrain amongst the lochs and rugged highlands.”
Each whisky features illustrations and design work from digital illustrator Ken Taylor, with his interpretation of mythical creatures taking cues from his portfolio of pop culture artwork.
The collection is available from specialist Scotch whisky retailers and malts.com this fall.
Carte Noire RTD
Carte Noire has launched a new line of organic RTD coffees in France.
The drinks come in three flavors: pure arabica, cappuccino with almond milk; and mochaccino. They are free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives; and are made in France.
“Drunk warm or cold, these drinks are ideal with a practical and quick breakfast in the morning or for a break in the middle of the day,” says the brand.
The drinks retail at €1.79 for a 250ml bottle or €2.99 for a 750ml format.
Boë Vodka
Scottish distiller Boë – known for its Boë Gin - has added a new range of vodkas.
The range launches with three flavours: ‘Pink’, a combination of tart raspberries and velvety white chocolate, ‘Azzura’, a fruity mix of kiwi, watermelon, cucumber and mint and ‘Dark Fruits’, with flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant.
“Distilled four times and then filtered six times, the result is an exceptionally pure tasting smooth spirit, and like all Boë’s products, are made with only natural flavors,” says the brand.
“Each of the expressions were created with different experiences and occasions in mind; the blue, sunny skies of Italy and the coastal waters of Spain have inspired in the creation of Azzurra, a drink as refreshing as diving into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
"Dark Fruits captures the rich flavours of dark berries and changes color from a vibrant indigo blue to a lilac with a neon hue when lemonade or any citrus mixer is added, adding a touch of theatrics to an evening.
"Finally, Boë Pink Vodka is unapologetically indulgent, perfect for creating sweet serves.”
Each vodka is 40% ABV and priced at £32. They are best enjoyed as part of a longer serve or cocktail, or simply over ice.
Alchemy & Tonic
New Zealand’s Alchemy & Tonic has launched a new Rhubarb & Smashed Mandarin Tonic.
Alchemy & Tonic officially launched in September 2020 with an assortment of mixers, including Hibiscus Pink Lemonade, Spiced Ginger Orange with Cassia, Indian Tonic Water with Kawakawa. Two months ago, the company added a Blood Orange & Bitters Soda, a mixer that goes well with tequila, a spirit trending globally.
“Tonic accounts for most of a properly made gin and tonic. Contemporary drinkers are very particular about their gin or vodka, so why shouldn’t they lavish the same attention on their mixer as well?” said CMO of Premium Liquor, Kate Smith.
As spirits continue to grow and diversify, so too do the mixing drinks that carry them. While the category was previously dominated by English brands, but consumer buying trends show a surge in preference for New Zealand made artisanal drinks, Smith adds.
“There’s a host of new creative players on the market optimising uniquely New Zealand flavours that resonate with consumers here. At Alchemy & Tonic we like to experiment with flavours like Kawakawa and Hibiscus to create drinks that offer a distinct profile.”
A four pack of 250ml pastel cans (the brand has chosen an alternative format to traditional English brand in glass bottles) retails at $7.99 NZD.
