What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches

PepsiCo debuts Starry

PepsiCo has launched Starry: a ‘great-tasting soda bursting with lemon lime flavor that delivers the crisp, refreshing bite consumers have been longing for in the lemon lime flavored soda category’.

Starry in Regular and Zero Sugar versions is now available at US retailers and foodservice outlets nationwide.  

The demand for lemon lime flavored soda has never been greater - with category growth accelerating since 2019 - and there’s a significant opportunity now to give people a choice in an area that’s been dominated by one brand for years, says PepsiCo.

Starry is described as easy-to-drink, optimally sweet, and delivers both an exceptional taste and flavor experience. It is caffeine-free and is available in a variety of sizes to provide a refreshing burst of lemon lime flavor for every occasion.   

Non-alcoholic canned cocktails from Molson Coors

Molson Coors has released Roxie, a zero-proof canned cocktail.

The launch of Roxie is Molson Coors’ latest venture in the beyond beer space and marks its first-ever direct-to-consumer line of zero-proof cocktails.

Recent data from IWSR shows that the non-alcoholic beverage category is expected to grow by 27.6% among 21- to 25-year-olds. Roxie is designed for consumers seeking non-alcohol beverages that make them feel good about their choice to participate in drinking occasions with or without the alcohol.

“Roxie is the brand that empowers people to be a part of the moment, celebrating the choice to drink and​ not drink alcohol​,”​ says Jamie Wideman, Vice President of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company. “That’s where Roxie shines, it packs layers of flavorful complexity, delivering a line of zero-proof cocktails built for those who want to moderate their drinking, abstain or simply sip on something fantastic.”​

Roxie comes in three premium crafted flavors meant to be enjoyed straight from the can, on the rocks or dressed up with a garnish:

• Ripe with Passionfruit: 'Bold, zesty, and so lush with passionfruit…it’s almost indecent'.
• Forbidden Pineapple: 'Juicy, tangy, and drenched in vibrant flavors that dare to go there'. 
• Lost in Mango: 'Rich and aromatic, with a full-bodied finish and a dash of intrigue'.

Bag-in-box spirits

Brisbane, Australia based drinks company, Mandatory Spirit Co., has launched 1.5L bag in box spirits: claiming a carbon footprint reduction eight times less than glass bottles.

The new Mandatory Spirit Co spirits range is sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan, each with their own unique flavour profile. The Mandatory Spirit Co Gin is a flavoursome spirit with juniper and lemon myrtle notes at first, followed by sweet juicy notes of orange and coriander. The Mandatory Spirit Co Vodka is smooth with a hint of burnt caramel.

By using a lightweight box shape, dead space is minimised whilst also maximising transport capacity: as a comparison, one truck transporting BIB holds the same volume as 7 trucks carrying glass bottles, therefore lowering emissions and transport costs for a more eco-friendly beverage, says the brand.

Mandatory Spirit Co. co-founder, Mark Collins said: “We are so excited to announce the launch of our new spirits in a box. By creating these spirits, Aussies are able to have a bit of fun and get creative with making their favourite cocktails while purchasing spirits in a far more sustainable way. They’re also perfect to take to picnics or parties whilst also not having to worry about carrying around a glass bottle.”​

The Mandatory Spirit Co. spirits range comes packaged in 1.5L minimalistic yet stylish boxes with a coloured pourer, all made using 100% recyclable materials. The cask design is a modern spin on what Aussies generally know as the goon bag, now with a touch of class and sustainability.

The boxes are available at BWS & Dan Murphy’s for RRP $84.95.

Pepsi Zero Sugar

PepsiCo has introduced a ‘new and improved’ Pepsi Zero Sugar.

The upgraded recipe uses a new sweetener system to land a ‘more refreshing and bolder taste profile’ than the previous Pepsi Zero Sugar varietal.

“Consumer preference testing has shown that the new Pepsi Zero Sugar outpaces the old formula across the board, including key metrics like overall liking and purchase intent. Consumers in the comprehensive assessment study preferred the new Pepsi Zero Sugar, considering it more: refreshing, tasty, ​having a real cola taste, smooth, able to pair with food and more​,”​ says PepsiCo.

The brand is also preparing a set of consumer-facing marketing activations as it seeks to prioritize the zero-sugar category across in-store and media marketing channels: such as television commercials during the NFL Playoffs, a Super Bowl LVII campaign, and retail partner promotions.

Coffee creamer

US coffee creamer brand Honest to Goodness has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its Morning Mantra Series.

Two dairy offerings, Chantilly Cream and Sri Lankan Cinnamon Brown Sugar, have been added to the existing line of plant-based creamers, Madagascan Vanilla Bean and Himalayan Salted Caramel.

Honest to Goodness’ plant-based and new dairy creamers are available nationwide at select natural retailers for an SRP of $4.99 per 16 oz. bottle (plant-based) and an SRP of $6.49 per 25.4 oz. bottle (plant-based and dairy).

Clipper Tea US launches

British-based Certified B-Corp tea brand Clipper Tea is rolling out two new products this year for US tea drinkers: a 20-pack organic decaf black tea and an organic herbal and green tea selection box.

“At Clipper Tea, we hope to bring delicious innovation to the tea category with a sense of fun that meets our consumers' wants and needs,”​ said Heather Black, U.S. Marketing Manager. “The 80-pack Organic Decaf Black Tea has always been a fan favorite in the UK, so we’re excited to make it available in the U.S. in an easy-to-enjoy 20-pack. Our tea selection box makes it effortless to sample a variety of our teas or gift to a tea lover who appreciates charming packaging and ethical sourcing.”​

Clipper Tea is the world’s biggest buyer of Fairtrade certified black and green teas, supporting more than 114,000 farmers, workers and their families across the globe, and contributing $500,000 in Fairtrade Premiums in 2021.

Tango Paradise Punch Sugar Free 

Britvic is continuing the momentum of its Tango Editions rotational flavour series with the launch of Tango Paradise Punch Sugar Free.

Available from mid-February, the flavoured fruit carbonate drink will be available across both take-home and on-the-go formats in the UK to cater for different consumption occasions.

“The Tango Editions rotational flavour series combines a bold taste, liquid and pack design,” ​says the brand. “Tango Paradise Punch is no exception, a deliciously fruity, orange, mango and tropical, sugar free blend to provide a refreshing, zingy flavour burst. It features Tango’s boldest pack design yet with vibrant colours and a modern design, to stand out on the shelf and in chillers, helping to grab shoppers’ attention.” ​

It follows the 2022 introduction of Tango Berry Peachy Sugar Free: the first in the rotational flavour series.

Ben Parker, GB Retail Commercial Director at Britvic, says the strength of the Tango portfolio, in particular the limited-edition flavours, showcases the opportunity for retailers to drive excitement among shoppers with a new and innovative flavour from a well-known and trusted brand.

“The rotational flavour series has been a huge success to date, showcased in the launch of Berry Peachy,”​ he said.

“It’s helped us continue to recruit younger shoppers into the brand and in turn, support with the driving of sales and footfall. A variety of pack formats are available including 2L and 1.5L bottles, as well as 330ml multipacks, catering for at-home consumption – an occasion which has become increasingly popular amid hybrid working patterns. ​

"Due to the cost-of-living increases, we’re also expecting to see a portion of shoppers switch to smaller pack sizes to save on spend. Our range meets these different consumer needs with a tasty new flavour to tempt shoppers, whether they’re at home or on the go, and within the confines of a trusted brand.”​

The launch will be supported by shopper marketing and digital communications.