What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Fever-Tree launches new cocktail mixer range
Fever-Tree has launched a new range of cocktail mixers crafted to elevate the two most popular cocktail occasions in America: the Bloody Mary and the Margarita.
This sees the brand expand beyond carbonated offerings with the release of Fever-Tree Classic Bloody Mary and Fever-Tree Classic & Light Margarita (pictured above).
“Fever-Tree Classic Bloody Mary and Fever-Tree Classic & Light Margarita introduces a better way to mix while upping the ante with flavor profiles that are unique, enticing and can be used in a variety of ways across the bar,” says the brand.
“These three mixers are typically time-consuming to make, with three or more ingredients, but the Fever-Tree range simplifies this process and celebrates the occasion so that everyone, from home bartenders to bar pros, can have the confidence to easily make a lighter, sophisticated, quality drink with just two ingredients, a garnish and absolutely no compromise.”
Over the past three years, the premium cocktail mixer category has grown by 27% thanks to the popularization of premium spirits, and is poised for tremendous growth over the next three years, says Fever-Tree.
MTN Dew Summer Freeze
New summer limited-edition flavor, MTN DEW Summer Freeze, is now available in the US.
“With a blast of summer in every sip, MTN DEW Summer Freeze brings back memories of everyone’s beloved classic red, white and blue ice pop,” says the brand.
“The drink combines the iconic citrus flavor of MTN DEW with bold notes of cherry, lemon, and raspberry ice pop flavor.”
The new flavor will be available in both original and zero sugar offerings, and can be purchased in 20 oz. bottles, 12 oz. 12-pack cans and 16.9 oz. 6-pack bottles (regular only) for a limited time only.
Asahi Group introduces Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki can in South Korea
Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can is launching in South Korea: its first market outside Japan.
Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki Can is a 340 ml can of beer with an interior coating that produces a fine foam, which forms naturally when the can is opened, making it the world’s first product that allows consumers to enjoy the same taste as a mug of draft beer served at a bar or restaurant, says Asahi.
After around four years of development, Asahi Breweries launched the product in Japan in April 2021.
Exceeding expectations, sales were temporarily suspended because product supply could not keep up with demand, with year-round production resuming in July 2022 once production capacity was increased.
A 485 ml product was later introduced, further expanding the product portfolio.
“Since its launch in Japan, the product has been a hot topic of conversation in South Korea as well, and Lotte Asahi Liquor [a joint venture between Asahi Group Holdings and Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co] has decided to begin sales in May in response to a string of customer requests for the product to also be launched in the market,” says Asahi.
Absolut RTD
Vodka brand Absolut is launching new RTD ‘Absolut Cocktails’ in the UK with Passionfruit Martini, Espresso Martini and Strawberry Spritz in the UK.
The new 5% ABV range comes in 250ml cans (RRP £2.50) with a ‘stylish design featuring a silhouette of the brand’s iconic 18th century medicine bottle for premium cues and on-shelf standout’, says the brand.
Chris Shead, Off-Trade Channel Director at Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “As the pre-mix can category experiences rapid growth, we want to be a leader within the premium RTD cocktail category, as we are in the premium spirits category. Absolut is Born To Mix and we’re excited to see two new cocktail RTDs join Absolut Passionfruit Martini following its successful launch last summer. The new range offers consumers a premium cocktail experience, at an affordable price, in the convenience of a can that are perfect for pre-drinks and party drinks.”
Indian-British vodka brand
Ultra-premium vodka brand Desi Daru is launching in the UK.
Owned by British-born Indians Mohit and Aneet Singh, Desi Daru ‘celebrates the best of both India and Britain… taking pride in using the highest quality ingredients from the jungles of Maharashtra to the lush English countryside’.
Desi Daru Original is the brand’s flagship product, while it is joined by Alphonso Mango-flavored vodka.
Desi Daru co-founder, Mohit Singh, said: “The journey to launch has been a labor of love, and we are thrilled to finally share Desi Daru with the world. The purity of the water and the indulgent quality of the Alphonso mangoes we use, distilled rather than infused, creates a full and smooth flavor. We believe Desi Daru is a reflection of us, and we are proud to share our heritage with the world through this unique spirit.”
Black Tower: Club Edition
German wine brand Black Tower launches its premium Club Edition in UK supermarket ASDA.
The Club Edition range has been specifically developed to appeal to wine shoppers who are looking for a little luxury while still seeking value-for-money: retailing at £8.
“The newly crafted Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir Rose wines are all dry in style, aromatic and 100% vegan. The quality of the wine is further enhanced by the premium design and bespoke Club Edition cut-glass bottle which adds a sense of special celebration and will attract those seeking a great quality and a fun wine experience,” says the brand.
Big Sipz
MPL Brands NV, a US family-owned and operated beverage manufacturing company, has introduced a new grab-n-go-party drink, Big Sipz.
At 16% ABV, Big Sipz offers a ‘bold, in-your-face beverage with a range of delicious cocktails in convenient, portable packaging.’
Big Sipz makes its debut with two packaging formats: 200ml miniature cans (Classic Lime Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Chocolate Martini and Piña Colada) and 330ml cartons equivalent to three cocktails (Classic Lime Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Spiked Fruit Punch and Blue Raspberry Punch).
The brand will also roll out a Chocolate Martini flavor in the coming months.
“Big Sipz was born from our desire to create a delicious product that offers a big bang for your buck,” said Joey Parris, Chief Marketing Officer of Patco Brands.
“We’re constantly looking at the marketplace across various alcohol categories for opportunities to innovate and noticed a gap where consumers are limited in their selection when shopping for a budget-friendly, convenient drink option in fun flavors and we’re confident Big Sipz will deliver that.”
Big Sipz is now available in Circle K stores and independent retailers throughout Arizona, Nevada, Northern California and Texas with a suggested retail price of $2.99 for cans and $3.99 for cartons. Expanded distribution of Big Sipz is slated throughout 2023.
Balmoral castle: Coronation celebrations
Balmoral Castle & Estate has launched an exclusive limited Balmoral Coronation Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III (which will take place on Saturday, May 6).
"In recognition of The King’s long and fond association with Royal Deeside, the whisky is drawn from specially selected casks from Royal Lochnagar Distillery, a mile from Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family," explains the estate.
"The first two bottles, in bespoke cases on plinths of Caledonian pine from the Balmoral Estate, have been presented by Balmoral to HM The King and HRH The Prince William, Duke of Rothesay."
A further 1000 individually numbered bottles, bearing a gold engraving of His Majesty’s Scottish Cypher, are available for purchase online and at Balmoral, priced at £360 per a bottle. One bottle will be retained as a commemorative record by the Royal Lochnagar Archive.
"The Highland style of this celebratory whisky evokes the pine forests and grassy, floral nature of the surrounding area. Only five casks were chosen for this exclusive release," continues the estate. "Aged 18 years, the distillery character still shines, mellowed by a long, gentle maturation in refill casks: European oak butts for richness and an American oak hogshead for sweetness.
"On the nose, delicate notes of orchard fruits, freshly cut grass and orange peel emerge with dried ginger and liquorice; the medium-bodied palate is sweet and malty, with an abundance of fresh fruit, creamy butterscotch and oak spice towards the finish.
"This whisky is bottled at a strength of 48% abv. This is a reference to both the year His Majesty was born (1948), and the first visit from Balmoral to Royal Lochnagar by the Royal Family - Queen Victoria & Prince Albert – in 1848; it is also the optimal strength for the perfect balance of flavours; with water, the light, fruity notes become more apparent."
