What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Lower ABV tequila
Punta Santos, a premium tequila with a lower ABV, has launched in the US.
The tequila is made from 100% blue agave and is 28% ABV (compared to traditional tequilas, which range from 40-50%).
“Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, through a small batch production process using only the hearts of blue agave while distilling, Punta Santos offers the full, rich flavors of high-end, blanco tequila without the high alcohol content,” says the brand.
“Containing no added flavors, colorants, or artificial sweeteners, Punta Santos has only 77 calories per 1.5 oz serving (vs. traditional tequilas, which contain 98+ calories per serving).”
The development of Punta Santos began in 2020, with co-founders Jorge Cerón and Diego Nuñez seeing an opportunity to bring the low/no alcohol trend to the tequila industry, leaning heavily on market research surrounding evolved tendencies of alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Nuñez and Ceron enlisted master distiller Alvaro Aceves to help create a pure and easy-to-drink tequila liqueur (a classification for any tequila with less than 40% ABV) that would be smooth to sip, whether served straight or mixed into a cocktail.
"If you think about it, most people put lime, or sugar, or other mixers into tequila to make it more ‘drinkable’” stated Ceron. “With Punta Santos, consumers can experience the true essence of premium tequila minus “the burn” that so many of us associate with drinking this particular spirit.”
SharkNinja launches Ninja Thirsti
Kitchen appliance design and tech company SharkNinja is entering the beverage category with the Ninja Thirsti Drink System.
A variety of zero calorie, zero sugar flavored water drops provide thousands of drink variations.
“Known for revolutionizing floor care, kitchen appliances and beauty, SharkNinja is continuing to push boundaries by venturing into the world of beverages, offering a one-of-a-kind experience with the freedom to easily personalize your drink by still, sparking, flavor, function and size.
“Whether you are craving a hint of fruit flavor or thirst-quenching electrolytes with B vitamins that pack a punch of flavor, consumers can easily create a drink that fits every mood, moment and craving using the Ninja Thirsti.”
Flavored water drops are available in 20+ flavors across four drinks lines, including: splash flavor water drops, vitamin flavor water drops, hydrate flavor water drops, energy flavor water drops.
The Ninja Thirsti is now available for pre-order for $179.99 and will be available at major US retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Kohls soon.
Maxwell House launches first innovation in nearly a decade
Coffee brand Maxwell House is introducing its first innovation in nearly a decade: a new Iced Latte with Foam.
While 31% of coffee shop beverages are served cold, only 7% of coffee consumed at home is iced due to the difficulty in recreating a café-style iced latte. Maxwell House wants to deliver on this whitespace with an option that makes it easier for everyone to make a café style iced latte at home or conveniently on the go.
The company’s ‘unique cold-stirred foam technology provides a thick, creamy and flavorful coffee all without the use of a café’s specialized equipment – all you need is a glass, cold water and spoon.’
It is available in three flavors: vanilla, hazelnut and caramel.
New flavors for coconut water
Premium coconut water and lifestyle brand 100 Coconuts is launching two new flavors in the US this summer: pineapple and mango.
“Crafted with unparalleled dedication to quality, the new flavors combine the purest coconut water with the fruity sweetness of mango and the fresh tang of pineapple,” says the brand.
“Embracing the essence of summertime bliss, 100 Coconuts + Mango and 100 Coconuts + Pineapple delivers on the harmonious fusion of flavors that was highly awaited by its consumers and demanded by its retailer partners.
“As a brand rooted in authenticity and committed to quality, 100 Coconuts coconut water is never from concentrate, non-GMO, and contains the perfect ratio of 90% coconut water and 10% all-natural fruit juice.”
Coming in 11oz slim aluminum cans, 100 Coconuts is fat-free, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO.
Crossip redesign
Alcohol-free spirit Crossip has redesigned the packaging of its whole range.
The new packaging will roll-out across the trade from the end of September and be seen across the brand’s Fresh Citrus, Dandy Smoke, and Pure Hibiscus variants.
The new designs are a renovation of the outgoing design, and have been created by packaging designer Sally Rivers.
“The new design is a pivotal step in Crossip’s journey to creating a more sustainable and user-friendly range,” says the brand. “Physically, the new bottle is taller and more slender than the original, giving it a sleeker, more ‘spirit-like’ aesthetic. By swapping out the cork for a ‘twist’ lid, Crossip has also provided a more operational bottle for bartenders when it comes to pouring, filling and liquid protection.
“Aesthetically, there have been some important changes too. The newly horizontal logo shows the brand name much more clearly, giving the Crossip branding an ‘unapologetically bold’ impact, while the new label, designed by Berkshire Labels, has an intricate embossing and hot foiling technique to give a richer and more aesthetic feel to the touch and eye. Additionally, the new flavour wheel gives an instant visual representation of the flavour consumers can expect, as opposed to the ingredients.”
The new bottle aims to encourage consumers to give the alc-free category a try. The carbon imprint for producing these bottles is lower than the original as well.
Miss Mojita
Gunna Drinks has relaunched its most popular flavor soft drink: newly named as Miss Mojita.
The sparkling blend of natural lemon, lime and mint flavors has been updated to include Vitamin C and Zinc to help with immunity.
“Formerly named Twisted Lemonade, the popular drink is made with ripe lemons, paired with African mint and a hint of ginger to create a refreshing sweet, sour, and warm mouth sensation,” explains the UK brand. “Similar in flavor to a Virgin Mojito, this award-winning flavor profile makes Miss Mojita the perfect drink for cocktail creations.
“At just 66 calories a can the drink includes immune boosting Vitamin C and Zinc. Aside from immune boosting benefits, which GUNNA’s own research found to be the number two health benefit consumers are looking for – after heart health and before gut health - each also uses high-quality, natural ingredients and is made with real fruit, is vegan-friendly and has no artificial colors, flavors or nasties in it.”
The brand is double carbon negative, offsetting 2g of carbon for every 1g that’s used in making the drinks.
Monaco Cocktails
Miami-based Monaco Cocktails has debuted a brand refresh.
"With the new brand look and amplified tone, Monaco doubles down on the way consumers enjoy their products, delivering fun, authentic experiences to their drinkers and providing flavor forward, full-strength cocktails,“ says parent company Atomic Brands.
"Monaco’s new brand tagline, aptly labeled Feel The Fun, recognizes that real good times are caught in the moment, not curated for the camera.
"Tapping global creative design agency Robot Food, Monaco spent the last year modernizing design elements as well as the brand’s bold persona to reflect the current culture and most importantly, speak to their loyal customers. Nodding to the brand’s heritage, new monochrome cans – each designed in flavor-fueled colors – features a proud "established in 2012" emblem within the refreshed logo, where the signature Monaco rooster is prominently displayed. Reminiscent of a rooster’s rallying cry, the Monaco brand symbolizes a powerful burst of energy and enthusiasm that commands attention, signaling the start of good times ahead."
The brand’s flavor lineup, with two shots of spirits in each can, remains unchanged.
The brand grew 34% in 2022, and is the third brand by volume in the RTD category.
Monaco Cocktails are currently available at convenience stores nationwide for $2.50-2.99/12oz can.
