What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches: from Pepsi pineapple to RTD alcohol
The return of Pepsi Pineapple
Pepsi and pizza chain Little Caesars are announcing the return of the fan-favorite Pepsi Pineapple, available exclusively at Little Caesars for a limited time only.
Pepsi Pineapple (20oz) and an order of Little Caesars Crazy Puffs (mini pizzas wrapped in a crust cup) come together for $4.99 at participating stores and online.
"Little Caesars fans love coming in for exclusive flavors they can't get anywhere else -- we saw that last year within the first week of releasing Pepsi Pineapple in restaurants," said Greg Hamilton, Chief Marketing Officer, Little Caesars.
"This summer, we're offering customers the ultimate combo of flavor and value with our Crazy Puffs and Pepsi Pineapple deal to celebrate its triumphant return."
Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, added: "Pineapple on pizza may still be debatable, but pizza lovers have made Pepsi Pineapple a clear winner.”
New flavors for Celsius
Celsius, the lifestyle energy drink brand, is adding two new sparkling flavors to its line-up for summer.
Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry is a 'burst of vibrant, delightful and invigorating flavor that will dance on your taste buds'. The sweetness of ripe strawberries is paired with the tangy kiwi to give the ultimate balance between the two classic flavors.
Meanwhile, Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade sees the 'zingy zesty tang of lemon meet the sweet and hydrating succulence of ripe watermelon'.
Celsius hit the $1bn sales milestone last year thanks to its success in its home US market, and is now focusing on international expansion.
Coffee mate Orange Cream Pop Flavored Duo Creamer
Coffee mate is dropping limited-edition Coffee mate Orange Cream Pop Flavored Duo Creamer: a creamer inspired by 89.9 million collective views of #creamsicle and #orangecreamsicle on TikTok and demand for nostalgia products.
Featuring orange and creamy notes, the fruity creamer is the ‘perfect splash of fun’ to your cup of coffee whenever and wherever you please. The Coffee mate Orange Cream Pop Flavored Duo Creamer joins the “Duos” line, which includes flavors like Cinnamon Vanilla Crème and Vanilla Caramel, and last year's Peanut Butter and Jelly Flavored Duo Creamer.
“When it comes to pushing boundaries and turning trending flavors into delicious and crave-worthy creamers, our fans know that only Coffee mate can consistently deliver on taste innovations that elevate the everyday coffee experience, any time of year,” said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé Vice President of Brand Marketing for the Beverage Division and Business Unit. “This limited-edition creamer is inspired by childhood summers – with every sip, the sweet and citrusy flavor of our Orange Cream Pop Flavored Duo Creamer will evoke nostalgic memories of ice cream trucks and hot summer days.”
Nice wines
London wine company Nice – which has developed a portfolio of wine in cans, boxed, low ABV and wine on tap – has launched its first trio of full-sized, full-strength wines.
The trio covers a crisp, dry and peachy French Sauvignon Blanc; a pale, slightly strawberry Rosé from the South of France; and deep, smooth Argentinian Malbec.
The brand’s mission is to make wine more inclusive, less intimidating and bring a fresh outlook on the industry.
Lucy Busk, Co-Founder of Nice says, “We know that 95% of wine sales are from a bottle and many consumers find the category incredibly confusing and intimidating. Having now built a loyal fan base of Nice customers, and with over 7,500 distribution points, we know there’s space for the Nice brand within the bottles category. We’re here to offer consumers a great looking brand with clear messaging allowing more people to enjoy our quality wines, however, wherever and with whoever they want to.”
VK Apple and blackcurrant
UK alcohol RTD brand VK has launched its latest flavor, Apple & Blackcurrant, after a crowdsourced activation.
The #WEAREFLAVOR campaign saw more than 20,000 consumers engage in a nomination process, with the four finalists including Peach & Lychee, Pineapple & Coconut, and Lemon & Lime.
Apple & Blackcurrant received over 40% of the vote, with Lemon & Lime coming a close second.
VK Apple & Blackcurrant (3.4% ABV) combines crisp apples with sweet, yet tangy blackcurrant, delivering ‘the ultimate refreshing summer sip’.
The product addition also reflects the growing popularity of the apple and blackcurrant flavor pairing in drinks.
Apple & Blackcurrant will join VK’s portfolio, alongside classic flavors such as VK Blue, Orange & Passionfruit and Tropical Fruits, available in 275ml and 70cl bottles.
Holly Bolus, Senior Brand Manager for VK at Global Brands, the drinks experts behind the brand, commented: “Our consumers have spoken and Apple & Blackcurrant is officially the newest flavor to join the party! Available just in time for the summer season, it’s the perfect refreshing option whether it’s a sunny BBQ, classic night out or enjoying the Euros.”