What's hitting the shelves: New beverage launches - from Citizen Spritz to Radnor Splash

Citizen Spritz launches non-alcoholic RTD spritz range​

Following Citizen Spritz’s initial launch of full-size instant spritz mixes in bottles in early 2023, the company is now launching its RTD non-alcoholic spritzes (pictured above).

With RTDs becoming increasingly popular among consumers moderating their alcohol intake, the new RTD range from Citizen Spritz offers a refreshing alternative for those seeking balance without sacrificing taste. Designed to complement a variety of drinking occasions, these new spritzes are ready-made for outdoor celebrations and also serve as an affordable and convenient option for at-home relaxation or socialising.

According to KAM's 2023 'Low+No' trend report, 5.2 million fewer UK adults are drinking weekly in 2023 compared to 2021. Citizen Spritz has set out to offer a non-alcoholic RTD range with a fraction of the sugar and calories typically found in alcoholic drinks and other low/no options.

Radnor Splash can trio​

Radnor Splash, the UK’s fastest growing flavored water brand, has unveiled a new canned range.

The flavored water range from the Welsh soft drinks company is a blend of pure spring water and all natural fruity flavours in still or lightly sparkling options, completely sugar free.

Available as a straw-free 250ml Tetra, sports cap and plain cap 500ml and 1.5L 100% recyclable bottles and as a multipack, Radnor Splash is now also in 330ml cans.

There are three flavors in the new canned range – Lemon and Lime, Apple and Raspberry and Strawberry.

Aperitifs​

Paramour Aperitifs, a collection of low-calorie aperitifs inspired by fresh coastal ingredients, has launched in the US with three flavors: Cara Cara Orange, Elderflower and Lavender Yuzu.

Paramour ​is the first distilled, light aperitif liqueur rooted in the art of botanical infusion. Each one is formulated from fresh vegetables and fruits creating their vivid coloring. 

The aperitifs can be served over ice, with soda or mixed into any drink of choice. Bottles retail for $39.99 and each serving contains 60 calories with a 15% ABV.

Soft seltzer

YEW has announced the UK nationwide launch of its ‘super natural’ new range of bold and refreshing sparkling water drinks.

Available at Selfridges, online, and in select independent cafes and shops, launches in three flavors: crisp apple, pink rhubarb and zesty lemon: all in 440ml Tallboy cans. 

Created using British water that’s blended with a hit of a fruit, YEW contains no sugar, no calories and no unnatural ingredients.

Francesca Zampi, YEW co-founder says, “I spent nearly a decade living in the US, where stylish soft seltzers are mainstream, and noticed a significant gap in the UK market for similar healthy drinks with a compelling story and uplifting vibe.

"Every time I returned to the UK, I was struck by the absence of such options.  When I finally moved back to London, the potential to tap into this underserved market was increasingly exciting, and that's what led me to create YEW, a brand that brings a fresh option to the shelves with dynamic branding and vibrant flavours."

The word YEW was coined by surfers as the yell of celebration when catching a wave, an exclamation for something epic and euphoric, reflecting the brand’s connection to positive, peak experience and a celebration of life’s most exhilarating moments. 

The brand was developed by female entrepreneurs and friends of twenty years Francesca Zampi and Angela Howard Stone, in partnership with Neil Hinchley of Crate Brewery, and backed by South Park creator Matt Stone. One of YEW’s first Instagram posts garnered nearly 2 million views.

YEW will be found in 440ml fully recyclable cans online, in Selfridges, and independent cafes and shops nationwide from September with a RRP of £2.

‘Squeezed’ fresh juice & vodka range joins RTD market ​

Containing only fresh fruit juice and UK sourced premium vodka, Squeezed is launching into the UK market this month.

The three-strong range comes in Tangy Orange, Fruity Cranberry and Zesty Lime and Soda flavours.

Free from additives, preservatives, added sugar or sweeteners; the range boasts ‘exceptional freshness, superior taste and ingredients credentials’.

Committed to sustainability and quality, fruit suppliers for the drinks (including the leading orange and clementine growers in Spain) have been carefully selected for their produce standards and environmental credentials.

Says Warren Stanley, founder of Squeezed: “We spotted a gap in the market for drinks with high-quality juice and no ‘hidden nasties’. The product has been developed for those individuals who prefer to know exactly what they are consuming when they buy a drink product. 

“There are no other vodka and fresh juice products on the market, this product is what it says on the can - just fresh juice and vodka.”

Soda for gut health

UK functional drinks brand, FHIRST Living Soda, has secured its first national listing with Ocado.

The online retailer will stock the brand’s multipacks in each of its four ‘gut lovin’ flavors’: Lemon Lime, Ginger Mandarin, Cherry Vanilla, and Passion Fruit (each multipack contains 4x330ml cans). The packs will retail at £5.90, available online at Ocado from now. Shoppers will be able to enjoy an introductory offer of £1.50 off each multipack, retailing at £4.40 for six weeks from the beginning of September. 

FHIRST Living Soda is designed to offer a healthier alternative to current sodas on the market with great tasting, guilt free, healthy sodas  that support gut, immune and brain health. FHIRST’s is also the only functional soda globally to contain probiotics and prebiotics with zero sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Each can provides a combination of 2 billion living probiotic cultures, 5g prebiotic plant fibre, and added zinc, and just 6kcals.

FHIRST uses a unique microencapsuation process to facilitate maximum probiotic culture release and ensure than the living cultures are stable and effectively reach the gut, whether drinks are kept chilled or ambient.

Co-founder UK/Head of Brand, Pip Brook (ex Vita Coco) said: “With the backlash against traditional sodas that are full of sugars, sweeteners and a whole lot of nasties, people are genuinely looking for healthier alternatives. FHIRST is one of the healthiest functional gut lovin’ sodas on the market right now, and we’re excited to bring our great tasting proposition to Ocado shoppers. Whether it’s adults or children, FHIRST is the guilt-free, healthy go-to soda. We’re here to change the soda landscape, showing that sugar and sweetener laden sodas are a thing of the past.”