What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches: STōK, Nescafé and more
Beverage innovation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it meets the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, responding to trends like health and wellbeing and sustainability. Secondly, it helps brands differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market, attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.
Innovation also creates opportunities for new products, flavors, and packaging solutions, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Energy coffee
STōK Cold Brew Coffee is launching STōK Cold Brew Energy: a drink mixing coffee with B-vitamins, ginseng and guarana (pictured above).
The drink contains 195mg of caffeine and comes in three flavors: mocha cream, vanilla cream and caramel cream.
"Keeping a close watch on how coffee trends are changing, we're thrilled to bring STōK Cold Brew Energy to the boldest coffee drinkers out there – delivering the coffee-forward flavor our brand fans love, with a boost of caffeine," said Brittney Polka, Vice President of Ready to Drink Beverages at Danone North America.
"STōK fans have long loved enjoying our multi-serve format at home, but we also know that their lives are busy, and they are constantly on the go.
"Each can of the latest and greatest from STōK is packed with smooth flavors and 195mg of caffeine to help support their focus — wherever their day takes them."
STōK Cold Brew Energy is now available in 11oz cans at 7-Eleven and Speedway stores and will be rolling out at additional retailers nationwide in 2025.
Nescafé instant coffee for both hot and cold beverages
Nestlé has launched its latest coffee innovation, a new range of soluble coffee that can be used for both hot and cold consumption. Launched under Nescafé Classic, the range comes in two different natural flavors: caramel and hazelnut.
The new coffee ‘dissolves perfectly’ in either hot or cold water. Consumers can enjoy the coffee as is, with milk, or with dairy alternatives. Products are currently available in Central and Eastern Europe.
Axel Touzet, Head of Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, says: “Both cold and flavored coffee are currently trending with younger consumers. This launch is another step forward in our efforts to deliver coffee innovations that resonate with the next generation of coffee drinkers.”
Other recent innovations for the Nescafe brand include Nescafé Espresso Concentrate enabling consumers to create barista-style iced coffees at home, and Nescafé Ice Roast, the brand’s first ever soluble coffee designed to be enjoyed with cold water, cold milk or over ice.
CROSSIP launches in Malaysia
Non-alcoholic drinks brand CROSSIP has launched in Malaysia, marking its 16th market worldwide.
With Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality scene, CROSSIP’s arrival brings a new option to the non-alcoholic sector, ideal for customers seeking full-flavor no and low cocktails.
From its refreshing Pure Hibiscus to the zesty Fresh Citrus and bold Dandy Smoke, CROSSIP’s products are ‘meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled sensory experience’.
“As we expand globally, our aim is to make a genuine impact in the way the world approaches no and low drinks,” stated Tim Blake, CEO at CROSSIP.
“With Malaysia joining our roster, CROSSIP continues to lead the charge as a pioneer in the non-alcoholic drinks space, bringing an elevated and sustainable approach to mindful drinking.”
Ukrainian wine
Bolgrad Winery is launching its products in the UK via Lidl: with a Duo white wine and Saperavi from the Southern Ukrainian region of Odesa available to purchase for a limited time.
The seasonal listing taps into consumer thirst for wines from emerging regions and will mark the first time a wine from Ukraine has secured a supermarket listing in the UK.
Bolgrad is the leading brand for still wines in Ukraine and Odesa is one of the emerging territories in Eastern Europe, an area known for its unique terroirs, diverse range of grapes, growing conditions, microclimates and high-quality wines.
Both wines are listed under the Bolgrad Select brand and are from the 2023 vintage. Duo is a blend of Chardonnay and native Ukrainian Sukholimansky grapes for a well-balanced dry white wine. The indigenous grape is highly aromatic on the nose and adds to the palate a white meadow blossom and dried apricot to the ripe citrus notes of the Chardonnay. The Bolgrad Select Saperavi, a grape closely associated with Georgia, brings a medium-bodied fruity red – ideal for lovers of a Malbec.
Both wine bottles feature the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag with a distinctive tree illustration.
UK distributor Kingsland Drinks has been working with the winery since 2023 to harvest, produce, bottle and find logistical solutions to import the wines to the UK market. The Lidl GB listing comes is part of a drive from the distributor to inspire retailers to bring a wider selection of producers and varietals to the wine aisle.
The RRP for the Duo white and Saperavi in Lidl GB will be £7.99.
Spotlight on beverage innovation
Tune in tomorrow for Beverage Innovation 2024, a free webinar putting the spotlight on the hottest trends in the beverage industry!
We'll be asking our panel - who bring with them decades of experience with companies such as Coca-Cola, Sparkling Ice, Vita-Coco and more - the difference between good and bad innovation.
Register for FREE here! for the event on Wednesday 13 November (don't worry if you can't make it - just register to watch on-demand)
Sproud Launches ‘Barista ZERO’
Sproud, the Swedish company behind a range of pea-based milk alternatives, has launched Barista ZERO: a sugar-free milk alternative designed for baristas.
Using a new formula, Barista ZERO ‘offers a smooth, creamy texture with no sugar or added sweeteners’.
As a plant-based milk alternative, Barista ZERO consists of Sproud’s signature ingredient, yellow split peas, which provide twice the amount of protein than oat.
“Our team has been working on this product for the past year, so we’re all really excited for people to finally taste it. We have a great relationship with baristas, and therefore wanted to create an uncompromising product they could rely on for all their customers,” said Sara Berger, CEO of Sproud.
“We’re confident that Barista ZERO not only meets the expectations of professional baristas, but also supports consumers increasingly seeking low-sugar alternatives in the plant-based category. As the newest product in our pea-based milk alternative lineup, Barista ZERO reinforces our commitment to manufacturing plant-based milk alternatives that balance health, taste, and environmental responsibility.”
Barista ZERO has a neutral taste (so to not alter the flavor of coffee or tea), a high protein content (twice as much as oat milk), is free from sugars and added sweeteners, free from major allergens (gluten, nuts, soy and dairy) and claims the lowest climate impact of any dairy or plant-based milk on the market. It also is ISO 26000 certified: the first in its category to achieve this standard for sustainability.
The launch comes just days after British media personality and entrepreneur Maya Jama joined Sproud as a co-owner and investor.
Sproud is used by coffee and juice chain Joe & The Juice and other coffee shops worldwide, and is available to cafes, restaurants and home baristas.
All Shook Up
UK RTD cocktail brand, All Shook Up, is introduce a new flavor to its range.
The classic mojito is now available exclusively in Tesco stores across the country.
The mojito, available in a 250ml can format, is a light sparkling blend of lime juice, mint flavor, and white rum, delivering a refreshing and zesty taste profile suited for consumers on-the-go. Its new, vibrant packaging is designed to stand out on-shelf and appeal to an audience driven by social media.
The launch reflects the mojito’s rise in popularity within the RTD category. Known for its refreshing and easy-to-enjoy profile, the flavor has become a key growth driver in the market.
Emily Seddon, Brand Manager at All Shook Up, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce a new SKU to our range at a time when accessibility and flavor variety are driving the RTD cocktail category.
“Consumers are looking for their favorite classic cocktails in a convenient, affordable format, and our mojito delivers just that; a versatile flavor profile, perfect for cosy nights in and festive gatherings.”
All Shook Up’s 3.4% ABV mojito will be available both as a single can and as part of the mixed pack exclusively at Tesco, with an RRP of £1.60 per can, or 4 for the price of 3 for customers with a Tesco Clubcard.
Looking for more beverage NPD?
From cocktails to kefir, there's plenty going on in the beverage industry when it comes to NPD!
