From Ocean Spray’s new launch in powdered drinks mixes, to Suntory’s latest innovation on its quest to become an RTD powerhouse, there’s plenty of inspiration in this week’s round-up.
Ocean Spray powdered drink mixes
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. is introducing powdered drink mixes, in partnership with Dyla Brands.
The new Ocean Spray drink mixes are available on Amazon and launch inPublix, Giant Company, Schnucks andWalmart.com this month.
With zero grams of sugar and made with real cranberry juice powder, the new mixes mimic the flavors of some of Ocean Spray’s most popular juice blends, including White Cran x Strawberry, Cran x Grape, and White Cran x Peach flavors.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Dyla Brands to bring these new drink mixes to our consumers,” said Christina Zwicky, Head of Ocean Spray Licensing. “This new relationship continues our commitment to offer a strong portfolio of choice for our consumers and allows us to meet the growing demand for zero sugar, convenient beverage options, without sacrificing flavor.”
Dyla Brands has already launched popular on-the-go drink mix products for brands like Dole, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, and C4 Performance Energy.
Electrolyte infused tea
RTD Ice Tea brand KAYTEA has entered the functional tea space with a new range of Electrolyte Infused Blends.
Naturally unsweetened, the new Hydro Infusions whole leaf teabags blend botanicals and natural fruit flavors with electrolytes for hydration and energy with no artificial sweeteners or sugary extras.
Available in four flavors – Pineapple & Hibiscus, Peach & Green Tea, Lime & Mint and Lemon & Mate – they’re designed to be brewed with hot or cold water.
Founded in the UK in 2020, KAYTEA is a natural, flavouful, botanical tea brand ‘on a mission to make tea fun and relevant for a new generation’.
The brand’s hero range - Cold Brew Ice Teas that blend Organic & Fairtrade teas with globally inspired fusion flavors - are stocked at Sainsbury’s, M&S, Whole Foods Market, Abel & Cole, WHSmith, and Eurostar.
“Since launching in 2020, we’ve become well established as a Cold Brew Tea brand, leading the charge of a new generation of RTD Ice Tea that’s cooler than squash but healthier than soda,” said Kevin Tang, KAYTEA founder.
“Now, we’re bringing our knowledge of natural, flavourful, botanical hydration to the functional tea space with our new Hydro Infusions that blend natural botanicals and fruit flavors with electrolytes for tea that is not only naturally delicious but hydrating too.”
KAYTEA Hydro Infusion Electrolyte Teabags (Pineapple & Hibiscus, Peach & Green Tea, Lime & Mint, and Lemon & Mate) are available now at £7.99 for 12 teabags.
Kopparberg Crisp Apple Cider
Kopparberg is launching its latest product – Crisp Apple – across the UK this month.
Kopparberg, the leading brand in fruit cider, is expanding its listing with the 4% ABV beverage that offers drinkers the much-loved taste of a classic apple cider, balanced with a slightly sweeter profile that the brand is famous for.
Kopparberg already claims more 18-34 year old drinkers than any other beer or cider brand, and says the new product will offer an alternative to traditional cider brands.
Consumers will be able to get their hands on the new product on draught, bottle and can, across both the on and off trade.
Brian Perkins, President, Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, said, “Kopparberg’s ability to meet evolving consumer tastes with new flavors is a key reason behind it being the leading brand in fruit cider in the UK. With the rise in apple cider as a preferred choice in the category, the product will not only attract existing fans, but also build new brand fans.”
Premier Protein
Protein shakes and bars company, Premier Protein, has launched its Cookies & Cream high protein shake in Canada.
The shake contains 30 g of protein, 160 calories and 1 g of sugar with 23 vitamins and minerals, ‘fueling your body with sustainable, feel-good energy while satisfying your cravings for both nutrition and amazing taste’.
It is available in 18-cl Tetra Paks at Costco in-club and online, as well as in 4-cl packs at Walmart.
MARU-HI
Suntory Holdings is expanding its US RTD portfolio with the launch of MARU-HI, a Japanese-inspired sparkling cocktail.
MARU-HI launches in California this month, with ambitions to expand to other states over the next year.
MARU-HI is a flavored malt beverage inspired by Chu-hi, a Japanese cocktail often enjoyed in traditional bars known as Izakayas. Chu-hi culture has experienced strong growth and success in RTD formats, driving Japan to become the second largest RTD market in the world.
The traditional citrus flavor, at 5% ABV, delivers a ‘unique and refreshing drinking experience that embodies the essence of Japan’s Izakaya culture and Chu-hi flavor. It is available in 6 and 12 pack 12oz cans, as well as 24oz single cans.
Suntory wants to become the leading global RTD company by 2030. Other innovations include -196 , a vodka based Japanese RTD available in the US, Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia; On The Rocks, a premium ready to serve cocktail brand; and Horoyoi, a Japanese RTD brand with low ABV in Asia.
