All news articles for October 2020

Crave pinapple and coconut: a 'natural energy drink with immunity support'

NPD in functional and fortified beverages

By Rachel Arthur

Innovation is in full swing across the functional and fortified beverage category. From natural energy drinks to probiotic seltzers, we take a look at some of the recent launches around the globe.

Pic:gettypremyudatospim

Kombucha’s potential reaches beyond millennials

By Rachel Arthur

While the US is the most developed market for kombucha, the category is growing in Europe with the drink’s natural and functional positioning ready to tap into health and wellness trends. But the evolution of the French, German and UK markets shows the...

Pic:getty/yuliia

Volvic rolls out 100% rPET bottle

By Rachel Arthur

Danone’s natural spring water brand Volvic will be packaged in 100% rPET bottles in Switzerland and Germany by the end of the year; while 100% rPET bottles wil be used across its whole US portfolio from 2021.

TaB's popularity peaked in the 80s, but today Diet Coke & Zero Sugar are the strongest sugar-free brands. Pic: Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola discontinues TaB diet soda in the US

By Rachel Arthur

TaB – The Coca-Cola Company’s first ever diet soft drink launched in 1963 – will be discontinued in the US as the company continues to streamline its SKUs.

Pic:getty/elcabron

Direct to consumer wine sales up 7% in Australia

By Rachel Arthur

Direct to consumer wine sales grew by 7% in value in 2019-2020, outperforming other channels in Australia. And DTC sales are now particularly important for smaller businesses, accounting for more than 50% of their sales.

The first bottles will be produced at the blender next year. Pic:innocent

Innocent creates carbon neutral, ‘super-sustainable’ production site

By Rachel Arthur

Juice and smoothie maker innocent is building a $250m carbon neutral production site – dubbed ‘the blender’ – at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. With the first bottles due to come off the lines in 2021, innocent says the project is a symbol...

Pic:getty/yummypic

Carlsberg acquires Wernesgrüner Brewery

By Rachel Arthur

The Carlsberg Group will acquire Wernesgrüner Brewery, a traditional German brewery and beer brand from the Vogtland region of Saxony, Germany.

getty | chainarong prasertthai

COVID-19: Google trends reveal global nutrition focus

By Nikki Hancocks

A Google Trends analysis report reveals the "profound effects" of COVID-19 on interest in immune-boosting nutrients and herbs globally and which specific ingredients consumers favour across different global regions.

Pic:getty/artrush

Hard seltzer storm: Big brands take seltzer strategies up a notch

By Rachel Arthur

Constellation Brands is lining up new flavors and SKUs for Corona Hard Seltzer. Anheuser-Busch is bringing a new product into play with Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer. Coca-Cola will launch its hard seltzer in 2021 - and is PepsiCo eying up an entry into...