What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
New Modelo products
Modelo is diversifying its portfolio in the US with five new innovations this month.
Under the Chelada line, it is launching two new products nationwide: Chelada Naranja Picosa (a 3.3% ABV ‘fun and zesty blend’ of refreshing flavors including orange, lime, salt and a hint of spice) and Chelada Limon Y Sal in a 12-pack.
Modelo Oro, a premium light cerveza, will be available in Charlotte, NC; Fresno, CA; and Houston, TX. Modelo Cantarito-style Cerveza, a light lager made with a hint of grapefruit, orange and lime juices, will launch in Atlanta, GA; San Diego, CA; and Arizona. And Modelo Ranch Water will debut in Texas and New Mexico.
“As the number two beer brand in the US, Modelo continues to instill the Fighting Spirit in new ways this year with expanded size offerings, unique flavors and entirely new concepts.”
Lemonade Vodka Seltzer
NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer is expanding its product lineup with its latest newest canned cocktail.
NÜTRL Lemonade Vodka Seltzer will start rolling out across the US with four flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Peach Lemonade and Blackberry Lemonade.
Described as lightly sweet and pleasantly tart, NÜTRL Lemonade Vodka Seltzer is gluten-free, comes in at 100 calories and has a 4.5% ABV.
“NÜTRL Lemonade Vodka Seltzer uses real fruit juice with no artificial flavors or finish, delivering the crisp taste of hard seltzer with the nostalgic feel of homestyle lemonade. Perfect to enjoy during every occasion – from Spring Break getaways to Summer Friday happy hours – NÜTRL combines the bold taste of lemonade with the refreshing nature of vodka seltzer,” says the Anheuser-Busch brand.
Vizzy Mimosa Hard Seltzer
Molson Coors’ hard seltzer brand, Vizzy, is launching Vizzy Mimosa Hard Seltzer in the US.
Described as a first-of-its-kind hard seltzer, the drink is made with real orange juice, mimosa-inspired flavors and, like other Vizzy Drinks, antioxidant Vitamin C from acerola superfruit.
It comes in four flavors: Strawberry Orange Mimosa, Pineapple Orange Mimosa, Peach Orange Mimosa and Pomegranate Orange Mimosa.
Each 12oz can of Vizzy Mimosa contains 100 calories, zero grams of sugar and 5% ABV.
Power Burn
Rowdy Energy has launched a new product line, Power Burn, that has been clinically proven to burn up to 135 calories per can.
Power Burn has 5 calories, zero sugar and provides 160mg of natural caffeine from green tea and green coffee beans. It’s ‘packed with amino acids, more electrolytes than leading sports drinks and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives,’ according to the brand.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this new line as the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive with consumers loving the taste and being excited about the calorie burning aspect,” said Jeff Church, CEO and Co-founder of Rowdy Energy.
“It’s important for Rowdy to continue to stand out in the growing energy drink category and having this new health-forward, thermogenic line allows us to be at the forefront of innovation within the industry.”
Power Burn is available across the US at 7-Eleven stores, inclusive of Speedway, in four flavors: watermelon, pineapple passionfruit, pink lemonade and mango dragonfruit.
Matcha green tea energy drinks
UK start-up PerfectTed has launched a range of canned natural energy drinks powered by matcha green tea, which are ‘bursting with flavor and ready to fight fatigue’.
The brand’s founding trio turned to matcha while studying and competing in sports at the University of Pennsylvania: but on their return to the UK were dissatisfied with the options available.
The three flavors are Pineapple Yuzu, Apple Raspberry, and Pear Ginger, all made from real fruit juice. Each contains 80mg of caffeine for energy, and 80mg of L-theanine for focus. The drinks are 100% natural, plant-based, gluten-free, free from additives, preservatives, and added sugars.
“According to Kantar, 74% of Millennial consumers are concerned about the negative health effects of energy drinks and more than 72% of people believe that mental health is paramount to their wellbeing. PerfectTed is the UK’s answer to the on-the-go caffeine fix, providing an energy-packed alternative with immunity-boosting antioxidants that can slip easily into people’s daily routines.
Sourced straight from farms at the foothills of Uji in Japan, PerfectTed’s ceremonial grade matcha is single-origin and completely traceable. Matcha originates from Tencha leaves which are naturally sweet and mellow in flavour. L-Theanine is a powerhouse compound in the plant that regulates caffeine uptake, delivering a calm and sustained focus, unlike jitters or energy crashes caused by coffee.”
The PerfectTed range is available online in the UK and launches in Holland & Barrett in May. It is has also launched into Southeast Asia, spearheaded by Singapore.
Blue Moon LightSky Tropical Wheat
Blue Moon LightSky is launching its first extension: Blue Moon LightSky Tropical Wheat.
Launching across the US, LightSky Tropical Wheat delivers Blue Moon’s citrusy flavor with a tropical twist from Amarillo, Azacca, Mosaic and Citra hops, and the combination of orange peel and real pineapple. At 4% ABV and 95 calories, LightSky Tropical Wheat arrives as more consumers are turning toward lighter flavor-forward beers.
“Blue Moon LightSky Tropical Wheat is perfect for craft beer drinkers who are seeking more flavor. It’s deceptively light and brings that bright drinking experience people expect from Blue Moon,” says Mara Schaefer, senior director of marketing for Molson Coors’ above-premium beers. “LightSky had a really successful launch in 2020 and continued to grow in 2021. As the brand evolves, we felt this was the perfect time to introduce consumers to LightSky Tropical Wheat.”
Premium cocktails
Oregon’s 2 Towns Ciderhouse has launched Craftwell Cocktails: a line of premium cocktails made with real fruit juice.
“With four distinct, foundational flavors blended from premium ingredients – Pineapple Margarita, Grapefruit Paloma, Blueberry Cosmo, and Strawberry Margarita – Craftwell Cocktails looks to deliver a modernized cocktail experience,” says the company.
“Packaged in ready-to-drink cans that are easily portable, Craftwell will allow consumers to create a unique cocktail moment just about anywhere. From the bonfire social to a day of outdoor adventure to a date night, Craftwell allows consumers to live life with flavor while on the go.”
Each is 10.5% ABV and is available in 12oz cans at retail stores, bars, and restaurants in Oregon and Washington.
Yerba maté
Schilling Cider, a US cider producer in the Pacific Northwest, has launched Vida Maté, a new line of low-calorie, non-alcoholic yerba maté beverages that ‘seek to transform the caffeine experience’.
“Crafted to elevate the traditional South American super beverage with the craft quality of the Pacific Northwest, Vida Mate is made with real fruit juices and a proprietary blend of adaptogens,” says the company.
“The result is a refreshing, delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks and artificially flavored caffeine-in-a-can. With operations based in Seattle and Portland, the Schilling team is excited to debut this new plant-powered pick-me-up, made exclusively with naturally occurring caffeine.
“Vida Maté fits the gluten-free and vegan-friendly lifestyle, offering a boost in vitality and focus through a functional blend of adaptogens: Vitamin B12 for a power boost, L-Theanine for focus, and GABA for stress relief combine to ensure a clean, jitter-free delivery of caffeine with no unpleasant crashes.”
Vida Maté launches with three flavors - Lemon Mint, Mango Lime, and Blackberry Lemonade – which are available in 16 oz cans at thousands of grocery, convenience and natural food stores across the Pacific Northwest.
Pimentae Drinks
Pimentae Drinks, a UK brand behind bottled cocktails with a modern-day twist, is launching its second drink: Cucumber & Elderflower Eclipse.
“The Cucumber & Elderflower Eclipse boasts Mexico’s freshest flavors: a unique blend of El Tequileno blanco, cucumber, mint, and elderflower poured over ice,” says the brand. “Pimentae brings exclusive cocktails typically enjoyed in the setting of a member’s club to anyone’s home at the click of a finger.
“Crafted with quality ingredients and El Tequileno Tequila, the cocktails are 100% natural and derived from Mexico’s slow grown blue weber agave. Pimentae will be the first UK drinks brand to purchase tequila in refillable eco containers, helping to tackle the carbon footprint and waste associated with single-use glass in the alcohol industry. The mixes are also gluten free and vegan with no artificial colors or sweeteners.”
Pimentae Drinks was launched in lockdown 2021 with Tommy’s Margarita.
Functional beverages
Colorado functional beverage brand Rowdy Mermaid has expanded its portfolio with new products.
Hibiscus Pulse kombucha features the ‘smooth stylings of hibiscus flower with low-key cassia and chipotle’.
“The botanical blend in Hibiscus Pulse was designed to support circulation and address cardiovascular health, one of the most pressing consumer health issues today. Of those who seek health benefits from foods and beverages, more than 40% seek heart and cardiovascular health benefits,” says the brand.
Hibiscus Pulse features a sweet and savory profile with just a hint of heat, and each 12oz can of this wellness beverage (MSRP: $3.49) has only 9 grams of sugar.
Meanwhile, Rowdy Mermaid will debut Adaptonic Clarity - a line of sparkling tonics supporting mental clarity and brain health – at Natural Products Expo West this month before starting national distribution in September.
Adaptonic Clarity is a sister line to Rowdy Mermaid Adaptonic Immunity beverages, which launched in 2021. The new beverage ‘helps combat brain fog’ from the adaptogenic power of beta-glucans, a fiber derived from Lion's Mane mushrooms.
“Each can of Adaptonic Clarity contains 200mg of this brilliant nootropic, leaving consumers with the mental acuity they want, but zero mushroom taste,” says the brand.
Adaptonic Clarity comes in four fruit-forward flavors: Asian Pear Elderflower; Mandarin Turmeric; Pineapple Lemongrass; and Raspberry Hibiscus.
All Adaptonic Clarity varieties (MSRP: $3.29) will be caffeine-free with the exception of Pineapple Lemongrass. They contain only 20 - 24 calories and 6g of sugar per can.
