What's hitting the shelves? New beverages: April
SVEDKA hard seltzer
SVEDKA is launching SVEDKA Tropics Tea Spritz, a new spirits-based hard seltzer.
SVEDKA Tropics combines SVEDKA Vodka with real tea, sparkling water and natural tropical fruit flavors. It is available in three flavors - Pineapple Guava (infused with green tea), Raspberry Kiwi (infused with black tea), and Orange Mango (infused with black tea).
“The new product offers a depth of flavor and a unique taste experience that sets it apart from other sweet tea vodka offerings in the ready-to-drink aisle,” says the brand. “While the category continues to grow at a rapid pace, SVEDKA Tropics offers something different, allowing it to stand out to 21+ consumers and break through the clutter.”
Available at an SRP of $19.99, SVEDKA Tropics Vodka Tea Spritz is offered in a variety 8-pack containing four cans of Pineapple Guava and two cans each of Raspberry Kiwi and Orange Mango. The spirits-based hard seltzers are also available in a 4-pack for $12.99 SRP and a single can for $2.99 SRP. SVEDKA Tropics can be found at liquor and grocery retailers nationwide, as well as available for order via Drizly.
Margaritaville Tropical Punch
Anheuser-Busch and the Margaritaville Alcohol Beverage Trust have launched Margaritaville Tropical Punch: a brand new 4% ABV flavored malt beverage now rolling out across the US.
The new launch comes in three flavors: Mango Peach Paradise; Strawberry Daiquiri; and Beach Breezy.
“We know that consumers are loving sweet FMBs and that’s evident in the category’s overall growth year over year,” said Joanie Kwok, Senior Director, Flavored Malt Beverage Portfolio at Anheuser-Busch. “Playing into our overall strategy for success within Beyond Beer, our ultimate goal in this space is to capitalize on that category excitement and establish a portfolio of brands that will help satisfy this growing consumer demand.”
Margaritaville Tropical Punch is the latest addition to Anheuser-Busch’s Beyond Beer portfolio of brands, which also includes Cutwater Spirits, BABE Wine, NUTRL Vodka Seltzer and RITAS.
Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola
Pepsi’s latest limited edition flavor, Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola, has launched in the US.
The drink ‘combines the indulgent flavor profile of maple syrup with the crisp, refreshing caramel notes of a Pepsi.’
Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola comes on the heels of several flavor innovations including PEPSI X PEEPS, Pepsi Apple Pie, and Pepsi x Cracker Jack, to name a few.
Highland Spring 5L fridge pack
UK bottled water brand Highland Spring is introducing a new 5L fridge pack: building on the success of a 10L hydration pack launched in 2021.
The company says the launch demonstrates the growth opportunity for large format dispense solutions. Research shows consumers find it appealing for general drinking at home (56%), social gatherings (34%) and decanting into smaller bottles (36%), as well as picnics and BBQs (43%) and camping and caravan holidays (38%). The hydration pack also saw appeal for use at work.
The 5L fridge pack keeps fresh for up to four weeks once opened. It is available in ASDA and other grocery and online retailers.
Mike Buckland, Consumer Marketing Controllor at Highland Spring, said: “The new 5L fridge pack is a natural extension to our range in a tried and tested format. We have seen from the success of our 10L Hydration Pack that consumers were looking for additional dispense solutions. The 5L pack meets on-the-go and at home decanting occasions and fits perfectly in the fridge.”
Fresh Yuzu Gin
Australian distillery Four Pillars gin has launched a new gin: Fresh Yuzu Gin.
The distillery recommends drinking the gin in a Highball with plenty of ice, soda or light tonic and any kind of citrus garnish (ideally fresh yuzu).
Of the tasting notes, Four Pillars Co-founder and Distiller Cam Mackenzie says: “Yuzu brings amazing aromatics that are a mix of lemon, mandarin, cumquat and grapefruit - all bright and fresh citrus notes – while the addition of finger lime adds some deeper citrus character.”
“We’ve also learnt a lot (from the best) in our adventures making gin with Japanese friends, so in our take on Yuzu gin, we’ve used ginger, turmeric and sencha genmaicha, a Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice, for depth of flavor. A canvas of strong pine-needle juniper and a bit of lemon myrtle add a touch of lemon curd.”
Premium cocktail collections
Premium ready-to-serve cocktail brand, Nio Cocktails, has launched a new collection with international spirits group Rémy Cointreau.
The limited edition Bruichladdich and The Botanist Cocktail Box features four cocktails designed by NIO Cocktails master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, using The Botanist Gin and Bruichladdich Whisky, both distilled at B-Corp certified Bruichladdich Distillery.
The collection comes in four varieties: The Botanist’s Choice (‘a deliciously light, floral cocktail with notes of elderflower and chamomile’); The Botanist Martini (a classic gin martini); The Laddie Sour (a blend of Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie Scotch Whisky, tangy citrus and a hint of ginger) and The Progressive Old Fashioned (‘a cocktail with a conscience that combines Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie Scotch Whisky with warming sugar and bitters’).
New 1.5L bottle
UK mineral water brand Aqua Pura has launched a new 1.5L bottle of mineral water.
As with all Aqua Pura water, the still mineral water in the 1.5L bottle is naturally protected, sourced next to a special area of conservation in the Lake District and is filtered through ancient rocks to provide a pure mineral water. The water is drawn from one of the UK’s largest aquifers, which is more than 300m below ground in the Penrith sandstone. It has taken nearly 300 million years to make and is rich in minerals – enhancing the unique and refreshing flavor.
The new 1.5L bottle is 100 per cent recyclable, while the bottle itself is also made from 100 per cent recycled materials.
Kelly Hall from Aqua Pura commented: “The 1.5L bottle is the newest addition to the Aqua Pura range and is the perfect size for families to keep in the fridge to stay hydrated throughout the day, or to keep in the boot of the car ready for days out.
“The launch also marks Aqua Pura securing a listing in Booths stores across the North West – something we’re all really excited about given the retailer has roots in Cumbria, just like Aqua Pura.”
The new 1.5L bottles will be available in multi-packs of 6 and on shelves in Booths from the end of March, and in Sainbury’s supermarkets later this spring.
Cockail -inspired kombucha
A London-based entrepreneur and lawyer is harnessing his passion for food and drinks to launch his own range of natural, low sugar, alcoholic beverages that utilise probiotic-rich organic kombucha.
The new brand, Happy J’s, has launched online with two flavors flavours inspired by cocktails: the iconic mojito reimagined in Mint & Lime, and a tropical homage to the mango daiquiri in Mango & Ginger.
It was during a trip to the US that Happy J’s founder Jake Filson developed a taste for kombucha, and an interest in bringing an alcoholic version to the UK.
“Two years ago I was on the corporate hamster wheel,” he said. “I quit my job and went to see a mate in California, and was blown away by the functional drinks market out there. I tasted alcoholic “hard” kombucha, and I was amazed to discover it didn’t exist in the UK.
“During lockdown, I started brewing my own kombucha at home and experimenting with kombucha cocktails. I saw hard seltzers picking up traction as a low sugar, low calorie alternative to sickly sweet cocktails in a can, and I thought I could provide the consumer with a similar alternative but by adding kombucha, I could offer something that was functional and more flavoursome."
Original New York Hard Seltzer
Original New York Seltzer (ONYS) is jumping into hard seltzer with the launch of Original New York Hard Seltzer, an alcoholic version of the brand’s OG seltzer.
Original New York Seltzer was founded in 1981 by father and son duo Alan and Randy Miller. By the ‘90s, ONYS ceased to exist but was brought back to life in 2015.
Available in four flavors—Black Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Raspberry—Original New York Hard Seltzer contains 5.5% ABV and is vegan and gluten-free; uses real fruit flavor and comes in at 130 calories and 5g of sugar per can.
Original New York Hard Seltzer is brewed by BrewDog USA and is available across the US.
Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer - coconut
Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer is launching its Essential Collection: a drink made with coconut water and fruit juice.
The range comes in four flavors: Blueberry Watermelon; Strawberry Guava; Berry Hibiscus and Kiwi Lime.
Each can contains 90 calories and zero added sugar, and is available across the US.
