What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Intelligentsia K-Cup pods
Keurig Dr Pepper and Intelligentsia Coffee have launched Intelligentsia in K-Cup pods for the Keurig brewing system, marking the first time the super-premium coffee brand will be offered to consumers in this format.
Chicago-based Intelligentsia has been an American specialty coffee pioneer for more than 25 years, founded by Doug Zell and Emily Mange in 1995.
“New features within the Keurig brewing system, such as MultiStream technology, which uses five streams instead of one to thoroughly and evenly saturate the grounds to extract full flavor and aroma, ensures beloved artisanal brands like Intelligentsia will deliver the quality and taste consumers expect in every Keurig brew,” say the partners.
“Additionally, signature BrewID technology introduced in Keurig’s first connected brewer, the K-Supreme Plus SMART, recognizes the specific K-Cup pod brand, variety and roast and customizes the brew settings to make each cup distinctively delicious.”
Launching this month with retailers across the country as well as online, Intelligentsia K-Cup pods will be offered in two varieties:
- Intelligentsia House: ‘designed to showcase the intrinsic sweetness and lively fruit flavors that characterize one’s favorite coffees. Milk chocolate, citrus and apple are tastes consumers love and are presented here with high-definition clarity’.
- Intelligentsia El Gallo: a ‘wonderfully balanced organic blend with a round mouthfeel and a smooth, candied sweetness. Flavors of citrus and stone fruit meet hints of creamy nougat and caramel, making a thoroughly enjoyable first cup of the day.’
Chupa Chups strawberry cream soda
Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage has launched a Gabunomi Chupa Chups strawberry cream soda.
“Gabunomi has a unique playful taste, popular for cheering up the younger generation in Japan. Now Pokka Sapporo is adding extra excitement to the drink by co-branding with Chupa Chups,” says the Japanese F&B manufacturer.
“The product is inspired by Chupa Chups’ popular flavor Strawberry and Cream, with a milky texture and the best balanced mixture of sourness and sweetness. The packaging, with the appealing logo of Chupa Chups and its colorful wrapper design, is a true eyecatcher on the shelves.”
The drink will be available in the leading convenience stores and supermarkets of Japan.
Non-alcoholic agave-based cocktail
Parch, a non-alcoholic, blue weber agave-based canned cocktail ‘designed for the modern-day drinker’, is launching in the US.
After years in the spirits world (formerly at Diageo), co-founders Ila Byrne and Rudy Aldana debut the new brand with two ‘full-flavored, complex modern beverages that serve as a bridge between familiar cocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives’.
The two flavors are:
- Prickly Paloma: ‘A lovely pairing of Blue Weber Agave, grapefruit, orange bitters, and lime juice, together with floral-tart hibiscus and desert botanicals, create this citrusy bittersweet cocktail. Nutty jicama, sea salt and passionflower round out the profile for a mature zesty refreshment.’
- Spiced Piñarita: ‘A smoky and spicy cocktail combining roasted pineapple with earthy Blue Weber Agave, juicy prickly pear cactus fruit and select desert botanicals. This complex but balanced drink is rounded out with mole bitters, cocoa extract, and chamomile.’
Alcohol-free RTDs
UK company Bax Botanics is launching two luxury alcohol-free tipples, ready mixed in a can.
Food industry veterans Rose and Chris Bax have had over 30 years of teaching within the food and drinks industry about wild flavors and food before setting up their distillery in North Yorkshire. They have now created two drinks: Smooth Sea Buckthorn & Tonic, and Zingy Lemon Verbena & Tonic, which are ‘perfect for picnics and on-the-go enjoyment, refreshing and low-calorie at just 48 calories per can.’
“From sourcing organic and ethically grown botanicals, to using sustainable and recycled materials during production, everything is designed by nature with the idea of inspiring connection with the natural world,” says the duo. “The combination of herbs, berries, roots and botanicals are used to create complex flavors that make them the perfect substitute for boozy, sugary ready-to-drinks this summer.”
Botanical Infusions
Arizona’s Cult Artisan Beverage Co. has launched its Botanical Infusions in Sprouts stores across the US.
Cult, which started by servicing the food industry with coffees and teas, created the Botanical Infusions by taking 100% natural ingredients and then slow-steeping for ‘an amazingly fresh and crisp taste’ in a hydrating drink with zero sugar and zero caffeine.
“On top of all the great attributes, Cult Botanicals provide a tremendous amount of benefits that come with consuming this first-of-its-kind beverage,” says the brand. “The natural ingredients such as hibiscus, elderberry, rooibos, honeybush and more provide tons of antioxidants, electrolytes and other liquid gems no other beverage can offer.”
Flavors include Strawberry Lemon Honeybush, Blackberry Acai Elderberry, and Pomegranate Hibiscus.
Spiked coconut water
Osena Beverage, a new drinks company, has announced national availability of spiked coconut water Osena in the US.
Osena is made using real coconut water with naturally occurring electrolytes, zero sugar and one hundred calories per 12 fluid ounce can at 5% ABV.
The company launched its first two products, Pure Original and Exotic Pineapple, in the Northeastern region of the US last year to ensure that the better-for-you choice was also a better-tasting one. “Surprisingly, we found that people who may not prefer the taste of coconut water by itself, overwhelmingly enjoyed the refreshing and tropical taste of Osena,” said Co-Founder Vicente Surraco.
Osena Spiked Coconut Water is now available in an eight-can variety pack, The Islands Collection, featuring Exotic Pineapple, Ripe Mango, Divine Guava, and Lush Dragon Fruit flavors. Osena is also available in two single-flavor four-packs: Pure Original and Exotic Pineapple. Osena is available in-store in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland and nationwide online.
Bright & Breezy
Barefoot Wine has launched Bright & Breezy, its first lower calorie 6% ABV line.
The new wines – ‘crafted to be fruit-forward, with expressive aromas, a light-bodied mid-palate and clean finish’ – come in Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Rose. “Pairing perfectly with summer fruits, salads and grilled chicken, Bright & Breezy is a perfect addition to summer celebrations and backyard BBQs.”
Each has 70 calories and 2g sugar per serving. The 750ml bottles are available in the US for a suggested retail price of $6.99.
Twenty Third Street distillery
South Australian distillery Twenty Third Street has launched a non-alcoholic signature G&T for ‘Dry July’.
“Available in a convenient 300mL can, this sugar and alcohol-free beverage maintains all the authenticity of the Twenty Third Street Distillery gin and tonic you love, simply without the alcohol,” says the distillery.
“That means you’re still getting the master-distilled botanicals and Riverland citrus you expect, combined with no sugar sparkling tonic for a vibrant and dimensional non-alc option.”
Twenty Third Street Distillery’s Non-Alcoholic G&T is available nationally from independent supermarkets and liquor stores, direct from the Distillery in Renmark and online.
