Cannabis-infused seltzers
Michigan cannabis-infused seltzer Happi has expanded into Maine.
The seltzers are made with all-natural, vegan ingredients and contain between 2.5mg- 10mg of THC and 25 calories or under per can.
Happi launches three flavors in Maine: Lemon Elderflower, Raspberry Honeysuckle, and Pomegranate Hibiscus. Mainers are also getting an exclusive taste of Happi’s newest flavor, Lime Wild Mint.
Happi was launched in Michigan in 2021 by Chief Happi Officer Joe Reynolds, who saw an opportunity to develop a precisely dosed cannabis beverage, and President Lisa Hurwitz, a CPG and cannabis industry expert with a career-long focus on women’s brands and products. In Maine, Happi is produced by CannaNectar Canning Co., one of the state’s premier manufacturers of cannabis products.
Relaxation beverages
Recess, a pioneer of relaxation beverages in the US, is expanding its magnesium-infused & functional Mood collection this month.
The three new flavors are Raspberry Lemon, Lime Citrus, Grapefruit Tangerine.
They are infused with Magnesium L-threonate; L-theanine; and Lemon balm.
The drinks are brewed with real fruit, are low in calories, contain no added sugar and are priced at $29.99 for an 8-pack.
Cut Above launches new portfolio of zero proof spirits
Houston-based entrepreneur and artist Andrew Solis has launched Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits, having spent nearly two years working with mixologists and flavor specialists to create a portfolio of four sprits.
The Gin, Agave Blanco, Mezcal and Whiskey have been designed to replicate the flavor profiles, nose, mouthfeel and finish of the original premium spirits: allowing consumers to either reduce or replace the amount of alcohol in a cocktail.
“Through a precise formula of special ingredients from around the world, Cut Above recreates the reactions that not only normally occur in distillation, but upon consumption as well,” explains the brand.
“Starting with pristine neutral pH water, a Master Blender combines natural flavors derived from flowers, herbs, plants, fruits, roots, barks, leaves and vegetables to create an all natural, low calorie, no carb zero proof spirit with less than 1 gram of sugar from the ground up. Unlike some other products in the non-alcoholic space, Cut Above never has any alcohol in it at any stage during the production process making it truly zero proof.”
New Freshie flavors
Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer has launched two new flavors and an eight-can variety pack.
Grapefruit-Guava and Blood Orange-Habanero join the original Freshie Lime flavor. Each drink is made from organic blanco tequila, organic agave nectar, organic natural flavors and sparkling water.
The brand launched in 2021, and in 2022 earned its USDA-Certified Organic seal. Each beverage is non-GMO and gluten-free, with a 12-ounce can containing 99 calories and coming in at 4.5% ABV. The drinks are produced in partnership with a Jalisco-based certified zero-carbon beverage company.
Canned water
Brazilian beverage producer, Socorro Bebidas, has extended its line of Acquíssima mineral water to include beverage cans.
Both SKUs, Personnalité (natural mineral water) and Passion (carbonated mineral water) are now available in 355ml (12oz.) sleek cans.
Over the last decade, still packaged water consumption per capita in Brazil has increased by 105% and continues to take market share from tap and bulk water. Furthermore, Brazil enjoys a high recycling rate for aluminon cans – consistently over 95%.
The cans, which use a matte varnish, ‘add a touch of elegance to the packaging and help it stand out on store shelves, applied to the full body of the can to help boost a premium look and feel to attract consumer attention’, according to supplier Crown Embalagens Metálicas da Amazônia (a subsidiary of Crown Holdings).
Orange energy
UK brand Virtue Clean Energy has launched its newest product, Virtue Clean Energy – Orange, via Ocado and Amazon this month (RRP £1.40 per 250ml can).
Blending oranges and blood oranges, the drink provides a 'fruity, nostalgic and refreshing flavor profile' for consumers to enjoy. It contains 80mg of 100% organic caffeine derived from green coffee beans, plus B-vitamins (B3, B6, B7, B12).
Virtue Drinks contain zero sugar & zero calories, made with all natural ingredients. The drinks are certified Carbon Neutral, non-HFSS, BPA-free, vegan and contain nothing artificial.
Rahi Daneshmand, founder of Virtue Drinks says: “As the demand for clean energy drinks accelerates, with more people seeking healthier alternatives to sugary & artificial energy drinks, offering a clear point of difference with Virtue, as the first all natural, zero sugar & calories range, has helped us fast expand our distribution in the UK and internationally.”
“Orange is clearly a flavor that delivers on sales and up until now there have been very limited clean energy drink options with orange flavors.”
And yet overall, in Sports & Energy drinks, Orange flavored products are the most popular flavor profile in the category with sales values worth £196m (Nielsen latest 52 weeks, WE 30 July 2022).
White Wedding
White Wedding, a new premium vodka brand, has launched in France.
Costing 35 euros for a 70cl, the vodka has been released in anticipation of Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
"Refined and original, this French vodka will accompany your meals with style," says the brand.