What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Peroni introduces Peroni 0.0 to the US
Italian import lager Peroni Nastro Azzurro is bringing its non-alcoholic beer, Peroni 0.0 (pictured above), to the US in select regions in early 2023.
The lager will launch as consumers increasingly gravitate toward non-alcoholic beers, boosting the segment more than 15% versus last year, according to IRI data, while alcohol-free above-premium beers have grown more than 30%.
“Peroni 0.0 has been formulated to get as close to the classic Peroni taste as possible,” said Joy Ghosh, vice president of marketing for above premium brands.
Peroni's plans for 2023 also include reiterating its Italian heritage in retail and the on-premise.
Molson Coors and Coca-Cola to launch Topo Chico canned cocktails
The Topo Chico trademark will move into spirit-based, ready-to-drink cocktails in 2023: with Molson Coors Beverage Company expanding its exclusive agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to develop and commercialize the new line.
"Taking inspiration from the popular cocktails made in bars and restaurants today, Topo Chico Spirited will bring something completely different to our aisle," said David Coors, Molson Coors' vice president of next generation beverages. "We believe Topo Chico Spirited will shake up the canned cocktail space with unparalleled flavors and a legacy rooted in the iconic 125-year-old master-brand."
Coming to more than 20 markets across the US in 2023, Topo Chico Spirited will be made with 100% real spirits, including premium tequila from Jalisco, and will feature a line-up of familiar cocktails.
Topo Chico Spirited will initially launch in select states, including TX, CO, OK, KS, MO, CA, AZ, NM, NV, WA, FL, AR, MS, TN, GA, LA, IL, WI, OH, MN, MI, VA (Includes DC).
Highball Cocktails launches new format
Highball Cocktails is launching a new 75cl sharing bottle for its non-alcoholic cocktail brand, which will be sold initially through Direct Wines.
Founder, Kate Johnson, said: “Demand for this larger format is driven by both consumers wishing to take a bottle out with them to a party, or as a gift but also for sharing at home as it becomes increasingly typical for more than one person in a household to be cutting down their alcohol-intake. We’re delighted that it will be sold across the Direct Wines portfolio as they cater to consumers looking for convenient and great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives.”
The brand launched in the UK in 2019 and now exports to 18 markets worldwide.
Boochcraft organic hard kombucha
San Diego-based hard kombucha company Boochcraft is launching a new seasonal flavor, Spiced Pear, for the fall and winter months.
Spiced Pear uses California Bosc and Bartlett pears ‘combined with luscious holiday spice and toasted American oak for a warming, autumnal escapade’. The 7% ABV drink pairs well with nuts & cheese, fall salads and any lighter dishes such as sauteed mushrooms, lightly seasoned tofu or vegetable curries.
Spiced Pear is available at $15.99 for a 6-pack via Drizly.
Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple
Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple, a limited-time offering, has launched in the US.
“Whether you are taking to the ice, hitting the slopes or warming up by the fire, Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple will give you wiiings for any adventure," says the brand.
"Break the ice and try something new this winter with a can of Winter Edition Fig Apple, with tasting notes of sweet apple, a hint of fig and caramel, and a crisp, wintry finish.”
Available in 8.4 fl oz, available in single serve and a 4-pack, and 12 fl oz spruce colored, matte cans, Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple is already available in Kroger and will be sold at retailers nationwide starting October 31, while supplies last.
Hrbvor launches herbal iced teas
Hrbvor (pronounced her-bi-vore), a herbal iced tea brand, is launching its line of still and sparkling teas having debuted the products at Expo East’s Harvest Festival last month.
“Featuring artfully infused organic herbs in exotic blends with functional benefits, Hrbvor caters to wellness-conscious families seeking healthier drinking options,” explains the brand. “Lightly sweetened with a touch of honey, Hrbvor teas are a guilt-free treat that appeals to the taste buds of all ages, conveniently available in 12oz. sizes for adults and 8oz. for children.”
The herbal tea category consists almost entirely of teabags and loose leaf teas: with Hrbvor describing its product as the first dedicated herbal iced tea brand, aiming to bring this large market even more mainstream as a ready to drink (RTD) product for convenient consumption.
“Hrbvor gives families the ability to upgrade their drinking habits with incredibly healthy and delicious organic herbal iced teas,” said Zahira Marmar, Hrbvor Founder and Chief Tea Brewer. “Juices and sodas are some of the leading sources of American families’ high sugar intake, associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more. Hrbvor is an alternative delicious refreshment that supports health with phytonutrients scientifically shown to be anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting. In other words, sugary drinks undermine our health, whereas our herbal iced teas nourish and protect our health.”
The teas came be found in premium grocery and health food stores in NJ and NY in three varieties:
- Revive: ‘Tart and earthy with a cool finish featuring organic hibiscus flowers, moringa leaves, lemongrass, and peppermint leaves naturally rich in essential minerals and electrolytes to replenish our bodies after the gym, carpool, or marathon meetings.’
- Calm: ‘Mellow and floral with a hint of citrus featuring organic chamomile flowers, passionflower, lemon balm leaves, and butterfly pea flowers to create pockets of centered calm throughout the day and wind down at night.’
- Focus: ‘Full bodied herbal bouquet featuring organic tulsi (holy basil) leaves, rosemary leaves, sage leaves, and sweet basil leaves for a concentration companion at your desk or anywhere your brain needs to perform at its best.’
Non-alcoholic brand announces US launch
Copenhagen-based ISH is launching its line of hand-crafted non-alcoholic (NA) sparkling wines, spirits, and cocktails across the US.
The ISH portfolio includes two non-alcoholic sparkling wines; three NA spirits that mimic Rum, Gin, and Tequila (Caribbean Spiced Spirit, London Botanical Spirit, and Mexican Agave Spirit); and three canned NA cocktails (Spritz, G&T, and Lime Daquiri).
ISH was created by Copenhagen-based Morten Sørensen. The portfolio was developed by a team of beverage science experts using an approach to mimic as closely as possible the original beverage, minus the alcohol. ISH is now available in the US through importer/distributor ZeroProof, based in Atlanta Georgia.
Damson and Sloe Berry Tonic Water
Fever-Tree’s ‘Refreshingly Light Damson & Sloe Berry Tonic Water’ is set to return to UK supermarket shelves this autumn, following last year’s success.
Designed to complement the seasons, Damson & Sloe Tonic Water replaces the brand’s summer limited edition, Passionfruit and Lime Tonic Water, which will be back on shelves next March.
“Made from hand-picked damsons from the fields and hedgerows of Herefordshire and foraged wild sloes from the foothills of the Black Mountains, this Autumn / Winter edition makes for the ultimate seasonal sip. With warming spice including cardamom, star anise, nutmeg and cinnamon, it is a stunning staple to add to your drinks cabinet,” says the brand.
“Fever-Tree prides itself on crafting with care: working with smaller suppliers, with ingredients sustainably sourced, and with no artificial sweeteners, colorings or preservatives. The rich, vibrant fruity tartness of damson combines perfectly with the intensity of the sloe, with the resulting tonic an enticing plum color, evoking the autumnal hues of the English countryside.”
The tonic water has been designed to be used in a G&T; alone over ice; or in a ‘Damson and Sloe Fizz’ with Cointreau and Prosecco.
