What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Zoa rebrand
Energy drink ZOA is debuting a new look in 2023 (pictured above): a ‘dramatic rebrand’ that includes brightly colored 12-ounce slim cans and two new flavors, Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Watermelon.
ZOA, which launched in early 2021 with co-founder Dwayne Johnson, was originally packaged in jet-black 16-ounce cans.
“The striking makeover, aimed at modernizing the brand, broadening its appeal and differentiating its look from competitors, primes ZOA - which is sold and distributed by Molson Coors Beverage Company through its distributor network - to take the next step in its continued ascent in the energy drink space,” says the brand.
Meanwhile, transitioning into 12-ounce slim cans is a play to broaden Zoa’s consumer base, with this format dominating the category.
KeVita mango
Sparkling probiotic drinks brand KeVita has just expanded its line of Sparkling Probiotic Lemonades to include a new Mango flavor.
Like all its offerings, KeVita’s new Mango Sparkling Probiotic Lemonade is ‘refreshingly bubbly and brimming with bright, tropical flavor notes’.
Also available in flavors like Classic and Peach and now, Mango, each bottle is packed with live probiotics which deliver good bacteria to the gut, with only 6 grams of sugar and 40 calories or less.
Limited edition tequila
Amber Beverage Group has launched a new addition to its KAH Tequila range - KAH Huichol Limited Edition, a collection of hand-decorated, beaded bottles.
The limited-edition stock of 600 bottles of KAH Extra Añejo Tequila is being released only in the US, available via Caskers. Packaged in a 75cl bottle, the 100% Blue Weber Agave tequila from Mexico is a 80 proof (40% ABV) spirit.
The series of individually numbered bottles is named after the native Mexican tribe who are creating these artworks.
Each bottle is adorned with 22,000 tiny beads, each applied by hand. It takes the craftspeople around 35 hours to complete the decoration of each bottle with designs based on symbols that reflect the deeply rooted cultural traditions of the Huichol tribe. The Huichol people live in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain range, in the North of Jalisco state, near the distillery where super-premium KAH is made.
The symbols include the sun, denoting power; the bird, meaning freedom or a messenger of the gods; the lizard, foreteller of the future; the Mezcal bloom, deemed to be the plant of life; and the deer, a life guide for humans.
The KAH Tequila brand is wholly owned by Luxemburg-headquartered ABG and forms part of the group’s core range.
Cherry Limeade kombucha
Boochcraft hard kombucha has unveiled its newest Liquid Art Lab flavor, Cherry Limeade: which is available across the US.
Liquid Art Lab is a limited edition series that Boochcraft uses as an ‘innovation playground’ to test new flavors with consumers.
“Cherry Limeade is a fresh take on the blast from the past featuring a lighter and brighter buzz and no preservatives or artificial flavoring,” says the brand.
Norwegian gin
Norwegian spirit brand Bareksten Navy Strength Gin is launching in the UK: now available in the UK.
The gin is part of Bareksten Spirits super-premium range of Norwegian craft spirits, comprising gins, absint and aquavit, ‘bottling the essence of Norway and now bringing a taste of dark Norwegian forests to UK bars and homes’.
Forager and master distiller Stig Bareksten launched Bareksten Spirits in 2015. “Distilled at Osscraft Distillery in Bergen, Norway, indigenous herbs, wild berries, and pure Norwegian water are at the heart of Bareksten Botanical Gin,” says the brand.
“Made with 26 botanicals, 90% of which are sourced from the dark Norwegian forests, the Juniper and other berries are renowned for their quality. The premium spirits are potato based, making for a smooth mouthfeel.”
The range comprises: Botanical Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Old Tom Gin, Double Gin, Illsint Absint and the Scandinavian favourite, Botanical Aquavit.
PiQi water kefir
Newly-launched PiQi has created a range of drinks made using water kefir, a fermented, living ingredient with a probiotic punch and immune-boosting benefits.
Available in the UK, the PiQi range features organic ingredients and unique water kefir flavor combinations that include butterfly pea flower and grapefruit and cardamon.
Water kefir has recognized probiotic qualities and can help support healthy gut microbiota, which plays an important role in digestion, weight management, and the immune system, according to Aksana Fitzpatrick, co-founder of PiQi. “We wanted to provide variety to consumers, specifically options outside of the dairy isle with a unique set of probiotic strains to support gut-health and overall wellbeing,” he said.
“A healthy gut is a diverse gut, and we know that diversity of our microbiome decreases with age. Yet there aren’t many strains in general that are used commercially in foods like yogurt for example. You tend to see the same few, which is why we believe that turning to traditional foods and getting naturally occurring probiotics from a variety of fermented foods and drinks, like water kefir, can be a better alternative.”
Peach mojito canned cocktails
Craftwell Cocktails, a sister brand of 2 Towns Ciderhouse which was launched last March, has launched peach mojito in the US states of Oregon and Washington.
“Prioritizing taste above all else, the ready-to-drink Craftwell Cocktails are crafted in the Pacific Northwest with real fruit and carefully selected ingredients that lead to a refreshing and delicious taste,” says the brand.
“Like summer in a glass, the Peach Mojito is crafted with ripe, delectable peaches, a fresh garden mint high kick, and a snappy key lime finish.”
The company’s full line-up of canned cocktails covers Strawberry Margarita, Blueberry Cosmo, Pineapple Margarita, Grapefruit Paloma, and now, Peach Mojito. Each cocktail is 10.5% ABV and available in 12oz ounce cans at retail stores, bars, and restaurants.
