What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Core Hydration+
Premium ‘perfectly pH-balanced’ water brand Core Hydration has expanded with Core Hydration+, a series of nutrient-enhanced waters each formulated to support overall health with functional ingredients such as Vitamin C, Zing, Biotin and L-Theanine and infused with real fruit essences and extracts.
The three debut flavors from the Keurig Dr Pepper brand are:
- Core Hydration+ Immunity contains Vitamin C and Zinc to support a healthy immune system health with a hint of lemon extract.
- Core Hydration+ Calm is infused with L-theanine, an FDA-approved supplement to support relaxation benefits with a clean cucumber taste.
- Core Hydration+ Vibrance: provides consumers with support for healthy skin, hair, and nails with Zinc + Vitamin C + infused with Biotin and a hint of natural grapefruit taste.
“Our research indicates consumers are seeking ways for their beverages to improve physical and emotional well-being,” said Kelli Freeman, Senior Vice President Brand Marketing. “‘Genzennials’ especially are asking for functional attributes plus hydration to support overall wellness, so our team of ingredient, nutrition and flavor scientists created Core Hydration+ to meet these needs and provide great flavors from real fruit extracts and essences.”
CORE Hydration+ products are available in 23.9oz (MSRP $2.99) bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (excludes cap and label) at select grocers and retailers in the US.
Two Shores Rum
Two Shores Rum, a premium golden rum with a unique aging process, is launching in the UK.
Two Shores Rum will appeal to rum drinkers looking to trade up, as well as higher-end whisky and bourbon drinkers seeking something different yet familiar, says the brand. The rum can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.
These sustainably sourced rums are created with the finest pure sugar cane and distilled in the heart of Central America. The 8-year old rum is then aged for a minimum of 6 months on the west coast of Ireland in a range of hand-selected aged Irish whiskey casks. The humid on-the-equator aging, combined with the secondary Irish whiskey finishes, creates a range of rums that are unlike any other on the market. The result is a smooth and complex liquid that is perfect for sipping neat.
The range includes finishes in 19 year old single malt Irish whiskey, Oloroso sherry, rich peated whisky, and Amarone wine casks. And unlike many other rums on the market, Two Shores uses no fill filtration, additives, or colourings.
Two Shores Rum is available from Master of Malt starting from £50 for 70cl.
Minute Maid Aguas Frescas
Minute Maid Aguas Frescas is now available in a chilled 52oz multiserve offering.
The Coca-Cola Company launched Minute Maid Aguas Frescas – a Latin-American inspired juice beverage ‘offering a refreshing twist on juice with a unique, bold taste’ – in March 2022.
The new 52oz multiserve is available in a new pineapple horchata flavor, along with original flavors hibiscus and strawberry.
The new format is available nationwide in the US.
Spiced bourbon
The Watkins Co. – maker of gourmet extracts, spices and flavors – has partnered up with Minnesota-based Prestige Beverage Group to unveil two new flavored bourbon whiskeys with natural flavors: cinnamon apple and spiced orange.
The launch of the two, premium Kentucky bourbon whiskeys – infused with The Watkins Co.’s proprietary blend of flavors and spices – follows the nationwide rollout of Watkins Aromatic Bitters and Watkins Orange Bitters in Fall 2021 and ‘continues to position the brand as a disruptive tastemaker in cocktail culture’.
"For more than 150 years, our company has devoted itself to delivering the highest quality products to our customers who have come to trust us as the flavor experts,” said J.R. Rigley, President of The Watkins Co. "Taking our flavor expertise to the spirits category – and delivering an equally beloved beverage experience – was the next natural extension for our flavor-focused brand. We spent years sourcing the right spirits partner, perfecting the formula, and ensuring the finished product was worthy of the Watkins name."
The Watkins Cinnamon Apple and Spiced Orange Kentucky Bourbon Whiskeys with Natural Flavors are made from 100% Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey and retail for the suggested price of $24.99 per 750 ml, 35% ABV bottle. The proprietary blend is composed of a mash bill containing 51% corn, a requirement for all bourbon, with a softness on the palate that indicates a lower percentage of rye. The bourbon whiskey is aged in charred new American oak barrels and the flavorings are sustainably made, 100% natural, with no dyes or artificial additives.
The bourbon is currently available in select states with a nationwide rollout expected to be complete by April.
Rekorderlig Cider returns to original recipe
Rekorderlig Cider is returning its original style cider recipe to the US market.
In 2020, Rekorderlig transitioned to a new formula, making it one of the lowest-calorie options of any major cider in the US market.
However, after listening to customer feedback, Rekorderlig has decided to revert to its original recipe.
"We've received countless letters and messages from fans who have been asking us to bring back our original recipe," said a spokesperson. "We're thrilled to be able to offer this classic flavor profile once again, and we're confident that our fans will love it just as much as they did when it was first introduced."
Rekorderlig is also launching a new Blood Orange flavor to go along with the current line-up, which includes Strawberry-Lime, Pear, Mango-Raspberry, and Wild Berries.
All 5 core original flavors are available now at select retailers and on-premise locations across the country.
Nettle drinks
Premium UK soft drinks business, Nuisance Drinks, is extending its range with the launch of two new flavors: pink grapefruit and basil; and rhubarb and ginger.
The business began when founder Hugo Morrissey foraged nettles – often considered a nuisance – to make drinks during lockdown.
Nuisance’s Drinks are all low in calories, contain no artificial sweeteners and are suitable for vegans. Nuisance has committed to donating 1% of their sales to Rewilding Britain - a charity dedicated to rewilding the countryside to enhance ecosystems and encourage biodiversity.
Nuisance Drinks are available at various outlets throughout the UK, on Amazon and via their website for £19.99 (12 x 250ml cans).
Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut Edition 12
Monkey 47, an ultra-premium dry gin from Germany’s Black Forest, has released the newest edition of its Distiller’s Cut, available in the US market for a limited time.
Each year, Monkey 47 debuts a new edition of its collectible Distiller’s Cut, which features a Species Rara to complement the 47 botanicals in its signature Dry Gin.
“After embarking on a quest to discover the perfect 48th botanical in the obsessive pursuit of unparalleled quality, Monkey 47 unveiled Galim odoratum, more commonly known as Woodruff, as the Species Rara in the 12th edition, sourced from a familiar landscape – none other than the distillery’s home in the Black Forest,” says the brand.
“Some of the best things are right there under your nose, and this edition’s Species Rara was found in the wooded expanse just beyond the distillery gates. Woodruff, or in German, Waldmeister, is a member of the Bedstraw (Rebiacae) family that owes its unique, pungent aroma to the coumarin it contains.
“With its aromatic profile, Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut Edition 12 is a spicy and elegant Dry Gin that features delicate, almost ethereal top notes of cinnamon and vanilla against a backdrop of extraordinary density and complexity. It is a remarkable taste experience, not only for those who appreciate the refined aroma of Woodruff, but for all who enjoy a high-quality gin sourced from the finest ingredients in the world.”
Enhanced sparkling water
Vancouver-headquartered CENTR Brands has launched CENTR Enhanced sparkling water: a functional beverage with a blend of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients that includes brain health nutrient and nootropic Cognizin citicoline.
The beverage – CENTR’s first outside the CBD category – debuts online with retail locations set to follow.
"CENTR Enhanced is the perfect solution for anyone looking to boost their cognitive abilities," CENTR CEO Arjan Chima said. "Whether you're a student studying for exams, a professional looking to improve your focus at work, or someone just looking to stay sharp, the ingredients inside CENTR Enhanced can help. Our hope is that consumers will incorporate CENTR Enhanced into their daily routine."
Cognizin is Kyowa Hakko USA’s branded form of citicoline, a ‘clinically proven brain health nutrient and nootropic that has been shown to support comprehensive brain health’.
Dr Pepper Strawberries and Cream
Dr Pepper has debuted the newest flavor innovation in its permanent portfolio: Dr Pepper Strawberries and Cream.
Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Regular will be offered in 12 oz. 12 packs and 20 oz. bottles, and Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Zero Sugar will be offered in 12 oz. 12 packs. It is the only strawberry and cream-flavored dark soda in the market today, according to the brand.
"Our expert team of flavor scientists are constantly innovating to bring to life new varieties that will surprise and delight treat seekers and our existing dedicated fans," said Senior Vice President of Dr Pepper Brand Marketing John Alvarado.
"Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream is an exciting evolution for our brand's flavor portfolio as it joins our permanent lineup alongside popular varieties such as Dr Pepper & Cream Soda and Dr Pepper Zero Sugar. We can't wait for people to try this delicious new treat!"
Bang Energy launches in Chile
Bang Energy will be distributed to supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations throughout Chile thanks to an exclusive partnership with Caso & Cia.
Bang will launch in the country with top flavors Wyldin’ Watermelon, Swirly Pop and Mango Bango: with additional SKUs promised for the future. The energy drink contains caffeine, essential amino acids and B vitamins.
