What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Low ABV schnapps
Low ABV vodka schnapps Flävar Salted Caramel and Flävar Raspberry & Licorice (both 25% ABV) will be available at Swedish Spirit Supermarket chain Systembolaget from May 1, a first step in the brand’s plan for European retail expansion.
Flävar is a ‘clear spirit, full of flavor yet low in alcohol’ and reports encouraging sales in the UK on-trade with over 100k bottles sold since launching in May 22.
“Flävar brings together a unique combination of popular Swedish flavors, best served as a chilled shot, yet smooth enough to work in longer drinks,” says the brand. “Flävar was further inspired by the Swedish concept of Fika, a traditional Swedish ritual that emphasises the importance of connection, of taking a time out, and enjoying a sweet treat or two.
“Flävar was created for fun and indulgent celebrations catering for those that are now looking for moderation, yet not compromising on punchy flavors.”
Inspired by Founder Rolf's Scandinavian heritage, Flävar's retro refresh of the schnapps category is timed to coincide with celebratory at home drinking occasions such as the coronation of King Charles and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Black 1752 launches in the US
Amber Beverage Group launching BLACK 1752 in the US this month: a blend of herbal infusions, dark Caribbean rum, orange, and vanilla notes, laced with a mix of spices.
The US launch follows its debut in Europe last fall.
“The product derives from one of the oldest herbal bitters brands in the world, Riga Black Balsam, an original drink which is made in Riga, Latvia,” explains the brand. “The name was created from two of the attributes of this historic product: ‘BLACK’ representing the style of the liquid, which is dark in colour, and the date ‘1752’ which is the year when the original Riga Black Balsam brand was launched. Happily, 17:52 is also the time of day when people might be preparing for the cocktail hour and this drink is a ‘party’ brand so is perfect for that time of day.
“This is a contemporary recipe, using a grain spirit, crafted to appeal to those who enjoy spiced rums. It is designed for a new generation of consumers who are looking for new and original drinks choices. BLACK 1752 - packaged in a 70cl bottle at 70 proof - is made in Riga, Latvia, at Amber Latvijas balzams, a traditional craft distillery wholly owned by Amber Beverage Group and which has been in operation since 1900.
BLACK 1752 is being distributed in the USA by Espiritus Group. Initially it will be available in seven states: California, Washington, Louisiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Georgia. It is designed as both an on-premise and off-premise item.
“We think that American consumers who are looking for something elegant and different will embrace this brand. Packaged in its elegant, embossed bottle with an eye-catching bright orange and black label, this product stands out in terms of both appearance and taste. It is a great quality, smooth spiced spirit that will light up any party as it is easy to serve and enjoy in very simple cocktails, with just a favorite mixer such as cola, or poured neat as a shot or to sip. It is also great for those who appreciate shots.”
Tribeology RTD cocktails
Tribeology Cocktails, a range of 8% ABV ready-to-drink cocktails, will launch across the UK this month.
The cocktail brand will launch into over 275 Sainsbury’s stores with plans to grow its presence through its website, Amazon, and further retail distribution.
“Aiming to buck the trend of poor-quality, low ABV canned cocktails and positioning itself between those and higher-ABV, 10% & above offerings, Tribeology Cocktails has an uncompromising approach to quality and flavor at a competitive price point,” says the brand.
“Developed in partnership with a top UK mixologist, the Tribeology cocktail range will initially launch with four cocktails with new product development planned for later in the year.”
The range will consist of four popular classics including a Passionfruit Martini, Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri and Mojito, using real fruit juices, purees and natural ingredients such as Madagascan vanilla and Mexican limes alongside premium spirits.
Tribeology Cocktails will sit alongside hard seltzer, Bodega Bay, in Tribeology LTD’ expanding portfolio. Both of the brands, Tribeology Cocktails and Bodega Bay hard seltzer, are B Corp certified.
Tribeology Cocktails are priced at £2.75 per 250ml can.
Relaunch for Lipton
Britvic has announced a relaunched Lipton Ice Tea range in Great Britain and Ireland with a modernized design and packaging makeover for all flavors.
The packaging refresh is also accompanied by a reduction in sugar across the core range of Peach, Lemon (both with a 33% reduction in sugar) and Green Mint & Lime (with a 29% sugar reduction).
“Half of shoppers say they are actively reducing the amount of sugar they consume [Mintel], which makes it the perfect time for Lipton’s relaunch,” says Britvic, which has an exclusive licence with PepsiCo to make and sell the brand in Great Britain and Ireland.
“The new and improved drinks will maintain Lipton’s refreshing fruity taste and offer shoppers a lower sugar alternative, without compromising on great flavor.”
'Living soda'
Fhirst Living Soda, an all-natural, zero-sugar beverage combining gut-friendly probiotics and prebiotics, has launched in the UK.
Promising a great-tasting, guilt-free soda that promotes gut, immune and brain health, Fhirst launches with Cherry Vanilla, Passion Fruit and Ginger Mandarin flavors, with a RRP from £2.49/330ml can.
“Featuring distinctive, contemporary packaging, Fhirst’s unique proposition is aimed at males and females, aged 18-48 years old, who all have a ‘Fhirst’ for life and are seeking the very best in healthy, functional beverages," explains the brand.
Founded by Steven Van Middelem, a beverage industry expert who is passionate about helping consumers make healthier choices, the brand aims to create a new high-growth category of ‘Living Sodas’.
“Identifying a gap in the market for a functional soda that over-delivered on taste and health, minus the usual sugars or artificial sweeteners, Van Middelem’s goal was to introduce a science-backed health drink that combined the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics into one drink with a popular soda taste profile and maximum kerb appeal,” says the brand.
“Two years in the making, Fhirst are ‘Living Sodas’ thanks to the living gut-friendly bacteria (probiotics) inside the can. The probiotic strain used in Fhirst is one of the most studied in the world and each serving offers 2 billion live cultures, micro-encapsulated for stability and allowing controlled release in the gut. This method also ensures the health benefits are as strong at the end of the products’ shelf life as on day one (they have a 365-day shelf life).
"Fhirst Living Sodas have the added benefit of 5 grams of prebiotic dietary plant fiber as well as zinc and, unlike some functional beverages, absolutely no sugar, artificial ingredients or sweeteners.”
Blue Tea Jasmine
Sparkling Botanicals by Rishi’s newest flavor is launching this month: with Blue Tea Jasmine rolling out at retail in the US.
According to Jeffrey Champeau, President of Sparkling Botanicals by Rishi: "The beverage is our ode to Butterfly Pea Flower, the beguiling and brilliant blue flower tea of Thailand. The R&D innovation team at Sparkling Botanicals thought to combine it with our signature Moonlight Jasmine Green Tea, fragrant lemongrass and zesty lemon to create something entirely new and bold.
"We discovered that this blend of botanicals creates an uncanny Concord grape aroma and beautiful purple infusion using all natural ingredients."
Honey Melon premium vodka
CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is launching a new limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon.
CÎROC Honey Melon is a “full-bodied spirit made with vodka distilled from fine French grapes and infused with melon, honey and other natural flavors, resulting in a taste experience that is lusciously different and elegantly smooth. Encased in an emerald-hued bottle that embodies old-school grandeur with a modern twist, CÎROC Honey Melon revitalizes the appeal for a more inclusive generation.”
The limited-edition flavor will launch with the 'No Reservations Needed' campaign, featuring visuals that portray 'a reimagined country club experience explored through the lens of a diverse group of young adults that challenge the concept of class and exclusivity in a modern world where everyone is invited'.
Poppi launches new flavor
Prebiotic soda brand Poppi is launching a new flavor, Grape.
Poppi is a ‘better-for-you’ prebiotic soda infused with apple cider vinegar. Every can is made with 1 tablespoon of ACV and is formulated with 2g of prebiotic dietary fiber, real fruit juice and natural sweeteners and contains less than 20 calories and under 5g of sugar.
Grape joins fruit and classic flavors such as classic cola, root beer, strawberry lemon, watermelon and more.
Casa Azul organic tequila
Casa Azul – founded by serial beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins and known for its RTD tequila sodas – has launched its new Organic Tequilas supported by a partnership with investor Eiza González, the Mexican-born actress.
Casa Azul Organic Tequila ‘focuses on craft production, using a uniquely plant-first, single estate approach – resulting in Tequila that showcases the vibrant character and flavor of the agave plant with an exceptionally smooth finish.’
“Casa Azul Organic Tequila is committed to crafting Tequila the right way, not the easy way,” says the brand. “This means growing our own agaves to full maturity on a single estate, with no additives (no coloring, flavoring, sweeteners, or glycerine). Three generations of farming knowledge tend to every plant by hand – planting, cleaning, harvesting all without pesticides or chemicals, USDA Certified Organic. The agaves are baked in stone ovens, capturing true flavor, and then the Tequila is rested for 2 to 3 months before bottling, creating smooth, soft character.”
Casa Azul Organic Tequila is distributed by RNDC, and is launching in CA, AZ, CO, TX, LA, IL, MD, DC, VA, SC, GA, and FL, and rolling out across major markets this year. The tequila is available in three expressions with the following SRPs: Casa Azul Organic Blanco ($69), Casa Azul Organic Reposado ($89), and Casa Azul Organic Añejo ($129).
Yerba Mate Tea Hard Seltzers
Colorado’s Breckenridge Brewery has launched Good Company Yerba Mate Tea Hard Seltzers, a new line of 5% ABV hard seltzers sold in a 12-pack.
“Yerba Mate Tea interest is on the rise, and our new seltzers offer a light, refreshing and healthy beverage option for spring sipping," says the brewery.
“This line combines the light and easy drinking refreshment of a hard seltzer with the herbaceous and bittersweet character of the Yerba Mate tea.
"The taste of tea pairs effortlessly with four fruit flavors: Yuzu, Mixed Berry, Orange, and Blueberry.”
