New beverage launches: Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, Lavazza x Lamborghini coffee, and more

Suja Life is re-launching iconic 80s citrus soda Slice in the US with a new functional focus. Each beverage is formulated with a blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics from soluble vegetable prebiotic fiber, Bacillus subtilus DE111 and Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 – what Suja trademarked as its Gutsy Blend – for a functional take on the soda. Additionally, the beverage is formulated with 5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can.The beverage seeks to bridge two soda eras: traditional soda, and the growing functional carbonated beverage category.The relaunched Slice can is reminiscent of the original 1980 version with similar coloring and logo design, but the newer formulation sports a 5g sugar callout on the top of the can and a ‘healthy soda’ callout towards the bottom. Slice re-launches in Grapefruit Spritz, Lemon Lime, Orange and Strawberry flavors and will be available at select Target, Costco Albertsons and HEB stores with Classic Cola, Ginger Ale and Grape to be launched in the middle of the year.

STIIIZY Seltzers

STIIIZY, the top-selling cannabis brand in the US, is entering the beverage industry with STIIIZY Seltzers, a new line of hemp infused canned beverages ‘designed to uplift your spirits’.

Each STIIIZY Seltzer 12 ounce can is infused with 5mg of Hemp D9 that is designed to help consumers recharge and enhance social moments. The beverages are alcohol-free, low calorie, and low sugar.

Delivering a ‘perfect blend of taste and relaxation’, STIIIZY Seltzers will offer four flavors at launch: Strawberry Kiwi, Watermelon Wave, Caribbean Breeze and mango Tango.

“We expanded into seltzers because we recognize the way our customers enjoy cannabis is expanding to include beverages,” said Darren Blair, Vice President of Business Development at STIIIZY. “We’ve observed the dynamic trends that drive our loyal customers’ behavior and can’t wait to share these flavors inspired by our most popular STIIIZY strains with consumers.”

The global market for cannabis beverages is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2023 to 2030.

Best known for its vape pods, STIIIZY is also ranked number one in flower and extracts, and owns 15% of the cannabis market share in California. Unlike other STIIIZY products, the seltzers are hemp-based, which means they are non-psychoactive inducing. Hemp-infused drinks are made from the part of the cannabis sativa plant that contains little to no THC (less than 0.3%) and generally focus on delivering the nutritional benefits of the hemp plant.

Retailing at $19.99 for a four-pack, STIIIZY Seltzers are currently available for purchase online but will soon be available in select retail locations across the country.

AriZona Beverage’s new launches

AriZona Beverages — known as the makers of the number one ready-to drink Iced Tea in America – is kicking off the new year with new launches.

Starting this month, the company is rolling out a new 22oz can size for Blueberry White, Rx Watermelon, Frost Chillzicle and Mango Dragonfruit.

Meanwhile, the company is unveiling Sour Watermelon and Sour Lemonade Fruit Snacks, available in 5oz bags with an SRP of $2.69 - $3.29.

This marks AriZona’s second confectionery debut in two years, building on its success with fresh, bold flavors crafted from real fruit juice.

And the brand is adding three new flavors to the 34oz PET lineup: Kiwi Strawberry, Blueberry White and Topical Chillzicle.

Mingle Mocktails: Pineapple Paloma

Mingle Mocktails, the Bethenny Frankel-backed sparkling mocktail brand, just dropped a new Pineapple Paloma flavor.

Blending sweet pineapple and zesty grapefruit, the Paloma can be enjoyed as a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink or mixed with a favorite spirit.

Lavazza x Lamborghini

Coffee company Lavazza and luxury supercar brand Lamborghini have teamed up to unveil an exclusive coffee blend.

This collaboration reflects the shared values of both brands: ‘a relentless commitment to precision, quality, and delivering exceptional experiences.’ The Lavazza x Lamborghini coffee blend is carefully crafted to embody the bold spirit of Lamborghini and the refined artistry of Lavazza.

“With its rich, full-bodied flavor and dark roast, this blend delivers a powerful intensity that awakens the senses, much like the exhilarating performance of Lamborghini’s supercars. Its creamy look and bold, intense aroma elevate the coffee experience to a new standard of sophistication,” according to the collab.

This launch marks a continuation of the partnership announced in June 2024, which established Lavazza as the exclusive coffee partner for Lamborghini. As part of the agreement, Lavazza coffee is now served at the Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Bologna and featured at Lamborghini events across Italy and abroad.

Also read → New beverage launches: Red Bull Zero, Tequila Don Julio and more

First sparkling cacaojuice soda launches in the UK

Kaoba - the first sparkling cacaojuice soda to be produced on a large scale in the UK – has launched with two flavors: Original and Garden Mint.

Kaoba is an 100% natural drink made from the often-overlooked pulp of the cacaofruit, ticking boxes when it comes to health, sustainability and innovation.

The cacaofruit is primarily known for its beans, which are used to produce cocoa and eventually, chocolate. However, in traditional cocoa production, only the beans are harvested, leaving behind an astonishing 10 million tonnes of unused cacaofruit annually. Kaoba repurposes this naturally sweet, rich pulp to create its beverage.

The low calorie drink (81kcal per 250ml can) contains just two ingredients – cacaofruit juice and sparkling water – delivering ‘a naturally sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of tropical pineapple, lychee and pear.

“The drinks market is saturated with overly complicated and refined-sugar-laden options,” said Mathew Halford, MD at Kaoba.

“Kaoba offers a sustainable, simple and transparent product for today’s conscious consumers. Kaoba is the perfect companion for active sessions, chilled straight from the fridge at home, at work or even paired with your favorite tipple.

“It’s an honest, simple and refreshingly delicious option that stands out as a tastier, more sustainable alternative to every other drink on the shelves.

“By utilising what was once a discarded by-product, Kaoba supports cacao farmers in South America and reduces waste from cocoa production, helps to limit exploitation and makes a tangible difference for all involved.”

Launching with Original and Garden Mint, two more flavors - Ginger and Acerola Cherry – will follow shortly.