Beverage innovation in important. It’s what keeps driving the category forward and helps blurs categories and push boundaries.
Our weekly round-up is here to help you find the white spaces and opportunities in the beverage category.
Starbucks RTD coffee
Starbucks has launched a new RTD range in the US.
The new RTD Starbucks Iced Energy and RTD Frappuccino Lite innovations offer reduced sugar and a convenient energy boost.
Iced Energy comes in three flavors: Tropical Peach, Watermelon Twist and Blueberry Lemonade. The beverages are crafted with 160mg of plant-based caffeine.
Meanwhile, Starbucks Frappuccino Lite features 100 calories, no added sugar and comes in three flavors: Sea Salt Caramel, Creamy Vanilla and Double Chocolate.
Date-sweetened cola
Saudi Arabian brand Milaf Cola, the world’s first date-based soft drink, has launched in the UK.
Dates offer ‘a unique and natural sweetness’, and the drink is aimed at health-conscious individuals in order to offer an authentic and naturally sweetened alternative in the beverage sector.
As a drink ‘packed with superfood goodness’, it is rich in essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium and fiber. It is free from artificial additives, refined sugars or preservatives.
Zayd Idrissi, director of UK Operations and Distributions at Milaf Cola, said: “With Milaf, we are bringing a Saudi-made product to mainstream UK consumers, proving that Saudi brands can compete and lead on an international level.
“The UK is seeing a significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, naturally sweetened beverages, and Milaf is perfectly positioned to meet this demand.
“Our expansion into the UK is just the beginning. We are committed to positioning Milaf as a leading premium beverage brand available in mainstream retail and not just within specialist or ethnic stores. Our goal is to create a category-defining product that represents the strength of Saudi innovation and quality on a global scale.”
Canned cocktails
Pennsylvania-based Holla Spirits is introducing new canned RTD cocktails.
The ‘Crush’ cocktails come in two flavors: orange crush and watermelon crush.
Thanks to updates to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code signed into law last fall, Pennsylvanians can now purchase canned Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails at permitted retailers outside of the state store system.
Holla can be found in over 1,100 locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Fine Wine and Good Spirits retail stores, and additional markets including Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and Florida.
V8 Passionfruit Orange Guava
V8 Energy is expanding its lineup with a limited-time Passionfruit Orange Guava flavor, tapping into the growing demand for functional beverages with natural ingredients.
This new addition blends tangy passionfruit, zesty orange, and sweet guava with caffeine from black and green tea, offering a refreshing, plant-based energy boost.
With just 50 calories, 12g of carbs, and 80mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz can, V8 Energy is designed to deliver a boost without the crash.
Every can also includes a combined serving of veggies and fruit.
Jim Beam Pineapple
Jim Beam is getting ready for summer with the unveiling of its latest flavor innovation, Jim Beam Pineapple.
This new expression blends the bold flavor of pineapple with signature smooth Kentucky straight bourbon –a fresh and flavorful take that adds a tropical piña twist to classic Southern traditions. It infuses the sweetness of pineapple notes with the smooth oak and caramel that bourbon fans know and love.
With its ‘bold flavor and laid-back vibe’, Jim Beam Pineapple offers an inviting introduction for those who find whiskey intimidating and encourages more people to raise a glass together and enjoy it together.
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Designed for versatility, Jim Beam Pineapple can be enjoyed in a variety of refreshing serves, including the Jim Beam Pineapple & Lemon Lime Soda — served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a slice of lime or a Pica y Piña, a bright yet spicy cocktail of Jim Beam Pineapple, lime juice, simply syrup, jalapeños and a tajin rim.
Jim Beam Pineapple (32.5% ABV) is now available nationwide at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750mL bottle.
Tequila RTD cocktails
Olé Cocktail Co is launching a range of cocktails and mocktails in the US.
Coming from Mark Anthony Ventures, the range wants to embrace the ongoing popularity of tequila.
Olé comes in Margarita, Paloma, Chili Mango and Tequila Sunrise Cocktails. The drinks are made with authentic ingredients: premium Blanco Tequila from Jalisco, Mexico; real blue agave nectar, real fruit juices and in some cases a pinch of sea salt.
Olé is launching in California, Arizona and Nevada.
