This week’s round-up of beverage NPD also includes limited edition kombucha launches and non-alcoholic aperitivos, as beverage companies continue to innovate in the space to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
Kick Fizz
Kick Fizz is launching its hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and CBD-infused sparkling beverages in the US.
The drink is designed as an alternative to alcohol that doesn’t compromise on flavor, experience or social enjoyment.
Kick Fizz comes in two versions: Day Drinking and Evening Buzz. Day Drinking combines 2mg hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, 2mg CBD, and 25mg caffeine in Lemonberry Ice (a zesty twist of tart lemon and ripe mixed berries) delivering a light uplift perfect for daytime socializing.
Evening Buzz, featuring 2mg hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and 2mg CBD in a smooth Black Cherry Vanilla profile, offers a mellow, hangover-free way to unwind.
Cherry buzz
Nowadays, a cannabis-infused spirit brand, has launched a new limited edition flavor: cherry.
The 750ml bottle is infused with 5mg THC per 1.5oz serving, offering a light and social buzz within 15 minutes.
This cherry-flavored cannabis-infused spirit offers a refreshing, uplifting experience with sweet cherry notes and a crisp finish. It can be mixed, sipped or served over ice.
Beefeater Grapefruit
London Dry Gin brand Beefeater is launching a new innovation this spring: with Beefeater Grapefruit making its debut in the Nordics and key Eastern European markets including Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Designed for urban explorers looking for refreshing and exciting new experiences with friends, the new launch brings a fresh taken on a classic, fusing Beefeater’s iconic distilled gin with a rebellious hit of bold, zesty and wonderfully zingy grapefruit.
Distilled in the heart of London in a traditional copper still, Beefeater Grapefruit (37.5% ABV) has been created using the classic Beefeater London Dry recipe as its base, with added natural grapefruit flavors to enliven Beefeater’s citrus botanicals whilst maintaining the depth, integrity and subtle juniper notes that sit at the heart of Beefeater gin.
Toni Ingram, Global Strategy, Portfolio & Innovation Director, Gins said: “Grapefruit is one of the most searched for flavored spirits and Beefeater continues to fuse together over 200 years of London craft and innovation with these changing consumer attitudes in mind. Our consumers are looking for dynamic experiences as they explore their vibrant cities, and Beefeater Grapefruit will give them a truly exceptional moment to savor.”
Nescafé Espresso Concentrated launches in the UK
Nescafé Espresso Concentrated range has launched in the UK, the first market in a European rollout.
Nescafé is already the top-selling coffee brand in the UK, and the Nescafé Espresso Concentrated range is designed to build on that by enabling cold coffee lovers to craft their own barista-style iced coffee from the comfort of their own homes.
Traditionally a tea market, the UK now has more regular coffee drinkers (63%) than tea drinkers (59%), in part due to the versatility of coffee.
The Nescafé Espresso Concentrated range allows consumers to make their own personalized iced beverage: be it a creamy iced latte, a robust iced americano, or even mix it in a refreshing twist with lemonade or juice. Because the concentrate easily dissolves in water or milk, coffee drinkers can create café-style beverages in an instant.
“With its growing popularity among younger generations, cold coffee continues to drive growth in the coffee category,” said Axel Touzet, Head of Nestlé’s Coffee Brands Strategic Business Unit. “Nescafé Espresso Concentrated captures what young people want in an iced coffee: convenience, personalization and quality.”
Each bottle of Nescafé Espresso Concentrated contains 16 servings and is available in three flavors: vanilla, caramel and classic.
Blood orange kombucha
South London’s Momo Kombucha is launching another new seasonal kombucha: with limited edition Blood Orange Kombucha.
MOMO’s latest collaboration with Natoora (an organization whose mission is to create a more meaningful and responsible food system) uses vibrantly-colored Moro Blood Oranges from Sicily. Known for their bright citrus acidity and deep berry-like sweetness, these oranges thrive when the gap between day and night temperatures is at its most extreme.
Momo’s limited-edition kombucha blends these oranges with raw and unfiltered kombucha, with its sturdy base of tea, a touch of raw cane sugar, alongside a hint of hibiscus and elderflower to round out the bright and zingy flavours.
Natoora and MOMO are natural partners, having collaborated on many seasonal kombuchas to date, including February’s annual Forced Rhubarb Kombucha, their Winter Green Mandarin Kombucha, and summer’s juicy Watermelon Kombucha.
Splash Refresher Sparkling
Splash Refresher is launching Splash Refresher Sparkling: a bold, bubbly new addition to the lineup.
The new launch has zero sugar, zero calories and no artificial colorings. It comes in four new flavors:
- Kiwi Watermelon: The tart essence of kiwi meets the juicy sweetness of watermelon in every bubbly sip.
- Rocket Freeze: Cool layers of blue raspberry, cherry, and lime deliver a nostalgic blast of flavor.
- Blood Orange: A citrusy fusion of brightness and subtle sweetness that invigorates with every sip.
- Black Cherry: Bright cherry notes with a hint of zero-calorie sweetness for a perfectly refreshing moment
Splash Refresher Sparkling launches across US retailers this month.
Bolle Spritz Classico
Bolle Drinks has launched Bolle Spritz Classico, a premium ready-to-drink non-alcoholic aperitivo designed for those seeking a refreshing alternative without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
With an ABV of less than 0.5%, Bolle Spritz Classico is crafted using a natural fermentation process to authentically capture the essence of a traditional spritz.
This aromatised wine-based cocktail is made in a similar manner to Bolle’s award winning Blanc de Blancs but with an added proprietary blend of natural flavors. It features a refreshing burst of bitter orange, complemented by zesty citrus notes and herbal undertones, with a subtle sweetness that balances its lively, aromatic profile.
Bolle Spritz Classico also contains 60% fewer calories than the average alcoholic spritz.
Ready-to-drink, Bolle Spritz Classico is now available for purchase in 750ml bottles with an RRP of £19.99.
