Our weekly round-ups cover the latest innovation from around the world. Now, our monthly review is here to see what beverages are tapping into core trends and have real runway to grow.
Will GLP-1 products really make their way into the mainstream? Could tea concentrates offer a new lease of life to the category? This month’s round-up puts the spotlight on some of beverage industry’s current pioneers.
Okios Fusion
Danone has made two big plays in the new GLP-1 world. One of these is via Kate Farms: with a high-protein plant-based shake formulated with input from GLP-1 users.
The other is Okios Fusion: a dairy drink with a proprietary ‘Advanced Fusion’ blend that enables consumers to build muscle mass but also retain it during weight loss, when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
The drink is available in a 7 fl oz format with 5g of prebiotic fiber and essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins B3, B12, A, D and calcium.
It’s all very well looking at the number of GLP-1 users (more than 1 in 10 Americans have used a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, according to a survey this month).
Does that translate into an opportunity for the beverage industry? Danone’s launches are testing the waters.
Spindrift Cranberry
Spindrift’s latest launch doesn’t overthink it. It takes a much-loved seasonal flavor - cranberry - and puts it into sparking water for clean, fruit-forward refreshment, with no added sugar, made with real fruit, and never from concentrate.
Cranberry Punch blends tart Pacific Northwest cranberries with juicy California citrus (grapefruit, lemon, orange) for a bright, lively twist on the classic punch bowl.
Cranberry Raspberry, meanwhile, brings in the sweetness of ripe raspberries for an extra twist.
Spindrift launched in 2010 and has helped build up the sparkling water category as an alternative to soda.
Bloom: Crisp Apple Sparkling Energy
Another fall favorite flavor - apple - looks set to propel Bloom’s Sparkling Energy line further forward.
The limited-time flavor delivers the crisp, juicy taste of a freshly picked apple. But that’s accompanied by a strong dose (180g - or around double a standard coffee) of clean caffeine from green coffee bean extract, alongside L-theanine and ginseng for cognitive function and a sense of calm. The drink also contains prebiotics.
Bloom’s launch brings together the natural energy category with other functional attributes and gut health.
Lipton tea concentrates
Nestle and Starbucks have taken the concept of coffee concentrates into the mainstream. Can Lipton do the same with tea: and give the category a jolt of energy?
Lipton Tea Concentrates are designed to ‘offer a new take on the fresh brewed iced tea experience - without the need to prep and with the freedom to customize every sip’, according to Alisa Geller, Lipton Brand Director. The tea concentrates can be mixed with water, seltzer, lemonade or juice: offering consumers plenty of customization opportunities.
The 32oz ready-to-mix tea concentrates come in three varieties: Black Tea with Lemon, Green Tea with Lemonade and Southern Sweet Black Tea.
Patron Tequila’s new look
Patron Tequila’s new design means its reduced the average weight of its bottles by 8%: thus contributing to an overall reduction in carbon footprint.
It’s the first design refresh for the super-premium tequila since it was launched in 1989.
The enhanced jewel-like bottle design celebrates the ‘natural heart’ of the product: the agave. And the Patron beer emblem is featured with a luxurious gold finish.
