Retail & Shopper Insights

Dunkin’ rolls out new packaging and Energy Cold Brew drink

By Beth Newhart

After announcing in September that the popular US-based coffee and donut chain would change its name from Dunkin’ Donuts to just Dunkin’, it’s officially launching the new brand identity in packaging and store design nationwide.

“If the spirits industry had the same access to consumers as wine, they could build a market worth billions of dollars.

State of the industry: What’s to come for alcohol in 2019

By Beth Newhart

The past year has seen the continued growth of craft beer and craft spirits, an increased number of microbreweries, and a rise in experiential drinking. Now the alcohol industry looks ahead to 2019 and what to expect for US drink trends, flavors and regulations.

Flow Water gets functional with new CBD-infused line

Flow Alkaline Spring Water gets functional with new CBD-infused line

By Mary Ellen Shoup

When Flow Alkaline Spring Water was looking to launch its next big idea in bottled water – a functional water infused with CBD (cannabidiol) and other botanical ingredients – it went to directly to the source: its four million US customers that the Canadian...

'Manufacturers must focus on targeting quality-focused consumers; and offer an authentic consumption experience.' Pic: Getty/semensalivanchuk

Asia-Pacific spirits sector to grow by over $100bn by 2022

By Beth Newhart

The APAC region is seeing growth in health and wellness awareness, influencing spirits purchasing behavior. About 52% of consumers are now looking for options that ‘align with their health and wellbeing.’

With the rise of diets such as keto, paleo & gluten-free, there'll be a move to develop corresponding labelling & certification on products, says Koia

Koia launches keto-friendly drinks

By Beth Newhart

Koia, known for its plant-based RTD smoothies, is introducing Koia Keto in the new year. The high-fat and low-carb beverages claim to help achieve ketosis, a main component of the trendy ketogenic diet. It represents a growing opportunity for brands to...

Mountain Dew launches gaming-inspired drinks

Mountain Dew launches gaming-inspired drinks

By Beth Newhart

PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew brand has launched Mtn Dew Amp Game Fuel in the US: a line of drinks designed by video gamers and optimized for ‘an enhanced gaming experience’ with features such as a no-slip grip, resealable lid, and ingredients for alertness.

Most spirits without a mass-market audience are confined to serving their local region and rely on word of mouth to buoy sales. Shots Box wants to change that.

Box it up: Craft spirits expand with curated subscriptions

By Beth Newhart

With the growing affinity for craft alcohol in the US, startup company Shots Box delivers a range of craft spirits samples to the subscription box market. It expands the footprint of craft distillers who would otherwise be limited by regional distribution.

The 2018 holiday cups have four designs using colors and patterns that evoke nostalgia for Starbucks' history.

Starbucks launches reusable cups for the holidays

By Beth Newhart

The holidays are officially kicking off at US and Canada Starbucks stores on November 2 with the return of its winter products, fresh seasonal designs and a new reusable cup.

SodaStream talks PepsiCo deal and eliminating plastic packaging in 2019

'By making this acquisition, PepsiCo is making a very strong statement about reduction of plastic'

SodaStream talks PepsiCo deal and eliminating plastic packaging in 2019

By Beth Newhart

In August PepsiCo announced it will acquire SodaStream, and since then SodaStream has continued to grow. And while the acquisition may make a 'strong statement' about plastic reduction, SodaStream says this isn't just about two companies:...

The RTD coffee category has exploded as consumers continuously prioritize convenience in their everyday routines.

Nescafé brings texture and functionality to RTD coffee

By Beth Newhart

Coffee giant Nescafé will launch two new RTD coffee drinks next year: eyeing up a new world of texture and functionality for coffee lovers with its Cold Whipped Lattes and Coffee Protein Smoothies.

Reliquum plum, a new gin, uses unwanted fruit.

What's hitting the shelves? New product launches: October

By Rachel Arthur

In the northern hemisphere beverage launches take on an autumnal theme - take for example Cinnamon Coke or Bacardi Ginger - while in the southern hemisphere non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0 launches in Australia ready for the summer. We take a look at some...

70% of millennials wish their pace of life would slow down. Pic: ©GettyImages/Alex Tihonovs / EyeEm

Wine has room to grow in small formats

By Beth Newhart

More millennials are drinking wine, looking for high-end options with low price tags. And on demand online grocery shopping is causing brands to rethink their brick-and-mortar strategy.

Dunkin' will continue focusing on menu innovation, including more in-store and RTD beverages launches.

“Our goal is to transform Dunkin' into a beverage-led, on-the-go brand.”

Just call them Dunkin’: DD drops the ‘donuts’ and focuses on drinks

By Beth Newhart

In a week of major changes, Dunkin’ Donuts confirmed it’s dropping the ‘Donuts’ from its name, launches its first canned RTD beverage and announces a limited edition coffee beer in collaboration with Harpoon Brewery.

AI beer, robotic cocktail makers, and connected cocktail libraries - what next for digital?

Guest article

Digital remains untapped by drinks firms

By Jon Reay, founder, Rewrite Digital

By 2022, global market intelligence firm IDC forecasts that 80% of enterprise revenue growth will depend directly on digital offerings and operations. And yet alcohol is trailing most other sectors when it comes to digital, write Jon Reay of Rewrite Digital.

Cacao, Cafe Mocha and Original will be available exclusively on Amazon.co.uk starting September 18.

Soylent ‘cult following’ in the US leads to UK launch

By Beth Newhart

Popular meal replacement drink Soylent launches in the UK this week, hoping to capitalize on its US success with its first global expansion. With research showing that skipping meals is becoming more commonplace in the UK, Soylent believes it can fill...

pic:istock/monticello

Starbucks opens first Italian store this week

By Rachel Arthur

The first Starbucks in Italy will open in Milan this week: hoping to entice drinkers in a country known for its coffee with an immersive retailing experience and specialty coffee. It is also partnering with Milanese bakery Princi to add a local flavor...

SodaStream celebrated the deal by promoting a 20% off sale on its website on Monday. Pic: ©GettyImages/champlifezy@gmail.com

PepsiCo buys SodaStream for $3.2bn

By Beth Newhart

PepsiCo announced Monday that it has acquired Israel-based SodaStream International for $144 per share in a deal valued at $3.2 billion.

Alcohol accounts for 4.7% of brick-and-mortar grocery sales in the US - and just 0.7% online. Diageo's Distill Ventures explains why.

Digital natives? ‘Drink brands are behind the times’

By Rachel Arthur

Mainstream culture has seen huge changes with the rise of social media, the internet, ecommerce and smartphones. Innovation and disruption has turned many industries upside down when it comes to retail and marketing, but to date the drinks industry has...

Accessibility advocates are calling for these plastic straw bans to be flexible and not so absolute. Pic: ©GettyImages/jon11

Disney to eliminate plastic straws from all locations

By Beth Newhart

The Walt Disney Company has announced it will be the latest major corporation to cut down on plastic waste by phasing out single-use straws, joining the ranks of Starbucks and McDonald’s. Disney will phase them out of its global theme parks by 2019.

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