What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches

HOP WTR Ruby Grapefruit

HOP WTR - a non-alcoholic sparkling water brewed with adaptogens and nootropics as an alternative to beer - has launched the latest addition to its portfolio: Ruby Red Grapefruit.

“With Grapefruit on an upward trend in the worlds of craft beer and sparkling water, it only made sense for HOP WTR to create our own version of the fan-favorite flavor.

“The offering was created in partnership with Brand Ambassador + Mixed Martial Artist Champion Dustin Poirer, and was the brand’s most requested flavor to date.

"In true HOP WTR fashion, Ruby Red Grapefruit boasts a brewer-approved blend of hops and a dose of mood-boosting adaptogens and nootropics with a zesty, tart flavor. The new offering is proudly crafted with no alcohol, calories, carbs, or sugar, and was created to cheer up the summer season with a bright beverage, perfect for summer hydration."

Ruby Red Grapefruit marks HOP WTR’s seventh permanent SKU joining the current fruity lineup of Classic, Mango, Lime, Blood Orange, Ginger Limeade and Peach.

Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free drink

California’s Liquid I.V. has unveiled its new Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free drink.

The formula will be available on shelves nationwide in the flavor Lemon Lime, as well as two new flavors, Green Grape and White Peach.

Liquid I.V.'s Hydration Multiplier in Sugar-Free is the brand's largest innovation launch to date, taking two years to develop and take to market: and the brand says it is the first on the market to launch an allulose-based product at this scale.

“After years of perfecting the formulation, the new Sugar-Free product is more hydrating than water alone, with five essential vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin C), and 3x the electrolytes of the leading sports drinks without the sugar and artificial sweeteners. Offering consumers a solution for better hydration, the first-of-its-kind allulose amino acid blend is Osmolabs certified,” says the brand.

“The Sugar-Free serving sticks offer a high-performing mix of vitamins and electrolytes, with a breakthrough, all-natural, proprietary amino acid blend of L-glutamine, L-alanine and Allulose. Allulose is a rare, naturally-occurring sweetener, found in certain fruits including jackfruit, figs, and raisins. Other Sugar-Free hydration mixes on the market contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.

"Bursting with flavors of Green Grape, White Peach and Lemon Lime, the Hydration Multiplier in Sugar-Free reduces the number of barriers to wellness for those conscious of sugar intake to experience enhanced hydration. In addition, like other Hydration Multiplier offerings, the new product is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, with no artificial colors or sweeteners.”

Coca-Cola launches 100% rPET bottles in Indonesia

Coca-Cola Indonesia, in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), has announced the nationwide launch of bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic (excluding the cap and label).

In a first for the country, rPET packaging is now available for Coca-Cola Trademark brands, Fanta, Sprite in 390ml, and Sprite Waterlymon in 425ml.

A recycling facility in West Java, established by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Indonesia (CCEP) and Dynapack Asia, manufactures the recycled bottles from post-consumer PET, and boosting recycling capability in the region.

Plant-based crème liqueur

Florida-based J.F. Haden's Craft Liqueurs is introducing its latest flavor, Key Lime Pie.

“This addition to the lineup is one of the first plant-based crème liqueurs on the market and captures the essence of Florida's most iconic dessert,” says the brand. “Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, J.F. Haden's products are distilled and bottled in Florida by Tropical Distillers under the expert guidance of master distiller Jason Ericson. Their small batching process ensures the highest quality and peak flavors in every bottle, providing an authentic and enjoyable experience with every sip.

“True to the commitment to using real ingredients to produce natural spirits that appeal to a wide range of consumers, J.F. Haden's Key Lime Pie Liqueur is carefully crafted without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

“Capturing the essence of the iconic key lime pie, J.F. Haden's Key Lime Pie Liqueur is at the forefront of the market's growing demand for plant-based alternatives. As one of the pioneering dairy-free and plant-based options, it provides consumers with a guilt-free indulgence while staying true to authentic flavors.”

In the pipeline are plans to introduce an entire line of plant-based crème liqueurs over the next 24 months.

NICE sparkling wine

London-based wine start-up, NICE, has launched its first sparkling wine.

The product is available exclusively to the on-trade in 200ml cans, with the dry, crisp and sparkly vegan wine coming in at 10% ABV (RRP £5-8).

“Of consumers' top wine moments, ‘celebration’ leads the way, with sparkling wines the perfect pairing for this occasion,” says the brand, citing data from Insight Angels.

“Furthermore, sparkling miniature cans have seen growth of +17% YoY vs. sparkling miniature bottles at just +8% YoY [Nielsen] identifies the growing demand for this style of wine in this format.”

Vievé launches new summer flavor​

UK functional water Vievé has launched Pineapple & Coconut Protein Water; a sugar free water with 20g collagen protein in every bottle. 

“The ultimate thirst-quencher for the warmer months, Vievé’s new Pineapple & Coconut flavor meets the demand for functionality, flavor and health, which is a drinks category that is set to grow to $208,698.6 million in 2027 at a rate of 7.2% according to CAGR figures,” says the brand, which launched in 2018 and offers a range of protein drinks and powders.

“The new flavor is also dairy and fat free and only 90 calories a bottle.”

Pineapple & Coconut will join Vievé’s core range of five naturally-flavored protein waters: Strawberry & Rhubarb, Watermelon, Peach & Raspberry, Orange & Mango and Citrus & Apple. 

Vievé’s new Pineapple & Coconut Protein Water will be available from Amazon and online from July with a RRO £2.29 per 500g bottle.  

Water enhancers

Manchester Drinks Company has launched Fruittella Water enhancers: a ‘tantalizing range of beverage enhancers designed to add a burst of fruity flavor to your hydration routine’.

The enhancers can be added to water to ‘bring a touch of sweetness’ in either blackcurrent or strawberry flavors.

“Priced at just £1.30 per 66ml bottle, Fruittella Water Enhancers are a cost-effective way to enhance your hydration routine,” says the UK brand.

“With their compact size, these portable bottles can easily be carried in your bag or pocket, making it convenient to enjoy your delicious water anytime, anywhere.”