Tuscan Wine
Bolla Wines, a division of Brown-Forman Beverages, has announced new packaging and an addition to its line of Italian wine. Bolla Chianti is made from Sangiovese grapes from vineyards in Tuscany, Italy. The wine features black cherry, plum and raspberry flavors, and is recommended served with beef, poultry, pastas and a variety of cheeses. It is available in 750-ml. and 1.5-liter bottles.
Elit spirit
Allied Domecq Spirits North America, Westport, Conn., recently released Stolichanya Elit vodka to high-end restaurants and bars in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia and Phoenix after a successful launch in California, Dallas, and Houston, Texas. Elit is made from a Russian recipe and a freeze filtration process that filters the middle fraction of each limited-distillation run. The result is an “ultra-luxury” product that is recommended served chilled, on ice or in traditional martinis. The product is 40 percent alcohol by volume (80 proof) and retails for $59.99 for a 750-ml. bottle. Cocktails will run around $15 to $20 at a bar or restaurant.
Noir novelty
Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma, Calif., recently debuted the 2002 Carneros Pinot Noir. A blend of eight Pinot Noir Clones, this vintage exhibits aromas of red plum, ripe cherry and orange peel, followed by flavors of strawberry and cola, and a subtle smoky and earthy finish, according to the winery. Recommended served with creamy polenta, mushrooms and veal chops or grilled poultry, the wine is sold nationally for $26 per 750-ml. bottle. A total of 10,900 cases were produced.
Italian upgrade
Peroni Nastro Azzurro, an imported beer from Birra Peroni in Rome, Italy, recently joined Miller Brewing Co.'s product line. Peroni will be reintroduced to the U.S. market with a global Peroni Nastro Azzurro name, formulation and package design. The beer has been enhanced with improved clarity and a lighter more refreshing color. The new packaging will feature a slim bottle design, embossed letters, and a metallic label for a premium look. The new packaging was designed to reinforce its Italian tradition and heritage and will be marketed around the world. Peroni will be supported by advertising, promotions, and public relations initiatives in the coming months.
New Product Introductions by Category
CATEGORY SKUS YTD1/28/05 SKUS YTD1/28/04 PERCENTCHANGE
Alcohol Beverages 126 94 34%
Coffee & Tea 62 65 -5%
Dairy Drinks & Alternatives,Health Drinks 19 16 19%
Fruit & Vegetable Drinks 37 66 -44%
Isotonic, Energy ProducingBeverages, Other Drinks 14 25 -44%
Soft Drinks & Bottled Water 13 17 -24%
Total Beverages 271 283 -4%
Source: Productscan Online (www.productscan.com)
Pre-heated teas
Teas' Tea, a division of Japan-based Ito En, has released a line of pre-heated, unsweetened, ready-to-drink teas in the United States. The teas are heated in a self-serve display case that also chills additional product simultaneously. The “Hot and Cooler” case is available in Whole Foods stores, as well as independent health and gourmet food stores and delicatessens. Flavors in the Hot/Cold teas line include Pure Green and Green Jasmine, the latest introduction to the line. Each 9.3-ounce bottle retails for $1.49.
Stout selection
Goose Island has released Bourbon County Stout, which was first brewed in 1994 in celebration of Goose Island’s 1,000th batch of beer at the original brewpub. Aged in bourbon barrels for 100 days, the Stout is dark and dense, with a thick foam. Bourbon County Stout is available at bars and select retail locations in Chicago.
Oak-aged addition
Pernod Ricard USA, White Plains, N.Y., recently released The Glenlivet 15-Year-Old French Oak Reserve to a national audience. Matured in oak casks, the whisky offers a smooth spiciness and mellow fruity flavors from the aging process in Limousin oak. The 15-Year-Old French Oak Reserve is available in limited supply, and is part of a whisky portfolio that also includes 12-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and Archive 21-Year-Old Scotch.
Brew basics
America’s Best Brew ready-to-drink coffees, marketed by the folks at Energy Brands, creators of Glaceau Vitaminwater and Smartwater, are a throwback to the days when you could order a “cup of joe,” according to the company. The 15.2-ounce cans feature Norman Rockwell-style images and retro colors as well. Flavors include Frenchie Vanilla, Auntie Hazelnut, Joey Cappuccino and Milkman Mocha, and each can is sold for $1.39.
Wendy returns
Cadbury Schweppes has announced two new Snapple flavors are now available. Diet Plum-A-Granate Iced Tea and Diet Lemonade Iced Tea are available nationally. To support the launch of the new flavors, the company has brought back Wendy “The Snapple Lady” Kaufman as part of its advertising campaign, which includes television, radio, Internet and events.
Water for kids
Energy Multi-Vitamin Enhanced Water Corp. has expanded its line to include natural vitamin-enhanced waters for kids and families. Multi-Vitamin Enhanced Waters contain no artificial flavors, colors or added stimulants, and are packaged in 8- and 20-ounce bottles. Additionally, 6.75-ounce drink boxes are available in the original 10 flavors, but feature special packaging and a new vitamin formula for kids. Flavors include Low-Carb Kiwi-Strawberry, Lemon-Lime, Orange, Peach-Strawberry, Tropical Citrus, and Tropical Sports Punch; no-carb Orange-Carrot and Peach-Melon; and no-carb Black Tea with Lemon and Green Tea with Honey and Ginseng. Each 20-ounce bottle provides 125 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and 40 percent of vitamins A, E, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. The drinks also offer minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iodine and chromium. Each 8-ounce bottle is sold for $0.60, a 20-ounce bottle is $1.35 and a six-pack of 6.75-ounce juice packs is $1.99.
Lager launch
Asahi Beer has debuted Brewmaster’s Select, a premium lager, to the U.S. market. Available in select markets, Brewmaster’s Select was developed in response to demands of Japanese restaurant patrons who wanted a lighter beer. Crafted from crystal malt, aroma hop and lager yeast, the amber beer is available in 12-ounce bottles or six-packs.
Robles release
Vina Robles has introduced its 2002 Signature wine. A combination of Petit Verdot, Syrah and Petite Syrah, the 2002 Signature features a bouquet of violets, red plum, toasted oak, blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry flavors. Each 750-ml. bottle carries a retail price of $28.
Breakfast in a can
Brain Twist recently released Liquid Cereal to a national audience. Available in Apple & Cinnamon, Fruit, Peanut Butter and Chocolate flavors, the grain-based beverage offers 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins A, C and D as well as calcium. Each 11-ounce can is sold for $1.39 and a four-pack is sold for $4.99 in convenience stores.
Performance drink
Nutrition Resources Services Inc., Bethlehem, Pa., manufacturer of dietary supplement products, has introduced Krank’d. The beverage is said to be a five-in-one performance beverage that combines the benefits of energy drinks and vitamin-enhanced waters. Krank’d offers 80 calories and 18 grams of carbohydrates as well as a host of vitamins and minerals for energy, electrolyte recovery, muscle fuel and appetite suppression. In addition it boasts detoxifying antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc and grape seed extract.
Vino Classico
A.V. Imports has announced Piccini Solco Chianti Classico, a wine from the family-owned Piccini winery in Tuscany, is available nationwide. Solco, meaning “the space between the vines,” is made from Sangiovese grapes from the Classico region of Chianti. The wine represents over a century of research and expertise, and Solco is produced using a method in which 10 percent of the grapes are air-dried before pressing to concentrate juice and intensify flavor. Each 750-ml. bottle is sold for $10.99, and $15.99 for a 1.5-liter bottle.
Choice ale
The Shipyard Brewing Co., Portland, Maine, has introduced Brewer’s Choice Special Ale. Brewer’s Choice 2005 Brown Ale is a full-bodied, dark brown ale made with five malts and three varieties of hops. Pale ale, crystal, chocolate, roasted barley and wheat malts combine to give this beer a smoky taste and a smooth, full-bodied finish with a crisp hop bite. Hops used in this limited-edition brew are English challenger, Styrian goldings, and East Kent goldings at the finish. Packaging features a line art drawing of the beer brewer's mentor in the brew house making a toast to his fellow brewers.
Shipyard will brew a 10,000-case run of Brewer’s Choice, and the  product will be distributed primarily in New England in six- and 12-packs as well as on draft. The beer is available until March.
Sports water
Base Concept has introduced Base Energy Water enhanced water. The beverage is designed to “optimize muscle tone during exercise.” The drink’s formulation is a combination of minerals, plant extracts and fruit juice concentrates. Additionally, it offers 25 mg. of potassium and 7 grams of carbs. It is available in Blueberry-Raisin, Orange-Dragonfruit, Wildberry Splash and Raspberry-Lemon flavors. Each half-liter bottle is sold for $1.99.
Silk for kids
White Wave Foods, Boulder, Colo., has announced Kid’s Silk Soymilk is available nationwide. The soymilk contains 35 percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium and is fortified with vitamin D, A, B12, C and E. Kid’s Silk is offered in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry flavors in nine colorful 6.5-ounce shelf-stable packages. An eight-pack is sold for $4.99 in natural food stores and select grocery stores.