In Brief . . .

Spirits …
The Twisted Tea Brewing Co., maker of the hard iced tea of the same name, introduced a new package — Twisted Tea “On Tap”. The new 1.3-gallon box comes with an easy pour spot. Each box dispenses 20 servings of the flavored malt beverage and retails for $13.99 to $15.99…
After debuting in the United States last year, ultra-premium Miller’s Gin is now available nationwide. Miller’s Gin uses a single batch distillation process with an infusion of 10 botanicals – juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, cassia bark, licorice root powder, ground nutmeg, cinnamon bark, orris root powder, and one other ‘secret’ ingredient…
Infinite Spirits launched an ultra-premium vodka distilled from rye. Made from the finest American rye, Shakers Rye Vodka recently received a double gold medal at the 2004 San Francisco World Spirits Competition…
Coffee/Tea …
Honest Tea put its organic ready-to-drink tea in 100 percent recyclable plastic bottles. The bottle’s panel-less design presents a sleek, eye-catching look that highlights the healthy, low-sugar/low-carb profile of the teas. The 15.5-ounce plastic bottles were launched on the East Coast and are expected to rollout nationally later this year…
Numi Teas has another new product that combines its love of art and tea. Artisan Teas “Leaves of Art” uses the highest quality tea with an artistic presentation. Hand-sewn, full leaf green and white teas are shaped or sewn into exotic blossoms and bundles. When put into hot water, each variety unfurls into a visual bouquet with sweet and subtle flavors. Super-premium black, oolong, white and green teas are twisted, curled and rolled to create this unique product…
China Mist Tea Co. added two new organic iced teas to its premier line for foodservice. China Mist Fair Trade Organic Estate Iced Black and China Mist Organic Jasmine Peach Iced Green teas are all natural. The company says the new teas are targeted to the lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS) consumer…
Dairy/Soy drinks…
It would seem that doughnut-maker, Krispy Kreme, is thumbing its nose at the low-carb craze that has taken a toll on its stock price… the once-coveted chain expanded its product scope by unveiling a line of frozen beverages into select stores for the summer. The centerpiece of the new line is a liquid version of the chain’s flagship glazed doughnut dubbed Original Kreme...
Seems that Dannon is still convinced that a big opportunity exists for probiotic dairy drinks in the United States. The dairy giant is reportedly rebranding its Actimel probiotic product for another push into the American market. A previous trial under the Actimel moniker didn’t click with consumers, but the product’s success in Europe and a growing body of science that sings the benefits of probiotics is providing support for the re-trial under the DanActive label. Another plus for Dannon this time around is its tie-in to Stonyfield Farms and its national distribution to health food and natural food grocery stores. DanActive is currently in test in Whole Foods Markets nationwide…
White Wave’s Silk will make Silk Nog for the holidays again this year. This soy-based version of the holiday classic will hit stores in November. A 4-ounce glass has a mere 2 grams of fat and 90 calories…
Wine…
Redwood Creek added a 2002 vintage Pinot Noir to its wine portfolio. It’s medium-bodied with ripe flavors of blackberry and black cherry with a velvety, smooth finish. Available nationwide, its suggested retail price ranges from $6.99 to $9.99 for 750-ml. and 1.5-liter bottles…
Pernod Ricard USA is re-introducing Sandeman’s Vau Vintage Porto to make it more accessible to restaurants and consumers. The pricey port used to retail for about $60 for a 750-ml. bottle; it will now be sold for $35. A 375-ml. bottle will also be offered for $20 to enable users to serve fresh product…
Beer…
Wheat beer, always a favorite in Bavaria, is finding fans in the States as well. Paulaner Beers and Ales is re-positioning its classic Bavarian wheat beer, Hefe-Weizen, as its flagship product in the United States. Hefe-Weizen has a naturally cloudy appearance with tones of deep gold and a crisp, refreshing flavor. It’s usually garnished with a lemon…
Soft drinks…
Cadbury is marketing a lighter version of the soft drink classic, Orange Crush. The low-sugar, low-calorie Orange Crush Light is sweetened with sucralose. It has one-third less sugar and one-third fewer calories than the original version…
The latest addition to the Fizzy Lizzy line of sparkling fruit juice is Fuji Apple. It’s made with 70 percent fruit juice and has no added sugar…
Tri-City’s Diet Dr. Enuf and Diet Herbal Dr. Enuf beverages have been reformulated using sucralose as sweetener…