The Coca-Cola Co. has announced Diet Coke with Lime is available nationwide. To introduce the new product, sampling teams appeared last month in New York City; Miami; and Park City, Utah, the site of the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, passengers flying from New York City to Florida on Song, Delta Air Lines’ low-fare air service, were served Diet Coke with Lime during the flight. The rollout also will be supported by national radio, print, out-of-home and Internet advertising. Packaging will maintain the look of original Diet Coke, but with a lime twist. Diet Coke with Lime is available initially in 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles and multipack cans. Eight-ounce bottles will also be available in certain locations.

Diet Coke with Lime

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta

Telephone: 404/676-3445

Internet: cocacola.com

Distribution: National

Niche Import Co., Cedar Knolls, N.J., recently introduced wines from Affentaler, a town situated in the foothills of the Black Forest in Germany, which means “Valley of the Monkeys.” The Affentaler Riesling offers a slight fruity flavor that the company recommends serving with seafood, salads and poultry. Each bottle retails for $12.99. The Affentaler Spaetburgunder has a ruby-red color and is recommended with salmon, red meats and Asian food. The retail price per bottle is $13.99. Niche Import introduced the brand in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, a 15-day celebration that began on Jan. 22, because 2004 marks the “Year of the Monkey.”

Affentaler Riesling, Spaetburgunder

Niche Import Co., Cedar Knolls, N.J.

Telephone: 800/548-6882

Internet: ourniche.com

Distribution: National

Cruzan Ltd. recently released Cruzan Black Strap Rum. The name is derived from the final separation of molasses from sugar crystals during the boiling and extraction processes of sugar cane refining. The company recommends serving the rum as a “floater” in cocktails such as a Mai Tai or Rum Punch, or in preparing food and beverages that require an exotic flavor. Cruzan Black Strap Rum is available in 750-ml. and 1-liter sizes. The retail price is $12.99 per 750-ml. bottle and $14.99 per 1-liter bottle.

Black Strap Rum

Cruzan Ltd. Inc., West Palm Beach, Fla.

Telephone: 561/655-8977

Internet: cruzanrum.com

Distribution: National

Origins has launched Pure Silver Tip White Tea, a pre-brewed white tea in 9.5-ounce bottles. The drink, which is low in caffeine and naturally high in antioxidants, can be served chilled or at room temperature. It is available for a limited time at Origins retail stores for a suggested retail price of $3 per bottle. The tea can also be purchased on the company’s Web site.

Pure Silver Tip White Tea

Origins, New York City

Telephone: 800/674-4467

Internet: origins.com

Distribution: National

LeNature’s recently introduced Dazzler 10-percent fruit juice drinks in 8-ounce and 20-ounce PET resealable bottles and 8-ounce 10-pack multipacks. Dazzler drinks are made with water from Pennsylvania and provide 100 percent vitamin C. Dazzler drinks also are enriched with vitamins D and E, and contain one-third the amount of calcium as a glass of milk. Dazzlers are available in Red Raz, Strawberry, Orange Blue Berry and Green Punch flavors.

Red Raz Dazzler

LeNature’s Inc., Latrobe, Pa.

Telephone: 800/542-8333

Internet: le-natures.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Purified water, invert sugar, raspberry juice concentrate (apple, pear, clarified This month’s contenders:

Gjyze, 16   Lirije, 11     Aferdita, 9       Medin, 5

Here’s the skinny…

“The shape of the bottle is cute. It’s easy to travel with.” – Gjyze

“I like the label because it deals with sports. It’s attractive.” – Lirije

“The bottle is attractive, colorful and easy to grab.” – Aferdita

“I like the sports pictures and the shape of the bottle.” – Medin

“It tastes sweet, but bitter. I don’t like the aftertaste.” – Gjyse

“It’s flavorful, fruity and refreshing.” – Lirije

“It tastes fruity, strong and bitter. It’s delicious.” – Aferdita

“I think it tastes sweet. I like it.” – Medin

“Yes. It’s not carbonated, easy to take with me and it’s all natural.” – Gjyze

“Yes, I like the flavor.” – Lirije

“Yes, it’s healthy for kids.” – Aferdita

“Yes.” – Medinlemon, elderberry and raspberry), natural berry flavor, calcium lactate, citric acid, Red 40, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, acetate, vitamin D3

“57 Main Street” Wine Co., Garden City, N.Y., recently debuted Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South Africa in the United States. The blend of five-year-old potstill brandy, wine distillate, tangerine peel, herbs and spices features the tangerine flavors typical in Cape Malay cuisine. The company recommends serving the liqueur with ice, mixing it with cocktails or adding it to baked desserts. Each bottle retails for $16.99 to $18.99.

Monin Gourmet Flavorings, Clearwater, Fla. has launched O’free, a line of sugar-free syrups in Almond, Irish Cream, White Chocolate, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel, Chocolate, Raspberry and Amaretto flavors. The syrups also are free of calories, fat and carbohydrates for diabetic and low-carbohydrate diet needs. Monin uses Splenda and Eridex sweeteners and natural flavor components to create the syrups. Available in 750-ml. glass bottles, the O’free line was created specifically for bar, coffeehouse and foodservice operators, according to the company.

Skae Beverage International LLC has launched a new line of natural beverages on the East Coast. New Leaf is a 100 percent all-natural product line available in six flavors: Green Tea with Ginseng, Green Tea with Plum, White Tea with Honey Dew, White Tea with Ginseng and Honey, White Tea with Grapefruit, and White Tea with Ginger. Evaporated cane juice is used as a sweetener to maintain 60 to 75 calories per bottle, and each bottle features upbeat and active artwork on the label.

New Leaf

Skae Beverage International LLC, Orangeburg, N.Y.

Telephone: 845/365-1570

Internet: midnightsunbrands.com

Distribution: National

Chateau Lavergne-Dulong, Floirac, France, recently announced the launch of Chateau Lavergne-Dulong Bordeaux Clairet is planned for June 2004. Sylvie Dulong uses sustainable viticulture and traceability to produce the wine…

Palm Bay Imports, Syosset, N.Y., has reintroduced Australian-produced Brown Brothers Wines in the United States. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz varieties are available…

Luctor International, Reno, Nev., importers of Van Gogh Vodkas, has introduced Van Gogh Melon Vodka in the United States and launched vangoghpr.com, a public relations site for the vodka and gin brand. The company says each bottle of the melon-flavored vodka is a mixture of watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe flavors...

Bacardi-Martini USA Inc., Miami, reportedly has announced that it is developing a new premixed cocktail to be launched in May…

L.T. Blender’s, Galveston Island, Texas, recently introduced Margarita in a Bag and Strawberry Daiquiri in a Bag. The user can fill, freeze and squeeze the bags for a portable Margarita or daiquiri…

Full Sail Brewing Co., Hood River, Ore., will feature Half Pipe Porter in its winter seasonal six-pack. Introduced in January, the seasonal brown porter-style beer will be available until March…

Redhook Brewery, Woodinville, Wash., has announced its seasonal Nut Brown Ale will be available January through March 2004. It is sold in kegs and bottles at bars, restaurants, supermarkets and liquor stores…

Skyy Spirits LLC, San Francisco, recently announced Skyy Melon, which combines a blend of honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon flavors to its quadruple-distilled and triple-filtered vodka, will be available this spring. The launch will be supported through on- and off-premise promotions, public relations, the company’s Web site and sampling events…

Molson, Toronto, Ontario, announced its low-carb beer Molson Ultra has been launched in Canada. The beer contains 2.5 grams of carbohydrates and 97 calories per bottle. In other news, Molson XXX was recently introduced in Michigan, Ohio, and parts of New York and Pennsylvania…

Old Dominion Brewing Co., Ashburn, Va., is planning to release 2004 Millennium beer, a barley wine created to commemorate the company’s 1,000th batch of beer. Additionally, a bourbon barrel-aged version of the beer will be sold at the Old Dominion Brewpub in June…

RogueAles, Newport, Ore., has announced its Chocolate Stout is being sold at the chocolate exhibit of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The beer will also be available in select markets in the United States through March…

Pasco Beverage Co., Dade City, Fla., recently debuted Less-Cal/Less-Carb Orange Juice Cocktail frozen concentrate with 45 percent fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular orange juice. The company says Less-Cal/Less-Carb Apple Juice, Fruit Punch and Lemonade also will be introduced...

Hain Celestial Group, Melville, N.Y., offers three organic juices as part of The Earth's Best Tots line of products. Apple, Strawberry Pear and Apple Peach Banana flavors are sold in a four-pack of single-serve 125-ml. aseptic drink boxes…

In-Zone Brands Inc., Atlanta, has announced that Mucha Lucha-inspired BellyWasher drinks will hit the market in March. The Hispanic-focused character line builds on the popularity of an animated show on the Kids’ WB television network…

Koppla Nutrients, Stamford, Conn., recently announced a price reduction on Koppla seven-packs to $6.99, and has introduced 30-packet and 45-serving canisters in the Northeast…