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.