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…