Coca-Cola North America launched Diet Coke Plus, a sparkling, calorie-free beverage with vitamins and minerals. Diet Coke Plus is a good source of vitamins B3, B6 and B12, and the minerals zinc and magnesium, the company says. The release of Diet Coke Plus — with the tagline “Great Taste Has Its Benefits” — will be supported by an integrated marketing plan to drive trial. To commemorate the launch, special limited-edition 12-ounce “sleek cans” of Diet Coke will be available at select retail locations in New York City and Los Angeles while supplies last. The new drink will be available nationwide in 20-ounce PET, 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and 12-ounce PET trial packages.

Diet Coke Plus

Coca-Cola North America, Atlanta

Telephone: 404/676-2121

Internet: dietcoke.com

Distribution: National

Izze Beverage Co. released its first brand extension Izze Esque. Combining sparkling water, fruit juice and natural flavors and no artificial ingredients, Izze Esque is a low-calorie Izze option with half the calories of regular Izze Sparkling Juices. Izze Esque is available in three flavors — Sparkling Mandarin, Sparkling Black Raspberry and Sparkling Limon — and is packaged in 12-ounce glass bottles for $1.29 to $1.49.

Izze Esque

Izze Beverage Co., Boulder, Colo., a subsidiary of PepsiCo

Telephone: 303/327-5515

Internet: izze.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Black Raspberry: Sparkling water, juice made from white grape, apple, clarified lemon, blackberry and red raspberry concentrates, crystalline fructose, natural flavors, citric acid, lo han guo juice concentrate and vegetable juice (color).

Pernod Ricard USA extended its Malibu line with Malibu Tropical Banana, which follows the new packaging unveiled in January for the entire Malibu line. Pernod Ricard also added Kahlúa French Vanilla and Kahlúa Hazelnut to the Kahlúa line. Made with a blend of coffee liqueur and the flavors of vanilla and hazelnut, the new varieties can be enjoyed over ice or in mixed cocktails.

Malibu Tropical Banana, Kahlúa French Vanilla and Kahlúa Hazelnut

Pernod Ricard USA, White Plains, N.Y.

Telephone: 914/539-4500

Internet: kahlua.com and malibu-rum.com

Distribution: National

Pepsi-Cola North America extended the Propel brand with Propel Powder Packets. Containing the same taste and low-calorie benefits as Propel Fitness Water, Propel Powder Packets provide easier portability, the company says, so people can turn water into Propel anytime, anywhere. The Propel Powder in Lemon, Berry and Kiwi-Strawberry flavors can be poured into a 16.9-ounce bottle of water or 20-ounce for a lighter taste. A box of 10 vitamin-enhanced packets retails for $3.49.

Propel Powder Packets

Pepsi-Cola North America, Purchase, N.Y.

Telephone: 914/253-2000

Internet: propelwater.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Berry: Sucrose, citric acid, sodium citrate, natural flavors, potassium citrate, sucralose, ascorbic acid, niacinamide, calcium silicate, calcium disodium EDTA, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, acesulfame potassium and vitamin B12.

Bombilla & Gourd released USDA organic Maté Teas from Argentina. The ready-to-drink maté comes in Peach, Lemon and Mint & Honey flavors with Pomegranate and Blueberry flavors available in the summer, and offers 25 vitamins and minerals and 15 amino acids. Containing 40 calories per serving, a 16-ounce bottle retails for $1.79.

Bombilla & Gourd Maté Tea

Bombilla & Gourd Inc., New York, N.Y.

Telephone: 973/886-9461
Internet: bombillagourd.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Brewed organic yerba maté blend using filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice, citric acid and natural flavors.

Fuze Beverage added Fruit Punch as its first NOS High Performance Energy Drink flavor extension. NOS Fruit Punch, available in 16-ounce cans, stands out from the original flavor with red labeling and graphics, and contains the same energy ingredients as the original with an added flavor that enhances the brand’s citrus taste.

NOS High Performance Energy Drink Fruit Punch

Fuze Beverage Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

Telephone: 201/227-0380

Internet: drinknos.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, taurine, natural fruit punch flavor with other natural flavors, sodium citrate, d-ribose, l-carnitine, caffeine, sodium hexametaphosphate, pectin, inositol, ascorbic acid, monopotassium phosphate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, panax ginseng root extract, Red No. 40, calcium disodium salt of EDTA, sucralose, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid and cyanocobalamin.

Coca-Cola North America developed two new Minute Maid product lines. Minute Maid Enhanced Juices offer functional health benefits, and Minute Maid Breakfast Blends are priced to be a more affordable option, which the company says is a need with the rising cost of oranges. The Minute Maid Enhanced Juice line includes Minute Maid Multi-Vitamin, containing 16 vitamins and minerals, and Minute Maid Active, offering 750 mg. of glucosamine HC1 as well as updated packaging for the Minute Maid Heart Wise variety. Minute Maid Enhanced Juices will be offered in 56-ounce PET bottles featuring a contemporary design and easy-pour side grip.

Minute Maid Breakfast Blends is a citrus-based beverage line that contains 32 to 44 percent juice and is fortified with 100 percent vitamin C. Available in Citrus, Tropical and Berry, the line will be available in supermarkets, convenience and other retail stores.

Minute Maid Enhanced Juices and Minute Maid Breakfast Blends

Coca-Cola North America, Atlanta

Telephone: 404/676-2121

Internet: minutemaid.com

Distribution: National

Coca-Cola North America released it first flavor line extension of Vault called Vault Red Blitz. The new flavor features a citrus base injected with berry flavor, and is designed to attract a broader set of consumers to the hybrid energy soda brand, the company says. Sampling will be conducted through the spring over a variety of national and regional events.

Vault Red Blitz

Coca-Cola North America, Atlanta

Telephone: 404/676-2121

Internet: drinkvault.com

Distribution: National

IRN-BRU USA brought popular United Kingdom-soda IRN-BRU to the United States with its launch in New York City. The carbonated soft drink contains 32 fruit flavors and natural cane sugar. Both Diet and Regular IRN-BRU are imported from Barr Soft drinks, and are available in 16.9-ounce PET bottle 12-packs. Single bottles retail between $1.65 and $2.25.

IRN-BRU

IRN-BRU USA, Charlotte, N.C.

Telephone: 877/563-7090

Internet: irn-bru-usa.com

Distribution: Select markets

United States Beverage LLC began importing Barons Brewing Co. of Australia’s brands into the United States for national distribution. The brands include Black Wattle Wattle Seed Ale, Barons Pale Ale, Barons Superior Lager and Barons Extra Special Bitter. Barons of Australia are the only Australian imported craft beers available in the United States, the company says. The new import is part of USB’s push toward high-end specialty and import brews.

Barons Brewing Co.

United States Beverage LLC, Stamford, Conn.

Telephone: 203/961-8217

Internet: unitedstatesbeverage.com

Distribution: National

Tahitian Noni International launched Hiro, a new line of beverages that combine noni fruit with other health-promoting supplements. The ready-to-drink beverages are available in three varieties that address specific health needs. Hiro Energy blends noni with guarana, B vitamins and taurine for sustained energy. Hiro Mobility caters to joint health support, and Hiro Vitality supports the immune system. Hiro products can be purchased as single cans or in 24-packs from Tahitian Noni Independent Product consultants.

Hiro

Tahitian Noni International, Orem, Utah

Telephone: 877/474-6786

Internet: tahitiannoni.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Vitality: Carbonated water, morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice, citric acid, natural flavor, natural color, sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Honest Tea expanded its Honest Ade line of organic thirst quenchers with Orange Mango with Mangosteen. The tropical-tasting blend features the flavors of antioxidant-rich mangosteen, orange and mango with a hint of organic cane sugar for sweetness. Per serving, Orange Mango contains a day’s supply of vitamin C and 48 calories. The new Honest Ade is offered in PET1 for a retail price between $1.59 and $1.99.

Orange Mango with Mangosteen Honest Ade

Honest Tea, Bethesda, Md.

Telephone: 800/865-4736

Internet: honesttea.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Water, organic cane sugar, organic white grape juice concentrate, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic orange flavor, natural mango flavor, beta carotene, organic orange juice concentrate, organic mango blend, ascorbic acid and mangosteeen concentrate.

Majestic Brands released California Cooler, made with wine and infused with natural flavors. Available in four varieties, Coastal Citrus, Pomegranate Berry, Cranberry Grapefruit and White Peach, the products are sold in six-packs for $7.99.

California Cooler

Majestic Brands, Stateline, Nev.

Telephone: 775/586-9011

Distribution: Select markets

Glacéau released Vitaminwater XXX, a blend of acaí, blueberry and pomegranate flavors. The drink got the name XXX because it provides the power of three antioxidants for health and to fight free radicals, the company says. XXX is packaged in a 20-ounce bottle, and retails for $1.49.

Vitaminwater XXX

Glacéau, Whitestone, N.Y.

Telephone: 718/746-0087

Internet: glaceau.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Vapor distilled, deionized, and/or reverse osmosis water, crystalline fructose, citric acid, vegetable juice, ascorbic acid, natural flavor, berry and fruit extracts (ací, blueberry, pomegranate and apple), magnesium lactate, calcium lactate, monopotassium phosphate, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride and cyanocobalamin.

Kraft Foods Inc. unveiled a new vitamin-enhanced line of water beverages under its Fruit2O brand. Formulated with a bundle of vitamins and zero calories and carbohydrates per serving, Fruit2O Nutrient Enhanced Water Beverages are available in Energy, Hydration, Immunity and Relax varieties. They are designed for consumers who are searching for a tasty beverage, but are concerned about calorie consumption, the company says. Energy (Raspberry) offers B vitamins and the caffeine kick of a cup of coffee; Hydration (Strawberry Tangerine) provides electrolytes; Immunity (Berry Pomegranate) contains vitamins A, C and E; and Relax (Tropical Fruit Blends) offers chamomile and hibiscus. Available in 16-ounce singles or four-packs, and at select club stores in a 24-count variety pack, Fruit2O Nutrient Enhanced Water Beverages retail for $0.99-$1.29, $2.99 and $12.99, respectively.

Fruit2O Nutrient Enhanced Water Beverages

Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill.

Telephone: 847/646-2000

Internet: fruit2O.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Relax: Water; contains less than 2 percent of chamomile and hibiscus flower extracts; natural flavor; citric acid; malic acid; sucralose and acesulfame potassium; niacinamide; vitamin B6 vitamin B12; calcium pantothenate and biotin; sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA.

Mike’s Hard Lemonade extended its line with Mike’s Hard Light Cranberry Lemonade. The low-calorie and low-carb beverage is a light version of Mike’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade, and is the second light product to be introduced by Mike’s. Mike’s Hard Light Cranberry Lemonade contains 98 calories and 6 carbs per serving, and is available in an 11.2-ounce bottle six pack for $7.99.

Mike’s Hard Light Cranberry Lemonade

Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Seattle

Telephone: 212/404-6619

Internet: mikeshardlemonade.com

Distribution: National

Igzotik Spirits created MO’, a ready-to-drink mojito. Launching in 12 U.S. markets, MO’ is made with a premium imported light rum from St. Croix USVI, then infused with natural mint leaf extract and Florida limes. Available in original Mojito, Mango and Raspberry flavors, a 1.75-liter bottle retails for $9.99.

MO’

Igzotik Spirits, Auburndale, Fla.

Telephone: 800/675-9036

Internet: drinkmojito.com

Distribution: Select markets

Phoenix Beverage Corp. developed Aloe Breeze, a line of USDA-certified organic drinks that combine aloe vera and naturally flavored water. Aloe Breeze is available in 16.9-ounce widemouth bottles in four flavors: Orange Mango, Mountain Berry, Cranberry Raspberry and Kiwi Lemon Lime. The drinks contain no calories, additives, caffeine, sugars or preservatives, and retail for $1.79.

Aloe Breeze

Phoenix Beverage Corp., Phoenix

Telephone: 602/595-1155

Internet: aloebreeze.com

Distribution: Select markets

Ingredients: Purified water, organic aloe vera juice (from concentrate), natural flavors, citric acid and stevia leaf (extract).

Molson Coors Brewing Co. re-released Zima with all new flavors and a new look. Zima Citrus, Zima Tangerine and Zima Pineapple Citrus are lightly carbonated with a lower alcohol content, which makes the beverages more drinkable and lower in calories than the old formula, the company says. The new packaging reflects the new formula by reinforcing refreshment with citrus colors and fruit images. The flavored malt beverages are 5 percent alcohol by volume and will be available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles for $5 to $7, and individual 22-ounce bottles.

Zima

Molson Coors Brewing Co., Golden, Colo.

Telephone: 303/279-6565

Internet: coors.com

Distribution: National

Guayakí released three Organic Guayakí Yerba Mate Fusions: Pure Endurace, Pure Passion and Pure Mind. The Fusions offer a boost of nutrition and energy from yerba maté, and well-being benefits from several herbs that are blended with organic fruit juices and other organic ingredients. Pure Endurance is said to provide sustained energy due to an infusion of yerba maté, ginseng and electrolytes from Himalayan crystal salt blended with tangerine juice and acerola juice. Pure Passion awakens libidos with an infusion of yerba maté, damiana and catuaba blended with passion fruit juice, the company says. Pure Mind encourages clear brain function with yerba maté, gingko biloba and tulsi blended with pomegranate juice. A 16-ounce bottle retails for $1.99.

Organic Guayakí Yerba

Mate Fusions

Guayakí, Sebastopol, Calif.

Telephone: 888/482-9254

Internet: guayaki.com

Distribution: National

Ingredients: Pure Mind: Purified water, yerba maté, gingko biloba, tulsi, spearmint and peppermint; evaporated cane juice, pomegranate fruit juice concentrate, yerba maté extract, manioc root starch, pomegranate natural flavor and citric acid.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. launched Sauza Tequila 100 Años Tequila Blanco. Geared toward 24- to 40-year-old male tequila aficionados, 100 Años Blanco offers a subtle cooked agave aroma, fruity body and moderately bitter finish, the company says. 100 Años Blanco is available in 750-ml. bottles for $19.99.

Sauza Tequila 100 Años Tequila Blanco

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., Deerfield, Ill.

Telephone: 847/948-8888

Internet: sauzatequila.com

Distribution: National

Coors Brewing Co. is reported to be rolling out a summer seasonal of its Blue Moon craft brand. The brewer filed a certificate of label approval application with the Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for Blue Moon Honey Summer Ale…

Flying Dog Brewery, Denver, released its spring seasonal, Heller Hound. Flying Dog’s second seasonal of the year is a traditional Maibock brewed with a combination of Vienna and Munich malts…

Snake River Brewing Co., Jackson, Wy., introduced OB-1 Organic Ale. The USDA organic amber ale uses U.S. malts, New Zealand and German hops, Teton mountain spring water and ale yeast…

A.V. Imports, Columbia, Md., introduced a Camus Elegance range from a family-owned Cognac house. The line includes a VS ($24.99), VSOP ($34.99), XO ($99.99), and at the ultra-premium end, Borderies ($120) and Jubilee ($750)…

The Amazing Food Wine Co., New York City, released the Wine That Loves brand to ensure that wine pairings enhance the foods Americans enjoy most often. To make the point, the front labels show chicken, pizza, steak or other popular meals with the brand name of the wine, “Wine That Loves Roasted Chicken” or other entrees. The wine is sourced from Italy, Spain and Chile, and retails for around $11.99…

BMK Specialty Products LLC, Jeffersonville, Ind., now imports Dumante Verdenoce from southern Italy. The liqueur is a combination of artisan spirits with an infusion of pistachio…

Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc., Bardstown, Ky., added Burnett’s Blueberry to its line of flavored vodkas…

Wein-Bauer Inc., Chicago, added a Riesling to its Turn Me series. The Turn Me Riesling retails for less than $10, and follows Turn Me Red, which launched last year…

Coca-Cola North America and L’Oréal announced plans to create a new health-and-beauty beverage to launch in 2008, industry reports say. Currently called Lumaé, the nutraceutical drink was trademarked as a tea-based ready-to-drink beverage by Coca-Cola’s Beverage Partners Worldwide division, and is reported to help women care for their skin…

Double D Beverage Corp., Kelowna, Canada, released Buzz Green Tea Energy to the Canadian market. The non-carbonated energy drink contains taurine, guarana seed extract, panax ginseng root extract, vitamins B6, B12 and C and 102 mg. of green tea…