PepsiCo’s Gatorade and golfer Tiger Woods have collaborated to develop Tiger-inspired sports performance beverages for athletes at all levels. The first product, Gatorade Tiger, is a Gatorade Thirst Quencher subline that will launch in March 2008. The subline charts new territory for Gatorade, as it marks the first licensing deal for the brand, and it is Woods’ first endorsed sports beverage. Gatorade Tiger will be available in three new flavors — Cherry blend, Citrus blend and Grape — and will be packaged in new 500-ml. bottles and 32-ounce bottles.
Gatorade Tiger
PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y.
Telephone: 914/767-6000
Internet: www.gatorade.com
Distribution: National

ConAgra Foods released two new varieties of Swiss Miss: Pick-Me-Up Cocoa and Great Start Cocoa. Swiss Miss Pick-Me-Up Cocoa offers a chocolate flavor with as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, plus as much calcium and vitamin D as a glass of milk, the company says. Swiss Miss Great Start Cocoa is fortified with 15 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and calcium. Both new cocoas have 110 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving.
Swiss Miss Pick-Me-Up and Great Start Cocoa
ConAgra Foods, Omaha, Neb.
Telephone: 800/457-6649
Internet: www.conagrafoods.com
Ingredients: Pick-Me-Up: Sugar, corn syrup, modified whey cocoa, hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, calcium carbonate, less than 2 percent of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, caffeine, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavor, carrageenan and vitamin D3.

Jones Soda Co. released a limited-edition Seahawks Collector Pack of five new football-inspired flavors that include: Dirt Soda, Sports Cream Soda, Perspiration Soda, Natural Field Turf Soda and Sweet Victory Soda. The Seahawks Collector Pack will be available in select stores and retail for $19.99. Jones Soda also launched its Pure Cane Cola, Sugar-free Cola and Lemon Lime Soda in Seahawks themed 12-can Fridge Packs featuring seven Seahawks’ photos per box, including images of Matt Hasselbeck, Deion Branch and Walter Jones.
Seahawks Collector Pack
Jones Soda Co., Seattle
Telephone: 206/624-3357
Internet: www.jonessoda.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Perspiration: Carbonated water, salt, glucono delta lactone (acidulant), natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and citric acid.

NBI Juiceworks expanded its line of Sun Shower 100 percent Nectarine Juices to include the functional drink Turbo-G Superfood. Turbo-G Superfood was developed for juice drinkers who want extra nutrition and an energy kick, the company says. The product delivers 20 nutrients, herbs and antioxidants, including green tea extract, gluosamine, guarana, golden root, ginseng, grape seed extract, goji berry, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, folate and vitamins C, D, B6 and B12. A 12-ounce bottle retails for $2.99 and a 28-ounce container sells for $4.99.
Turbo-G Superfood
NBI Juiceworks, Orlando, Fla.
Telephone: 407/291-1151
Internet: www.nbijuiceworks.com
Distribution: Select market

Arizona Beverages and tennis superstar Andy Roddick have teamed up to create Hypotonic Performance Sports Drink. Hypotonic Performance’s formula increases the rate of fluid absorption by the body’s cells, the company says. The sports drink is fortified with calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and E and amino acids. Hypotonic Performance is packaged in 20-ounce PET bottles with graphics depicting Andy Roddick on the label. The drink initially launched in New York, Florida and Chicago for a suggested retail price of $1.50.
Hypotonic Performance Sports Drink
Arizona Beverages, Lake Success, N.Y.
Telephone: 513/784-9898
Internet: www.arizonabev.com
Distribution: Select markets

Soma Beverage Co. added Metromint Chocolatemint Water to its line of mint waters. The all-natural combination of water, cocoa flavor and mint offers a chocolate flavor with a cool mint sensation. Like the rest of the Metromint family, Chocolatemint has no sweeteners, preservatives or calories. Chocolatemint will hit the shelves the first quarter of 2008, and will be supported by Valentine’s Day and Easter promotions.
Metromint Chocolatemint Water
Soma Beverage Co., San Francisco
Telephone: 415/979-0781
Internet: www.metromint.com
Distribution: National
Ingredients: Purified water, mint and cocoa essence.

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. launched a Cranberry & Blueberry 100 percent juice blend. The juice contains no added sugar, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. Each 8-ounce glass provides a full serving of fruit and a full day’s supply of vitamin C, the company says. A 64-ounce bottle retails for $3.59.
Ocean Spray Cranberry & Blueberry
Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., Lakeville-Middleboro, Mass.
Telephone: 508/946-1000
Internet: www.oceanspray.com
Distribution: National

UniquePak Inc. developed Asian Sun Mind Body and Tea Liquid Green Tea Packs. The 0.28-ounce packs of naturally decaffeinated, pre-sweetened teas can be added to 10 to 16 ounces of hot or cold water. Available in Natural, Peach, Raspberry, Lemon and Coffee varieties, Asian Sun packs are packaged 15 per box.
Asian Sun
UniquePak Inc., Chicago
Telephone: 312/640-1911
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Peach: Organic green tea, spring water, natural peach flavor, citric acid and sucralose.

Hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Loud Records Steve Rifkind and Loud Records executive Ron Urban have launched a beverage company called Loud Beverage Corp. Loud Energy Drinks, the company’s first offering comes in two flavors — Classic Mix and Sitrus Stunner — with a third (Grapple Sauce) in production, and a fourth, Sugar-free Pomberry, still in the formulation process. The lightly carbonated drinks offer vitamins, and are packaged in 12-ounce cans for $1.99. By December, the drinks will come in four- and six-packs that resemble a woofer from a speaker and an old-school boom box. The company also has several lines in development, including Loud Shotz, a 2-ounce sugar-free energy/vitamin/ antioxidant shot that will launch this month in two flavors. In addition, plans are in the works for a co-branded artist launch of four organic vitamin waters in 2008.
Loud
Loud Beverage Corp., New York City
Telephone: 917/273-5840
Internet: www.loud.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Sitrus Stunner: Carbonated water, sucrose, citric acid, taurine, sodium citrate, natural flavor, caffeine, potassium benzoate, potassium sorbate, inositol, Yellow No. 6, Red No. 40, niacinamide, ginseng extract, guarana seed extract, D-calcium pantothenate, L-carnitine, sucralose, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin and cyanocobalamin.

Utmost Brands Inc. added a Dry Cola to its line of Gus — Grown-Up Sodas. With cola nut extract, notes of citrus and a light sweetness profile from cane sugar, Gus Dry Cola is all natural and 99 percent caffeine free. The 95 calorie Dry Cola is available in 12-ounce glass bottles and is sold in four-pack carriers.
Gus — Grown-Up Soda Dry Cola
Utmost Brands Inc., New York City
Telephone: 212/355-7454
Internet: www.drinkgus.com
Distribution: Select markets

C’Watre International, in a joint venture with Tea Guys LLC, released C’tea, an antioxidant-rich, vitamin-fortified tea that contains sea minerals. C’tea aims to support a healthy foundation to defend against skin damage, the company says. The tea is a blend of green and white teas, lemon myrtle, citrus peel, osmanthus, pomegranate, mango, guarana, oolong tea, stevia, sea minerals and natural flavors of mango, papaya, honey and lemon. C’tea is available in three forms — a loose tea, individual sachets and cold-brew sachets — and retails between $9.95 and $15.95.
C’tea
C’Watre International Inc., Ashburn, Va.
Telephone: 703/889-8894
Internet: www.cwatre.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Green tea, white tea, lemon myrtle, citrus, osmanthus, pomegranate, mango, guarana, oolong tea, stevia, ancient sea minerals, goji, cornflowers and natural flavors.

Game Juice Inc. released a drink of the same name aimed at video game players. Game Juice is a carbonated, green-colored energy drink. Game Juice’s 16.9- ounce bottle features a design that resembles buttons and grips from video game controllers. The drink’s ingredients include a blend of salts, vitamins and sugar.
Game Juice
Game Juice Inc., Miami
Telephone: 786/525-6969
Internet: www.gamejuice.com
Distribution: South Florida
Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, taurine, caffeine, D-glucoronolactone, meso-inositol, niacin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine HCL, vitamin B₁₂, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1.

7-Eleven Inc. launched Fusion Defense coffee, a brew with herbal extracts, in anticipation of this year’s cold and flu season. Fresh-brewed Fusion Defense is infused with echinacea, ginseng and astragalus, three herbs thought to boost the body’s immune system. 7-Eleven’s Dark Mountain Roast coffee is the base coffee blend for Fusion Defense. Fusion Defense coffee follows the release earlier this year of Fusion Energy, a combination of 7-Eleven Exclusive Blend coffee with guarana, ginseng and yerba maté, that aims to boost energy and sharpen mental alertness, the company says.
Fusion Defense Coffee
7-Eleven Inc., Dallas
Telephone: 972/828-7011
Internet: www.7-Eleven.com
Distribution: Select markets

This January, United States Beverage LLC will begin importing New Zealand’s 26000 Vodka. Originally launched in New Zealand in 2006, 26000 Vodka is triple distilled grain blended with Tasman paleowater for a unique taste. Available in three flavors — Crystalline, Lychee, and Raspberry and Lemon Drop, 26000 is 80 proof and comes in a 750-ml. bottle. The vodka retails between $27.99 and $29.99.
26000 Vodka
United States Beverage LLC, Stamford, Conn.
Telephone: 203/961-8215
Internet: www.26000vodka.com
Distribution: National

1 Litre Water Co. Inc. has launched a product of the same name for retail sale in the United States. 1 Litre’s design features a PET bottle with a cup integrated into the packaging over the product’s cap. It previously was only available to hotel, spa, resort, casino and restaurant accounts in more than 24 countries. 1 Litre and 1 Half Litre sizes retail for $2.99 and $1.99, respectively. The spring water is drawn from two sources in Canada and the United States.
1 Litre
1 Litre Water Co. Inc., Markham, Ontario
Telephone: 905/307-0717
Internet: www.1litre.com
Distribution: Select markets

The Healthy Beverage Co. relaunched its Steaz Green Tea Soda line with new flavors and updated labeling. The Diet Steaz Sparkling Green Tea line is organic and Fair Trade certified. Available in Blueberry-Pomegranate, Orange, Raspberry and Black Cherry, Diet Steaz contains organic Ceylon green tea and is lightly sweetened with organic cane juice that amounts to 9 grams of sugar per serving.
Diet Steaz Sparkling Green Tea
The Healthy Beverage Co., Newton Pa.
Telephone: 215/321-8330
Internet: www.steazsoda.com
Distribution: Select markets

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. expanded several brands this month, such as adding DeKuyper Red Apple, a 30-proof liqueur, available in 1-liter and 750-ml. bottles. Additionally, Beam Global released Courvoisier Exclusif Cognac, which was designed as a mixable super-premium cognac. First introduced in Asia and the United Kingdom, Exclusif is designed to compete nationwide against vodkas and other base spirits in cocktails, Beam Global says. Exclusif is available in 50-ml., 200-ml., 750-ml. and 1-liter bottles, with the 750-ml. size retailing for $50.

Beam Global also unveiled a new $15-million advertising and repositioning campaign for Hornitos Tequila, a member of the Sauza family. Hornitos, originally available as a reposado tequila, released two additional varieties: Hornitos Plata and Hornitos Añejo. With the addition of the two new variants, the company developed a “sip, shoot and savor” tequila education campaign, to show for example that Hornito Plata is versatile enough for mixed drinks. All Hornitos varieties are available in 50-ml., 200-ml., 375-ml., 750-ml., 1-liter and 1.75-liter bottles. Suggested retail prices begin at $24.99, $25.99 and $29.99 for 750-ml. bottles of plata, reposado and añejo, respectively.
DeKuper Red Apple, Courvoisier Exclusif and Hornitos Plata and Añejo
Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., Deerfield, Ill.
Telephone: 847/948-8888
Internet: www.beamglobal.com
Distribution: National

EX Drinks U.S. LLC rolled out EX Pure Energy, EX Slim Energy and EX Chill. EX Pure Energy and EX Slim Energy combine kombucha, Siberian ginseng, guarana and vitamins B3, B5, B6 and C. EX Slim Energy contains 10 calories. EX Chill is a lightly flavored with apple and lemon, and contains extracts such as chamomile, valerian, lemon balm and vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12. The drinks are promoted by surfers Kohl Christensen of Waialua, Hawaii, and Kekoa Cazimero of Waimanalo, Hawaii.
EX Pure Energy
EX Drinks U.S. LLC, Anaheim, Calif.
Telephone: 877/251-3541
Internet: www.exdrinks.com
Distribution: Hawaii and California

American Beverage Corp. debuted a line of non-alcohol cocktail mixers called Daily’s Divines. Daily’s Divines Chocolate, Cheesecake and A La Mode mixers can be added to any flavored liqueur or spirit to create martini-style indulgent cocktails. The Chocolate variety is a blend of dark and milk chocolate flavors. The Cheesecake option is a cream-based mixer with notes of cream cheese and graham cracker. The A La Mode flavor offers a light vanilla note.
Daily’s Divines
American Beverage Corp., Verona, Pa.
Telephone: 412/828-9020
Internet: www.dailyscocktails.com
Distribution: National

The Absolut Spirits Co. extended the Absolut brand with Absolut 100, a 100-proof vodka. The company describes Absolut 100 as a mixable and smooth vodka. It is packaged in a black bottle with a glossy finish and silver letters. Absolut 100 retails in 200-ml., 375-ml., 750-ml. and 1-liter sizes.
Absolut 100
Absolut Spirits Co., New York, N.Y.
Telephone: 212/641-8700
Internet: www.absolut.com
Distribution: National

Amazing Grass created Kidz SuperFood for children age 2 and older. The product combines 33 fruits and veggies with organic chocolate in a drink powder. One serving blended with 6 ounces of milk or water provides the antioxidant equivalent of three servings of fruits and vegetables and contains more than 1,670 mg. of fruit and vegetable concentrates, the company says. Kidz SuperFood contains more than 70 percent organic ingredients, and offers beta carotene, iron, folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, K and C. The mix contains 1 gram of sugar per serving. The powder is available in a 200-gram canister for $24.99, and a 15-count box of single-serve packets for $21.99.
Kidz SuperFood
Amazing Grass, San Francisco
Telephone: 415/441-3326
Internet: www.amazinggrass.com
Distribution: Select markets

Smucker Quality Beverages Inc.’s R.W. Knudsen Family partnered with The Berenstain Bears for the launch of Sensible Sippers Organic Juice Boxes. Sensible Sippers are 100 percent organic, and feature Berenstain Bears characters, such as Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear and Sister Bear. The Fruit Punch, Banana, Apple and Mixed Berry flavors are 50 percent juice and 50 percent water, reducing the amount of sugar intake in each serving. The products contain no added sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives. The suggested retail price for an eight-pack is $3.99 to $4.49.
Sensible Sippers
Smucker Quality Beverages Inc., Chico, Calif.
Telephone: 530/899-5000
Internet: www.knudsenjuices.com
Distribution: National

The Hain Celestial Group introduced Saphara, a 100 percent natural line of whole leaf teas packaged in pyramid tea bags. The premium line features herbal, green, black, white and red teas and is USDA organic and Fair Trade certified. The teas retail for $6.99 and are available in six flavors: Mango Ginger Decaf Green, White Tea with Schizandra, Tropical Rooibos, Premier Estate Assam, Gen Maie Cha and Blackcurrant Hibiscus. Saphara’s packaging also is composed of 100 percent recycled paperboard, all printing is done with 100 percent vegetable-based inks, and the pyramid bags, strings, tags, overwrap and carton are all made from biodegradable materials.
Saphara
The Hain Celestial Group Inc., Boulder, Colo.
Telephone: 303/530-5300
Internet: www.celestialseasonings.com
Distribution: National

Coca-Cola North America, Atlanta, added Minute Maid Pomegranate Blueberry Flavored 100 percent fruit juice blend to its line of Minute Maid Enhanced Juices. Made from a blend of five juices, Minute Maid Pomegranate Blueberry is enhanced with 50 mg. of Martek Biosciences Corp.’s Life’sDHA Omega-3/DHA per 8-ounce serving along with choline and vitamins C, E and B₁₂...

Diageo, Stamford, Conn., added Godiva Caramel Milk Chocolate Liqueur, a cream-based liqueur inspired by the flavor of Godiva Milk Caramel Embrace chocolate. Available in 50-ml., 375-ml. and 750-ml. sizes, a 750-ml. bottle retails for $27...

Pernod Ricard USA, White Plains, N.Y., released Russell’s Reserve Rye, a six-year-old, small-batch rye whiskey. Bottled at 90 proof, Russell’s Reserve Rye will be released in limited quantities in 750-ml. bottles for $24.99...

Pernod Ricard USA also debuted Wild Turkey American Spirit, a limited-edition, 100-proof, 15-Year-Old bourbon. American Spirit is bottled at bond proof in recognition of the tradition of storing barrels of whiskey in bonded, government-supervised warehouses, thereby ensuring age and purity. A 750-ml. bottle housed in a commemorative wooden box retails for $89.99...

Altamar Brands LLC, Corona del Mar, Calif., expanded the Swedish brand Right Gin from its initial Las Vegas launch earlier this year to New York City and Boston. A 750-ml. bottle retails for $40...

Preiss Imports, Ramona, Calif., added Old Raj Gin 92 proof to complement the original Old Raj 110 proof. Layered with an infusion of botanicals, Old Raj contains saffron, providing a golden hue and distinct flavor...

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., Chippewa Falls, Wis., brought back Leinenkugel’s Apple Spice. Lightly hopped, the beer blends apples and a hint of cinnamon spice and can be served cold or hot. Leinenkugel’s Apple Spice will be available in bottles of six-packs and 12-packs and on draft through the end of the year...

The Boston Beer Co., Boston, introduced a new batch of Samuel Adams Utopias. The rich, dark beer is uncarbonated, and is served at room temperature in a 2-ounce pour. The 2007 batch of Samuel Adams Utopias is 27 percent alcohol by volume. The beer will be presented in a numbered, bronze-colored, ceramic decanter shaped like a brew kettle, and retail between $120 and $140...

Oregon Chai, Tualatin, Ore., released a new club product, an all-natural Energy Chai Tea Latte. The company took the profile of Original Chai Tea Latte and added guarana, ginseng and caffeine. The Energy Chai Tea Latte comes in a powder form and is presented in a 1.5-pound canister that holds 32 servings...

Living Fuel Inc., Tampa, Fla., created Super Coffee Rx, a super liquid-concentrated coffee that creates a full-bodied cup of coffee that contains antioxidants. Twenty-five to 30 drops are added to 5 to 8 ounces of hot or cold water. Super Coffee Rx is available in regular and caffeine-free versions...