These days, consumers have a plethora of choices to make while they’re shopping for beverages. Besides the flavor, brand or product type, they’re bombarded with statements like “low sodium,” “low calorie,” “natural” and “organic.” According to “Natural and Organic Foods and Beverages in the U.S., 3rd Edition,” from market research publisher Packaged Facts, New York, 37 percent of U.S. adults buy organic groceries and 56 percent of U.S. adults buy packaged food products marketed as “all natural.”
Tea Forté Inc. launched its new line of Tea Forté Skin-Smart Teas, developed to promote healthy skin from within, the company says. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic and Fair Trade certified teas are blended to further the detoxifying effect of polyphenols to fight the visible signs of skin aging, the company adds.
The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, reports that its second quarter and year-to-date 2011 operating results are meeting or exceeding the company’s long-term growth targets and gaining volume and value share in total nonalcohol ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages. Reported worldwide volume grew 6 percent in both the quarter and year-to-date. Excluding new cross-licensed brands in North America, primarily Dr Pepper brands, worldwide volume grew 5 percent in the quarter and year-to-date.
Tea continued to capitalize on a positive year in both the bagged and loose leaf tea segment as well as the ready-to-drink (RTD) segment. RTD showed the most growth at 8.5 percent for more than $2.3 billion in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, for the 52 weeks ending May 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart. Bagged and loose leaf tea sales experienced a 1.8 percent increase for more than $782.5 million, the market research firm’s data states.