Most small-business owners see the world through rose-colored glasses when launching their companies, optimistic that their new ventures will succeed and thrive. In the case of Rooibee Red Tea, Louisville, Ky., this optimism has produced strong results.
The gourmet coffee market has perked up this year, according to the National Coffee Association of USA Inc. (NCA). Approximately 34 percent of American adults drink gourmet coffee beverages daily, up 3 percentage points from 2013, according to the New York-based association’s “National Coffee Drinking Trends” market research study, which was released in March. Conversely, non-gourmet coffee drinking dropped 4 percentage points to 35 percent, it reports.
Health properties, premium formats boost tea sales
July 11, 2014
Consumer interest in healthy beverages has led to an evolving marketplace within the industry, experts note. For instance, the tea category has experienced sales increases due to consumer emphasis placed on healthy living habits, according to a January report from Santa Monica, Calif.-based IBISWorld titled “Tea Production in the US.”
Ready-to-drink tea available online, at select retailers for limited time
June 30, 2014
Ito En North America Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., a subsidiary of Ito En Ltd., will debut bottled Shincha green tea in the United States. Shincha is the year’s very first harvest of green tea, which is known for its fresh and lively flavor, sweet finish, and smooth umami character, the company says. The company plans to bottle the tea, which is only accessible for a few months each year, under its Oi Ocha green tea brand and release it online and at select U.S. retailers for a limited time.
Former professional lacrosse player and entrepreneur John Gagliardi introduced a line of Titan Tea functional beverages made with organic tea leaves, electrolytes, D-ribose and caffeine.
Advertising platform supports relaunch of RTD iced tea products
May 28, 2014
Nestea, a brand of Stamford, Conn.-based Nestlé Waters North America, announced the revival of the brand’s “Nestea Plunge” marketing effort with the new 2014 advertising campaign. This updated communication strategy is designed to promote Nestea’s new recipe, which features more flavor and fewer calories, the company says.
Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ Donuts, part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. family of companies, has partnered with Arizona Beverages USA LLC, Woodbury, N.Y., and Arnold Palmer Enterprises, Cleveland, to introduce the new Frozen Arnold Palmer Coolatta. The half iced tea, half lemonade frozen beverage will be available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide throughout the summer.