Walkers and Innocent lead new product launches

Owner PepsiCo is marking the anniversary with the launch of Coronation Chicken to represent the 1950s, Roast Lamb & Mint for the 1960s, Cheese Fondue (1970s), Chicken Tikka Masala (1980s), BBQ Rib (1990s) and Sweet Chili (2000s).

The crisps hit shelves on 18 March in single serve and multipack formats. The launch is being backed by a TV, digital and in-store advertising campaign.

“To have been a household name in homes up and down the country for the past 70 years is a remarkable achievement,”​ said Rachel Holms, senior marketing director at PepsiCo.

“We would like to thank the British public for the support that they have shown us over the decades, and are proud to be the nation’s favourite crisp brand.”​

New product development in drinks​

The Walkers announcement coincided with a flurry of new product development in drinks, led by Innocent’s first foray into the dairy alternatives market.

The smoothie maker has introduced two variants, both lactose-free and containing vitamin C and 8g of plant-based soya protein.

Berry Protein is a mix of strawberries, raspberries and coconut milk, blended with soya protein, while Tropical Protein is a blend of tropical fruits, coconut milk and soya protein.

Last month, Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) also said it would enter plant-based drinks with the introduction of AdeZ.

Available from the end of March, AdeZ is a dairy-free smoothie containing seeds, fruit juices and vitamins. Three flavours are available – Amazing Almond Mango-Passionfruit, Mighty Oat Strawberry-Banana, and Courageous Coconut Berry.

First ready-to-drink cold coffee​

CCEP has followed it up with the launch of its first-ever ready-to-drink (RTD) cold coffee.

Available in Latte and Mocha variants, CCEP hoped the Honest coffee range would tap into the growing demand for RTD coffee products. The sector is worth £66m and is growing by 20% year on year, according to Nielsen CGA (MAT to end June 2017).

The coffee drinks will be available in a resealable 240ml single polyethylene terephthalate, for on-the-go consumers. Made with Arabica beans, the 42.5% coffee content products are organic and exempt from the soft drinks levy that comes into effect in April.

The coffee flavours join Herbal Tea and Kids variants as part of the Honest range.

GB customer marketing director Simon Harrison said launching Honest coffee was part of the CCEP’s evolution to becoming a “total beverage company”​.

“The Honest brand is about sincerity and transparency, from the way we sustainably source and present our ingredients, to the charity partners we support – all of which are compelling to today’s consumers,”​ he added.

CCEP has also unveiled a Sprite Lemon Lime and Cucumber No Sugar variant as part of the biggest investment in the brand in more than five years.

CCEP said the full Sprite range was exempt from the soft drinks levy.