New
New product development in drinks
Sheppy’s summer cider launch
Somerset cider maker Sheppy’s has launched a new variation of its popular fruit cider to meet a rise in demand experienced in the Summer – Cider with Blackberry & Elderflower.
Initially launched to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III, this new SKU taps in the demand for fruit cider in recent years – a demand that significantly ramps up in the summer months.
Sheppy’s Cider with Blackberry & Elderflower attemps to carve a niche for itself by complementing the apples with real fruit additions, as opposed to overpowering the flavour with an overly sweet artificial fruit taste.
Managing director David Sheppy commented: "Cider and Elderflower have always enjoyed an incredible partnership, and the added infusion of natural blackberry juice has resulted in something really special. It adds a deep hue and a depth of rural flavours.
“This cider captures the essence of warm fragrant evenings in the countryside and Somerset's sunny hedgerows."
Schoolyard classic meets sports nutrition
UK-based sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition has launched the ‘Drumstick Original Raspberry’ flavour of its electrolyte and vitamin water Body FUEL, in collaboration with Swizzels Sweets.
The two brands have worked together to create a ‘genuine recreation’ the of Drumsticks Lollies a
nd Squashies’ flavour.
National account controller Dan Warburton said: “As a new brand in this category, we knew the importance of amplifying our message to a broader audience. Working with a brand as iconic as Swizzels and being trusted to authentically represent their famous flavours has enabled us to do this.
“We worked closely with Swizzels to turn their one-of-a-kind flavour into a drink, and we're delighted with the result – extremely nostalgic! The feedback we've received so far has been incredibly positive and we can’t wait for more consumers to get their hands on Body FUEL™ Drumstick to see for themselves.”
Zero-sugar spin off for popular alcopop
Alcopop brand VK has launched a sugar-free spin-off into its ready to drink range.
VK & Soda is available in two variants – Berries and Lime – and is available in 330ml cans in both Tesco stores and across convenience retailers.
The launch follows a trial of 275ml glass and PET bottles across on-trade venues, including NUS, and an insertion in Tesco VK mixed packs.
VK head of brand Charlie Leaver said “We’re absolutely thrilled to release this true innovation for the category – a product enticing the rapidly growing segment of health-conscious consumers, with the full flavour and taste that VK delivers.”
Four new lines from Oatly
Oatly has announced the launch of four new oat drink lines in the UK across the chilled and long-life formats for the first time.
New Oatly Light, Oatly Semi and Oatly Whole have been designed with improved recipes to work better in drinks, cooking and baking. Oatly is also launching a ‘milder tasting’ “No” Sugars line.
All products contain no added sugar, are dairy- and soy-free and are a source of calcium, iodine, riboflavin and vitamins B12 and D.
Oatly UK general manager Bryan Carroll said: “We want to make it easy for people to swap in plant-based for dairy in their diets and that means designing products that require zero compromise on taste, performance or nutrition.
“We’re excited to now offer consumers in the UK a full range of oat drink varieties and formats that work just as great in your morning coffee as they do in your favourite food recipes.”
