Beverage News

Bom Bom Brands has launched Fully Baked, the world's first alcoholic drink made using a hemp dairy alternative, to expand its line of premium adult beverages. Husband and wife duo Eva Maria Janerus and Kevin Mowers started their own brand of alcoholic beverages in 2016 after Mowers developed a new rum drink with chocolate, coffee and coconut flavors while the two were dating. Janerus described it as “a play on a Mounds bar”​ and she liked it so much that Mowers found himself making it over and over again for get-togethers with their friends. This led to the launch of Bom Bom Brands with their inaugural drink , Coco Mochanut (gluten-free). In 2017 they debuted their second flavor, Nilli Vanilli (gluten-free and vegan), and have rounded out the trio with Fully Baked (gluten-free, vegan and nut-free) in June 2018. Smoking the competition Their latest drink is “a creamy and delicious blend of chocolate chip cookie and brownie flavors”​ with Caribbean rum and hemp dairy be...

Kikkoman Corporation of Japan and NIZO of the Netherlands have collaborated on R&D to create a new soy milk yogurt drink to be launched in Japan in August 2017. Kikkoman, the world’s top selling soy sauce, has experience working with soy ingredients and soy fermentation, while NIZO’s expertise includes lactic acid bacteria technologies. The Japanese company wanted to create the new product, but needed a lactic acid strain capable of fermenting soy bean and providing a specific taste. NIZO was identified as a partner who could provide dairy-derived strains with natural selection techniques to select strains that grow well on soy beans without adversely affecting taste. Patent applied for The R&D collaboration resulted in Kikkoman's current application for an international patent. The two companies have concluded an exclusive licensing agreement for the NIZO-derived strains used in the fermentation. Kikkoman told DairyReporter the product is called "Kikkoma...

Four entrepreneurs have launched Liquid Death to ‘completely obliterate bottled water marketing clichés by taking the world's healthiest beverage and making it just as funny as unhealthy brands across the energy drinks, soda, and beer sector’. The company was founded by advertising exec and former liquor entrepreneur Mike Cessario, a heavy metal bartender Pat Cook, manufacturing expert JR Riggins, and the creator of a famous adult cartoon about a lovable demonic dog Will Carsola. The Liquid Death water brand launches in the US today. On sale now It has also partnered with California incubator and investment firm Science Inc, which 'nurtures the next generation of future brands'. Mike Cessario, co-founder/CEO, Liquid Death, said it is using aluminum cans to package the water because it doesn't want to use plastic water bottles. “Aluminum cans are far and away the most sustainable beverage container by virtually every measure​,” he said. “We wanted to m...

Japanese beverage firm Kirin has announced the plan of using 50% recycled plastic in PET materials for its domestic businesses by 2027. The firm is aiming to cut plastic waste by promoting the recycling of PET bottles ; eliminating single-use plastic and replacing it with other materials; andimproving the sustainability of PET bottles . To promote recycling, the firm will work with national, local government, and industry organisations to create an efficient collection and reuse system for high-quality used PET bottles . “​We​ do not believe that Kirin alone can achieve the goal. We believe that it is necessary for all stakeholders, including peer companies in the same industry, distributors, plastic recyclers, and even the administration to be united in building a system to achieve the goal,” ​company spokesman Toshiaki Hyoudou told FoodNavigator-Asia​. Elaborating on the collaboration between different players, he said that the National Food Drink Federation had agreed to m...

A new study from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) says that 93% of Americans want bottled water available everywhere drinks are sold, and prefer it over all other beverages, furthering its rise to the no. 1 soft drink in the world. Zenith Global predicted that 2018 would be the year of bottled water ​, and that it would officially overtake every other mass market beverage category after years of growth. Bottled water consumption rose 92% between 2007 and 2017, while all soft drinks combined rose just 24% in the same time frame. Bottled water 's growing popularity can be attributed in part to the global consumer interest in improved health and wellness: with plain water being free from added flavors, sweeteners or calories. Bottled water also ensures drinking safety and quality for those with limited access to clean tap water. More than 14 billion gallons of bottled water were sold in the US in 2018, making it the most successful beverage in terms of bo...

The Alkaline Water Company – makers of pink Himalayan rock salt brand Alkaline88 – is gearing up to launch a new hemp infused drink this year, using new technology. The Alkaline Water Company produces Alkaline88, a US alkaline water brand with a pH of 8.8. It's infused with minerals and electrolytes from pink Himalayan rock salt and is now using its original base as a springboard for further launches. The brand says new technology will improve bioavailability of hemp. Product development With the growth in popularity of alkaline water, brands are looking for ways to stand out in a crowded market. A88 manufactures Alkaline88 and secured a trademark in 2013, allowing it to be the only US brand with ‘alkaline’ in its name. The drink contains just purified water and pink Himalayan rock salt, and the original formula is the base for other product development. First up was a line of fruit-infused flavors in both sparkling and flat options. After working on development for 18...

Pernod Ricard has agreed to acquire Italian premium gin brand Malfy from Biggar & Leith for an undisclosed figure, further expanding its spirits portfolio. Based in the Italian region of Moncalieri, Malfy produces a range of premium gins which are sold in Italy and other international markets including the US, UK and Germany. The brand currently sells four different gins: Originale, Con Limone, Con Arancia and Gin Rosa, all of which are produced using locally-sourced ingredients such as Italian juniper, coastal-grown Italian lemons, Sicilian blood oranges and pink grapefruits. Pernod Ricard says that the acquisition significantly boosts its presence in the “fast-growing” premium and flavoured gin segment, complementing its acquisitions of the Ungava gin brand in 2018 and its partnership with Monkey 47 Gin in 2016. The company’s Irish Distillers brand also recently released the new Method and Madness Gin in Ireland and in global travel retail outlets, with the brand claimi...

Holla Spirits has launched eco-friendly packaging to deliver Holla vodka directly to consumers across Pennsylvania, US. The packaging is available for original Holla vodka and select naturally infused varieties in the recyclable Boozin’ Bags in 750ml and 1.75L. Lifestyle themes. To celebrate the launch the company has released two more infusions including: Lemon’s End and Thirsty, Orange Ya?. The Boozin’ Bags will also be available in a variety of holiday and lifestyle themes. “Next generation consumers expect socially responsible options from brands, and they expect those options to be available for delivery right to their door,​” said Patrick Shorb, president, Holla Spirits. “The packaging is made from mixed plastics. ​They are recyclable under Code 7, which is for mixed plastics, wherever mixed plastics recycling is accepted.​” He added, another advantage which benefits the brand is PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) is now allowing Pennsylvania limited...

Talking Rain Beverage Company has introduced a new formula for its Sparkling Ice beverage brand, featuring naturally sourced colours and flavours, alongside an updated logo and packaging design. Over the course of two years, the Sparkling Ice team conducted marketing research and sensory testing with over 8,000 consumers, leading to the updated recipe for the carbonated beverage range. The drinks are made with no sugar and combine sparkling water, real fruit flavor, vitamins and antioxidants. A total of 16 flavours are available: black raspberry, orange mango, pink grapefruit, kiwi strawberry, coconut pineapple, pomegranate blueberry, peach nectarine, lemon lime, crisp apple, classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, cherry limeade, strawberry watermelon, black cherry, grape raspberry, and ginger lime. As a result of consumer feedback, the brand also developed a more modern and unified look. This new design and updated logo is featured on each bottle and multipack, in a ...

Singaporean beverage brand Cocoloco has launched a naturally pink coconut water alongside a new line of cold-pressed fruit juices. The Whose Juice? range – which includes tropical flavours such as watermelon, kiwi, and mango – and the pink coconut water are cold-pressed “to lock in the maximum nutritional value of all the ingredients”, and each contains zero preservatives, colourings or added sugar. Cocoloco said the cold-pressing process, which extracts the juice from fruit and vegetables, has been proven to preserve the nutritional value of the raw fruit more effectively than other methods. The brand’s coconut water is given its pink hue thanks to polyphenols reacting with light. Kelvin Ngian, Cocoloco founder, said: “Now is the right time to be introducing our new naturally pink coconut water and Whose Juice? brand into Singapore as we look to satisfy the increasing local demand for better, more nutritious juice options at more affordable prices.” ...

US-based Elemental Beverage Company claims to have created a new cold brew coffee experience through its patent-pending SnapChill Technology. The popularity of cold brew coffee has surged in recent years, with the US cold brew coffee market growing 580% from 2011 to 2016  according to research agency Mintel, while more than half (56%) of new RTD coffee launches in the US in 2017 were cold brew products. Time is the important factor when it comes to creating cold brew coffee, as the drink is brewed at a very low temperature over several hours to create a beverage which is less acidic and sweeter than a traditional hot coffee. This process can take as long as 24 hours and requires special equipment, but Elemental claims that its newly-developed SnapChill Technology allows users to reduce the temperature of a hot coffee in a few minutes. Elemental claims that this process captures, preserves and enhances every note, distinction and flavour of hot coffee without the ...

Colorado-based Weller has unveiled a new line of CBD Sparkling Water as it aims to offer the benefits of CBD in a refreshing format. Founded by food industry veterans Matt Oscamou (founder and CEO of Frontier Snacks) and John Simmons (founder and CEO of Third Street Chai), Weller aims to offer products that change the way consumers access CBD. “Our company has always strived to provide our customers with high-quality, better-for-you products and empowering them to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Simmons. “With our line of CBD Sparkling Water, consumers are able to enjoy the full benefits of CBD in a convenient, refreshing new way suitable for any occasion.” The range will be available as of April with a suggested retail price of $4.99 per can. In December, Weller launched CBD Coconut Bites, available in three flavours: dark chocolate, caramel and original. The company said its source of Colorado-grown CBD, along with its clean extraction meth...