Beverage News

UK-based gin brand Kokoro Gin has added three new liqueurs to its product portfolio, all of which are inspired by flavours from Japan. Three flavours will be available in the new Kokoro Gin Liqueurs range: Cherry blossom, blueberry and lemongrass, yuzu and ginger. The launch of the three flavours celebrates the coming of spring in Japan, as well as the famous cherry blossom viewing season known as Hanami. Each flavour features a different design on the bottle, which together forms a triptych of Mount Bandai in Japan. The illustrations were painted by Koshu, a calligrapher who also painted the Kokoro Hirigana logo on the front of the bottle. James Nicol, Kokoro Founder, said: “We’re delighted to be adding these exciting Japanese liqueurs to the Kokoro family. We’ve spent the last two years developing the range using authentic, natural Japanese ingredients. “We’re proud that our family business is continuing to support the preservation of the forest in Japan where the sans...

Icelandic beverage company Ölgerðin has hired Ball Corporation to help design and produce cans for its Ava sparkling fruit water brand. On the lookout for new ways to increase its sustainability credentials, Ölgerðin decided to update its packaging material to a new format that has less of an impact on the environment. And with consumers in Iceland increasingly demanding smaller portions and more eco-friendly options, Ölgerðin has used Ball’s 33cl format, which features a high-definition printing technique. Available in berry and citrus variants, the Ava range is made with just Icelandic sparkling water and fruit. Ölgerðin brand manager Jóhannes Páll Sigurðarson said: “As activists for sustainability, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our footprint, and refreshing our packaging was the natural next step to achieve this. “By working together with Ball, we’ve not only been able to tick this box with the introduction of a sustainable new 33cl can format, we’ve a...

Boasting zero sugar, natural flavourings and three calories per can, Upstream aims to provide a healthier alternative to sugary carbonated drinks and fruit smoothies. Three flavours have been released – grapefruit and bergamot, lime and pomegranate, and cucumber and mint – all of which contain no preservatives, added sugar or artificial colours. Clearly Drinks said that with the introduction of the UK’s sugar tax last year, Upstream is positioned in the emerging subcategory of zero-sugar premium flavoured waters. The name and design of Upstream aim to embody the brand’s promise that the drink will offer a moment to refresh, step back and appreciate the positive things in life. Ed Woolner from Upstream said: “We wanted to create a zero-sugar, low-calorie flavoured water that didn’t compromise on quality and offered a daily dose of refreshment. “There are so many health-conscious consumers out there on the search for something different, presenting an opportunity for ret...

SHS Group has expanded its Shloer brand of adult soft drinks with two new ranges – the first beverages under the brand not to have grape juice as their primary base. Shloer Spritzed is a sparkling soft drink developed as an alternative to gin and tonic as well as aperitifs.  Available in three variants – bitter orange, grapefruit and mint, and bitter lemon and lime – the range is packaged in 700ml glass bottles with a recommended retail price (RRP) of £2.49. Meanwhile, Shloer Pressed draws inspiration from flavoured ciders and is available in three variants – strawberry and lime, rhubarb and apple, and mixed berries – in 330ml cans (RRP £1) and 4 x 330ml multipacks (RRP £3.50). The beverages join Shloer Original, billed as an alternative to table wine, and Shloer Bubbly, which provides a non-alcoholic option to sparkling wine. The Shloer brand is targeted at women aged between 28 and 49. SHS Group, which also owns the Bottlegreen and WKD brands, said that trends for alco...