Coffee Energy Drink
Monster Beverage Co., part of Hansen Beverage Co., rolled out Java Monster. Positioned for RTD coffee lovers who would prefer an edgier product, Java Monster delivers the taste of coffee with the same energy formula as Monster Energy drink. Packaged in 15-ounce cans, Java Monster is available in Loca Moca, Mean Bean and Big Black.
Java Monster
Hansen Beverage Co., Corona, Calif.
Telephone: 909/739-6200
Internet: www.monsterenergy.com
Distribution: National
Ingredients: Loca Moca: Filtered water, reduced-fat milk, sucrose, natural flavors, glucose, taurine, coffee, sodium citrate, natural gum stabilizers, panax ginseng root extract, color, L-carnitine, tricalcium phosphate, ascorbic acid, caffeine, niacinamide, sucralose, glucuronolactone, guarana seed extract, inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, maltodextrin and cyanocobalamin.
Vodka cocktails
Diageo North America introduced the Smirnoff Cocktails collection of super-premium cocktails that take the guesswork out of mixing drinks. Available in Grand Cosmopolitan and Vodka Mojito, the cocktails contain Smirnoff Vodka No. 21. Grand Cosmopolitan blends in Grand Marnier liqueur, cranberry juice and lime. Smirnoff Vodka Mojito offers a new interpretation of the classic Cuban mojito by using vodka instead of rum, but still includes the traditional mint and lime. Both products are available in 750-ml. and 1.75-liter bottles, retailing for $12.99 and $19.99, respectively.
Smirnoff Vodka Mojito and Grand Cosmopolitan
Diageo North America, Norwalk, Conn.
Telephone: 203/359-7100
Internet: www.diageo.com
Distribution: National
Dew’s got game
PepsiCo Inc. released limited-edition Mountain Dew Game Fuel. Available for 12 weeks starting in August, Game Fuel is inspired by the Xbox 360 game release of Halo 3. Game Fuel has the same flavor as Mountain Dew, with the addition of Citrus Cherry flavor and more caffeine. Game Fuel will appear in 20-ounce and 2-liter bottles along with 12-ounce cans in 12-packs.
Mountain Dew Game Fuel
PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y.
 Telephone: 914/767-6000
Internet: www.mountaindew.com
Distribution: National
Ingredients: Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate, gum Arabic, caffeine, sodium citrate, Yellow 5, glycerol ester of wood rosin, calcium disodium EDTA, Yellow 6, Red 40 and brominated vegetable oil.
Organic energy drink
SkylarHaley, maker of Essn sparkling juices, created Organic Essn Energy. The energy drink includes antioxidants, such as Kenyan green tea, Brazilian yerba maté and guarana. The lightly carbonated beverage is pomegranate and limeflower flavored, and is free of additives and preservatives. Essn Energy is bottled in silver and green 12-ounce slim cans, and retails for $1.99.
Organic Essn Energy
SkylarHaley, Pleasanton, Calif.
 Telephone: 866/759-5274
Internet: www.drinkessn.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Filtered carbonated water, organic evaporated cane juice, pomegranate and limeflower flavors, organic dried guarana extract, organic Brazilian dried yerba maté extract, organic Kenyan green tea powder, citric acid, vitamin blend (niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium D-pantothenate and cyanocobalamin).
Protein water mix
Kellogg Co. launched Special K2O Protein Water Mix, a new weight-management tool added to the Special K Protein portfolio. The single-serve packets are available in Iced Tea, Strawberry Kiwi and Pink Lemonade flavors. Each serving contains three vitamins: niacin, vitamin B6 and B12. The mixes are sold in packages of seven and 14 packets, with single-serve packets also available.
Kellogg’s Special K2O Protein Water Mix
Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich.
Telephone: 269/961-3799
Internet: www.kelloggcompany.com
Distribution: National
Ingredients: Strawberry Kiwi: Polydextrose, whey protein isolate, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, contains two percent or less of soy lecithin, sucralose, tri-calcium phosphate, ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides, acesulfame potassium, Red 40, niacinamide, pyridoxine hydrochloride and vitamin B12.
Classic addition
Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages complemented its Snapple White, Green and Red Tea lines with Snapple Classic Black Teas. The Classic Black Teas feature traditional hot tea flavors such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe for traditional tea enthusiasts. Made with brewed tea and lightly sweetened with sugar, the black tea blends contain 35 to 40 calories per serving and offer antioxidants. A 17.5-ounce bottle retails for $1.39. Snapple Black Teas Cadbury Schweppes Americas
Beverages, Rye Brook, N.Y.
Telephone: 914/612-4500
Internet: www.snapple.com
Distribution: National
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS BY CATEGORY
CATEGORY SKUS YTD
7/31/07		 SKUS YTD
7/31/06
Alcohol Beverages 134 197
Beverage Concentrates/Mixes 163 205
Carbonated Soft Drinks 85 87
Coffee 106 132
Energy Drinks 83 67
Fruit/Flavored Still Drinks 67 87
Juice & Nectars 173 121
Malt & Other Hot Beverages 39 40
Meal Replacements & Other Drinks 20 26
RTD Coffee & Tea 82 87
Sports Drinks 30 10
Tea 125 145
Water 101 119
Total 1,208 1,323
Source: Mintel Global New Products Database
Protein energy drink
WheyUp LLC has released a new flavor of its WheyUP drink to the sports market. The new Citrus flavor complements the original Berry flavored non-carbonated protein sports drink with energy ingredients. WheyUp combines 20 grams of whey protein with a sugar-free energy formulation. The Citrus and Berry varieties also will be sold in new packaging — 16-ounce plastic bottles — and retail for $2.99.
WheyUp
WheyUp LLC, Chandler, Ariz.
Telephone: 480/220-8680
Internet: www.wheyup.com
Distribution: National
Fruit smoothie mixes
Kerry Food & Beverage launched Jet Fruit Smoothie Mix, a line of fruit smoothie mixes to the retail market. Each flavor of Mango, Strawberry and Peach is packaged in a 30-ounce plastic bottle for the club channel, and a 16-ounce plastic bottle for the grocery channel, and retails between $4.99 and $5.99 for the 16-ounce size. Each variety contains 25 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamins A and E, 60 percent of the RDI of folic acid and 100 percent of the RDI of vitamin C.
Jet Fruit Smoothie Mix
Kerry Food & Beverage, Waukesha, Wis.
Telephone: 888/676-3832
Internet: www.jetsmoothies.com
Distribution: National
Ingredients: Peach: Peach puree, water, sugar, maltodextrin, natural peach flavors with other natural flavors, citric acid, vitamin premix (vitamins C, E, A and folic acid), ascorbic acid, vegetable color and artificial color (Yellow 6).
Expanding sweetness
Sweet Leaf Tea extended its line of sweet teas with Very Berry Hibiscus and Diet Mint & Honey Green Tea. The Diet Mint & Honey Green Tea is sweetened with Splenda and honey, and Very Berry Hibiscus is sweetened with organic cane sugar. Very Berry Hibiscus also is USDA Organic certified.
Sweet Leaf Berry Hibiscus and Diet Mint & Honey Green Tea
Sweet Leaf Tea, Austin, Texas
Telephone: 512/328-7775
Internet: www.sweetleaftea.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Very Berry Hibiscus: Carbon filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice, organic hibiscus, organic cinnamon, organic spearmint, natural flavors and citric acid.
Ginger, times three
The Ginger People, part of Royal Pacific Foods, released Ginger ‘Gizer, a ginger beverage with three ginger ingredients: freeze-dried ginger, Chinese yellow ginger juice and ginger syrup. Balanced with apple juice, a hint of lemon and sweetened with honey, Ginger ‘Gizer aims to deliver energy and vivid ginger flavor and heat, the company says. A 12-ounce bottle of Ginger ‘Gizer retails for $1.79 and 32-ounce bottle for $3.79.
Ginger ‘Gizer
Royal Pacific Foods, Monterey, Calif.
Telephone: 800/551-5284
Internet: www.gingerpeople.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Filtered water, honey, ginger juice, lemon juice, apple concentrate, ginger syrup (cane sugar, ginger) and freeze-dried ginger.
Malt beverage pouches
Integrated Beverage Group released Freaky Ice Bag O' Brew, a non-carbonated flavored malt beverage packaged in flexible pouches. Each pouch contains 8.5 ounces, and has 4.2 percent alcohol by volume. Freaky Ice Bag O’ Brew comes in two flavors — Lemon Stinger and Cherry Fusion — and can be poured over ice or frozen until slushy. The product is packaged in club packs with 20 pouches per pack.
Freaky Ice Bag O' BrewIntegrated Beverage Group Ltd., Farmingdale, N.Y.
Telephone: 631/694-8560
Internet: www.freakyice.com
Distribution: Select markets
Acaí spirit
VeeVDistillers released VeeV, an acaí liqueur that is 30 percent alcohol per volume. VeeV features Brazilian acaí, acerola cherry and Mandarin orange combined with natural ingredients such as prickly pear and ginseng. VeeV retails for $34.99 for a 750-ml. bottle and the company donates $1 per bottle sold to help protect and replenish the Amazonian Rainforest through its partners Rainforest Action Network and Sambazon’s Sustainable Acaí Project.
VeeV
VeeVDistillers, Los Angeles
Telephone: 310/247-8785
Internet: www.VeeVlife.com
Distribution: Select markets
Racing driven
DC Brands International launched Turn Left, an energy drink targeted to NASCAR fans. Formulated with a combination of taurine and B vitamins, Turn Left is marketed with the tag, “Liquid Horsepower: How Fast Do You Want to Go?” DC Brands enacted two promotions for Turn Left: a monthly contest to win two tickets to a NASCAR race, and a sweepstakes for a new Corvette.
Turn Left Energy Drink
DC Brands International, Wheat Ridge, Colo.
Telephone: 866/432-2726
Internet: www.turnleftenergy.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Carbonated water, corn syrup, citric acid, taurine, glucuronolactone, sodium benzoate, caffeine, inositol, natural and artificial flavors, dextrose, nicotinamide, calcium-D-pantothenate, pyridoxine, hydrochloride and cyanocobalamin.
Brazilian flavors
J.D’anna Distilling developed a line of premium Brazilian rums called Rio D Noite Cachaca. Rio D is fermented from sugar cane and distilled using a multi-distillation process. Available in Original, Lime and Passion varieties, a 750-ml. bottle of Rio D retails for $24.99.
Rio D Noite Cachaca
J.D’anna Distilling, Atlanta
Telephone: 404/346-1556
Internet: www.rio-d.com
Distribution: Select markets
Boxed water
Esgee Enterprises created Aqua2Go, a purified water packaged in an aseptic box. Aqua2Go is being marketed to people of all ages. The packaging is 74 percent paper, 20 percent plastic and 6 percent aluminum, and is able to be recycled in some markets. The box resists extreme temperatures and has a five-year shelf life. Aqua2Go retails for $2.89 per eight-pack.
Aqua2Go
Esgee Enterprises LLC, New Orleans
Telephone: 504/304-9417
Internet: www.wateronthego.com
Distribution: National
Pomegranate wine
Aiko Importers Inc. has begun importing Tree of Life Pomegranate Wine in two variations: semi-sweet or semi-dry. Tree of Life semi-sweet wine (12 percent alcohol by volume) is made from a new pomegranate variety using a traditional technique that preserves its fruity taste. Tree of Life semi-dry wine (11 percent alcohol by volume) is characterized by red color and lingering finish.
Tree of Life Pomegranate Wine
Aiko Importers Inc., Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Telephone: 843/216-1150
Internet: www.aikollc.com
Distribution: Select markets
Energy vodka
Wingard Inc. released V2 Vodka, a distilled spirit made from premium imported vodka and energy ingredients. Produced and bottled in Holland, the 80-proof vodka is distilled five times, filtered and then infused with taurine and caffeine. A 750-ml. bottle retails for $34.
V2 Vodka
Wingard Inc., New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Telephone: 516/328-2800
Internet: www.v2vodka.com
Distribution: Select markets
Nectarine juices
NBI Juiceworks added four new flavors to its Sun Shower line of 100 percent nectarine juices. Sun Shower Nectarine Acai, Nectarine Pomegranate, Nectarine Grape Orange and Nectarine Cranberry contain no added sugars or preservatives, which is the same as the three original flavors, Nectarine, Nectarine Berry and Nectarine Mango. The juices are high in potassium, vitamin C, antioxidants, phyto-nutrients and beta carotene, and contain 90 calories per 8-ounce serving, the company says. Available in two sizes, a 12-ounce Sun Shower bottle retails for $2.99 and 28-ounce containers retail for $4.99.
Sun Shower Nectarine Pomegranate
NBI Juiceworks LLP, Orlando, Fla.
Telephone: 407/291-1151
Internet: www.nbijuiceworks.com
Distribution: Select markets
Ingredients: Pomegrante: Nectarine juice, pomegranate juice concentrate, water, natural flavors, ascorbic acid and sucralose.
Eco-vodka
McCormick Distilling Co. and Premier Beverage Co. created 360 Vodka using eco-friendly production and packaging methods. While not organic, 360 Vodka uses locally harvested grain and every bottle is distilled four times and filtered five times through an energy-efficient process. The vodka’s glass bottle includes 85 percent recycled content, and all labeling, packaging and promotional materials use 100 percent recycled paper and water-based inks. The company pledges to donate $20 from the sale of each case of 360 Vodka in Florida to Coastal Conservation Association Florida. 360 Vodka retails for $24.99 for 750-ml. bottle.
360 Vodka
McCormick Distilling Co. and Premier Beverage Co., Miramar, Fla.
Telephone: 954/436-9200
Internet: www.vodka360.com
Distribution: Select markets
At a glance . . .
Bottled water
Seawright Holdings LLC, Alexandria, Va., released Seawright Springs Premium Natural Spring Water. Containing water from the Seawright Spring in Stunton, Va., the water is mineralized with calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium potassium sodium, silica and fluoride…
Fitness Water Inc., Las Vegas, created H2Ultra, a water with a purification process and electrolyte formulation that aims to help consumers stay hydrated. H2Ultra is sold online for $27 per case…
Tea and coffee
Coffee Holding Co. Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., entered into a three-year licensing agreement with Entenmann's Products Inc., Montebello, Calif., to manufacturer and distribute a line of coffee products bearing the Entenmann's brand name…
Choice Organic Teas, Seattle, introduced three organic and Fair Trade certified iced teas for foodservice. Organic Black, Organic Mango Ceylon and Organic Moroccan Mint Green Iced Teas are available in cases of 30 pre-portioned 3-ounce packets …
Stash Tea, Portland, Ore., unveiled all-natural green tea powders made for mixing with cold water in Green, Mint, Blueberry and Lightly Sweetened Green…
Equal Exchange, West Bridgewater, Mass., unleashed seven premium, organic, Fair Trade certified teas sourced almost entirely from co-operatives of small-scale growers in India, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Equal Exchange released Organic Ceylon High Grown Black, Organic Ceylon Green, Organic Darjeeling First Flush and Organic Darjeeling Second Flush in loose leaf varieties, and Organic Rooibos Tea, Organic Irish Breakfast Tea and Organic Green Magic Tea in tea bags…
Drink mixes
Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colo., released a line of fruit-flavored drink mixes for kids called Go Stix. The mixes in Fruit Punch, Orange Citrus Punch, Triple Berry and Wild Cherry are 100 percent natural and are fortified with calcium and vitamin C...
Alternative beverages
Nestlé USA, Glendale, Calif., expanded its shelf-stable portfolio to include a vendable 8-ounce Chocolate and Strawberry Nesquik RTD. Made with 1 percent vitamin A and D-fortified milk, and packaged in resealable plastic bottles, the Nesquik line originally launched in a 14-ounce size in April…
Guayakí, Sebastopol, Calif., added Guayakí Yerba Maté Unsweetened Maté. The organic low-calorie beverage highlights the flavor of brewed yerba maté in a 16-ounce bottle for $2.19…
Phlo Corp., Jacksonville, Fla., began shipping sports drinks that feature the company’s Instant Nano Hydration (through nano-encapsulation technology) and Cell Armor technologies to Northern California. The nano-encapsulation technology prevents the destruction of nutrients in the stomach, the company says…
Fizzy Lizzy LLC, New York, N.Y., added new packaging graphics and two flavors to its all-natural line of sparkling juices: Red Hill Pomegranate and Gulf Coast Tangerine…
Beer
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif., released its Anniversary Ale in bottles, which previously only had been available in the brewery pub during the fall season. The American Style IPA features prominent usage of Cascade hops, and will launch in select markets…
Wine and spirits
Bacardi USA, Miami, launched Rubi Rey rum, a single barrel finished white rum, in Chicago, Denver and South Florida. The rum is 43 percent alcohol per volume, and is packaged in a gem-shaped ruby-colored bottle. Bacardi will take Rubi Rey nationwide in 2008…
Phillips Distilling Co., Minneapolis, extended its UV Vodka line with UV Lemonade, a pink-colored spirit offering the taste of pink lemonade…
Castle Brands Inc., New York, N.Y., introduced Knappogue Castle Whiskey 1995, the latest in its series of vintage-dated single malts from Ireland. A 750-ml. bottle retails for $34.99...
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based Imperial Brands Inc., a subsidiary of Belvédère SA, began importing premium Polish Sobieski Vodka to select markets in the United States……