More than 20,000 attendees from 60-plus countries were in attendance at this year’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, which took place Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
According to NACS, more than 1,800 retailers visited the Cool New Products preview room to get a sneak peak at the 290-plus products featured in the room. NACS provided attendees with scanners to scan products they found interesting and wanted more information about, and a record 34,260 total scans were conducted in the preview room, according to the NACS Daily e-newsletter.
The buzz around new and existing products also could be found on the exhibit floor. The following are beverage highlights from the 2014 NACS Show:
Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC, Irvine, Calif., featured a number of beverage brands and products at its booth including Tornado Energy, Mamma Chia, SK Energy’s Daredevil and Punisher energy shots, Ocean Spray Sparkling, and Diageo-Guinness USA. Diageo-Guinness announced that it launched a Guinness Blonde Lager in North America, which features the same yeast as original Guinness but also contains American hops.
St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch featured its five “Play to Win in Convenience” platforms, which include Single Serve, 2 for 1 Promo, C-Store Displays, In Stock All Day and More Doors marketing programs.
AriZona Beverages, Woodbury, N.Y., highlighted the latest additions to its portfolio of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, including AriZona Oak Reserve, a brewed tea with American oak chips available in Unsweetened, Lightly Sweetened and Lemon varieties; Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Strawberry Fizz, the latest addition to its Golden Bear line; Shaq Fu Punch, a juice line developed in partnership with Shaquille O’Neal; and Skinnygirl Sparklers, a sparkling water line developed in partnership with Bethenny Frankel. The company also promoted its fountain capabilities utilizing the Golden Bear brand.
Xyience, which was recently acquired by Big Red Inc., Austin, Texas, promoted its line of energy beverages as well as products from the Big Red portfolio including Big Jack and Hydrive Energy Water.
Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif., announced that it will introduce single-serve, refrigerated packages of its Almond Breeze almond milk in February 2015.
Boston-based The Boston Beer Co. promoted its collection of craft brands including Samuel Adams Lager and seasonal beers, Angry Orchard hard cider, and Twisted Tea flavored malt beverages.
Fruit Shoot, a brand of Britvic plc, Hemel Hempstead, England, showcased its latest juice drink variety: Strawbrainy.
Bug Juice Brands, Brighton, Mich., highlighted the success of its 2014 introductions: Dragon Berry and Bubble Gum juice drinks. The company also announced two new varieties: Spider Juice and Lady Bug Juice.
BYB Brands, Charlotte, N.C., showcased its Tum-E Yummies kids drinks and Fuel in a Bottle energy shots.
Camden, N.J.-based Campbell Soup Co. promoted its newest products, which will be available in December. Capitalizing on spicy beverage trends, the company will release a V8 Spicy Mango Juice Cocktail. During that same timeframe, the company will release V8 Veggie Blends. Packaged in 12-ounce bottles, Veggie Blends will be available in Carrot Mango, Healthy Greens and Purple Power varieties.
Cellulations LLC, Sunrise, Fla., highlighted its portfolio of functional beverages including the Modjo for Life line, which is available in Immunity Defense, Age Defense, Heart Defense and Weight Defense varieties; and Everlast Hydrate Elite, a performance beverage infused with coconut water.
Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. demonstrated its total beverage selling solutions designed to engage shoppers and create sustainable value. It also debuted a number of new products, flavors, a dispenser, packaging and insights. The company showcased an enhanced Digital Cold Vault, which displays beverage sets that best appeal to shoppers based on demographics. New this year is the iSHOP feature, which contains comprehensive insights about shopping habits, occasions and perceptions. The following are the collection of new products the company had on hand for sampling: Coca-Cola Life, a reduced-calorie cola sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and stevia leaf extract; fairlife ultra-filtered milk, which was developed through a venture with fairlife LLC and provides 50 percent more natural protein and 30 percent more calcium than ordinary milk; illy issimo RTD coffee, which is available in 9.5-ounce glass bottles in Cappuccino, Mochaccino and Macchiato varieties; and Sprite LeBron’s Mix, which combines Sprite with cherry and orange flavors and will be available in convenience stores from March to June 2015 in 20-ounce PET bottles and frozen packages. The company also announced flavor extensions for a number of brands, such as Powerade Lemonade, which will be available in summer 2015; Simply juice drinks in Fruit Punch and Tropical flavors, which will be available in January 2015; Fuze Mango Orange and Berry Punch varieties, which will be available in March 2015; and Minute Maid Premium Blend Juice Drinks in Berry Blend and Tropical Blend flavors, which are slated to launch in 2015. The company also will expand its “Share a Coke” program next year by adding more millennial names to the mix. Additional packaging announcements included updated graphics for the company’s Chill Activated Can; an extension to the Coke Zero brand; Honest Tea’s new bottle shape and graphics; fruitwater in a new, sleek bottle; and Odwalla’s new 15.2-ounce PET bottle.
Cold Star Inc., Mount Ephraim, N.J., showcased its TEAse and CAF Fusion beverages.
Copa Di Vino, The Dalles, Ore., highlighted its premium wine-by-the-glass product line. Packaged in a plastic glass that features a splash cap and a patented seal, the single-serve wine brand is available in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, White Zinfandel, Moscato and Riesling varieties.
Tampa, Fla.-based Cott Beverages promoted its capabilities to manufacture private-label energy drinks, lemonades, juices and energy shots for retailers.
Cowboy Beverages LLC, Jal, N.M., showcased its Cowboy Up and Cowgirl Up energy drinks.
Chicago-based Crown Imports announced that Modelo Especial will launch a national media campaign in 2015.
Dream Water, Hollywood, Fla., showcased its line of dietary supplements that are designed to help consumers fall asleep.
Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) promoted its direct-store-delivery partnerships with Neuro Brands, Bai Brands, Big Red, Body Armor and Sunny Delight Beverages Co. DPS also announced a number of new product launches for 2015, including Snapple Whoa-Conut, Snapple Straight Up, Sunkist Sparkling Water, Snapple Lady LiberTea, Schweppes Simply Refreshing, and Mott’s Tropical Ba-Na-Na!, which features licensed characters from “Despicable Me.” The company also offered samples of Clamato Prepardo, which already is in the market.
E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, Calif., announced the January 2015 launch of Viniq, a liqueur that combines vodka, moscato wine and natural fruit flavors. The company also announced the latest additions to its New Amsterdam vodka portfolio: Pineapple and Peach.
Eastland Food Corp., Jessup, Md., showcased its TropiKing aloe vera juice.
Highland Ranch, Colo.-based Hangover Joe’s Inc. promoted its Git-R-Done energy shot.
Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., offered samples from its collection of imported beer brands, including Dos-a-Rita, Heineken, Strongbow, Tecate, Amstel and New Castle.
Austin, Texas-based High Brew Coffee showcased its High Brew Coffees. The ready-to-drink cold-brewed coffees launched earlier this year.
Muscle Milk, a brand of Cytosport/Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Texas, offered samples of its Muscle Milk 100, a 100-calorie beverage; Muscle Genuine; and Pro Series 40.
Atlanta-based In Zone Brands Inc. announced the January 2015 launch of its good2grow Juicy Waters. The juice drinks contain 25 percent juice and are U.S. Department of Agriculture certified organic. Available in Grape and Fruit Punch varieties, the products will be available in 4- and 8-ounce packages. In March 2015, the company will launch good2grow Ultra Purified Water, which features added electrolytes for taste.
Ito En North America Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., showcased a number of new products at the show. Highlights include Jay Street Coffee’s Coffee Shot, which features 150 mg of caffeine; Jay Street Coffee Extra Rich, which is available in Mocha, Hazelnut and Caramel Macchiato varieties; Teas’ Tea Organic in Black Tea and Green Tea varieties; Teas’ Tea Green Tea + Matcha single-cup teas, which are compatible with Keurig K-Cup brewing systems; and Teas’ Tea Herbal Chamomile Tea.
Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. showcased its new Jones Sparkling Water line.
Karma Culture, Pittsford, N.Y., offered samples of its soon-to-be-released flavored water variety: Tropical Burst. The latest Karma Wellness Water combines caffeine and coconut flavors.
Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., promoted its Special K protein drinks, which are available in Strawberry and French Vanilla flavors.
Milwaukee-based King Juice Co. showcased its Calypso Teamonades and Calypso Lemonades and Limeades.
Kraft Foods Group, Northfield, Ill., showcased upcoming offerings for its Mio Energy brand. The brand showcased the new offerings, Wicked Blue and Pineapple Strawberry. It also noted that Kool-Aid Ready-To-Drink will be released in January in three SKUs.
Living Essentials, Farmington Hills, Mich., announced the release of its latest 5-Hour Energy variety: Strawberry Watermelon Extra Strength. The product will hit retailers this month and has joined the 5-Hour Energy portfolio as a permanent flavor. In the second quarter of 2015, the company also will bring back its limited-edition Cherry flavor. Sales of this flavor will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Southfield, Mich.-based Marley Beverage Co. offered samples of its Marley’s Mellow Mood and Marley’s One Drop beverages.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co., Chicago, showcased a number of products including its Mike’s Harder, TGI Friday’s cocktails, and Mixed Drinks 2 Go lines.
Chicago-based MillerCoors shared with attendees a number of new releases for 2015. Among the new varieties will be Steel Reserve Hard Pineapple, Redd’s Green Apple and Redd’s Mango flavored malt beverages. The company also announced that it will incorporate its original white label on its glass bottles. The company previously transitioned its aluminum cans to the original white label earlier this year after a successful promotion with “Anchorman 2.”
Monarch Custom Beverages, Canton, Ga., highlighted its portfolio of private-label beverages.
Monster Beverage Corp., Corona, Calif., offered samples of a number of its Monster energy drinks, including Muscle Monster, Java Monster, Monster Rehab, Punch Monster, Juice Monster, Uber Monster and Zero Ultra. It also promoted its Hubert’s Lemonade, Diet Lemonade and Half & Half beverages.
New York-based Myx Beverage LLC showcased its fruit-infused, single-serve Myx Fusion Moscato beverages, which launched in July.
Glendale, Calif.-based Nestlé USA announced that its Nesquik brand will feature Marvel “Avengers” packaging beginning in March 2015. Also new for 2015, the company announced the January release of Skinny Cow Creamy Iced Coffee drinks, which will be available in Vanilla Latte, Mocha Latte and Creamy Cappuccino varieties. The company also offered samples of its limited-edition Nesquik Girl Scout Cookie beverages.
Nestlé Waters North America, Stamford, Conn., showcased a number of new products slated for a2015 release. Products included Sweet Leaf Coffee-Tea Blend in Original Sweet and Vanilla flavors; Nestea Lemonade and Peach varieties in new 16-ounce packaging; and Jimmy Buffet’s Island Tea in Pineapple Coconut, Tropical Citrus, Strawberry Lime, Paradise Punch and Peach Mango varieties.
New Whey Nutrition LLC, Oviedo, Fla., promoted its NuAquos protein drinks and the line’s redesigned label.
New York-based New York Spring Water promoted its new push-down caps for its V-Blast vitamin-enhanced waters.
Niagara Bottling LLC, Ontario, Calif., announced that it will release Game Plan and Aragani brands later this year to complement its bottled water portfolio. Niagara is the largest manufacturer of private-label bottled water, the company says.
Highland, Calif.-based Nitro2Go Inc. highlighted its same-named energy shot. The product will launch in 2015, the company says.
Aurora, Ill.-based Optimum Nutrition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia, promoted its newest product: Amino Energy. Being tested in Chicago, the dietary supplement contains 5 grams of micronized free-form amino acids and provides 100 mg of caffeine in each serving. It is available in Watermelon Wave and Orange Blast flavors.
Organic Valley, La Farge, Wis., showcased its Organic Balance and Organic Fuel protein shakes, which derive their protein from organic milk.
Oskar Blues Brewery, Longmont, Colo., highlighted its 19.2-ounce single-serve cans for the convenience store channel. The company currently offers Dale’s Pale Ale and Mama’s Little Yella Pils beers in that size.
Pabst Brewing Co., Los Angeles, promoted its domestic beers and flavored malt beverages.
Polar Beverages, Worchester, Mass., showcased its winter seasonal set of seltzer waters. The winter set is available in Ginger Apple, Blackberry Bergamot, Cranberry and Clementine, Toasted Coconut Crème, and Champagne Strawberry varieties.
Melrose Park, Ill.-based Protein2o Inc. showcased its protein-enhanced water line. The beverages feature 30 percent of the daily recommended amount of protein, the company says.
PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., showcased a number of innovations with release dates across late 2014 and 2015. This fall, the company released a new package size for Izze sparkling beverages. A new 12-ounce tall can is available for its Clementine and Blackberry varieties so that they better fit in the convenience channel. In late December, Tropicana Farmstand will add a new variety to the mix: Tropical Green. In January 2015, the company will release Mtn Dew Kickstart Hydrating Boost, which combines real fruit juice and coconut water. The brand extension will be available in Strawberry Kiwi and Mango Citrus flavors. Also in January 2015, the company will welcome Propel Electrolyte Water to the mix. The product is the first and only electrolyte water with a Gatorade level of electrolytes, the company says. The company also will launch a number of new products in February 2015, such as Frappuccino LX in S’mores and Mocha Coconut varieties; Lipton Sparkling Iced Tea, which will be available in Lemonade, Peach and Raspberry flavors; a repackaged and reformulated O.N.E. Pure Coconut Water; and O.N.E. Coconut Water with Tea, which will be available in Wild Orange with Tea and Tropical Colada with Tea varieties. In March, the company will launch Starbucks Doubleshot Coffee & Protein, which features 20 grams of protein. Four flavors are in development — Caramel, Coffee, Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate — but only three will launch, it says. The company also will bring back Citrus Cooler for Gatorade as a “throwback” in conjunction with celebrating 50 years of fueling athletes. In addition, an official launch date is being determined for PACt, a new water developed by Ocean Spray that contains proanthocyanidins or PACs. The new product will be available in Cranberry Raspberry, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Blood Orange and Cranberry Mango Passionfruit flavors.
Los Angeles-based Pom Wonderful LLC promoted its reformulated and repackaged Pom Antioxidant Super Teas.
Red Bull North America Inc., Santa Monica, Calif., announced it will add new flavors to its Red Bull Editions energy drinks lineup in February. The new varieties will be Red Bull Orange and Cherry Editions. It also announced that its Summer Edition will join the permanent lineup as Yellow Edition.
Reed’s Inc., Los Angeles, offered samples of its Reed’s Ginger Brews and Virgil’s root beers and cream sodas.
Las Vegas-based Rockstar Inc. offered samples of its Rockstar energy drinks, including Horchata Energy.
Shamrock Farms, Phoenix, released its Rockin’ Refuel Muscle Builder Max, which contains 50 grams of high-quality protein.
Chico, Calif.-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. promoted its portfolio of craft beers, including Torpedo and Pale Ale.
SPI West Port Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., showcased its aloe vera beverages for the convenience store retailer. The brand also had Jim Dunn of Jim Dunn Racing on hand to sign autographs for attendees.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based Splash Beverage Group promoted its collection of partner brands, including KonaRed, which features Hawaiian coffee fruit; Tapout performance beverages, which are designed to support energy, hydration and recovery; and Bruce Tea, a collection of teas inspired by Bruce Lee’s personal recipes.
Sportwater Beverages LLC, Stamford, Conn., showcased its functional electrolyte water Ionic Sport Water.
Cincinnati-based Sunny Delight Beverages Co. will extend its Sparkling Fruit2O lineup with a new line of Lime Twists in February 2015. The new products will be available in Strawberry Lime, Lime, Cherry Lime and Blueberry Lime flavors. The company also will add Sunny D Orange Colada to its portfolio in January 2015.
At the show, TalkingRain Beverage Co., Preston, Wash., unveiled the latest line extension for its Sparkling Ice brand: Sparkling Ice Tea. Available in Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea and Peach Tea flavors, the lineup features a blend of brewed black tea, green tea and fruit juice. Like the rest of the Sparkling Ice portfolio, Sparkling Ice Teas do not contain any calories.
Chicago-based Tampico Beverages highlighted its single-serve offerings to those in the convenience store channel.
True Drinks Inc., Irvine, Calif., promoted its naturally flavored water for kids. The zero-calorie bottled water has a licensing agreement with the Disney and Marvel franchises.
Dallas-based Tweaker Energy Drinks announced the release of its Sour Apple energy shot. It also promoted its HED energy drink, which is available in 16-ounce cans.
Cascade Ice, a brand of Everett, Wash.-based Unique Beverage Co. LLC, showcased its proprietary 7-ounce slim bottle design.
Ok.– energy drink, a brand of Valora Schweiz AG, Muttena, Switzerland, featured its line of 100 percent vegan drinks.
Vasinee Food Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y., showcased its lineup of FOCO coconut waters. The products are available in Pure, Mango, Lychee, Pink Guava, Pineapple and Pomegranate varieties.
New York-based Vita Coco offered samples of its coconut waters including its latest variety: Lemonade.
Voss of Norway ASA, New York, promoted its sparkling water, which is available in 375- and 800-ml bottles.
VPX, Weston, Fla., highlighted its Amino Rush, Redline Xtreme and Bang beverages.
Watertown, Wis.-basedKlarbrunn Inc., owned by Wis-Pak Inc., featured its Vita Ice beverages as well as its latest varieties Strawberry Lemonade, Iced Tea & Lemonade, and Lemonade. It also highlighted its übr electrolyte water and Hog Wash beverages.
Denver-based Xing Beverage LLC featured its Xing Tea products and its latest packaging releases. Among those are its 16-ounce PET package, new horizontal graphics, and its fridge-pack designs. The company also promoted its Xing Juice products.
The 2015 NACS Show will take place Oct. 11-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.