Ciao water is bottled in 100 percent biodegradable containers manufactured with Reverte, an enzyme that causes the bottle and cap to break down into water, air and biomass. Ciao Inc. is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by bottling locally, partnering with bottlers throughout the United States and Canada, it says. The spring water comes in 12-ounce, 16.9-ounce, and 1-liter sizes and is available for co-branding, the company says. Suggested retail price for a 16.9-ounce bottle is $1.50 to $2.
Rainforest Beverages LLC will launch new flavors and packaging for its Rainforest brand of antioxidant soft drinks July 1. Rainforest drinks are 100 percent all natural and come in the following flavors: Natural Cola, Citrus and Tropifruit. Previously available in Natural Cola, Citrus and Tropifruit varieties are new to the line and also contain superfruits sourced from the rainforest. The new 12-ounce cans feature a red background instead of a black background to prevent any association with energy drinks, the company says. They also were designed to build brand presence and differentiation on shelf. Each variety contains a number of antioxidants and vitamins.
Heaven Hill Distilleries introduced Hpnotiq Harmonie, a liqueur that infuses premium French vodka, natural fruits, flowers and cognac. The new violet liqueur is suggested for “girls night out” and can be served straight, on the rocks or mixed with other beverages. Hpnotiq Harmonie is available in 50-ml., 375-ml., 750-ml. and 1-liter sizes and has a suggested retail price of $22.99 for a 750-ml. bottle
Pom Wonderful expanded its Pom line of pomegranate juice cocktails with Lite Pom, a lighter version of its original Pom juice that is 100 percent natural and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Available in the produce section of grocery stores nationwide, Lite Pom comes in Pomegranate, Pomegranate Black Currant, Pomegranate Blackberry and Pomegranate Dragonfruit flavors. The new product contains the same antioxidants as original Pom, but with fewer calories, the company says. Lite Pom is available in a 16-ounce size of the brand’s curvaceous bottle for a suggested retail price of $2.49.
The Campbell Soup Co. expanded its V8 franchise with V8 V-Fusion + Energy drinks and V8 Energy Shots. Each beverage provides one combined serving of vegetables and fruit as well as a natural energy boost from green tea extract, the company says. V8 V-Fusion + Energy drinks are made with a blend of vegetable and fruit juices as well as green tea.
Absolut, a brand of Pernod Ricard USA, added a variety inspired by San Francisco to its lineup of limited-edition, city-inspired flavors. Absolut SF features a blend of grape, dragon fruit and papaya flavors inspired by the cultures, ethnicities and cuisine of San Francisco.
Slovenia’s Laško Club, regarded as one of the finest beers in central Europe, is now available in the United States. An award-winning beer in Europe, Laško Club is a light-bodied pale golden lager with a subtle hop aroma and full flavored malty depth on the palate, the company says.
Pangea Water introduced a product of the same name made from Italian natural spring water. The water qualifies as a light mineral water because of its balance of mineral salts, sodium and scarce fixed residue.
Oak Beverages announced the release of a summer seasonal beer from Canadian brewery Unibroue. The brewery’s Ephemere Cassis is a seasonal white ale brewed with black currant.
Nestlé USA introduced three aguas frescas-style drinks in select markets across the United States. Based on the traditional Hispanic beverages, Nestlé Aguas Frescas are 100 percent natural and are available in three flavors: Jamaica, made with hibiscus flowers; Tamarindo, which is made from tamarind puree; and Horchata, which is made from rice and cinnamon.