Pernod Ricard USA expanded its Absolut vodka brand with the launch of Absolut Berri Acai. The variety combines acai, blueberry and pomegranate flavors. As with all Absolut flavors, Absolut Berri Acai is made from all natural ingredients and contains no sugar or added preservatives, the company says.
Proximo added an orange-tangerine flavor to its line of Three Olives vodka. Three-O Rangtang has a bright orange color and juicy flavor, the company says. The vodka is distilled in England in small batches and made from English wheat.
Hotel California USA introduced its ultra-premium line of tequilas of the same name. Initially launched in California as well as the Northeast, Hotel California tequilas are available in Blanco, Reposado and Anejo varieties.
Glaceau, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Co., released Vitaminwater Connect, the flavor designed and chosen by Vitaminwater’s Facebook fans. The Black Cherry-Lime flavor is made with caffeine and eight key fortifications, including B vitamins. Connect’s flavor, functional benefits and label design all were chosen by 116,000 unique Facebook users, the company says.
Shamrock Farms introduced a line of protein-fortified low-fat milks called Rockin’ Refuel. The product is made with 100 percent milk fortified with 20 grams of protein to refuel athletes. With naturally occurring electrolytes, Rockin’ Refuel also is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorous and vitamin D, the company says.
R.W. Knudsen Family relaunched its Spritzers line, now with fewer calories, updated packaging and new branding. Spritzers are made with sparkling water and 70 to 80 percent fruit juice, which is a reduction from the original formula’s 100 percent juice content. Calories per 10.5-ounce can now range from 110 to 120, compared to the previous 12-ounce can’s nearly 200 calories per serving.
David Rio added Toucan Mango chai to its Endangered Species chai products. The powdered mix is a creamy mixture of mango black tea and spices. The chai is available in 14-ounce canister, 1.24-ounce single serve packet and 4-pound bag, which launches in late spring.
North Cove Springs Bottling and Beverage launched North Cove Naturals, a flavored bottled water. North Cove combines stevia and vitamins C, B3, B6 and B12. The product is packaged in 16.9-ounce bottles, and is available in Apple Blast, Acai Blueberry, Lemon Citrus, Kiwi Strawberry and Dragonfruit varieties.
Pernod Ricard USA debuted Paddy Irish Whiskey, a limited-edition whiskey blend. Paddy Irish Whiskey is distilled three times from barley and water, and then is matured for up to seven years. The whiskey will be available through this month in 1-liter bottles. A bottle retails for $28.99.
Naked Juice, a wholly owned subsidiary of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo, introduced two new vegetable-rich smoothies: Berry Veggie Machine and Orange Carrot. Berry Veggie Machine’s blend of purple carrots, sweet potatoes, red beets, sweet corn, cherries, strawberries and plums includes two servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit per 15.2-ounce bottle.