PepsiCo relaunched its Aquafina Alive line and introduced four reformulated versions — Satisfy, Protect, Energize and Hydrate — including a variety with 10 percent of the recommended daily value of fiber. Satisfy (Peach Mango flavored) offers the benefit of fiber and contains 10 calories. Protect (Berry Pomegranate flavored) provides 10 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamins E and C. Energize (Orange Lime flavored) contains 10 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B and is enhanced with as much caffeine as in an average cup of coffee. Hydrate (Lemon flavored) offers electrolytes, sodium and potassium. Protect, Energize and Hydrate are calorie free.
Hobarama expanded its line of Bawls Guarana energy drinks with G33k B33r. The high-caffeine root beer is aimed at root beer fans who want to let out their inner geek. Written in “Leet Speak,” a language, popular among techies, where letters are substituted with numbers, G33k B33r contains guarana for a natural caffeine kick.
Skae Beverage International added two dietversions to its New Leaf Blue Tea line. Diet Blue Tea Lemon and Diet Blue Tea Peach are sweetened with Splenda and contain no calories. The two new diet varieties join New Leaf’s nine other flavors, and all are packaged in 16.9-ounce glass bottles.
White Hat Brands released three new Dog On It! flavors and changed the packaging for all five all-natural fruit beverages. Dog On It! Kiwi Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade and Tropical Tangerine join Berry Punch and Orange Splash. The fortified juice beverages include nutrients such as calcium and vitamins A, B, C, D and E. The refreshed package design complements the new fruit flavors and the addition of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International logo, marking its partnership with White Hat Brands. A six-pack of 8-ounce bottles retails for $3.99.
The Coca-Cola Co. and Illycaffè SpA entered into a global joint venture called Ilko Coffee International to introduce three premium ready-to-drink coffee products in 10 European countries in April. The first releases include Illy Caffè, a full-bodied, espresso-based coffee with no milk; Cappuccino, a blend of Illy espresso, milk and dark cacao; and Latte Macchiato, a smooth Illy espresso blended with milk. Caffè is available in 150-ml. cans and the milk variants in 200-ml. cans. The initial release is through Coca-Cola Hellenic in Athens, Greece. Additional introductions in Europe, Asia, North America, Eurasia and the Pacific are slated throughout the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, and will be delivered through the Coca-Cola system.
Tasoma introduced Paani Enhanced Waters aimed at improving bone health. Each 20-ounce bottle of water contains 100 percent of the daily recommended value for calcium (500 mg.) and phosphorus (500 mg.). The sugar- and preservative-free enhanced water contains 15 calories. Available in Blueberry/Pomegranate, Peach, Orange and Lemon/Lime flavors, Paani Enhanced Water is priced at $1.89.
Skyy Spirits, a subsidiary of Gruppo Campari, released Skyy Infusions, an all-natural fruit-infused vodka line. Infusions launched in five flavors: Citrus, Cherry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry and Grape. The line will be available in 750-ml. ($18.49) and 1-liter ($26.49) sizes. The Citrus flavor will be available only in a 1.75-liter bottle ($32.99). Skyy Infusions were unveiled in Skyy Vodka’s new bottle shape. The bottle is taller, easier to handle and better defines the premium style of Skyy Vodka, the company says.
NBI Juiceworks released a Superfood Smoothie line of 100 percent juices. The line contains “Lifeguard Protection,” a fortification package of vitamins, nutrients, amino acids electrolytes and herbs, the company says. The smoothies include Stamina (Fruit Smoothie – Grape Apple) that aims to fight fatigue; Strength (Protein Smoothie – Orange Crème) that seeks to fuel and repair muscles; Revitalize (Fruit Smoothie – Apple Kiwi Mango) that restores balance and essential elements for your body; Defense (Fruit & Veggie Smoothie – Berry) that acts as an immunity booster, and Heart Healthy (Fruit Smoothie – Tropical Passion) that promotes heart health. The products contain three servings of fruit and/or vegetables per 12-ounce bottle.
Cranberry energy drink Ocean Spray released Cranergy, a line of cranberry juices blended with five B vitamins, vitamin C and green tea extract. Cranergy contains 35 calories per 8-ounce serving, and is sweetened with Splenda. Available in two flavors — Cranberry Lift and Raspberry Cranberry Lift — Cranergy is packaged in46-ounce plastic bottles or 12-ounce four-packs for $3.99.
Anheuser-Busch will release Bud Light Lime nationwide at the end of April. Bud Light Lime or BL Lime, as the beer’s name appears on the bottle, contains lime juice. The company will roll out the beer with a $35 million marketing campaign featuring TV ads and outdoor signs, A-B says. Earlier this year, A-B released Budweiser & Clamato Chelada and Bud Light & Clamato Chelada, which mix the beer with tomato juice.