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Beverage Innovation

Tracking The Drinks Marketplace

Danone

Danone’s Sustainability Efforts Reach Down To Farm Level

As part of its pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and to achieve 100 percent B Corp. sustainability certification, the French multinational last year launched a coalition to look into the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in the dairy sector. The company’s global farming expertise manager says he is working on regenerative agriculture projects in 15 countries where Danone sources its milk and vegetable products. The mission, says Cees Jan Hollander, is to show farmers how they can benefit financially, socially, and ecologically by engaging in regenerative farming. “We want to motivate farmers to really work with soil … to make our soils more fertile, and put carbon back into the soil.” Hollander is also interested in technologies that promote emissions reduction among cattle, and to that end is monitoring pilot projects to see which feed additives might be effective and healthy for dairy cattle.[Image Credit: © Danone S.A.]

Keurig Dr Pepper

Mondelēz International Sells A Chunk Of Its Keurig Dr Pepper Stock


The Deerfield, Ill.-based snack company has agreed to sell approximately 12.5 million shares, at $29 a share, in Keurig Dr Pepper to a financial services firm for a total consideration of approximately $362.7 million. After the sale, Mondelēz will own 158.2 million shares in the beverage company, or about 11.2 percent. JAB Holdings will continue to own the majority stake in Keurig Dr Pepper.[Image Credit: © Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.]

Nestle

Problems With Canadian Regulators Doom Nestlé Canada Sale Of Pure Life

The Ontario-based bottled water company said that it could not work through the Competition Bureau’s approval process within its target timeframe to allow for a successful sale to private bottled water company Ice River Springs (Shelburne, Canada). Announced in July, the proposed agreement included two factories in Puslinch, Ont., and Hope, B.C., along with a well in Erin, Ont. The transaction – for an undisclosed sum – was reportedly contingent on “efficient” regulatory approval which, if not achieved, meant the Pure Life business would remain under the North American review announced in June and due to finish in early 2021. The Nestlé Waters NA unit includes regional spring water brands, the Pure Life brand, and the ReadyRefresh beverage delivery service.[Image Credit: © Nestlé Waters North America Inc.]

Other Companies

Lavva Expands Into Plant-Based Beverages

The New York-based maker of plant-based yogurt alternatives formulated with pili nuts, is introducing plant-based milk alternatives in unsweetened and chocolate varieties, each containing 140 calories and three grams of protein per serving. Launched nationwide at Whole Foods Market in September, the beverages will be followed by a new unsweetened plant-based creamer in October. All are made with coconut water, filtered water, and pili nuts, and contain no added sugar. The chocolate plant milk is sweetened with dates. Pili nuts, which are low in carbohydrates and high in fat, are grown in volcanic soil in Southeast Asia. Lavva Unsweetened Plant Milk and Chocolate Plant Milk are available for an SRP of $5.49. Lavva Plant Creamer will be available for an SRP of $3.49.[Image Credit: © EVR FOODS]

FANCL, Kirin Brewery Collaboration Produces Two Functional RTD Beverages

The Japanese capital and business alliance’s new non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages carry a Food with Function (FFC) claim for reducing the absorption of sugar and fat. One beverage, available in Japan in October in lemon and grapefruit flavors, combines the concept of FANCL’s dietary supplement Calolimit and Kirin Brewery’s non-alcoholic Chu-hi Hyorei brand. The new drink does not contain Calolimit, but does contain five grams of non-digestible dextrin (dietary fiber), said to also help reduce sugar and fat absorption. The flavored water product aimed at women contains collagen (500 mg), rose bud (5 mg), and vitamin C (27 mg). The chu-hi beverage will be available at convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores in Japan, retailing at around $1.40 per 330mL. The flavored water will retail for $1.30 per 500 mL in FANCL’s stores and mail-order. Kirin owns a 30.3 percent stake in FANCL.[Image Credit: © Kirin Holdings Company, Limited.]

WW International Launches RTD Coffees


The diet food and beverage company (New York), formerly Weight Watchers International, says its new ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees are available in protein-enriched Café Latte and Mocha Latte flavors in single-serve cans. Each contains 11 grams of protein, three grams of fiber, cane sugar as a sweetener, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. With only three “SmartPoints” in each serving, the caffeine content is similar to that of a cup of coffee (80-85 grams). The coffees are available in 4-packs online at the WW Shop, and in mid-October in WW Studios.[Image Credit: © WW International, Inc]

Aseppak Collaborates On Development Of Functional Beverages

The Aurora, Colo.-based functional food and beverage company has partnered with Israeli terpene specialist Eybna to develop a portfolio of functional flavors and active components for use in wellness beverages. The partnership expects to launch a line of functional flavors this month in Colorado and California. According to Aseppak, the new portfolio is the result of interdisciplinary research by two international teams. It includes CBD and terpene blends, as well as natural molecules designed for consumers looking for functionality and natural ingredients. The formulas target specific functional areas, including workout, AM, PM, revive, hangover, restore, and immune. The partners expect to launch a new set of functional formulas by Q1-Q2 2021. [Image Credit: © Aseppak - California]

Müller Consolidates FRijj Milkshake Brand Within Yogurt/Desserts Business Unit

The U.K. dairy company said the consolidation will help advance plans to build market share in the country’s branded milk drinks sector. FRijj will be shifted to the Müller Yogurt & Desserts trading division alongside its branded portfolio, which includes Müller Corner and Müllerlight, as of January 2021. According to the company, the move from the Milk & Ingredients unit will allow it to leverage its full brand building, product development, and marketing capabilities to fuel growth in the branded milk drinks category. The company said FRijj is already benefiting from increased shelf life by using packaging technology. The bottle and cap are now fully recyclable, with more than half of the bottle made with recycled plastic.[Image Credit: © Müller UK & Ireland]

Says COVID-19 Gave Its Off-Premise Sales A Shot In The Arm


The Florida-based soft drinks company, maker of the LaCroix line of flavored seltzers, reported an 11.3 percent rise in fiscal first-quarter sales to $293.4 million, thanks in large part to lockdowns in Canada and the U.S. prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. The company said volumes in the three months ending at the end of July were up 12.3 percent. First-quarter volumes of the group's Power+ brands, including LaCroix as well as the Mr Pure juice and Rip It energy drink brands, were up 15.7 percent. The company's carbonated soft drink lines were up by a lesser 5.1 percent.[Image Credit: © National Beverage Corp.]

Molson Coors Beverage Co. Introduces First Non-Alcohol Drink

Huzzah! Probiotic Seltzer, developed by the Chicago-based company’s emerging growth unit, will launch this month with the support of L.A. Libations, a Los Angeles-based next-generation beverage incubator in which Molson Coors owns a minority stake. The beverage is a full-flavored seltzer with added probiotics to help support a healthy gut. The shelf-stable beverage contains three grams or less of sugar and 15 calories or less in each 12-ounce can. It will be sold online and at select retailers in Southern California this month in strawberry & hibiscus, juicy pear and raspberry & lemon flavors. Huzzah! Probiotic Seltzer will have a suggested retail price of $2.49 for a 12-ounce can.[Image Credit: © Clearly Kombucha LLC]

Oakhurst Dairy Turns “Classic Fall Flavor” Into Maple Milk

The limited-edition whole milk beverage from the Portland, Maine-based dairy is made with 100 percent pure maple syrup that Oakhurst sources locally from Bascom Family Farms of New Hampshire, an independent supplier of pure maple syrup. The flavored milk is sold in pints and quarts and can be found throughout northern New England in Hannaford, Market Basket, and Walmart stores. [Image Credit: © Oakhurst]

U.K.’s Highland Spring launches Sustainability Promotional Campaign

The London-based bottled water brand’s new ad campaign touts sustainability, product provenance, and stewardship and also promotes recycling. The “Made by Nature, Protected by Highland Spring” campaign begins running this month across digital channels, spotlighting the brand’s 100 percent recycled and recyclable eco bottle. and TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton. The campaign will run across all key consumer touchpoints and brand channels, including a national digital and social media campaign extending on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.[Image Credit: © Highland Spring Ltd]
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