Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has partnered with Changchun Meihe Science & Technology, a global licensor of bio-mass to chemical technology, and Finnish forest industries company UPM (Helsinki) to bring to market a method of converting second-generation biomass into plant-based monoethylene glycol (bMEG) for packaging applications. The conversion process is more efficient than current technologies that produce bMEG. The technology is based on feedstock that cannot be used as a source of food, including hardwood taken from sawmill side-streams and forest thinnings, apparently from sustainably managed forests.
The Vancouver, B.C.-based fast food restaurant chain is launching the A&W Cup Crew, an exchangeable cup pilot, at restaurants in the Greater Vancouver Area. The exchangeable cup can be used for both hot and cold drinks and is made from recyclable polypropylene that is BPA free. Restaurant patrons purchase an exchangeable cup for $3 when they order a beverage, then exchange it for a sanitized cup and beverage – purchased at a $0.20 discount – at their next visit. A&W said the launch of the exchangeable cup reflects a commitment to reduce environmental impact via packaging, energy, waste, and water.
The Chicago-based brewer, which has partnered with Coca-Cola to produce and distribute Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the U.S., will debut the beverage in Canada in summer 2022. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is available in Tangy Lemon Lime, Exotic Pineapple, Strawberry Guava and Tropical Mango flavors sold in variety packs and single-serve slim cans. IRI ranks the seltzer in the No. 7 slot in the fast-growing hard seltzer market.
Monster
The Corona, Calif.-based beverage company’s new line extension – Monster Reserve – includes two flavors that will be available in convenience and grocery stores this fall. White Pineapple and Watermelon flavors were “easy choices” for the company because “they're both extremely popular with all ages and are delicious standouts from our ‘pre-existing’ flavors." Both flavors are full sugar and feature 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. serving.
Other Companies
The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based food company’s Joyba Bubble Tea, available now in select markets, is made with brewed fruit flavored tea and popping boba. The bubble tea is available at select Costco, Albertsons, Circle K, Safeway, and Target stores. Made without artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners, and non-GMO, non-BPA, and gluten-free, each 12-ounce cup contains fruit flavors infused in various teas, including green tea, black tea, and a caffeinated hibiscus tea. The teas are priced at an MSRP of $2.99 or $9.99 for a pack of four.
The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company said it will begin marketing in California its six new A88CDB functional waters now that Assembly Bill 45 has been enacted. The six functional A88CBD waters – Relax, Refresh, Resistance, Relief, Reenergize, and Rest – will be sold through A88 Infused Products Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. The bill, signed into law on October 12, allows the inclusion of hemp and CBD extracts in food and beverages if they contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, or pot).
The IWSR Drinks Market Analysis sees demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) products, which has been growing faster than any other drinks category, continuing to grow among consumers, and will account for eight percent of total beverage alcohol within five years. RTD beverages will grow at a15 percent compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025 for the category in these markets, compared to about one percent CAGR for total beverage alcohol during that same period. The researcher says it’s important to note that RTDs aren’t only stealing share from beer, they’re also attracting spirits consumers in markets such as Australia and the U.K., and cider drinkers in South Africa. Hard seltzers will remain the primary driver of volume increases, expected to account for half of all global RTD volumes by 2025 (up from 30 percent in 2020).
The Chinese sparkling water start-up says its products are available in 330-ml cans online and at select retailers, including H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, and more. Genki Forest sparkling water contains zero calories and zero sugar, as well as “authentic Asian-inspired flavors.” The brand is also introducing sugar-free and low-calorie Ran Tea, a lightly sweetened RTD oolong tea high in vitamin C and containing eight grams of dietary fiber in each bottle. It’s available in original oolong, peach oolong and strawberry jasmine oolong in 16.9 oz PET bottles.
The milk factory built by Singapore-based food and beverage company (Yeo’s) and Swedish plant-based oat brand Oatly is the Swedish company’s first production venture outside Europe and North America. The site will produce Oatly’s oat milk for the Asian market and will support the brand’s growth in the region. An Oatly spokesman said the plant opening “will help drive Oatly’s expansion into new and existing markets in Asia and support us to drive the shift from dairy to oat milk for the benefit of people and planet.”
The Dutch manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products says the drink, made from 100 percent pure cacao fruit with a “zesty fruity taste,” is “crafted to preserve the nutrients of the fruit.” According to the company, cacao fruit’s flavanols optimize the blood flow across the entire body and the fruit is a good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium. The production process upcycles the whole cacao fruit, positively impacting the environment and reducing food waste.
The New Berlin, N.Y.-based yogurt company is promoting tis new limited-edition Complete Shake – an “advanced nutrition yogurt” – with the help of Peloton instructor and fitness star Cody Rigsby, “a fan of Chobani yogurt for many years.” The shake contains 25 grams of protein with essential amino acids, non-GMO ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, starches, or artificial flavors, and locally-sourced milk. The shakes are available in 3 different formats: 5.3oz cups in five flavors; 10fl oz shakes in four flavors; and 32oz tubs in vanilla.