Monster
Monster Energy has launched Monster Energy Zero Sugar, a sugar-free variant of Monster’s original Green flavor. With a re-tooled energy blend and a new sweetener system, a can of Monster Energy Zero Sugar contains 160mg of caffeine like the original.
Nestle
Nestlé and Danone are among four companies under investigation in Turkey for allegedly violating competition laws on sharing pricing information. A preliminary investigation was concluded in December into whether the four companies violated Article 4 of competition laws in the “exchange of information sensitive to competition” and found “the findings serious and sufficient” to launch a follow-up investigation. Nestlé is also being investigated in a separate case under the accusation the company set prices and imposed unspecified restrictions for “distributors.”
Other Companies
Indian burger company Good Flippin’ Burgers has ventured into purpose led products by launching Good Giving Water. Good Giving Water is high in zinc and comes in a 100% recyclable bottle. 100% of the profit from water sales will be used to increase underprivileged communities’ access to safe drinking water. Good Flippin’ Burgers will use the first set of proceeds to install filtration systems to make borewell water potable for households in Mumbai and Delhi.
Following a successful initial launch in mid-2022, VUE has started a capital funding round on Start Engine. VUE offers a range of vitamins and mineral packed beverage powders and teas that are made from natural, non-GMO, vegan ingredients, zero added sugar, and packaged in 100% recyclable bottles. With the money raised through Start Engine, VUE hopes to increase its production, expand its retail presence and add to its product portfolio.
NYC- based start-up Ryl has launched with a line of aluminum canned iced teas. Each can of Ryl delivers 20mg caffeine, 30mg l-theanine, and 200mg polyphenols in a can, while sweetened with all-natural monk fruit and stevia. Polyphenols are antioxidants naturally existing in fruits, vegetables and teas, but are largely missing from ready-to-drink tea. Ryl is available in four different flavors: the original green tea, peach black tea, raspberry black tea, and lemon black tea. It has launched across the Northeast in Wegmans, Wakefern, and select Whole Foods stores in New York City, and will expand to Sprouts nationwide in March.
This Dry January, BrewDog is promoting positive mental health through a partnership with the campaign #IAMWHOLE. BrewDog will launch limited edition 4-packs of Punk IPA Alcohol-Free 330ml that promote the campaign. A donation from the sales will go towards supporting #IAMWHOLE, a mental health campaign aimed at young people, encouraging them to speak out, seek help, get support and change the stats. Brewdog will further promote the campaign through wide-spread marketing activity, which will see the brand launch a guerrilla-style OOH and digital awareness campaign.
Agriculture technology investment platform Cult Food Science Corp is expanding its operations with the launch of Cult Foods, a new products division focused on developing and commercializing cell-based food and beverage items. The new division will launch, Zero Coffee which it claims is the “world’s first sparkling coffee beverage made with cell-based coffee.” The canned beverage provides a more sustainable alternative to coffee made from coffee beans, as conventional farming methods often lead to unsustainable land use and deforestation.
Massachusetts-based startup Superfrau is looking to disrupt the functional soda category with its sparkling beverage made from upcycled liquid whey from Greek yogurt production. The ‘slightly tart, slightly sweet’ carbonated beverage is naturally flavored and packed with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals including calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, zinc, and magnesium. Although Superfrau is made from a byproduct of dairy, it does not look or taste like milk and is not a high-protein beverage, with only 3g protein per can. Superfrau is available in New England Whole Foods stores, select Big Y stores, independent retailers and online on GoPuff.
Former Take That UK band member Robbie Williams is poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks. Williams filed a patent last month to trademark a range of his own energy drinks. Application documents show his interest lies within a "powdered nutritional supplement energy drink mix, "electrolyte drinks for medicinal purposes" and "medicated mineral drinks".