Coca-Cola
Starting March 2024, Capri Sun Group Holding AG will regain control over the sales and distribution of its Capri-Sun kid’s fruit juice pouches from CCEP in several Western European countries, including France, Monaco, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Sweden, Spain and Portugal. The move aligns with Capri Sun Group’s intentions to establish closer customer connections and facilitate its growth. CCEP will continue to co-pack Capri-Sun in Great Britain for the GB market until the end of 2024.
Monster
Rodney Sacks, CEO of Monster Beverages, announced plans to streamline the offerings of its recently acquired energy beverage brand, Bang Energy. Sacks emphasized a strategy of depleting existing inventories rather than discontinuing product lines. He also mentioned minor packaging changes for the Bang brand, though the white 16oz can will remain. Additionally, Sacks detailed the upcoming distribution plan for Bang Energy through the Coca-Cola bottlers network, starting in the US during Q3 2023, with potential temporary supply disruptions of Bang Energy beverages.
Monster Beverages’ second quarter net sales were $1.85 billion, up from $1.66 billion, yet slightly below the industry estimates of $1.87 billion. The shortfall was attributed to decreased demand for its higher-priced energy beverages and alcohol brands, influenced by the ongoing cost of living crisis. Following the announcement, the company's shares declined 3.4 percent. Q2 gross margin reached 52.5 percent, up from 47.1 percent, driven by higher prices and reduced freight and aluminium can costs from pandemic-driven highs.
Other Companies
Juice Burst, a UK juice brand from Purity Soft Drinks, expanded its lineup with the launch of Juice Burst Peach Ice Tea. The vegan beverage provides a fifth of the daily recommended fruit intake and is made with 45 percent real fruit juice without added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. It is scheduled for release on August 14, 2023, and will be available through the Convenience channel for £1.29 per 330ml bottle
A.G. Barr, a UK-based soft beverage company, announced PWR-BRU, an energy beverage range that is an extension of its IRN-BRU soft drink line. PWR-BRU comes in four flavors designed to capture the essence of IRN-BRU: 'Origin', replicating the classic IRN-BRU taste, along with fruity variations including 'Diablo' Cherry, 'Maverick' Berry and 'Dropkick' Tropical. The line will launch exclusively in Scotland on August 28th, 2023.
Phocus, a US-based sparkling water energy beverage brand co-owned by American rapper Jack Harlow, introduced a limited-edition Pineapple flavor to its product range. Phocus’ beverages are crafted with five ingredients and deliver zero calories, no sugar, and a blend of 75mg caffeine and 75mg L-Theanine per 11.5oz can, which is designed to enhance mental clarity and alertness. Phocus Pineapple is available exclusively at The Vitamin Shoppe's stores and website until September 2023, with pricing starting at $29.99 for a 12-pack.
Origins, a US skincare brand, partnered with Erewhon, a US organic retailer, to launch a limited-edition cold-pressed juice inspired by Origins’ new Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Restorative Skin Concentrate. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Juice integrates ingredients from Origins’ Skin Concentrate, combining Chaga, Reishi and Tremella mushrooms with apple, cucumber, pineapple, kiwi, spinach, broccoli, parsley, sea moss and pearl powder. It will be available exclusively at all 9 Erewhon locations starting August 8th, 2023, for $12 per bottle.
Volvic Touch of Fruit Sugar Free hosted an outdoor coloring event called 'A Touch of Colour' in London on August 5th and 6th, 2023, catering to families with children aged 3+. Participants were invited to color a 2.5-meter by 3-meter cube adorned with images of lemons, strawberry fields, kiwis and a volcanic landscape, symbolizing Volvic's origins. Additionally, attendees were offered a variety of Volvic Touch of Fruit Sugar Free flavored water.
GoodPop, a US-based better-for-you frozen snack brand, introduced Mini Cans, a beverage line crafted with real fruit juice and sparkling water. Each 7.5oz can contains 6g of sugar and is free from gluten, added sugars, sweeteners and artificial flavors. The range comes in three varieties: Fruit Punch, Orange and Lemon Lime. The beverages are available at Sprouts (nationwide), Costco (Northeast and Midwest), and Whole Foods (South), as well as online at goodpop.com and Thrive Market. Prices start at $7.49 for a single-flavor 6-pack and $14.99 for a variety-flavor 18-pack.