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The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on breaking news in the fast-changing and growing beverage sector. From first product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench your thirst for developments in the category.
Tropicana Cools Down With Refreshing Summer Launches
Tropicana is hoping to make summer last a little longer with its latest offering.
The beverage company has launched Tropicana Refreshers, a juice drink made with real fruit juice and no artificial sweeteners. It comes in a variety of flavors, including Fruit Punch and Pineapple Mango, and is available at retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Target.
“Tropicana exists to deliver joy, and reminding people to enjoy summer the same way they enjoy it with our Refreshers is the perfect way to do that,” James Spalding, vice president and general manager of Tropicana, Tropicana Brands Group, said in a statement.
Tropicana has teamed up with Ciara Miller of reality TV show Summer House to launch Tropicana Refreshers. The duo also created cocktail and mocktail recipes using the drink.
PepsiCo sold its Tropicana, smoothie maker Naked Juice, probiotic drink KeVita, and other beverage brands in North America and Europe to private equity firm PAI Partners for $3.3 billion in 2021.
Since becoming an independent company, Tropicana Brands Group has focused its portfolio on providing more resources and support to its products and formats. Other recent innovations include Naked’s reduced-sugar products and Tropicana’s sparkling beverage and lemonade platform.
— Christopher Dohring
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Courtesy of Jose Cuervo
Cuervo pours a devilishly sweet and spicy tequila
A key product in the tequila category is the launch of spicier alternatives to appeal to younger consumers.
Jose Cuervo has launched Devil’s Reserve, a “sweet heat” tequila that the brand says is designed to be enjoyed as a shot, margarita, or as a Devil’s Soda.
“Devil’s Reserve brings a whole new flavor to the world of tequila, bringing the playful spirit of the Devil’s to life for those who crave an unforgettable night of adventure with the perfect drink in hand,” said Lander Otegi, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cuervo’s parent company, Proximo Spirits.
The packaging design captures the vibrant theme of the drink by featuring Mexican folk art.
Cuervo cited Statista data showing that Gen Z and younger millennial drinkers prefer tequila more than previous generations, especially flavored varieties.
As younger consumers increasingly embrace agave-based spirits, brands in the category are targeting drinkers with new products. Kendall Jenner’s 818, which sells blanco, reposado and anejo tequilas, has teamed up with trendy coffee brands and restaurants like Rao’s to launch unique products like pasta sauces and espresso martinis. Case Azul has capitalized on the spirits momentum with new flavors for its RTD tequila sodas.
— Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Game Day Spirits
Game On, Tailgate Shot Touchdown
As football season gets underway, one brand aims to become the go-to alcoholic beverage at weekend tailgate parties by introducing a unique game-day flavor.
Upstart liquor brand Game On Spirits has launched four types of shots based on classic stadium foods: buttered popcorn, caramel corn, cotton candy, and game day hot dogs.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this incredibly delicious shot that captures the salty spice and smoky flavor of the hot dog and mustard, along with the sweetness of the bread and relish,” the brand’s co-founder Paul Brown said in a statement. “It’s fun and delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic added to beer or whiskey-based cocktails.”
Game On’s shots are sold on the company’s website and in select bars, restaurants and liquor stores.
As the NFL has enjoyed record viewership in recent years, fans are drinking more. According to survey data shared by Alcohol.com last year, a third of respondents said they drink before a game, and 28% said they drink more when their team is in the lead.
— Chris Casey
