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Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focusing on the latest news from the fast-changing and growing beverage sector. From the first product lines to major investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench your thirst for development in the category.
Nescafe Espresso Concentrate enters the U.S. market
Nescafe is adding heat to cold coffee.
Nescafe Espresso Concentrate allows consumers to create custom, barista-style cold espresso drinks at home. Available in black and sweet vanilla lines.
The launch comes as consumer demand for coffee, especially its iced version, is growing rapidly globally. The surge in global coffee consumption is being driven by younger generations. Nestlé, which owns the Nescafe brand, estimates that one in three cups of coffee consumed outside the home is cold.
“With Nescafe Espresso Concentrate, we want to capture what the younger generation of consumers is looking for: a cold, convenient, customizable premium coffee that brings the experience and taste of out-of-home into the home,” said CEO Axel Touzet. . Nestlé’s Coffee Brand Strategy division said in a statement: “We’re making it possible to make cafe-style drinks in seconds, without any additional machinery.”
Nestlé said that since espresso concentrate easily dissolves in water or milk, you can create customized iced mochas, macchiatos, cappuccinos, etc. by mixing ice, water, and milk. This allows Nestle to replicate the way barista-style beverage shoppers purchase in coffeehouses at home. This is a change that has gained momentum amid surging inflation over the past few years.
Nestle has a significant presence in the iced coffee space. The CPG giant is bringing its popular Coffee Mate creamer brand to iced coffee in 2023. This was the brand’s first major innovation since its founding over 60 years ago. Other products in the portfolio include cold brew, including Blue Bottle.
— Christopher Doering
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Provided by Curaleaf
Curaleaf is eyeing the dominance of cannabis beverages
Curaleaf, a leading cannabis producer, is deepening its product portfolio with hemp-derived THC sparkling water.
The pot brand launched Select Zero Proof Seltzer, which contains 2.5 mg of THC per can. It comes in four flavors: Berry, Black Cherry, Grapefruit, and Watermelon. It is sold in 8-pack varieties and 4-packs of each flavor. The berry flavor debuted last summer in a 5mg THC variety.
Acceptable product testing Curaleaf “To gauge consumer feedback while positioning the brand to appeal to a wider audience,” the company said in a press release.
“While demand for hemp-derived products is growing, we will continue to develop high-quality, tested, innovative products that meet the diverse needs of adult consumers as we work to expand both the variety and accessibility of these products over the coming year. “ Curaleaf Chairman and CEO Boris Jordan said in a statement.
The sparkling water follows Zero Proof Squeeze, a cannabis-infused beverage enhancer launched in 2023. Curaleaf’s A vice president of marketing told Food Dive in 2023 that the company aims to dominate the cannabis beverage market with a variety of beverage products.
Cannabis producers looking to capitalize on demand for THC-infused beverages have turned to hemp in recent years due to federal laws banning the sale of marijuana. This includes Mary Jones of Jones Soda, which launched a hemp delta 9-derived THC soda last year.
Hemp-derived products can be sold in most states through a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill. It was extended for another year in December. We ship across state lines.
— Chris Casey
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Provided by Partake Brewing
Non-alcoholic beer makers jump into hop water
A Toronto-based non-alcoholic beer brand is expanding its reach in the beverage space.
Partake Brewing, which launched a low-calorie, non-alcoholic beer in 2017, introduces Hop Twist, a sparkling hop water designed as a functional alternative to cocktails. The zero proof beverage is infused with Citra and Mosaic hops. It features a blend of citrus and tropical fruit scents.
According to the brand, Hop Twist’s taste profile is fruity with a subtle sweetness and no bitterness. Partake also promotes this product as a hydrating drink for a variety of occasions, such as after work, exercise, or just relaxing at home.
“What started as a mission to redefine non-alcoholic beer has grown into something much more,” Ted Fleming, founder and CEO of Partake, said in a statement. “With Hop Twist, we see the incredible potential to shake up the sparkling hop water category by introducing bold and unexpected ingredient combinations.”
The drink will soon be available in the U.S. at retailers including Total Wine & More. It is currently available on the Partake website.
The number of hops has grown In recent years, it has gained popularity as a beer alternative among consumers looking for a zero-proof beverage while offering a unique flavor profile.
Last summer, craft IPA maker Founders Brewing Co. launched Hoppy Mood, a hop water made with plant-based terpenes. Other featured products in this category include Hop Wtr, Sierra Nevada’s Sparkling Hop Infused Water, and Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher.
— Chris Casey
