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.
Pizza Hut uncorks tomato wine
A popular restaurant chain is making its first foray into the alcohol sector with a fizzy drink you can pair with a slice of pizza.
Pizza Hut’s Tomato Wine, created in partnership with Kansas winery Irvine’s Just Beyond Paradise, is made from tomatoes and infused with basil. A blend of herbs, spices, tomatoes and toasted oak, this drink is designed to evoke a toasted pizza crust. The company said that the taste is similar to cold white wine.
“As a brand pioneering many industry firsts, we’ve turned the beloved classic pairing of pizza and red wine on its head with the goal of sparking excitement and making holiday pizza parties more memorable,” said Elyse Slayton. Pizza Hut’s advertising director said in a statement:
The wine is available for a limited time on the winery’s website.
Outside of the alcohol industry, other brands have used limited-time releases to increase product exposure. In 2020, French’s Mustard teamed up with brewer Oskar Blues to create a beer based on the popular yellow condiment. That same year, convenience store Sheetz introduced a beer with glazed vanilla donut holes.
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Taipei Leh/Food Dive
Anheuser-Busch invests $14 million to increase efficiency.
Beer giant Anheuser-Busch is moving forward with plans to reorganize its manufacturing facilities.
Budweiser and Michelob Ultra brewers announced this week they are investing $14 million at their Houston brewery to increase plant efficiency. Along with the equipment upgrades, warehouse roofs and wireless connectivity will be improved, as well as air scrubbers installed on production lines to reduce water usage.
This is the beer giant’s latest investment in its Houston facility. Last year, it spent $22.5 million on systems within its plants to improve workplace safety.
According to Anheuser-Busch, it has spent more than $2 billion on its supply chain over the past five years. Earlier this fall, it announced a $16 million expansion at its Los Angeles brewery to increase capacity for trendy ready-to-drink cocktails like Nütrl and Cutwater.
Part of the AB InBev-owned brewer’s manufacturing strategy is to close less profitable plants. Last August, the company announced plans to close its distribution facility in Medford, Mass., and move its operations there to a nearby wholesaler.
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Provided by PKN
Pecan Milk Maker, Pioneer of Plant-Based Coffee
One brand believes its new plant-based milk alternative is the perfect match for your morning cup of coffee.
Pecan milk maker PKN has launched the latest version of its flagship product, the PKN Joy Barista. This plant-based milk alternative features the buttery flavor of toasted pecans. According to the brand, the product is made from upcycled and sustainably sourced pecans.
Laura Senkar, PKN The CEO and founder said in a statement that the beverage has a “foamy” consistency that’s ideal for frothing cappuccinos and lattes.
“Pecanmilk is a sustainable alternative milk option and PKN JOY Barista enhances the morning experience without harming the environment,” Shenkar said. “We create pecan milk because pecans are the only commercially available nut native to the United States, and we believe consumers will continue to appreciate the flavor and value behind our products.”
PKN Joy Barista is available on the company’s website and in select stores.
Although they are not as common in plant-based products as other nuts, such as almonds, pecans stand out as a healthy tree nut due to their protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium content.
PKN also notes that health benefits are associated with pecans. These include flavonoid antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have the potential to lower cholesterol in people.
