Proprietary Brands Prosper With consumers seeking less expensive options, private label sales are increasing across all channels, but struggling in c-stores, where they brought in $3 billion in sales, but were down 3.3% compared to last year, for the 52 weeks ended Feb. 21, 2009. In contrast, Wal-Mart’s private label sales were up by 10.8%,…
Functional Focus
The bright light in the bottled water category remains enhanced waters, which consumers looking for more than just refreshment are coming to appreciate. That said, selling enhanced–or any other bottled waters in troubled economic times–means taking greater advantage of supplier programs and doing some savvy marketing and merchandising. The year just passed was difficult on…
Bottled Water
TOP PERFORMERS Aquafina (PepsiCo) Dasani (Coca-Cola Co.) Nestle Waters (All Brands) HONORABLE MENTIONS Fiji Evian (GBE) Bottled water continues to grow at an unprecedented pace and the category’s popularity is attracting the attention of more than just retailers. The focus on bottled water by revenue-hungry legislatures and environmental special-interest groups will remain an ongoing story…
Citrus Selection
The Meridian Beverage Co. introduces a new flavor in its Aqua Cal line of naturally flavored purified water fortified with calcium and vitamin C. The new flavor, Navel Orange, is bursting with taste. Along with all other flavors (Strawberry, Lemon Zest, Raspberry, Lemon Lime, Peach Mango, Concord Grape and Black Cherry), Navel Orange is available…
Enhanced Juices
Minute Maid announced a new line of 100% orange juice products with health benefits from added nutrients and functional ingredients. The Minute Maid Enhanced Juice line includes new Minute Maid Multi-Vitamin and Minute Maid Active as well as new packaging for the popular Minute Maid Heart Wise variety. Responding to the needs of the health-conscious…
Turn Up the Torque
Point Blank Beverages introduces Torque, alcohol-fueled with caffeine, ginseng, taurine and guarana. Torque has a lemon-lime citrus flavor to it and comes in cases of 24 16-ounce cans. Torque, which has been on the market for more than a year now, is available from 45 wholesalers and is sold across the U.S. in 16 states.…
The Calorie Burner
Enviga, the sparkling green tea proven to burn calories, will make its national debut from Beverage Partners Worldwide, Nestle S.A. and The Coca-Cola Co. Enviga is designed to work with bodies to increase calorie burning, providing an optimum blend of green tea extracts (EGCG) and caffeine. Scientific studies have shown that EGCG and caffeine…
Xl Energy
XL Energy Drink Corp. is introducing its international sellers XL Regular and Sugar Free energy drinks in the U.S. XL Energy Drinks have an excellent, lightly carbonated flavor and are carefully formulated for times when extended energy is needed for the best performance. The beverage will satisfy busy professionals, active students, athletes and anyone…
Water That Works
Propel Fitness Water introduces Propel Calcium, which has the same great taste profile as regular Propel Fitness Water. A full 700 milliliter bottle of Propel Calcium provides nearly the same amount of calcium as an 8-ounce glass of milk (300 milligrams),or approximately 30% of the daily recommended amount. Propel Calcium will be available nationwide in…
Packing a punch
Nitro2Go manufactures a premium 12 SKU product line of all-natural dietary supplements available in 2-count single packets and 30-count bottles, and two energy drink formulas—Regular and Light—in both 8.4-ounce and 16-ounce cans. Nitro2Go, which distributes to all 50 states either by DSD or self-distribution, offers a free trial counter display and free samples upon request. For…