AriZona Beverage Co. has launched RESCUE Water, a new line of enhanced waters filled with a proprietary blend of Twinlab vitamins and antioxidants. It comes in four flavors, each of which corresponds to a different function. Berry Blend helps the body to relax; Lemon-Lime assists in supplying energy; Orange Citrus supports liver function so the…

Energy by the Numbers Although 2009 was the second year in a row of unusual weakness in liquid refreshment beverages’ performance, the worst may be over, said Michael Bellas, chairman and CEO of Beverage Marketing Corp. “Beverages are likely to be one of the first categories to benefit with a job-led economic recovery because they…

Familiarity with shifting consumer attitudes amidst a turbulent economy–and the willingness to make changes in the cooler if need be–could help retailers cash in big with isotonics and energy drinks this year. “If you’re intent on raising your share in that marketplace then I think you have to get in touch with who that user…

Energy bars are most often associated with top athletes and endurance sports. But as consumers have found themselves pressed for time—and energy—the category has morphed into an array of tasty, low-cost products that provide a quick meal solution across multiple dayparts. More importantly, the category has evolved to include a multitude of variations from healthy…

Packaged in a patent-protected, retro-style rocket bottle, ZUN, a new Energy-Plus beverage, is continuing its national rollout, entering stores in 11 Midwest states. “Stores are reporting that ZUN is selling fast and selling out within just days of placing,” said Brian Stearns, founder and CEO of ZUN. “The ZUN brand is quickly gaining favor with…

At the NACS State of the Industry Summit in Chicago this week, Matt McCourt, director of Convenience / Spirits for SymphonyIRI Group, spoke on the new products in the c-store channel drawing the most excitement from consumers. Topping the list by Symphony IRI of the top new items in total U.S. c-stores for the 13…

Resilient, tough and tested. These are just a few of the words analysts and retailers alike used to describe the convenience store and petroleum industry over the past 12 months. With the economy suffering its most difficult period in some 80 years, convenience stores held up rather admirably considering how consumer confidence plunged and the…

When history looks back on 2009 it will not be generous. The U.S. economy was, and to a certain degree, remains locked in the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Unemployment is high and the value of the dollar and consumer spending are at near-record lows. While this is bad, it could have been…

Just in time for the summer selling season, Kronik Energy drinks are being added to the vaults of more than 140 company-operated Maverik convenience stores across seven western states. Kronik Energy is being introduced as a new product to the Maverik stores based on customer demand for a fresh, chug-able and thirst-quenching, alternative to the…

As marketing category manager for Mansfield, Ohio-based EZ Energy USA Inc., Deb Davis oversees the beverage category and makes the critical call as to which products head to the cooler, and which don’t make the cut. Having just finished meeting with soda vendors to finalize the 2010 soda contracts, Davis is now busy overseeing beer…