PepsiCo has now launched a sweetened sparkling water called Bubly Burst, an answer to Talking Rain’s popular Sparkling Ice. Bubly Burst is an extension of PepsiCo’s flavored sparkling water brand, Bubly, which debuted in 2018. BD previously reported the expected Bubly Burst launch when PepsiCo gave a sneak peek to convenience retailers in October at the NACS show. Bubly Burst will be available nationally starting next week. Flavors are ...
Have you heard about “crispy” Diet Coke? I dismissed this TikTok driven trend until my daughter mentioned it the other day.
As readers of this newsletter know, my adult son and daughter, ages 27 and 22, are an important window for me. What I see and hear from them has been valuable to my understanding of how young consumers digest media and consider brands. My kids and their friends are an antidote to the skepticism that can infect a 53-year-old brain.
It turns out my daughter and her friends are fans of “crispy” Diet Coke. And there is ritual around the drink. First, a Diet Coke goes into the freezer to get near the tipping point to ice. Next, ice is added to a reusable cup. On top of the ice goes a sachet of True Lime, which is a crystallized Lime powder (that I hadn’t heard of). The near-frozen Diet Coke is then poured over the ice and lime powder, creating the desired “crispy” effect. As my daughter explains: “It’s cold, carbonated, and super refreshing. Lime makes it even more crispy.” So young people do drink Diet Coke?
That wasn’t all she surprised me with. I’ve often...
Plus, Bubly Grows in 1H US Retail Data. Prepares Extension to Challenge Sparkling Ice.
In May, BD reported on a steep sales decline for Coca-Cola’s AHA sparkling water as the brand was delisted at Publix and Coke discontinued caffeinated versions. Now, Coca-Cola has confirmed to BD that AHA will be scaled back next year in the US as Coca-Cola focuses on Topo Chico. The decision comes as Coca-Cola and other major beverage producers focus on premium water segments, both still...
Coke Spiced, BodyArmor Zero, Bubly Burst, Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut Among Coming Launches
October 12, 2023
This year’s NACS expo for convenience store operators, held last week in Atlanta, provided a first look at product innovation from beverage makers in advance of Spring shelf resets. Buyers from both chain and independent small-store retailers attend the show. NACS is the primary trade association for the global convenience and fuel retailing industry. BD attended the event to walk the show floor. Here are some of the newest products shown:
Increased Velocity a Focus for Key Brands Like Pepsi, Gatorade, Bubly
September 27, 2023
Executives from PepsiCo’s company-owned and independent bottling system met recently in Dallas to discuss 2024 market plans. PepsiCo Beverages North America CEO Kirk Tanner opened the meeting with a challenge to strive for “five-star excellence” when it comes to selling, service, sustainability, profit, and market share. “Three-star is good enough. Five-star is exceptional,” he said. “It is all about resetting our expectation for
Coca-Cola launched its newest limited edition Coke Creations extension this week. Y3000 is said by the company to be “futuristic flavored” and “co-created with human and artificial intelligence.” Y3000, in both Zero Sugar and regular versions, is how a Coke of the future might taste, the company added. Coca-Cola used AI to help generate the...
Liquid I.V. is preparing to launch a “For Kids” version of its powdered hydration multiplier, the company told BD. The electrolyte product, intended for children aged one to 12, will become available on Aug. 23. Flavors are...