The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on the latest news in the rapidly changing and growing beverage sector. From inaugural product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench the thirst for developments in the category.
Tropicana turns down the heat with its refreshing summer launch
Tropicana is hoping summer sticks around a little longer with its latest product.
The beverage company introduced Tropicana Refreshers, a line of juice drinks made with real fruit juice and no artificial sweeteners. The offerings come in a variety of flavors, including Fruit Punch and Pineapple Mango, and they are available at retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and Target.
“Tropicana exists to deliver joy, and reminding people to savor summer the same way we know they will our Refreshers is the perfect way of bringing that to life,” James Spalding, vice president and general manager of Tropicana at Tropicana Brands Group, said in a statement.
Tropicana is teaming up with Ciara Miller of the reality television show Summer House to launch Tropicana Refreshers. The pair also created cocktail and mocktail recipes with the beverage.
PepsiCo sold Tropicana, smoothie maker Naked Juice, probiotic drink KeVita and other beverage brands in North America and Europe to private equity firm PAI Partners for $3.3 billion in 2021.
Since becoming a standalone company, Tropicana Brands Group has put a renewed level of focus on its portfolio by giving more resources and support to products and formats. Other recent innovations include a low-sugar offering for Naked and a sparkling drink and a lemonade platform with Tropicana.
— Christopher Doering
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Courtesy of Jose Cuervo
Cuervo pours devilish sweet heat tequila
A staple of the tequila category is unleashing a spicier alternative to appeal to younger consumers.
Jose Cuervo has launched Devil’s Reserve, a “sweet heat” flavored tequila. The drink was designed to be consumed in shots, a margarita or Devil’s Soda, the brand said.
“Devil’s Reserve unleashes an entirely new taste upon the world of tequila, bringing the Devil’s mischievous spirit to life for those craving unforgettable nights of adventure with the perfect drink in hand,” said Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Cuervo parent company Proximo Spirits.
The packaging design leans into the drink’s vibrant themes by displaying Mexican folk art.
Cuervo pointed to Statista data showing Gen Z and younger millennial drinkers are embracing tequila more than previous generations, particularly flavored varieties.
As young consumers increasingly turn to the agave-based spirit, brands in the category are targeting drinkers with new products. Kendall Jenner’s 818 — which sells blanco, reposado and añejo tequila — has collaborated with trendy coffee brands and restaurants like Rao’s on unique products like pasta sauce and espresso martinis. Case Azul has capitalized on the spirit’s momentum with new flavors of its RTD tequila sodas.
— Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Game Day Spirits
Game On touches down with tailgate shots
As football season begins, one brand aims to become the preferred alcoholic beverage for weekend tailgates with unique game day flavors.
Upstart alcohol brand Game On Spirits has debuted alcoholic shots in four varieties based on classic stadium food: Buttered Popcorn, Caramel Corn, Cotton Candy, and Game Day Dog.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this surprisingly delicious shot that captures not only the savory spices and smokiness of a hot dog and mustard but also the sweetness of the bun and relish,” said Paul Brown, the brand’s co-founder, in a statement. “It’s super fun and tasty on its own, but it’s also fantastic when added to a beer or whiskey-based cocktail.”
Game On’s shots are sold on the company’s website, and at select bars, restaurants and liquor stores.
With the NFL reaching record high viewership in recent years, fans are imbibing more. In survey data shared by Alcohol.com last year, a third of respondents said they drink at pregames, and 28% reported drinking more when their team is on a roll.
— Chris Casey
