SIG announces the launch of the uniquely different on-the-go carton bottle SIG DomeMini. The small-size carton pack offers all the convenience of a plastic bottle and the sustainability benefits of a carton pack.
Designed to captivate attention, SIG DomeMini encourages consumers to rethink their packaging choices, especially when it comes to sustainability. Beverage manufacturers also have the opportunity to choose a solution that puts significantly less plastic on the market and caters to the growing “paperisation” trend.
Designed for recycling, SIG DomeMini is mainly made from FSC™-certified paperboard and produced using 100 % renewable electricity. With the high share of forest-based renewable material as well as a sophisticated resource-efficient and space-saving design, SIG DomeMini comes with a number of environmental benefits compared to alternative packaging options like plastic bottles.
SIG DomeMini offers excellent ergonomic benefits to various consumers, such as travellers and commuters. The centrally positioned SIG DomeMiniCap is perfect for drinking just like from a bottle. It is easy to open and reclose. This ensures safe storage in bags, ready to drink from whenever needed.
The SIG DomeMini 12 Aseptic filling machine is capable of aseptically filling 12,000 packages per hour – in a total of seven volume sizes from 180 to 350 ml on one and the same machine with volume change in just 15 minutes. This maximises efficiency and flexibility, providing an excellent return on investment for beverage manufacturers.
The first market launch of SIG DomeMini is in China, with expansion to other countries on the way.
Bright, modern, and colourful design captures the brand’s mission to make soda both a fun and smart choice with ingredients that benefit the brain-gut connection and offer functional benefits with every sip
HERE Originals reintroduces its groundbreaking prebiotic soda, VINA in the US. Reformulated with an essential, proprietary blend of prebiotics, trace minerals, plant fibers and organic ingredients, VINA is expertly crafted to directly benefit the brain-gut connection. On a mission to recalibrate the soda category and functional cold box with a smarter choice, VINA unveils a line-up of flavours that taste great, are delightfully effervescent and expertly formulated to be both fun and smart to drink.
The revamped brand identity and packaging design follows a period of strategic repositioning of VINA’s functional benefits centered on the brain-gut connection. As functional soda becomes a fast-growing subcategory of the greater functional beverage space, the demand for healthier soda alternatives has rapidly increased. VINA’s unique formula that prioritizes brain and gut performance will invigorate consumer demand and add incremental value to this exciting new category with multifunctional benefits to both mind and body.
“Historically, soda hasn’t been considered a healthy choice, packed with sugars and toxins, despite the fun nature of the flavourful beverage. We saw a need to preserve what we all love about soda while completely reconstructing it to be both a naturally delicious and smart choice,” said Founder and CEO, Alex Matthews. “We challenged ourselves to cram what we call ‘The Smarts’ (plant fiber, trace minerals, prebiotics) into our formula for unprecedented functionality and of course, quality taste.”
Connected by millions of nerves and chemicals called neurotransmitters, the brain and gut are a package deal. Operating in a symbiotic relationship, when one is in distress, the other suffers. And, when one is balanced and thriving, the other reaps the rewards. VINA’s formula and ingredient selection are designed to address not one or the other in isolation, but both for optimal wellness.
According to VINA’s Chief Smarts Officer and mind-body expert, Dr. Cynthia Kerson, “The neurotransmitters bidirectionally linked between the brain and gut impact the very core of emotional wellbeing. Stress and anxiety in the mind caused by anything from external factors to deficiencies from essential nutrients can make its way down to the gut and lead to issues ranging from mild discomfort to GI tract issues. Alternatively, serotonin (the stuff that keeps our spirits high) is largely produced in the gut by millions of microbes in a healthy digestive ecosystem. VINA is ‘smart’ because it’s both multifaceted and hyperfunctional as it addresses mind-body wellness at its very core.”
VINA aims to delight both the pop purist and the functional beverage drinker with both taste and nutritional benefits. Crisp, fruity and crafted with an undertone of citrus to keep things balanced and bright, VINA comes in five flavours: Ginger Fizz, Cherry Pop, Grapefruit, Lime Lemon and Pomegranate. All blends are 5 g of sugar or less, 25 calories or less, certified USDA Organic, gluten-free, vegan and made with all natural ingredients.
VINA is the second beverage line out of HERE Originals, following De La Calle, a spin on the Mexican fermented pineapple beverage Tepache that won Best New Products and Best Packaging Design from BevNet’s Best of 2021 Awards.
VINA Prebiotic Soda is available in the US via drinkvina.com. Purchase one case of 12 cans (12 fluid ounces) for $33.99 MSRP or a monthly subscription for $28.89 per case, a 15 % discount.
Moderate consumption of 100% orange juice should be encouraged in children due to its multiple health benefits and lack of negative impacts on body weight, according to a spate of recent and previous research studies on the topic.
Consuming 100 % orange juice can help supplement the intake of key vitamins, minerals and health-associated bioactive compounds that may be missing in a child’s diet. A growing number of research studies has revealed that children who regularly drink 100 % orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets, and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ. Plus, recent studies align with past studies which help debunk the myth about 100 % orange juice and weight gain by showing that OJ intake is not associated with weight gain in children.
“Misconceptions about the perceived lack of health benefits of 100 % orange juice are unfortunate and could lead kids to potentially miss out on the nutritional benefits that OJ provides,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “However, study after study confirms that 100 % orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effect on body weight when served in moderation. By sharing the big picture these results show, we can help correct these misconceptions and empower both consumers and health professionals to make diet decisions grounded in scientific evidence.”
As Americans’ fruit and vegetable consumption continues to erode, particularly among young children, 100 % orange juice could play a key role in providing some of the nutrients kids need. A 4 oz. serving of 100 % orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and an 8 oz. serving for older children is a good source of potassium, folate and thiamin while still meaningfully contributing these nutrients at smaller serving sizes. Fortified OJ additionally contributes calcium and vitamin D. Potassium, calcium and vitamin D are considered nutrients of public health concern in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Research also shows that children who drink 100 % orange juice have higher total fruit consumption, lower intake of added sugar and tend to have higher diet quality and higher physical activity levels compared to those who do not drink OJ.1-4
Further, 100 % orange juice is not being overconsumed by children, despite reports to the contrary. In fact, orange juice consumption by children has declined in recent years along with the amount of key nutrients provided by it. On average, 100 % orange juice accounts for less than 1 % of total daily calorie intake in the diets of children and about 4 % of calories from beverages.2 Children are on average consuming 100 % orange juice well below the 100 % juice limits established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which supports 4 to 6 ounces for children under age 7 and 8 ounces for older children.
Lastly, consumption of 100 % orange juice is not associated with overweight or obesity in children. In fact, research shows that in some cases, 100 % orange juice consumers had less chance of having elevated body weight and may be taller compared to those who do not consume OJ.1-5 This lack of association between 100 % orange juice intake and body weight is supported by both cross-sectional1-3,6,7 and longitudinal4,5 analyses.
- Sakaki et al. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2687.
- Maillot et al. Front Nutr. 2020;7:63.
- O’Neil CE et al. Pediatric Research and Child Health. 2020;4(1).
- Sakaki JR et al. Public Health Nutr. 2020;1-8.
- Sakaki JR et al. Pediatr Obes. 2021;e12781.
- O’Neil CE et al. Nutr Res. 2011;31(9):673–682.
- Wang Y et al. Public Health Nutr. 2012;15(12):2220-2227.
A new analysis of nutrition research suggests that consumption of 100 % fruit juice, such as 100 % orange juice, by adults may have cardiovascular benefits and does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or its risk factors.
The comprehensive analysis, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, pooled and collectively analyzed the results of 21 prospective and 35 randomized clinical studies published through August 2019, and found that drinking moderate amounts of 100 % fruit juice was associated with a lower risk of total cardiovascular events and stroke. The study also reported no association at any level of 100 % fruit juice intake with weight measures, including body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, and risk for diabetes or risk factors for diabetes such as insulin resistance.1
Based on the analysis by researchers that were part of a working group from the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU), significantly lower risks for total cardiovascular disease were observed at 100 % fruit juice intake levels up to 170 ml per day (between 5 and 6 ounces) and lower risks for stroke were seen at intake amounts up to 200 ml per day (between 6 and 7 ounces). Higher consumption amounts did not significantly increase nor decrease risk. The analysis also found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with 100 % fruit juice consumption, which could have been responsible for the observed risk reduction with cardiovascular events and stroke.
Additionally, no significant associations were seen with 100 % fruit juice intake and increased risk for diabetes or risk factors for diabetes, including blood glucose and insulin levels and measures of insulin sensitivity. Consistent with many other studies, 100 % fruit juice was not associated with weight parameters, including body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference.
A meta-analysis pools together and analyzes the results from previously conducted and published studies. In the hierarchy of research studies, a systematic review/meta-analysis ranks high with regard to the strength and robustness of results.
“These results help further support a positive role for 100 % fruit juice in cardiovascular health without negative effects on weight, risk for diabetes, or risk factors for these major diseases. While the study looked collectively at all 100 % fruit juices we also have research supporting the beneficial effects of 100 % orange juice on some of these very same health outcomes. In the end, a win for 100 % fruit juice is also a win for 100% orange juice,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus.
This systematic review and meta-analysis, funded through an unrestricted grant by the European Fruit Juice Association (AIJN), adds to the growing body of scientific research supporting the role of 100 % fruit juice and 100 % orange juice in the diet:
- A randomized controlled trial reported that 100 % orange juice reduced systolic blood pressure in adults with pre- or stage-1 hypertension. Hesperidin, provided almost exclusively in the diet by 100 % orange juice and oranges, appears to play a key role in the observed effects.2
- A meta-analysis of 95 studies showed higher intake of citrus fruit and citrus fruit juice decreased risk of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Citrus fruit juices were associated with a 25 percent reduction in the risk for ischemic stroke.3
- In a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, 100% fruit juice was associated with a 33 percent lower risk for stroke mortality.4
- Numerous studies report no association between 100% orange juice or 100% fruit juice intake and body weight in children or adults.5-8
Every glass of 100 % orange juice supports overall health and can help adults and children meet intake recommendations for key nutrients they may be lacking in their diets. An 8-oz. serving size contains vital vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, potassium, folate, hesperidin and more, with no sugar added. From helping improve diet quality to supporting a healthy immune system, 100 % orange juice offers a number of health benefits and can also easily be incorporated into simple, great-tasting recipes.
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 37,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.5 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services.
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Nutrition minded consumers now have the option to continue their health-conscious journeys with local business Health Generation’s new retail product line –Nature’s Harvest organic juices. The cold pressed juices incorporate the multifunctional profiles of fruits, vegetables and herbs that have health benefits and prime nutritional value.
Nature’s Harvest juice flavours are currently available in the freshly squeezed Orange juice, Beet Master, Citrus Quench and Carrot Juice. With over a kilogram of fruits and vegetables squeezed into a 300 ml bottle, these juices have superior health benefits. Commenting on this exciting journey for the business, Manager at Health Generation Judith Keofitlhetse states: “The functional benefits found in cold pressed juices is fundamentally nutrition. With healthy ingredients becoming an increasingly important attribute over cost for today’s consumers, we found it important to meet this local market demand by getting into the retail space so that consumers can enjoy the added convenience of having healthy juices in their locale.
Our juices have no added sweeteners or additional flavours – all of them are freshly prepared through our cold pressing method. Once produced and bottled, the juices are taken through a process called High Pressure Processing (HPP). This method includes cold pasteurization in pure water which uses ultra-high pressure purified water to keep packaged food pathogen-free and allows them to stay fresh for longer. At very high pressures bacteria such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella are known to be inactivated.”
“The biggest benefit with our new Nature’s Harvest juice range is that now customers can enjoy the juices over a prolonged period. With the HPP process, we have now successfully extended our juice shelf life from 5 days to an impressive 30 days, all maintained through a cold line method,” adds Keofitlhetse.
As the only local company currently packaging raw organic juices, Health Generation intends to continue its pursuit to improve the healthy beverage and food options for Batswana and potentially in international markets. In addition to their juices, their health bar currently serves salads and food servings that are all about well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
The new Nature’s Harvest retail juice range is currently available at Square Mart (Food Lovers Market) located in the Central Business District (CBD) in Gaborone, Botswana.
Mental health is a pressing concern around the world with many consumers turning to health enhancing ingredients to help relieve a range of conditions including stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Whilst the food and beverages industry is awash with products that deliver on health, wellbeing and energy, mental health related new product development (NPD) has lagged behind with demand for these types of products varying amongst regions, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Consumer research from GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Top Trends in Healthcare and OTC Products 2018 – The latest trends in: OTC medication; vitamins, minerals, and supplements; functional food and drink; and sports nutrition’, reveals that 66 % of European consumers say that stress is a pressing mental health concern followed closely by overwork (56 %) and insomnia (55 %).
William Grimwade, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData comments, “There is clearly an opportunity for beverage manufacturers in Europe to develop products with mental health enhancing functionality.
“A high percentage of beverages in the region contain fortified and nutraceutical ingredients and 61 % of consumers say that soft drinks are their preferred method of consuming health enhancing ingredients.”
Health drinks have often been characterised as simply low sugar or energy boosters fortified with caffeine, vitamins or minerals. Mental health is a growing concern, but fortified drinks rarely address this need.
However, ingredients such as Gingko Biloba, Turmeric and Lecithin are increasingly being used in this field with companies like Coca-Cola investing in new emerging ingredients like Cannabidiol or CBD oil.
Grimwade adds, “With stress and overwork being the top mental health concerns in Europe driven by long working hours and the political and economic turmoil in the region creating so much uncertainty, demand for drinks fortified with stress and anxiety relieving ingredients will only increase.”
As National Coffee Day (September 29) approaches this weekend, consumers are looking for options beyond their typical cup of joe in favor of ready-to-drink (RTD) varieties offering functional benefits. When asked what their ideal bottled/canned cold coffee drink would include, new research from Mintel reveals that US RTD coffee consumers want options that include antioxidants (47 %), promote brain health (40 %), are anti-inflammatory (35 %) or have added probiotics (30 %).
Aside from functional benefits, there is also potential for coffee that encourages consumption beyond the usual morning or afternoon pick-me-up. More than two in five (42 %) RTD coffee consumers say their ideal bottled/canned cold coffee drink would help them relax, while over one third (35 %) are interested in products with added protein.
Innovation in the RTD coffee segment has contributed to its strong growth. In fact, while roasted coffee is the largest segment of the coffee category (39.2 % market share), RTD coffee continues to drive the category as the fastest growing segment, growing 31 % in the last two years. Overall, total coffee retail sales in the US are estimated to grow 4 % in 2018 to reach $14.4 billion, with steady growth expected to continue through 2023.
“Innovation is vibrant and diverse in the RTD coffee segment and includes new products that are carving out sometimes surprising territory and often taking inspiration from unconventional beverage categories. What’s more, our research shows that iGeneration* consumers are more likely to drink RTD coffee than brewed coffee, indicating this is how they are entering the market. Consumer interest in better-for-you beverages is also shaping the market as demand for organic and non-GMO coffee or functional formulations enhanced with all-natural flavors, protein and vitamins grows. The broader trend of beverage blurring is also opening up opportunity for innovation and brand extension, especially in the RTD segment,” said Caleb Bryant, Senior Beverage Analyst at Mintel.
Non-dairy milk makes a splash
The better-for-you beverage movement extends to consumers’ coffee preferences both at-home and away. As non-dairy milk sales continue to rise, consumers are increasingly looking for it in their coffee, too: more than one third (36 %) of RTD coffee consumers say their ideal RTD coffee would contain non-dairy milk. What’s more, Mintel research shows that just as many dairy milk consumers add dairy milk to their coffee/tea as non-dairy milk consumers add non-dairy milk to their coffee/tea (32 % respectively). Dairy alternatives are making a splash on-premise, as well. According to Mintel Menu Insights, the use of non-dairy milk as an ingredient in coffee drinks on US menus grew 107 % in the last two years**, with almond milk as the standout star, growing 198 % in the same time period.
“Non-dairy milk is a fast-growing segment of the non-alcoholic beverage market, with many consumers, especially iGens and Millennials***, switching from using dairy milk to non-dairy milk on an everyday basis and as an addition to their coffee. While soy milk is the most common non-dairy milk used in both coffee and tea drinks, it is falling out of favor. Meanwhile, almond milk has experienced strong growth on menus across the US, indicating that we can expect to see operators swap soy milk for other non-dairy milks, with oat milk emerging as another rising star to watch,” continued Bryant.
Generation X drives third wave coffee movement
Innovation within the on-premise coffee market is spurring increased consumption among consumers as Mintel research reveals that one quarter (25 %) of those who drink coffee away from home (AFH) say they are buying coffee drinks AFH more often in 2018 compared to a year ago. Those who are ordering coffee AFH more often are not only trying out new drinks (39 %), but are also buying more premium and cold coffee beverages (32 % respectively).
While younger consumers are driving consumption of cold coffee drinks, with 28 % of iGens who drink coffee AFH saying that they most often order flavored iced coffee, Generation X consumers**** are driving the third wave coffee movement. In fact, Generation X consumers who drink AFH are the most likely generation to say they enjoy treating themselves to expensive coffee (38 % vs 33 % overall) and that they would be motivated to visit a new coffee shop for premium coffee beans (31 % vs 21 % overall)—staples of third wave coffee.
“The third wave coffee movement demonstrates that a sizable population of coffee drinkers view coffee as something that should be celebrated. Gen Xers, while a smaller segment of the US population compared to Baby Boomers***** and Millennials, are a prime target for shops offering third wave drinks as they are most likely to treat themselves to drinks made with premium coffee beans. Further, the growing presence of third wave coffee drinks means younger iGens will likely enter the third wave coffee market at a relatively young age. While iGens love flavored and iced coffee drinks now, operators must follow this generation throughout their ‘coffee career’ as many will ‘age out of’ these drinks and eventually join their older counterparts in the third wave coffee movement,” concluded Bryant.
*Aged 11-23 in 2018; in this report, only adult iGens aged 18-23 were surveyed.
**Between Q1 2015-Q1 2018.
***Aged 24-41 in 2018.
****Aged 42-53 in 2018.
*****Aged 54-72 in 2018.
