J2O, the UK’s number one adult soft drink1, is rolling out a new look across its core fruit blends range this summer, taking it from a classic favourite to a modern icon. The rebrand will bring vibrancy to shelves across retail and inject more fun into shopper’s social occasions, reinforcing itself as a key adult soft drink choice.
The new packaging will keep the brand fresh and relevant for its current audience of adults and families but also look to engage and recruit Gen-Z as the next generation of soft drink shoppers. The key changes, which maintain its well-known colourful range, include a modernised logo and a cleaner, less busy look on-pack to ensure the highly recognisable brand stands out even more on-shelf.
To celebrate this, J2O is launching an on-pack promotion this summer, including holiday voucher giveaways. This includes a weekly draw running for 13 weeks offering two consumers the chance to win a £1,500 voucher to book a unique summer hangout plus £500 spending money. Running from 1 July to 22 September, all consumers need to do to have a chance of winning is buy any J2O multi-pack* and scan the QR code on-pack or visit this link – T&Cs apply.**
J2O is a well-known and trusted favourite, with 87 % brand awareness2 and £59m RSV in grocery3, so the brand is well placed to support retailers with growth in the adult soft category. Shoppers are increasingly looking for more choice in this area, particularly among the younger generation, with 1 in 5 18–24-year-olds now choosing soft drinks as their preferred alcohol-free drinks option4, so this is a great moment for retailers to also update their soft drinks range for summer.
Ben Parker, VP Sales Off-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “We know J2O sits at the heart of many soft drink social occasions, whether it’s a BBQ, family dinner or spontaneous catch-up with friends. So, with this modern new rebrand we hope to reinforce J2O as that desired choice for consumers of all ages. In fact, soft drinks buyers are increasingly looking for more flavour choice and products which deliver on taste, especially as the alcohol moderation trend continues to rise, so there was no better time for us to revitalise our core range.
“The on-pack promotion is also another way we are making sure J2O stands out with our new look and feel, offering unique stays to spend time with friends and family over a J2O. On-pack promotions are a great way to incentivise purchase amongst shoppers and drive basket spend, so we’re glad to also be supporting our retail partners with this competition over summer.”
The relaunch will be supported by a £1.2 million ‘Get to the Juice’ media campaign, targeting Gen-Z and family audiences across social, digital, OOH, podcast partnerships, and online video content to keep the brand front of mind throughout summer. The campaign is set to reach 97 % of Gen-Z and 61 % of all UK adults.
*4s and 10s glass bottles or 4s and 12s cans, multipack shrinks not included
**Short terms and conditions: 18+, UK. Promo Period: 09:00 01/07/25 to 23:59 22/09/25. Purchase necessary. Internet access, UK bank account and valid email required. To enter, purchase a promotional J2O product (instore or online), scan the QR code where available or visit www.j2o.co.uk/hangouts, enter full name, email, and upload receipt. Retain receipt. Max 1 prize per person. Max 1 entry per 1 receipt. Wrap up Draw period 23/09/25 to 30/11/25. Prizes awarded via weekly Prize Draw and wrap up draw; 25 x prizes to the value of £2,000 (£1,500 Airbnb eGift card redeemable online at Airbnb.com, plus £500 cash payable via bank transfer). 2/week for 12 weeks plus 1 wrap up prize. Full T&Cs, prize details, and entry: www.j2o.co.uk/hangouts. Promoter: Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd. Subject to availability. Full terms and conditions can be found here.
1Nielsen IQ, Total coverage, Adult social drinks Carlsberg Britvic defined, 52we 15/02/25; **CGA total out of home (Licensed and Foodservice) Adult – Carlsberg Britvic defined) 52we 31/12/24; ***Share of brands is by total adult i.e adult on trade plus adult off trade
2Kantar Brand Power study, Soft drinks Update, May 2024
3NielsenIQ(RMS), Total J2O Carlsberg Britvic defined, Total grocery inc discounters, Value sales MAT to 24/05/2025
4Kantar Alcovision; Drinkers % 12we 31st Dec 2023
Rockstar Energy is looking to shake up the energy drinks category with the launch of Rockstar Energy Blood Orange Zero Sugar – a limited-edition flavour in a brand-new 330 ml £1 price-marked pack (PMP) can. The latest format and flavour is designed to broaden appeal and bring new shoppers into the category, by targeting non-traditional energy drinkers with a more accessible option.
The Blood Orange variant will launch as an initial exclusive to the convenience channel in the UK and taps into a popular summer flavour with its refreshing citrus taste, and a key stimulant flavour already, with citrus worth more than £45m1.
Debuting in a new 330 ml slim can, the brand is looking to address a common barrier to entry for new energy drink buyers – the larger 500 ml format. Rockstar Energy can now offer a more approachable size and good value price point for those looking to try something new, representing a different, yet affordable on-the-go option for consumers.
1NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage, Stimulants, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, Sales Value, 52wks w/e 03.05.25
Carlsberg Britvic is expanding its 7UP range with 7UP Pink Lemonade, a zero-sugar variant that delivers the ultimate refreshment with its lemon, lime and raspberry flavour.
7UP is the number one lemon and lime brand in GB1 and this represents its first launch since 2020. 7UP Pink Lemonade looks to capitalise on the growing role of innovation in driving growth in the flavoured carbonates category, which, over the last three years has accounted for 35 % of total flavoured carbonates value growth2. With its zero-sugar recipe, it provides an appealing alternative for consumers seeking no-sugar options without compromising on taste or refreshment.
Research from the brand has shown that the colour pink cues flavour, hydration, and refreshment3, making the eye-catching pink liquid and packaging a key factor in driving shopper engagement. Flavour is the number one consumer choice driver4 so, to tap into that trend and add variety to the 7UP range, Pink Lemonade offers a refreshing new option that caters to both loyal brand fans and new shoppers looking for something different.
Ben Parker, VP Sales – Off Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “7UP Pink Lemonade represents a fresh twist for what is such a popular brand. As one of the largest brands in the fruit-flavoured carbonates retail space, bringing in £77m in Retail Sales Value5, it presents an exciting opportunity for consumers and retailers. We want to continue growing the category with exciting innovation, offering a drink that not only delivers on taste but also visually stands out on shelves to catch the eye of shoppers. We really look forward to seeing consumers trying the product and retailers and stockists benefiting from a launch that creates a buzz in the soft drinks space.”
7UP Pink Lemonade is available in 330 ml cans, 500 ml bottles (both in plain or price-marked packs), two litre bottles and multipacks of eight 330 ml cans.
1Nielsen IQ RMS, Carlsberg Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
2Nielsen RMS, Carlsberg Britvic defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Growth, 52 w/e 29.03.25, 52 w/e 30.03.24, 52 w.e 01.04.23
3Shopper Centric – Health and Wellbeing Pre- evaluation, June 2024
4Greenshots, Britvic Shopper Research, 2024
5Nielsen IQ RMS, Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
It’s time to quench the UK’s dance drought! Lipton, the UK’s number one Ice Tea brand1, has launched its brand new Lipton Kombucha range, alongside working with pop-singer Wes Nelson, to create the feel-good track and music video of the summer, ‘Kombucha-cha’. Aiming to get the nation dancing again, new research from Lipton Ice Tea reveals that half of Brits are terrified to dance out in public, yet 7 in 10 (72 %) feel happier after dancing.
As the ultimate summer brand, Lipton Ice Tea brings the sunshine early this spring with the exciting new Lipton Kombucha range, a vibrant blend of naturally fermented tea, live cultures, and real fruit flavours. Available in three delicious flavours; Strawberry Mint, Raspberry and Mango Passionfruit, the feel-good vibe goes hand in hand with the happy sensation of dancing, making you feel alive with teas that are bursting with life.
Recent research from Lipton Ice Tea highlights the importance of bringing back the joy of dance across the UK. More than half (58 %) of Brits admit to avoiding social occasions where music is played because they feel self-conscious about dancing, while 68 % of Gen Z wish they had the confidence to dance freely in public without fear of judgement.
In a mission to break the dance drought, Wes and Lipton Ice Tea want to give the nation permission to dance and make you feel alive again. Fueled by the delicious fizz of Lipton Kombucha, Wes’ upbeat Lipton Kombucha-cha music video reignites the joy and connection of dance across the action-packed streets of Camden Market in London.
Wes Nelson, Pop Singer and Lipton Kombucha Ambassador said, “We all need a little more joy in our lives, and nothing makes you feel alive more than moving your feet. Whether you’re dancing in your bedroom or out with your mates in the sunshine, let’s bring the fun back – one dance and one Kombucha-cha at a time!”
By breaking the dance drought, Lipton Ice Tea is on a mission to help people connect, express themselves, and rediscover the joy and energy that dancing brings. Revealing the science behind the benefits of movement, happiness expert and founder of Movement Is Medicine, Emma Marshall explains how to unlock the mood-boosting effects that dance can give you.
Emma Marshall, Lipton Kombucha Happiness Expert said, ”This new research from Lipton Ice Tea shows loads of people are missing out on the benefits of dancing, especially Gen Zs. Dancing boosts dopamine, reduces stress and lifts your mood, yet 40 % weren’t aware of the positive effect it has on the mind and body. The truth is, dance isn’t about what it looks like, it’s about how it makes you feel. You don’t need to be a professional dancer, all you need is an upbeat track and a bit of space to move. You’ll feel the benefits instantly!’’
To celebrate the launch, Lipton Kombucha will be taking over Battersea Power Station Square on 13th June for a day of non-stop feel-good tunes and exciting surprises to get the nation dancing.
Lipton Kombucha is now available in store at Morrisons and Waitrose, for delivery at Ocado and online via TikTok shop from £4.99 for 4 x 250 ml.
1NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB, Total Ready To Drink Tea, Cold Hot Drinks, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, Value Share MAT w/e 18/01/25
2Night Time Industries Association, 2024
3Survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by independent research agency OnePoll between 12th and 14th March 2025
J2O is bringing a taste of summer with the latest addition to its mocktails range – Tropical Punch, a taste of pineapple with a hint of coconut. The new flavour is available from 4 May in a 250 ml can format across the grocery channel.
This launch builds on the success of the existing mocktails range, which was originally introduced in 2023 and this mocktail new product development has been incremental to the J2O brand1. The range includes Strawberry & Orange Blossom Mojito, Blackberry & Blueberry Martini and White Peach & Mango Daiquiri. J2O has been a popular choice among consumers seeking soft drink alternatives2 – with 48 % of people now looking to moderate their alcohol intake, compared to 36 % in 20183. J2O offers a delicious non-alcoholic alternative.
Tropical Piña Colada ranks among the top ten most popular cocktails4, meaning that J2O Tropical Punch will help venues offer customers a great tasting experience – the canned format ensures bartenders are able to produce consistent serves every time, without compromising on taste or quality.
Ben Parker, VP Sales Off-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “The launch of our new J2O Tropical Punch mocktail provides retailers with an opportunity to offer another refreshing flavour, just in time for summer when people pick up more soft drinks while on-the-go. We also know that in-home socialising is high, and consumers go out much less to manage budgets5. J2O Tropical Punch will provide shoppers with another option to elevate their experience at home – whether that’s a summer barbecue or a big night in.”
J2O Tropical Punch ready-to-drink mocktail is available exclusively from 4 May in Sainsbury’s and other retailers later in the year, for a limited time only. A 250 ml can has a recommended price of £1.29.
1NielsenIQ RMS| Total Coverage J2O | 52w w/e 28/09/24 | Sales Value
2Kantar | Worldpanel Division | In-home & Carried out Usage Panel | LDA Sample | 52 w/e 29-Dec-24 vs. 5YA
3Kantar | Worldpanel Division | Alcovision | Data to 30-Sep-24
4SUMMER 2024 FLAVOR TRENDS: TROPICAL AND ‘SWICY’, Advantage solutions, 15,04,2024
5Kantar Worldpanel Usage panel, total food and drink 52w/e 26 Nov 2023
Carlsberg Britvic is expanding its 7UP range with 7UP Pink Lemonade, a zero-sugar variant that delivers the ultimate refreshment with its lemon, lime and raspberry flavour. The launch was rolled end of April across selected retailers and then become more widely available in grocery, convenience and foodservice.
7UP is the number one lemon and lime brand in GB1 and this represents its first launch since 2020. 7UP Pink Lemonade looks to capitalise on the growing role of innovation in driving growth in the flavoured carbonates category, which, over the last three years has accounted for 35 % of total flavoured carbonates value growth2. With its zero-sugar recipe, it provides an appealing alternative for consumers seeking no-sugar options without compromising on taste or refreshment.
Research from the brand has shown that the colour pink cues flavour, hydration, and refreshment3, making the eye-catching pink liquid and packaging a key factor in driving shopper engagement. Flavour is the number one consumer choice driver4 so, to tap into that trend and add variety to the 7UP range, Pink Lemonade offers a refreshing new option that caters to both loyal brand fans and new shoppers looking for something different.
Ben Parker, VP Sales – Off Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “7UP Pink Lemonade represents a fresh twist for what is such a popular brand. As one of the largest brands in the fruit-flavoured carbonates retail space, bringing in £77m in Retail Sales Value5, it presents an exciting opportunity for consumers and retailers. We want to continue growing the category with exciting innovation, offering a drink that not only delivers on taste but also visually stands out on shelves to catch the eye of shoppers. We really look forward to seeing consumers trying the product and retailers and stockists benefiting from a launch that creates a buzz in the soft drinks space.”
7UP Pink Lemonade is available in 330 ml cans, 500 ml bottles (both in plain or price-marked packs), two litre bottles and multipacks of eight 330 ml cans. Initially launching across selected retailers, the exciting addition to the category will then become more widely available in grocery, convenience and foodservice. It will be backed by a multi-million pound campaign launching this summer, including OOH, social, influencers, PR and shopper marketing.
1Nielsen IQ RMS, Carlsberg Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
2Nielsen RMS, Carlsberg Britvic defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Growth, 52 w/e 29.03.25, 52 w/e 30.03.24, 52 w.e 01.04.23
3Shopper Centric – Health and Wellbeing Pre- evaluation, June 2024
4Greenshots, Britvic Shopper Research, 2024
5 Nielsen IQ RMS, Britvic Defined Fruit Carbonates, GB Total Coverage, Value Sales, L52 wks, w/e 05.04.25
- Soft drinks is one of the strongest performing sub sectors for the UK’s licensed operators,1 reports Carlsberg Britvic, growing by 0.6 % to £4.6bn on volumes down 5.6 %,2 and putting an extra £300m through the tills in 2024 alone2
- Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025 reveals the challenges the industry is facing; a decrease in the number of pub visits, which has dipped by 1.7 % to 1.15 occasions a week3 and an increase in demand for “quality” when they do visit;3highlighting the importance of providing elevated experiences and a sense of occasion
- The latest report shines a light on the growing numbers of people using alcohol moderation tactics,4 with a third (32 %) opting for water between alcoholic drinks when they’re on a night out ’most’ or ‘all of the time’.4 It’s a strong opportunity for soft drinks, suggesting that huge value can be unlocked by tapping into the category
Licensed venues operating in Britain need to present soft drinks and low and no alternatives on an equal pegging with alcoholic drinks to stand out from the competition. That’s according to Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025, which has revealed the latest challenges and trends shaping the industry. Carlsberg Britvic says that operators can unlock new growth by fully embracing the surge in the popularity for ‘zebra striping’, an alcohol moderation trend, which sees people alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a night out.4
The industry is facing its fair share of challenges: people are going to the pub less3 and they’re continuing to cut down on alcohol, which accounts for 85.1 % of the pub trade’s revenue, a whopping £26.6bn.1 In addition to this, overall drinks sales through licensed venues have dipped by 0.7 % to £31.2bn on volumes down 3.4 % in 2024.1
Despite these challenges, Carlsberg Britvic’s Soft Drinks Review 2025 highlights the huge opportunities for licensed venues who adapt and re-evaluate their approach to soft drinks and the way they serve alcohol-free options, giving people more reasons to visit their venues beyond drinking alcohol.
“There’s no denying that licensed operators are under a lot of pressure,” comments Chris Pratt, VP Sales On-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic. “Big nights outs are being redefined; they don’t necessarily lead with a focus on alcohol. Instead, consumers are increasingly looking for venues that offer the right experiences. And they’re prepared to shop around to get it. As a result, the competition is fiercer than ever. We’re seeing venue choices widening and the likes of gastropubs and ‘competitive socialising’ venues-think escape rooms, axe throwing, digital darts and virtual driving simulators-continuing to grow in popularity.”
Pratt continues, “All of this means that operators are having to work harder to attract people into their venues, encourage them to spend more time (and money) there and keep them coming back for more. To do this, licensed venues need to broaden their appeal and offer unique experiences, while striking a balance between value and excellence – which is no mean feat! That’s why we’ve packed our Soft Drinks Review 2025 with advice on how operators can do just that, as well as maximise their revenues by tapping into consumers’ growing love affair with soft drinks and low and no alcohol options.”
Carlsberg Britvic’s latest report shines a light on the fact that some licensed venues still aren’t realising the full extent of the size of the prize available to them through soft drinks. Research shows that 40 % of Brits5 make it their mission to find out what low and no alcohol drinks are available at a venue before visiting (if they are moderating alcohol),5 but only one in five venues have uploaded a menu featuring alcohol-free drinks to their listing.”5
Pratt concludes, “Soft drinks, and low and no alcohol options need to be treated more like the stars of the show that they are. Operators should show off the brands on offer and make sure staff know how to serve them in an attractive and compelling way. If menus and bars don’t display brands or no alcohol drink options, they won’t be on the order. We’re helping our partners in the licensed trade to develop jaw-dropping serves and eye-catching point of sale materials that does their offering justice. And our Mix with Carlsberg Britvic online platform is an invaluable resource, curated by our mixologists to help bar staff stay ahead of trends and give them the skills to mix the perfect drink every time, whether it contains alcohol or not.”
Carlsberg Britvic’s top tips to get stand out with your soft drinks offering
Make soft drinks stand out in your venues, website and socials: List your alcohol-free offerings on your Google listing – one in two venues don’t do this.5 And stock up on a wider range of exciting flavours such as The London Essence Company’s premium mixers and crafted sodas which provide a fantastic base for sensational alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tap into the rising popularity of juices, exotic flavours, hot drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails:6 Elevate your drinks offering with shots of Teisseire syrups and cordials, which provide an easy way to add flair, flavour and value to everything from water and coffee to fizzy and mixed drinks. Stock up on exciting flavour limited editions, take for instance J2O Dragonberry, a blend of blackberry juice and dragon fruit flavour – launching this summer. And get creative with cocktail names – instead of ‘Virgin G&T’ why not call it ‘Cherry Blossom Spritz’?
People will pay more for drinks they perceive to be better for them:7 Stock up on premium, drink with naturally fermented tea) and Aqua Libra Pure Filtered Still and Sparkling canned water.
Offer experiences that go beyond alcohol and food: Live entertainment, events and themed menus can all help lure people to pubs and bars for evening drinks, as can the development of wider and more sophisticated soft drinks menus.
Download the Carlsberg Britvic Licensed Soft Drinks Review
1CGA by Nielsen IQ, Total Licensed, Value sales, 52 w/e 28.12.24 * after long alcoholic drinks such as beer and cider
2CGA by Nielsen IQ, Total Licensed, Value sales, 52 w/e 28.12.24
3Lumina Intelligence Eating & Drinking Out Panel – data collected 52 w/e 10 July 2022 and 52 w/e 7 July 2024
4KAM Low+No: Drinking Differently 2024
5KAM x Everleaf – Raising the Bar 2024
6Kantar Profiles/Mintel, August 2023 – 2024 – 1,727 (2023), 1,706 (2024) internet users aged 18+ who visit pubs/bars
Premium mixer and adult soft drinks brand, London Essence, announced the launch of its new Crisp Apple Crafted Soda into retail and hospitality venues. The new pack size was launched at the end of April in major retailers including Waitrose, Morrisons and Amazon, soon to be followed by Sainsbury’s, as a four-can multipack, RRP £3.50. The new Crafted Soda will also roll out across hospitality venues including as a single serve 250 ml can.
With 1 in 2 UK consumers moderating their alcohol intake1, and 43 % of consumers stating more interest in premium soft drinks than no and low alternatives2, the expansion of the brand’s Crafted Sodas range allows it to continue to embrace modern drinking and adapt to changing attitudes to socialising, both at home and in hospitality venues.
London Essence celebrates unique and creative blends across its drinks collection, and Crisp Apple is no exception. With notes of freshly picked green apples and fragrant elderflower distillate, this new Crafted Soda provides a refreshingly crisp taste with a juicy yet light and aromatic experience which appeals to a sophisticated palate.
Melanie Ginsberg, UK Head of Marketing at London Essence, comments: “We are thrilled to introduce Crisp Apple to complement our existing line-up of Crafted Sodas with a different flavour profile, offering a refreshing and juicy adult soft drink. Embracing modern drinking and the evolution of changing consumer behaviours is a real focus for us. We developed Crisp Apple to provide consumers with a more premium adult soft drink which appeals to those moderating their alcohol consumption without compromising on taste and the desire for an elevated drinking experience.”
1KAM Low/No Report 2023
2Mintel Attitudes towards No/Low alc 2022
Robinsons, the UK’s number one squash brand1, is unveiling the latest flavour in its Ready-to-Drink range with refreshing and delicious Orange & Mango. Perfect for those on-the-go moments in a 500 ml format, the launch is full of the great taste that shoppers expect from Robinsons, with no added sugar.
Joining the existing Raspberry & Apple and Blackberry & Blueberry variants, Orange & Mango will expand the Robinsons Ready-to-Drink range with another popular flavour choice for shoppers. In fact, 37 % of Robinsons sales are in orange2 flavours and it’s worth over £74m RSV in Robinsons dilutes3. The Carlsberg Britvic-owned brand is looking to build on its current success with its latest launch, with the range now worth £22m RSV and continuing to grow4.
Ben Parker, VP Sales Off-Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: “With our Ready-to-Drink range in growth and showing great promise in the market, we wanted to add to this success and help support retailers with another flavour that consumers already know and love. Orange & Mango is the perfect addition given its popularity and we see it becoming a core part of our growing range as a refreshing and fruity on-the-go option.”
The launch will be supported by the product’s biggest ever above-the-line campaign, with over £1m invested in advertising across the Robinsons Ready-to-Drink portfolio, and product sampling that looks to make the campaign unmissable this summer.
Robinsons Ready-to-Drink Orange & Mango is now available across retail channels in in 500 ml single bottles (RRP £1.79), including Price Mark Packs (PMP) (RRP – £1.15). Visit our At Your Convenience platform to claim your free case of Robinsons Ready-to-Drink Orange & Mango, as well as Point of Sale (POS) to amplify the launch in-store.
1Nielsen IQ Retail Measurement Service, Value Sales, Total Dilutes, Carlsberg Britvic defined, 52 w/e 22/03/25
2Nielson IQ RMS, GB_Total Coverage, Value Sales, Robinsons Squash, Orange Flavoured Drinks, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, 52 w/e 22/03/25
3Nielson IQ RMS, GB_Total Coverage, Robinsons Squash, Value Sales, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, 52 w/e 22/03/25
4Nielsen IQ RMS, RSV, Total Coverage, Total Single Serve Soft Drinks, Robinsons Ready-to-Drink, Carlsberg Britvic Defined, 52 w/e 22/03/25 Vs PY
The Danish brewery Carlsberg is buying the British soft drinks manufacturer Britvic for the equivalent of 3.9 billion Euro. The Carlsberg Group plans to transform Britvic into an integrated beverage company called Carlsberg Britvic.
The takeover is intended to promote Carlsberg’s growth in Western Europe and achieve annual cost savings of the equivalent of a good 118 million Euro.
Read the full company announcement on www.carlsberggroup.com.
