GHOST^® HYDRATION launches with four flavours and contains zero caffeine

GHOST^®, a lifestyle brand of sports nutrition products, energy drinks, dietary supplements, and apparel, introduces the first-ever authentically licensed ready-to-drink (RTD) hydration beverage that can be sipped on throughout the day (or night). With four flavours – ORANGE SQUEEZE, LEMON LIME, KIWI STRAWBERRY, and SOUR PATCH KIDS^® “REDBERRY^®” – GHOST^® HYDRATION is elevating the hydration experience.

GHOST^® HYDRATION stands out from other hydration products on the market by proudly declaring zero caffeine and transparently showcasing the dosage of each active ingredient on the GHOST^® Full Disclosure Label. The epically flavoured drink has 996 mg total electrolytes and is designed to replenish the five electrolytes lost in sweat. From classic citrus flavours to the mouth-puckering SOUR PATCH KIDS^® “REDBERRY^®,” there is an option ready to quench thirst 24/7, bringing a whole new level of flavour and refreshment to a daily routine. In addition to kicking caffeine and sugar to the curb, the beverage is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and naturally coloured.

“The sports drink category has been on fire the past year, and GHOST^® couldn’t be more excited to bring additional efficacy and some of our authentic flavour collaborations to the shelf,” said Dan Lourenco, Co-Founder and CEO of GHOST^®. “Expanding on the success of our powdered hydration product, we can’t wait for the legends out there to get their hands on our RTD hydration product. It’s a flexible and functional anytime thirst quencher with 996 mg total electrolytes, 100 % RDA of Vitamins B6, B12, and Vitamin C, and additional premium trademarked ingredients such as Aquamin® and Senactiv^®.”

GHOST^® HYDRATION is available in-store at 7-Eleven, Kroger, Walmart, Target, and more in the US.

The pioneer of organic, cold-pressed beverages expands into a new category with plant-based protein shake line

Suja Organic, a leader in cold-pressed, organic beverages in the U.S., announced the launch of Suja Organic Protein Shakes, a new line of elevated ready-to-drink (RTD) protein. It offers 16 g of plant-based pea, rice and hemp protein, and convenient, transparent nutrition from plants. Available in three varieties including Vanilla Cinnamon, Chocolate and Coffee Bean. The new product offering marks Suja Organic’s entry into the fast-growing RTD protein market.

Suja Organic’s purposeful protein blends combine powerhouse whole foods, functional ingredients, essential vitamins (Vitamins A, B, C, D and E), minerals (iron, calcium and potassium), and macro-nutrients for foundational nutrition. Each shake is 200 calories, blended with almond milk and coconut cream for rich smoothness, with 3 – 4 grams of Acacia fiber.

Additional flavour details include:

• Vanilla Cinnamon – The perfect balance of vanilla with a swirl of cinnamon and a smooth finish. Think of the milk you look forward to drinking at the end of a bowl of cereal.
• Chocolate – Cocoa and salt support a bold chocolatey flavour. A mix of memorable flavours like chocolate pudding and chocolate milk comes through with each sip.
• Coffee Bean – Subtle coffee flavour with underlying notes of creamy, smooth vanilla and cocoa in a plant-based offering.

Suja Organic was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide foundational nutrition. With the introduction of Suja Organic Protein Shakes, the company aims to further its purpose by providing customers with a healthy, convenient beverage as part of a well-balanced diet. The high-quality, plant-rich concentrated blends harness nutrition straight from nature with protein from real organic plants, vitamins, and nutrients that recharge, balance, and fuel the body.

Suja Organic Protein Shakes will retail for $4.99 per 12oz. bottle and are available in the U.S. in Target stores and on target.com.

About Suja Organic:
Suja Organic is a leading organic, Non-GMO, cold-pressed juice brand and among the fastest growing beverage companies in the U.S. Suja began from a shared dream to help people transform their lives through conscious nutrition and is notably one of the first juice companies to offer organic, cold-pressed juice. Each of Suja’s handcrafted lines are certified organic, Non-GMO project verified and cold pressured to preserve maximum nutrition and taste. With cold-pressed juices and functional shots, there’s a product for every lifestyle. Suja is available for purchase at most major grocery and natural foods stores in the U.S. and select products can be purchased online at SujaOrganic.com.

The Coca-Cola Company and Pernod Ricard announced a global relationship to debut Absolut Vodka & Sprite as a ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktail in 2024.

Absolut & Sprite will be made with Absolut, the international premium vodka, and Sprite, the world’s most popular lemon-lime sparkling soft drink. The pre-mixed cocktail will be available in versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar, with the initial launch planned for select European countries in early 2024, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.

“We keep consumers at the center of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company,” said James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “We are expanding in the alcohol ready-to-drink space, including products that use select brands from our core portfolio. We are excited about our new relationship with Pernod Ricard and look forward to the introduction of Absolut & Sprite.”

“This very promising and pioneering project brings together two leading companies who are committed to offering their consumers new experiences around premium products,” said Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard, a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry.

Vodka is one of the most popular bases for alcohol ready-to-drink products, and lemon-lime soft drinks are one of the most popular mixers in pre-mixed cocktails.

“Sprite is a wonderful pairing for Absolut, and I’m convinced that our joining forces will bring the whole alcohol RTD category to the next level,” Ricard said.

Absolut & Sprite ready-to-drink packaging will feature two of the world’s most recognisable global trademarks. Absolut was established in 1879 in Sweden. Since then, it has become a world-renowned premium vodka brand, crafted using the finest Swedish winter wheat. Sprite was established in 1959 in Germany and has grown to be one of the biggest brands in The Coca-Cola Company’s global portfolio.

Cans will include clear responsibility symbols stating that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Absolut & Sprite ready-to-drink will adhere to responsible marketing practices.

The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5 % but will vary depending on the market.

As per Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global emulsion stabiliser for beverages market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 4.8 % from 2023 to 2033. The market is valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is thus expected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2033-end.

Pectin has various health advantages such as lowering cholesterol, shortening the length of reflux episodes, and preventing diarrhea. As a result, pectin emulsifier demand for beverages is increasing substantially on a global level.

The market is anticipated to expand rapidly as consumers become more aware of the advantages of beverage emulsion. Rising demand for novel beverage products across a variety of industries, including food service, retail, and others, is the key driver of the market. Sales of emulsion stabilisers for beverages are increasing as customers demand beverages with more unique textures and flavours.

“Rapid increase in consumption of ready-to-drink healthy beverages”

More than ever, people are turning to easily accessible nutritious food and beverages due to hectic lifestyles, busy schedules, and a lack of time to enjoy them. The need for emulsion for beverages is increasing as producers offer ready-to-drink beverages with more nutrition, taste, colour, and flavour.

• Major businesses in the food and beverage industry are concentrating on providing ready-to-drink healthy beverages to meet consumer demand.

The variety of convenience food products has expanded as a result of technological advancements in the packaging sector. Growing customer preference for ready-to-drink beverages has significantly contributed to market expansion.

Competitive landscape

Leading companies are focusing on new developments and introducing diverse product offerings. They are engaged in R&D operations to produce unique formulations that are more beneficial to end users following safety regulations to reduce environmental impact.

Major market participants are concentrating on quality control of value-added products to meet the requirements of end users. They are placing a lot of emphasis on product standards, collaborations, pricing trends, and supply chain management to grow their market position.

As discerning consumers seek product transparency, F&B manufacturers are inclined towards suppliers and distributors that follow clean label guidelines. Aware of these market dynamics, key market players are entering new ventures of clean-label production wherein clean-labeled offerings have become means to enhance brand image and attract health-conscious consumers.

Celerant Capital, a specialised private equity sponsor, announced the acquisition of Krier Foods, a fifth-generation family-owned beverage company.

Founded in 1908, Krier is a premier manufacturer of a wide variety of Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages packaged in aluminum cans. Krier has a long history of driving canned beverage innovation through its Jolly Good brand and providing high quality contract manufacturing services for its customers’ portfolio of established and emerging brands. Krier’s production of carbonated sodas dates to the beginnings of the package format in the 1960s. With decades of institutional knowledge and a modern facility, Krier will continue its legacy of quality, service, and enabling its customers’ growth. Krier’s dedicated team and culture of excellence will continue to be the foundation of the Company’s success.

Krier announced the appointment of John Kowalchik, formerly CEO of Baxters North America and a veteran co-manufacturing leader, as its new CEO. Former CEO, John Rassel, who will continue as an advisor to the Company, will transition out of the day-to-day leadership of the Company to pursue charitable and community opportunities in Southeast Wisconsin. The senior leadership team of Krier will continue to lead it from its headquarters in Random Lake, WI (US).

Celerant Capital is a specialised private equity sponsor led by food manufacturing industry veterans that focuses exclusively on investing in food, beverage and enabling technologies. With highly-experienced senior industry professionals, Celerant focuses on acquiring businesses with competitive advantages and significant opportunities for value creation.

Brown-Forman Corporation and The Coca-Cola Company announced a global relationship to debut the iconic Jack & Coke cocktail as a branded, ready-to-drink (RTD) pre-mixed cocktail option.

Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTD, inspired by the classic bar cocktail, will be made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola. The beverage will be available in markets around the world, with initial launch planned for Mexico in late 2022.

The can and packaging, which will feature two of the world’s most recognizable and valuable trademarks in Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s, will include clear responsibility symbols stating that it is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTDs will adhere to responsible marketing practices held by Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Company.

The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5 % but will vary depending on the market. A zero sugar version of the beverage will also be available.

Natural energy and performance recovery brand, Resync, announced the newest Resync beverage, the first vegan ready-to-drink multisystem support drink on the market. The Resync beverage offers a convenient and delicious way to support the heart, immune and digestive system all in one eleven-ounce sparkling beverage.

The Resync beverage brings together the most critical ingredients to support the primary functional systems of the body, including immunity-boosting vitamin C that provides 555 % of daily value; seven grams of plant fiber and prebiotics to strengthen gut health; 200 mg of phenolic antioxidants to aid proper heart and immune system function; and a plant-based nitric oxide blend to support the heart and provide natural energy.

“Although the idea for the Resync beverage predated Covid-19, the pandemic became both my motivation and demand-based rationale to create the first vegan- and one of the healthiest overall-ready-to-drink beverages on the market,” said Resync, LLC founder and CEO Barbara Depta. “It is important to me that my premium line of natural energy and recovery improvement products support a moderately-active senior just as much it does my pro-athlete clients. The Resync beverage, as well as the entire line of Resync products, are both suitable for and accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime.”

The functional support provided in one eleven-ounce can of Resync beverage brings together what would normally require three separate and distinct consumable products for the heart, immune and digestive systems. The aronia citrus flavour of the Resync beverage was born of the combination of natural ingredients: aronia berries, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants; red beets, which are packed with fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C for improved blood flow; and high-quality red spinach, which supplies nitric oxide, a critical molecule in our bodies that aids in increased blood flow and energy.

In the creation of her product line, Depta discovered that nitric oxide, delivered on the cellular level through the vascular system, could help provide nutrients to the entire body to support energy, heart health, and brain functionality, while supporting healthy inflammatory response due to exercise. It supports many essential reactions underneath the skin and has the potential to relax and widen blood vessels, allowing for more effective and efficient blood flow, nutrient delivery throughout the body. The plant-based nitric oxide blend is the primary element of every product in the Resync line.

Resync RTD can be purchased on Resync’s website at resyncproducts.com. The eleven-ounce cans are sold in packs of 12 for $69.99, or $59.49 with a monthly subscription.

The Resync beverage joins a full line of natural energy and performance support drinks and blends developed on the basis of scientific research, with registered dietitians, and performance testing. Resync uses third party testing certification for their supplement line, including NSF Certified for Sport and BSCG, to ensure all products are safe and free of banned substances. The full line, which offers Resync Recovery Blend and Resync Premium Collagen Peptides, is non-GMO, gluten free, sugar free, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is keto friendly. Resync is the trusted brand of registered dietitians, doctors, coaches and athletes around the world.

About Resync
Barbara Depta created Resync in 2017 while she was traveling as a structural balance coach with one of the top NFL teams. Her goal was to develop products that didn’t exist for professional athletes and anyone who wants clinically tested, plant-based blends to sustain their energy, recover better post physical activity -products to help people feel their best, refuel their bodies, and support every layer of their connective tissue health.

PepsiCo is shaking up the cocktail mixer category with the launch of Neon Zebra, a new line of non-alcoholic cocktail mixers with a vibrant personality that offers a shortcut to great-tasting-cocktails in seconds. A modern alternative to complicated cocktail recipes or large format cocktail mixers, each 7.5oz mini-can of Neon Zebra mixed with your spirit of choice, makes two tasty cocktails without the fuss. Made with real juice and no artificial sweeteners, Neon Zebra mixers don’t compromise on taste. These non-alcoholic cocktail mixers come in four flavours: Margarita Mix, Strawberry Daiquiri Mix, Mojito Mix and Whiskey Sour Mix.

As a leader in beverage innovation, PepsiCo is entering the growing cocktail mixers category at a time when today’s homebound consumers are looking for easy-to-make cocktails. In fact, the cocktail mixers category (including total mixers, ginger beer, club soda, and tonics) saw 28 % growth in 2020 and is worth more than $858MM.¹ Cocktail culture is taking hold at home, and people are looking for innovations that fit their lifestyle.

“With at-home cocktail consumption on the rise, we saw an opportunity to build and disrupt this fast-growing category with a product that meets consumers’ needs for convenience – to cut out time and mess without compromising on quality and taste,” said Emily Silver, VP of Innovation & Capabilities, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “Neon Zebra adds a new level of personality in the cocktail mixer category with its bold flavours and colours and easy-to-use, recyclable mini-can format. We’re thrilled with this new venture and all of the opportunities to come in the mixology category.”

With Neon Zebra, making classic cocktails is wildly easy, whether you’re an amateur mixologist or just a fan of great cocktails. Simply add 1 can of Neon Zebra + 3 oz. of liquor = 2 #WildlyEasy cocktails. Serve them over ice, top with your favorite garnish (or don’t!) and cheers to cocktail-making made easy.

Neon Zebra cocktail mixers come in four wildly popular flavours:

• Margarita Mix: Paired with your favourite tequila, it’s tangy and bold with a flavourful citrus kick of lime.
• Strawberry Daiquiri Mix: Sweet & fruity strawberry flavour with a hint of lime. The perfect balance with your favourite rum.
• Mojito Mix: Tasty lime and the light sweetness of real sugar makes a refreshing mojito, mixed with your rum of choice.
• Whiskey Sour Mix: Sour, but not too tart, for a balanced citrus flavour your whiskey will appreciate.

Neon Zebra launches in sustainable, recyclable packaging via aluminum cans and paperboard 6-packs. Neon Zebra started to roll out in the US across retail and online stores in March for an MSRP of $6.99-$7.99 for six 7.5FL oz cans.

¹MULOC, 52 weeks, 2020; includes Total Mixers, Ginger Beer, Club Soda and Tonics

Hard seltzer brand officially launches into the hard beverage category with four electric flavours

The hard seltzer brand was first introduced to consumers in August 2020 as part of the brand’s soft launch in test markets across the U.S. The newest product to hit shelves will reflect a new, eye-catching packaging update featuring a sleek and modern design and enhanced logo based off learnings from the soft launch.

“We are thrilled to introduce a new alternative to the adult beverage world that delivers the taste our consumers are looking for while shattering the expectations of what everyone has come to expect from hard seltzer,” said CEO of Sparkling Ice Spiked, Chris Hall. “With full flavor and zero sugar, we’re confident that the new Sparkling Ice Spiked will satisfy your hard seltzer cravings and quickly become your go-to beverage for everyday entertaining, outdoor grilling, and weekend escapes.”

Along with the product launch, the team behind Sparkling Ice Spiked is also launching a nationwide sales and marketing campaign. The campaign will come to life through in-person and at-home activations, including in-store POS and holiday promotions, earned media outreach and mailers, influencer programming, targeted digital media and banner ads, paid social, and more.

Sparkling Ice Spiked variety packs are available now at select retailers across the U.S.

About Sparkling Ice Spiked™
Sparkling Ice Spiked hard seltzer is made with zero sugar and combines sparkling water, real fruit flavor, and 4 % alcohol made from cane sugar. With only 80 calories, Sparkling Ice Spiked offers a full-flavoured ready-to-drink hard selzter in four satisfying flavours: Cherry Lime Cooler, Lemonade Refresher, Ruby Fizz, and Strawberry Citrus Smash. Sparkling Ice Spiked is based in Preston, Washington, with products available at select retail locations nationwide.

T. Hasegawa announced the release of their Japanese citrus flavour portfolio. T. Hasegawa’s Japanese heritage combined with their team of highly skilled flavour chemists carefully crafted a rich array of sweet, sour, tart and refreshing Japanese citrus flavours that are grown and harvested across the country of Japan.

Each citrus in the collection has a distinctive taste and aroma that will enhance a variety of products from beverages, bakery, dressings, dairy, frozen desserts, sauces, seasonings, snacks and much more. The portfolio includes the following flavour profiles available in water-soluble, oil-soluble and powder form.

Yuzu – Versatile with sour, tart notes and resembles a grapefruit with a hint of mikan orange.

Sudachi – Slightly spicy, sharp, with a tangy taste accented by bergamot notes.

Kabosu – Mild juiciness with a slight metallic note and is an ideal replacement for lime in fish and meats.

Mikan – Fresh, sweet with a juicy character and ideal for the North American palate.

Shikuwasa – A rich citrus flavor with a sour taste and lends itself well to desserts, chips, sweets, juices, jams, dressings and alcoholic beverages.

Iyokan – Sweet and sour profile and can be used as an alternative to orange in confectionery and dessert.

Natsumikan – Slightly bitter, sour and juicy, which makes the perfect accompaniment for dessert and herbal sparkling beverages.

Hassaku – Characterized by its crisp, fresh floral and grapefruit-like notes this citrus.

“The flavours of Japan are often a source of flavour inspiration for product developers across the globe and continue to show strong market growth” says Doug Resh, Director Commercial Marketing. “We are excited to provide our customers on-trend flavours that will elevate and deliver a unique twist to their brand.”

Yuzu in particular has opened up the world to Japanese citrus profiles. Over the last several years, Western chefs featured yuzu as an aromatic and flavourful ingredient in Japanese-inspired dishes; while consumer packaged foods companies featured yuzu in sweets, sauces, vinegars and RTD beverages

According to Mintel, demand for Japanese food increased in the United States by 19.1 % between 2015-2018. With consumers continuing to experience a stronger desire to travel during quarantine, authentic and functional ingredients with engaging stories can quell the frustrations of staying put. Consuming world cuisine offers a substitute for travel, encourages experimentation and it’s easy on the wallet as an affordable excitement.

About T. Hasegawa USA Inc.
Being a global top-10 flavor and fragrance company, T. Hasegawa continues to pioneer the flavour industry with a customer experience that is optimized to rapidly respond with technical expertise. We deliver superior products that meet all your requirements no matter how complex the demand. Recognizing that the food industry needs flexibility, we proactively listen to our customers’ needs in an effort to develop better ways of delivering formulations that have excellent taste and aroma to fit form and function.

The estimated revenue generated from the global ready-to-drink shakes market is US$ 9 Bn in 2019, and is projected to reach US$ 16 Bn by 2028. The market is therefore projected to rise at a CAGR of ~6 % between 2020 and 2028.

Globally, functional drinks are sought after for their high protein content and their demand is likely to rise steadily over the forecast period. A key factor resulting in increasing consumption of functional drinks is the increase in the consumer spending power, especially in developing nations. Ready-to-drink shakes which constitute a category of functional drinks are available in various flavours for retail sales in the global market. Some of these flavours are chocolate, banana, strawberry, among others. The global market of ready-to-drink shakes is analyzed on the basis of various flavours. These products are available for sale in different packaging forms, like bottles, tetra packs/cartons, and cans, which offers heightened convenience. Ready-to-drink shakes are meeting the current health and wellness demand in such a way that the drinks offer high protein amount with added specialty health ingredients.

Key takeaways from the ready-to-drink shake market study

• Obesity is one of the strong issues faced by countries such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., etc. Ready-to-drink shakes are consumed as a meal replacement to achieve the weight management by restricting the calorie intake.
• Due to the increased prevalence of the diseases and subsequently rising trend of health and wellness, ready-to-drink shakes market is expected to witness positive growth over the forecast period.
• Ready-to-drink shakes are being increasingly opted by fitness enthusiasts and athletes, since it allows avoiding the hassle of the mixing of protein powder in the liquid of choice and also the wait.
• Although, ready-to-drink shakes promise excellent results for gym goers and fitness enthusiasts, the product is still in the introductory phase in developing economies and economies are in transition stage. Therefore, because of the premium nature of the product and its expensive price, the market penetration may get hindered in emerging countries.

“Ready-to-drink shakes market is expected to channel upwards due to the excellent marketing strategies of the key players in the global market, resulting in the positive growth in the emerging markets,” says the report analyst.

Easy availability and increasing penetration of manufacturers and sellers of ready-to-drink shakes to positively Impact growth

Due to the increase in the preference for e-commerce platforms for transaction and shopping, the market reach out of the ready-to-drink shakes is anticipated to increase in the developed and developing economies. The boom in the IT sector has led to the development of the various new and easy ways of the transactions and shopping across various domains. The food and beverage industry is also driven by the increased use of the e-commerce platforms, since consumers have top priority for convenience and ease of doing business. Likewise, e-commerce platforms have enthralled the potential buyers of ready-to-drink shakes due to the easy and increased availability of the products, even in remote areas. Ready-to-drink shakes sales across e-commerce platforms are anticipated to rise over the forecast period and likely to be one of the drivers of the market growth.

Who is winning?

Some of the key players operating in the Ready to Drink Shake market are Nestlé S.A, Starbucks Corporation, PepsiCo Inc., Monster beverage Co., Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., The Coca-Cola Company, The J.M Smucker Company, Bolthouse Farms, Inc., Arla Foods amba, Atkin Nutritionals Inc. and others.

These insights are based on a report on Ready to Drink Shake Market by Future Market Insights.

GlobalData’s Q4-2018 Quarterly Beverage Forecast reported a remarkable 6 % volume increase in consumption for UK Squash and Syrups in 2018*, the first time the category has seen growth since 2011.

Roisin Vulcheva, UK & Ireland Research Manager for Consumer at GlobalData, says, “This was an impressive result, particularly as Squash and Syrups have experienced several years of consecutive decline. The strong performance was driven by an array of factors including good weather, growth in adult soft drinks and new product development. Throughout 2018, there was a raft of premium launches helping Squash and Syrups to stage a turnaround and inject value growth back into the category.”

Throughout the year, growth was positive across all quarters, however summer was the key period of trading for the category, with the UK recording one of the hottest summers on record which helped to boost consumption.

Britvic was also instrumental in driving growth throughout the year. It invested heavily in Squash and Syrups, expanding its offering to appeal to a more mature demographic, in what is typically a category largely geared towards children. Britvic launched several new products targeted towards the adult segment under its Robinsons brand in 2018.

Interestingly, still ready-to-drink drinks, which include brands such as Capri Sun and Robinsons Fruit Shoot that also cater to the children’s demographic, declined by 10 % in volume terms for the year*, largely impacted by concerns around sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Vulcheva concludes, “Clearly the introduction of new flavours, packaging and more premium propositions helped to drive growth in the category which was further boosted by a hot summer. Looking ahead to 2019, the Squash and Syrups category is one to watch as it ticks the box in relation to several current key trends in the UK soft drinks market. More innovation is expected from branded players throughout 2019, with private label brands expected to emulate the efforts of branded players.”

*UK Quarterly Beverage Forecast Q4-18

At Vitafoods Europe, health-promoting natural ingredients expert Taiyo will present brand new innovations that address consumer trends such as veganism, sports nutrition and weight management.

Product developers and buyers looking for innovative ingredients with health-promoting properties in Geneva should head to Taiyo’s stand. The natural-source functional ingredients company will showcase several new products that may prove to be game changers. Taiyo’s Moringa Extract S contains the glucosinolate glucomoringin (GMG); this so-called genetic switch exerts its effect on the human body by activating natural physiological mechanisms to produce more energy. The positive effects of GMG — such as inhibiting inflammation and protecting against neurodegenerative disorders — have already been proven in numerous studies.

Chia seeds have become a popular omega-3 source in recent years. Not widely known is that these small seeds are also an excellent protein source and offer all the amino acids that an adult needs every day, making it particularly interesting as an alternative source of protein for sports nutrition. Taiyo now presents XiaPure^® Chia Protein, a finely milled high-quality vegan protein powder from Chile. This protein-rich source — produced from hand-grown plants and specially selected, purified seeds — contains high levels of protein (40 %) and dietary fibre (38 %), as well as antioxidants and minerals that have a positive effect on muscle mass, weight management and energy levels. The ingredient is perfectly suited for ready-to-drink shakes, milk and sticks, as well as protein-enriched buiscuits or bakery premixes, for example.

The third innovation also addresses a market segment that has been growing steadily for years: weight management. Taiyo’s solution is a tasty and satisfying vegan protein shake concept that contains health-promoting natural ingredients: XiaPure^® Chia Protein powder (an excellent plant-based protein source), Sunfiber^® (low FODMAP dietary fiber), whole green coffee powder (WGCP^™) and SunActive^® Q-10E. It also comprises a delivery system consisting of micronized and micro-encapsulated Coenzyme Q10 to enhance the bioavailability of the micronutrient. Hence, Taiyo’s new organic, non-allergic vegan protein shake concept combines everything that health- and weight-conscious people like and need: ingredients that deliver high-quality micro- and macronutrients, the performance-enhancing Q10 source, an extended feeling of satiety, thanks to the highly digestible fiber, a slow but long-lasting release of natural caffeine and a great cappucino taste.

An exciting novelty regarding the active substances omega-3 and ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is Taiyo’s SunActive^® Chia Oil Powder. ALA is nutritionally important for maintaining a healthy blood cholesterol level. The substance is not spray-dried, but produced using an extremely gentle process that preserves a significantly higher yield of the health-promoting, sensitive ingredients. The powder is 100 % self-emulsifying in cold water and has been specially developed for use in products such as shakes, sticks, sachets and instant beverage supplements.

The PET bottle has emerged as the preferred packaging for drinks among Japanese millennials due to its ease of use and eco-friendly nature. Against this backdrop, beverage giant Suntory Beverage & Food Limited (SBF) is looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of this packaging format to drive ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee sales amid a shrinking RTD market in Japan, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to the company’s report: Success Case Study: Suntory Craft Boss – Craft-style ready-to-drink coffee resonates with Japan’s Millennials, Japan is the largest RTD coffee market in the world, selling 3,574 million liters in 2017. However, the market volume growth in Japan has been slow in recent years and is expected to decline at a compound annual growth rate of -0.89 % between 2017 and 2022. On the other hand, GlobalData’s Market Analyzer reveals that the percentage of sales of PET bottled RTD tea & coffee has increased by 2.81 % from 6,659.30 million liters in 2017 to 6,851.58 million liters in 2018.

Suntory launched Craft Boss, a new range of RTD coffee under the Suntory Boss brand, in April 2017. The Craft Boss range is sold in PET bottles rather than metal cans to offer new consumption experience to millennial consumers.

Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insights Analyst at GlobalData, says: “The company’s move to launch craft-style coffee drinks in a PET bottle format is part of strategic product positioning to tap new consumer groups, particularly millennials. This clearly demonstrates that it has understood the importance of innovation in terms of appeal and packaging format, in line with the demographic changes in Japan.”

Craft Boss PET bottled coffee series crossed 27 million cases in 2018. It was the biggest driver of Boss coffee sales, which crossed 100 million cases last year. The success of this series helped Suntory compensate decline in other products, with a very strong growth of 8 million cases in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Sachdeva concludes: “Suntory is one of the first major manufacturers to react to the slow market growth of RTD coffee in Japan. The company has quickly identified the market gap and is catering to the evolving demands of the white-collar millennials to take advantage of the appealing market segment. Simply put, the company used incremental innovation and customer-centric strategy to gain a clear, competitive edge over rivals.”

Global consumption of ready-to-drink coffee reached 5,500 million litres in 2017, a 19 % increase since 2012, according to a new report from global food and drink experts Zenith. Further growth is forecast, with sales expected to exceed 6,600 million litres in 2022.

“Japan is by far the biggest market, with 55 % of global volume, and is relatively mature with a significant proportion heated in vending machines,” commented Zenith Chairman Richard Hall.

“Much of the dynamism is coming from North America, with annual growth of 13 % and the introduction of many new trends such as cold brew, nitrogen infusion, carbonation and black coffees,” he continued. “Iced coffees are also gaining ground worldwide from low levels because of their taste, refreshment, convenience and quality.”

In terms of regional shares, Asia Pacific leads with 83 % of total volume, followed by North America and Europe with 10 % and 3 % respectively. Consumption has increased across all regions since 2012, spurred by new product development and increasing interest in healthier beverage choices.