Marketing

Sophisticated Summer Soft Drinks

In our Industry Report on Soft Drinks this Summer we look at how soft drinks manufacturers have responded to both the consumer proclivity towards premium, health and sophistication as well as the introduction of sugar tax.

Just as in other markets, ‘premiumness’ and ‘health-consciousness’ can also be found in the vanguard of demand for soft drinks today. A more sophisticated trend in consumption patterns has pervaded this market as soft drinks suppliers witnesses a traditional seasonal growth this Summer.

A word of caution though. The on-trade is less susceptible to the health and wellness trends so prevalent in the off-trade.

And as we reported back in April, “In pubs all over the country, some of those choosing not to drink alcohol have happily taken up with the mocktails on offer in a growing number of bars or they’ve chosen another form of long mixed soft drink – but even then, they’re seeking ‘Premium mixers’ as part of that”.

Good news for the on-trade then as we move into Summer proper.

Prior to the onset of the Sugar Tax the Irish Beverage Council, which represents soft drinks companies, announced that three-quarters of the soft drinks sold in Ireland are already sugar tax-free due to the industry’s 35-year journey to reduce sugar content in drinks.

“Soft drinks companies were early movers in sugar reduction, beginning in 1983 when the first sugar-free carbonated drinks were introduced,” stated Irish Beverage Council Director Colm Jordan, “Since the 1990s, the number of no-sugar drinks has increased substantially. Consumers want to manage their sugar intake and that’s why the industry is investing in innovative new products to match evolving tastes.

This being the case, low or no sugar Carbonated Soft Drinks are nothing new to our pubs and bars. So for the on-trade consumer, health considerations would seem to play second-fiddle to a Premium experience.

 

 

Coke launches Signature mixer range

The four Coca-Cola Signature Mixers will be served in a contemporary Hutchinson glass bottle.

In a global first for the brand Coca-Cola has enlisted some of the world’s most influential and innovative bartenders to create four new crafted Coca-Cola ‘Signature Mixers’ specifically designed to be paired with premium dark spirits which are making a comeback.

“Building on its longstanding reputation as the original, authentic mixer” states the company, “the brand challenged a handful of the world’s leading bartenders to take the unique familiar flavour of Coca-Cola and experiment with over 200 contemporary and traditional ingredients to create the new mixers.”

Taking cues from the brand’s heritage (including founder and inventor Dr John Stith Pemberton in 1886) Coca-Cola Signature Mixers will be served in a contemporary Hutchinson glass bottle – a silhouette that pre-dates the iconic Contour – first used by Coca-Cola in 1894 when the product was bottled rather than served at a soda fountain.

Each batch is stamped with the signature of its co-creator.

The new Coca-Cola Signature Mixers range comprises:

  1. Smoky Notes by Max Venning, Bar Three and Three Sheets, London – an intensely aromatic blend with smoky hints, this mix brings nuanced dimension to deep, spiced rums and bold, premium whiskies. Ylang Ylang, Ambrette seed and dried fruit, which inhabit the top layer, are balanced with an elegant base of warm brown spices Peru Balsam and Amber.
  2. Spicy Notes by Adriana Chía, Antigua Compañia de las Indias, Barcelona and Pippa Guy, The American Bar at The Savoy, London – with a warm introduction that gives way to a fiery finish this Signature Mixer is a sophisticated and complex blend. Citrusy Lime, Ginger, spicy Jalapeño, fragrant Rosemary and aromatic Jasmine combine to create a mixer with a considered balance of zest and earthy flavours that pairs beautifully with spiced rums, aged/gold tequilas and spicy or sweet whiskies.
  3. Herbal Notes by Antonio Nevares, Dr Stravinsky, Barcelona – a delightfully floral, crisp and tart mix, this Signature Mixer was developed to deliver fresh and herbaceous notes for the discerning palate. Balancing refreshing notes of Lemongrass with the earthy tones of Dill seed and Tagetes, it’s an inviting mixer with a refreshing, simple profile that pairs beautifully with amber whiskies and most types of rum.
  4. Woody Notes by Alex Lawrence, Former Head Bartender, Dandelyan, The Mondrian, London – crafted from a subtle blend of earthy Patchouli, citrusy Yuzu and aromatic Basil, this has a tart, light and refreshing profile with a hint of warmth. These elements, expertly blended, combine to elegantly enhance the mellow wood and sweet tropical flavours of golden rums and smoky to woody whiskies.

The collaborative project started in March 2018 when several mixologists were invited to attend a Coca-Cola-curated workshop held at a secret location. The mixologists created different variations before inviting consumers to taste their recipes.

As a result, the most popular four flavours have been chosen as the first batch of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers.

“Coca-Cola has always had a synergy with dark spirits and classic cocktails, from the inception of the iconic Cuba Libre in the late 1900s to the popular Whiskey & Coke in the early 20th Century,” explained Petre Sandru, Coca-Cola Ireland’s Country Manager of the launch of the specific new range  uniquely created to mix with dark spirits.

“Working with an inspirational group of global mixologists to create amazing flavour combinations, we hope Coca-Cola Signature Mixers open up the world of mixology to an even wider audience,” he added.

 

Schweppes #Ultimate Mixer Sessions

Expertly crafted by mixologists for consumers to explore, the range features Schweppes’ superior effervescence in combination with unmatched natural flavours.  Available in the same skittle bottle as the Classic Schweppes range, a golden Schweppes sash and black livery differentiate the range on-shelf, chiller or back bar whilst delivering a premium finish.

The six-strong mixer range features Crisp Tonic Water, Light Tonic Water and Golden Ginger Ale as well as three unique flavoured tonics: Salty Lemon Tonic Water, Quenching Cucumber Tonic Water and Muscovado.

Each flavour is carefully created to marry perfectly with the finest spirits to elevate the taste sensation and contains the unrivalled effervescence that makes Schweppes the number one mixer brand.

From a new area at All Together Now to bandstand entertainment at The Big Grill and pop-up experiences in some of Ireland’s best bars, Schweppes is taking its #UltimateMixer Sessions on the road for Summer 2019. Party-goers can expect “tasteful live music blends designed to pair perfectly with the effervescent cocktails that Schweppes is famous for”.

Schweppes launched its #UltimateMixer Sessions recently with an evening of entertainment at Opium in Dublin where mixologists showcased Schweppes’ expanding range of premium mixers, each one designed to perfectly complement the finest white and dark spirits.

Schweppes #UltimateMixer Sessions line-up for the Summer comprises:

 

Live Music in Bars

Dates will be revealed on the Schweppes Instagram page throughout the Summer.

Festivals

Taste of Dublin, 13th – 16th June 2019

Schweppes returns to Taste of Dublin bringing its usual mix of cocktails in a comfy outdoor lounge setting.

All Together Now, 2nd – 4th August 2019

As the official mixer of All Together Now Schweppes will be serving up unexpected musical mixes to festival-goers throughout the weekend – acts to be announced.

The Big Grill, 15th – 18th August 2019

Schweppes is back at The Big Grill, bringing a whole range of musical entertainment to accompany Schweppes cocktails.

To join the conversation and keep up-to-date with upcoming events follow Schweppes on Instagram @SchweppesIreland and use the hashtag #UltimateMixer.

 

Franklin & Sons, award-winning premium soft drinks, tonics and mixers

Summer is the season for light and refreshing tastes and consumers tend to be more adventurous during these months. Since entering the Irish market in 2016, Franklin & Sons has seen consistent growth and distribution in the Irish on-trade.

Franklin & Sons is at the forefront of flavour discovery, using mixologists’ drive for experimentation to showcase key trends within the category and allowing consumers to discover new taste combinations. Franklin & Sons’ Flavour Collection has been designed to create new spirit and fortified wine pairings and popular Summer aperitivo serves. Their versatility also allows them to pair with a wide variety of flavoured and craft gins.

The Flavour Collection comes in four unique flavours: Rosemary Tonic Water with Black Olive, Rhubarb Tonic Water with Hibiscus, Elderflower Tonic Water with Cucumber and Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water with Bergamot. They provide a mix of sophisticated flavours to offer perfect pairings for every occasion, including popular al fresco drinking.

 

 

 

 

Franklin & Sons Cucumber Spritz

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Martini Bianco
  • 5ml Lemon juice
  • 50ml Prosecco
  • 100ml Franklin & Sons Elderflower Tonic Water with Cucumber

 

Method:

  • Build over ice in a Copa Glass
  • Garnish with cucumber

 

Each unique creation includes only natural flavours, extracts and colours and never includes preservatives or sweeteners.

“An extension to the Franklin & Sons core soft drink range, our collection of non-alcoholic Infused-Sodas delivers the highest quality by sourcing the finest ingredients from around the world,” explains Rosie Crossman, Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons,Our carefully-constructed recipes combine exquisite ingredients picked at their best to ensure the flavours are unique and taste exceptional.”

Each flavour is made with only natural ingredients and given high carbonation to ensure the flavours are well-balanced and lift the most delicate of botanicals. And being made with low sugar allows just the right amount of gin or low ABV alcohol such as Sherry and Port to be tasted.

Franklin and Sons has been awarded a total of 14 Great Taste Awards across its total portfolio.

Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks, tonics and mixers are exclusively distributed in Ireland by MCM Brands, County Donegal.

For more information on the whole Franklin & Sons range contact MCM Brands via  orders@mcmspirits.com or tel: 0719852434.

 

Exquisitely crafted by Fentimans

Fentimans has been making its botanically-brewed, exquisitely-crafted drinks since 1905. These award-winning artisanal beverages use the finest natural ingredients and are made using time-honoured botanical brewing technique.

It takes no fewer than seven days to make Fentimans drinks, and that process hasn’t changed much in over one hundred years. The knowledge and expertise has been passed from generation to generation of the Fentiman family.

The Fentimans range comprises of premium soft drinks and mixers

Fentimans premium soft drinks come in a range of flavours: Curiosity Cola, Cherry Cola, Rose Lemonade, Elderflower and Ginger Beer. For more information on these, please visit www.fentimans.com or contact your local C&C Gleeson rep.

 

Get energised with Tenzing

Tenzing has pioneered a new kind of energy; the natural kind, which is set to change the way people energise themselves. Tenzing goes beyond the traditional energy drink – offering a natural alternative to a market that is flooded by sugar and synthetic filled products. Not only introducing a healthy alternative to consumers, but introducing a brand that is socially aware of the impending environmental issues we are facing.

With 60% less sugar than traditional energy drinks and at just 48 calories per can, this refreshing drink is a far cry from offerings currently on the market. Packed with seven plant-based ingredients from all ends of the earth and completely free from anything artificial, this is the healthy answer to those looking for a natural lift. The power of green coffee beans, guarana and green tea are the golden ingredients of Tenzing, providing you with the same caffeine hit as a small cup of coffee, but with a more refreshing twist!

This unique blend of ingredients makes for a truly energising and nourishing drink, packed full of natural vitamins and minerals offering you a triple hit of natural caffeine, Vitamin C and electrolytes with every sip. And to make for an even better drink choice, Tenzing is enclosed in a BPA free and 100% recyclable can.

Tensing Natural Energy is distributed on the island of Ireland exclusively by Galánta Food & Beverages. For enquiries e-mail sales@galantafoods.com or phone +353 1 462 3566.

 


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