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The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on the latest news in the rapidly changing and growing beverage sector. From inaugural product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench the thirst for developments in the category.
Danone introduces Cold Brew Energy
The beverage industry is seeing a convergence of category lines, and Danone is tapping into this trend with its latest product, aimed at meeting the demand for coffee with functional benefits for busy consumers.
Stōk Cold Brew has rolled out Cold Brew Energy, a range of ready-to-drink canned coffee that offers some of the perks of energy drinks. The drink, described as “energy coffee” by the brand, features the same cold brew as its flagship product, packing 195 milligrams of caffeine along with ingredients like B-vitamins, ginseng, and guarana.
Available in Mocha Cream, Vanilla Cream, and Caramel Cream flavors, the drinks are currently on shelves at 7-Eleven and Speedway convenience stores, with plans for a wider release in 2025.
“Keeping a close watch on how coffee trends are changing, we’re thrilled to bring STōK Cold Brew Energy to the boldest coffee drinkers out there – delivering the coffee-forward flavor our brand fans love, with a boost of caffeine,” said Brittney Polka, Danone’s vice president of RTD beverages, in a statement.
As the market for RTD beverages continues to expand, products like energy drinks and coffee are capitalizing on consumers’ desire for more caffeine. Recent entries like Throne Sport Coffee, launched in partnership with NFL star Patrick Mahomes, cater to active adults seeking a less sugary coffee or energy drink option.
—Chris Casey
‘Crierball’ turns tears into spirits
Sazerac has devised a unique way to capitalize on disappointed sports fans.
The company has unveiled Crierball, a limited-time version of its spicy cinnamon flavored whiskey infused with actual tears of football fans. The tears will be collected outside football stadiums in November after NFL and college games, then distilled and incorporated into the spirit for sale.
According to Danny Suich, Fireball’s global brand director, the tears will undergo a sterilization and distillation process, with plans to release the product next fall to commemorate the previous year’s victories.
“Our brand is all about embracing that competitive spirit, amped up with a little more spice. We’re on a mission to capture the soul of rivalries – aka the tears of losers – at this season’s biggest games. The expected result? A one-of-a-kind whisky bottling that is sure to become the ultimate showpiece allowing for supreme bragging rights next season,” said Suich.
Crierball tear collections will take place at rivalry games like the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Dallas Cowboys and the Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide.
Food and beverage companies often use sporting events as a platform to launch quirky new products and novelty gifts. Last year, Hormel introduced bacon smoked with wood from March Madness college basketball courts.
—Chris Casey
V8 collaborates with Grillo’s for Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix
V8 and pickle maker Grillo’s have joined forces to introduce a new bloody Mary mix.
The V8 Grillo’s Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix combines V8’s tomato juice, natural cucumber flavor, and a blend of spices with Grillo’s signature brine tang.
“Our new V8 Bloody Mary mix seamlessly taps into the popularity of pickles thanks to our friends at Grillo’s,” commented Prabha Cheemalapati, vice president of beverage at Campbell’s. “Our collaboration makes it easier than ever to enjoy this weekend beverage staple at brunch, tailgates, happy hours, and more.”
The V8 Grillo’s Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Mix is currently available on Amazon, with plans for wider retail distribution in early 2025.
This new beverage combines two major trends – the beloved Bloody Mary weekend cocktail and the enduring popularity of pickles. Campbell Soup noted that nearly 75% of Americans enjoy Bloody Mary cocktails.
Simultaneously, pickles have emerged as a top flavor trend in the food industry, especially among Gen Z consumers. Once relegated to a side dish, pickles have now infiltrated a variety of foods from jelly beans to ice cream.
For V8, the Bloody Mary mix offers a foothold in the alcohol space without producing an alcoholic beverage. By incorporating Grillo’s flavors, V8 is able to appeal to a broader consumer base and draw attention to its other offerings like V8 Energy.
—Christopher Doering