Nestlé surfs nitrogen-infused coffee wave
Nescafé Azera Nitro Latte and Azera Nitro Americano have been launched as part of the brand’s 80th birthday celebrations and are available in cans sold in stores across the country.
The presence of nitrogen in the drinks is said to give them a smoother taste and a “refreshing sound” when the can is opening, according to Nestlé. The process delivers a rich, creamy head to cold-brew coffees.
Nestlé Beverages UK and Ireland managing director Neil Stephens said: “This is a really exciting launch and promises to bring our premium Nescafé Azera brand to the forefront of the fast-growing chilled coffee segment.”
The Americano variant will also be available on tap in selected pubs, restaurants, cafés and bars this spring as part of Nestlé Professional’s service.
‘Younger generations’
Nestlé Professional business executive officer George Vezza added: “Non-alcoholic beverage options are increasingly important for the UK and Irish consumer, especially younger generations.
“Nescafé Azera Nitro means Nestlé Professional can help our partners across all the catering and hospitality sectors make the most of these changes with our novel, attractive and great-tasting chilled coffee drink.”
The high profile launch is the latest in a slew of nitrogen-infused coffee products as the consumer craze shows no signs of abating.
Referring to Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew coffee innovation, which was introduced to the UK just over a year ago, a Nestlé spokesman told Food Manufacture: “We recognise it’s not the first nitrogen-infused coffee on the market.” Nitrogen taps for dispensing craft beer are well-known. The trend then crossed over to coffee and came to the UK from the US about three years ago.
However, Nestlé’s lines are available through a broader range of retail as well as foodservice channels across the UK.
