Smirnoff reveals Miami-inspired NPD
Vodka brand Smirnoff is launching a new peach-flavoured drink inspired by the style and tastes of Miami.
The Smirnoff Miami Peach Spirit Drink (35% ABV) will be available in 70cl bottles from 1 March 2025, while ready-to-drink 250ml cans mixed with lemonade (5% ABV) will launch on 7 March.
According to Nielsen, new product launches in the flavoured vodka category contributed £7.6m worth of growth to the off-trade last year. To support the launch, Smirnoff is running a widespread marketing campaign across TV, radio, social media and out-of-home advertising.
“Smirnoff has driven the growth of spirit flavours in the off-trade with previous launches like Cherry Drop, Mango and Passionfruit, and Raspberry Crush,” said Jessica Lace, head of Smirnoff GB.
“Our brand is an expert in this space, with Raspberry Crush being the biggest flavoured spirit launch of the last three years, generating the highest sales value among new products launched in spirits.
“Peach is the flavour of the moment, and Smirnoff Miami Peach gives shoppers the opportunity to experiment with different mixers to create their own peachy summer serve. The spirit drink pairs perfectly with lemonade for a delicious and simple mixed drink that will bring the Miami vibes to the UK.”
Nutella Donut available now
Ferrero UK has announced that its brand new Nutella Donuts are now available for purchase.
The product combines soft dough with a Nutella filling, and is sold in a twin-pack format at an RRP of £2.65.
Nutella Donuts launched in Tesco stores nationwide earlier this month and will roll out across the wider grocery channel from May this year.
Following the introduction of Nutella Muffins in 2024, which earned £3.5m in value sales according to Nielsen, the launch of Nutella Donuts represents the latest step in Ferrero’s expansion into the ambient bakery category. Nutella Muffins in twin-packs are available at Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland.
“Nutella Donuts expand our already popular bakery range, catering to consumers' growing demand for category innovation,” said Mathieu Maggi, marketing director at Nutella UK & Ireland.
“As the number one chocolate spread brand , Nutella is loved and trusted and will attract loyal fans to the bakery aisle with this exciting launch. Retailers should look to tap into the opportunity for growth within this sector, as it gives consumers a new way to experience the much-loved spread.”
Volvic adds cherry to flavoured water range
Volvic has brought back its cherry flavoured still water drink.
Part of the brand’s Sugar Free Touch of Fruit range, the flavour is available now in Morrisons stores at £1.35 per bottle. It will roll out in Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, as well as through the wholesale and convenience channel, from April.
Previously available until 2021, the return of cherry to the range is a direct response to strong consumer demand for the popular flavour.
“With cherry a trending flavour of the moment, we’re thrilled to relaunch this flavour to meet this increased demand” said Rachael Hann, category director for Volvic beverages in the UK and Ireland.
“We know that great tasting products are a key driver for consumers. That is why we go to great lengths to select delicious flavours to encourage healthy hydration.”
LEON adds to grocery offering
LEON Grocery has unveiled two new product ranges that are set to go on sale from March 2024.
This includes four ‘Microwaveable Pouches’ that are packed with plant-based protein, fibre, and plenty of pulses, herbs, and spices.
With an RRP of £2.50, the Keralan Lentil & Chickpea Curry, Brazilian Black Beans, Golden Lentil Dhal and Katsu Curry Beans pouches will be available for purchase from 3 March via Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Whole Foods Market and can be prepared in just 90 seconds.
Meanwhile, LEON Grocery is expanding its range of frozen products with three new items designed to fit its Naturally Fast Food ethos.
The Chunky Fish Fingers (RRP £4.50) go on sale at Sainsbury’s and Ocado from 24 March and then Asda from 14 April, the Chicken Thigh Burgers (RRP £5) go on sale at Asda and Ocado from 14 April, and the Plant-Packed Hash Browns (RRP £3.40) go on sale at Sainsbury’s and Ocado from 24 March.
Inspired by LEON’s popular restaurant dishes, these new products offer “convenient, flavourful options that reflect the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability”.
They are also part of LEON Grocery’s 2025 strategy to bring “bestsellers and fan favourites” into the home.
Miriam Rose, head of grocery at LEON, commented: “Our goal with these launches is to make it even easier for everyone to enjoy Naturally Fast Food at home. We’ve taken the same care and passion that goes into every LEON restaurant dish and poured it into these new ranges, which reflect our commitment to providing food that tastes good, does you good, and supports the planet.”
