Smirnoff and Nutella get creative
Our most recent NPD round up was headlined by the news that vodka brand Smirnoff is launching a peach-flavoured drink inspired by the US city of Miami.
The 70cl bottles of Smirnoff Miami Peach Spirit Drink (35% ABV) went on sale over the weekend, while ready-to-drink 250ml cans mixed with lemonade (5% ABV) launch on 7 March.
Commenting on the innovation, head of Smirnoff GB Jessica Lace said: “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.”
Elsewhere, Ferrero UK announced the launch of its brand new Nutella Donuts, which are on-sale now 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.
For more details and the lowdown on launches from Volvic and LEON, read the full round up here.
Marmite popcorn and new soft drink SKUs
While we certainly had some special Valentine’s Day launches, a partnership between popcorn manufacturer Joe & Seph’s and Marmite led our 14 February round up.
The ‘Marmite Popcorn Slab’ is available now for £8 via Joe & Seph’s website and was described by founder of Joe & Seph’s, Adam Sopher, as “perfect for Marmite enthusiasts”.
“We love having fun and causing a stir with flavour combinations, and what better way to do it than with a product as divisive as Marmite,” said Sopher.
Another launch we highlighted was Aqua Libra adding a watermelon and strawberry flavoured SKU to its range of sparkling water cans.
“We’re confident that the Watermelon & Strawberry flavour will resonate with health-conscious consumers, providing retailers the chance to appeal to even more shoppers,” said Ben Parker, Carlsberg Britvic’s retail commercial director.
For more details and the lowdown on launches from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, The Delicious Desserts Company and Walker’s Shortbread, read the full round up here.
PepsiCo and Doughlicious link up
In our first round up of February, we looked at Doughlicious and PepsiCo creating the limited-edition bird’s eye chilli cookie dough.
Wrapped in a ghost chilli infused gelato and dusted with chipotle cookie crumb, the bites combine the flavours of Walkers Extra Flamin’ Hot with Doughlicious cookie dough ice cream.
Launched earlier this month, it was promoted through paid partnership with comedians Asim Chaudhry and Axel Blake that garnered more than two million views on TikTok.
Kathryn Bricken, founder of Doughlicious, commented: “When our friends at PepsiCo came to us with the concept of creating a collaborative product with Extra Flamin’ Hot, it was a no brainer for the Doughlicious team.
“It’s an honour to be participating in the launch of a new Extra Flamin’ Hot product with such an epic brand, and it was so much fun creating a Cookie Dough & Gelato recipe that both tastes indulgent and is super sneaky hot!”
Extra Flamin’ Hot Cookie Dough & Gelato Bites are available from Ocado, Zapp, Deliveroo, GoPuff and TikTok Shop at a RRP £5 per six pack until the end of March.
For more details and the lowdown on launches from Theakston Brewery, the Sidemen and Icesupp, read the full round up here.
