NPD launches round up March 2025

Hobgoblin and GRUBBY were among the brands to announces launches during March 2025.
Hobgoblin and GRUBBY were among the brands to announce launches during March 2025. (Carlsberg Britvic / GRUBBY)

March was a busy month for new product development (NPD) as food and drink manufacturers unveiled fresh innovations that tap into the latest trends. Here are some of our favourites.

Peroni launches ‘stubby’ cans

Peroni Nastro Azzurro has launched a new 10-can multipack of 330ml ‘stubby’ cans.

The Italian premium beer brand switched from its former slimline cans to the stubby design based on feedback from consumers.

As part of the launch, Peroni also redesigned its outer packaging in a way that creates an ‘endless ribbon’ when the packs are seen together on the supermarket shelf.

Commenting on the new stubby cans and the wider redesign, Asahi UK marketing director Rob Hobart said: “For most premium brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro there is now a trend towards a more affluent and younger shopper demographic for cans.”

Read the full story here.

Mr Kipling’s Easter SKUs

With Easter just around the corner, Mr Kipling has added to its portfolio with new limited-edition Simnel Slices.

Simnel cake, which is often found in larger sharing sizes, is one of the most popular Easter flavours with demand up 7.3% versus 2023.

The slices feature a fluffy sponge paired with dried fruit, sandwiched with a marzipan flavour filling and topped with marzipan icing.

Mr Kipling is renowned for its iconic seasonal products, and Easter remains highly important for attracting and driving penetration of newer, lighter buyers,” said Premier Foods global marketing director for sweet treats Naomi Shooman.

“Mr Kipling brought in the [highest number of] new shoppers of any Easter cake range in 2024.

Read the full story here.

Crosta Mollica bolsters range

Crosta Mollica is set to add two SKUs to its range of authentic Italian pizzas and sides.

The brand’s new two-pack of ‘Frozen Sourdough Pizza Bases’ is available now at Waitrose, while its ‘Salami Napoli Pizza’ will launch in Tesco stores nationwide on 28 April.

The Salami Napoli Pizza will retail at £5.75 and was offer “milder yet sophisticated alternative” to Crosta Mollica’s ‘Stromboli Pizza’.

Meanwhile, the Frozen Sourdough Pizza Bases SKU was created in response to the success of the brand’s chilled pizza base and retails at £4.95.

“With our complete brand refresh and new product launches, we’re continuing to honour our commitment to authentic Italian craftsmanship while making it even easier for food lovers to enjoy premium quality meals at home,” said Dean Lavender, marketing director at Crosta Mollica.

Read the full story here.

Hobgoblin unveils ‘perfect for spring’ beer

Ale brand Hobgoblin launched a new beer during March to mark the beginning of spring and the arrival of warmer weather.

Hobgoblin Amber possesses floral and citrus notes and a zesty fruit finish, and is available now in Tesco stores nationwide.

Four-can pint packs are retailing at £6.20, while 500ml bottles can be purchased for £1.75.

The beer will rollout in all other retailers and in the on-trade over the next few months.

Hobgoblin Amber is a refreshing and tasty ale which offers drinkers a new flavour experience, perfect for spring,” said Jo Marshall, director of marketing for ales and craft at Hobgoblin owner Carlsberg Britvic.

“We know that when people shop for ales, they shop by either brand or style of beer, so we wanted to give them everything they are looking for with Hobgoblin.”

Read the full story here.

GRUBBY marks B Corp Month with special recipes

Plant-based recipe kit firm GRUBBY joined forces with a variety of brands during March to launch an exclusive range of recipes.

The recipes were created in celebration of B Corp Month, which takes places every march, and included collaborations with Oatly, THIS, ManiLife and Belazu.

Two new dishes were made available each week, kicking off with a ‘Creamy White Sausage Ragù Linguine’ and ‘Creamy Butter Chick’n with Fluffy Rice’, both of which were created in collaboration with meat alternatives brand THIS.

“We’re so proud to be part of the B Corp community, and collaborating with other like-minded brands is such a no brainer to increasing awareness of this incredible movement, whilst bringing our customers even more variety of delicious recipes throughout the spring,” said GRUBBY founder Martin Holden-White.

Read the full story here.

Vimto launches ‘functional’ squash

Soft drink brand Vimto launched a new ‘functional’ squash product high in vitamins and minerals during March.

Dubbed Wonderfuel, the squash is made with real fruit juice and contains no added sugar.

Available in 725ml bottles, the new launch is available in three flavours – Apple & Blackberry, Summer Fruits and Mango & Orange.

Angela Reay, marketing director at Vimto owner Nichols, commented: “Vimto Wonderfuel is the perfect solution, offering a delicious and convenient way to provide essential vitamins and minerals at the start of the day. We’re confident this launch will energise the squash category and drive growth from health-driven breakfast occasions.”

Read the full story here.

Ginsters and Heinz link up for limited-edition product

Ginsters and Heinz have collaborated on a limited-edition ‘Heinz Beanz & Cheese Slice’ SKU.

The new slice is on sale now at Morrisons for £1.95, before rolling out in Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s from 7 April.

Available in 170g packs, the launch marks the first crossover from in the limited-edition range, with a second 136g slice packed with Beanz alone set to be available from June.

The launch is also being supported by an ongoing social media campaign searching for discerning ‘super fans’ to test the brand-new slice.

“Heinz Beanz are a national treasure,” said Sarah Babb, marketing director at Ginsters.

“Combining them with cheese and wrapping them in our perfect puff pastry is sure to delight shoppers all over the country and drive category growth.”

Read the full story here.


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