Boost
Launched: April
Boost Drinks gave the energy drinks category a lift in the independent convenience sector by launching three drinks exclusive to the channel. Citrus Zing, Exotic Fruits and Sugar Free Pink Lemonade were launched in 250ml 49p price-marked cans and 500ml 79p price-marked bottles.
Viewpoint
Mark Windebank, MD of Savage and Whitten: “The launch of three new flavours in cans and bottles was exceptionally well delivered. They gave us great advanced detail, along with superb visual aids and samples, for us to be able to pre-sell two weeks ahead of the launch. In the first eight weeks, we sold more than 3,500 cases into more than 300 retailers.”
Cutters Choice Exquisite Blend
Launched: April
British American Tobacco stoked the tobacco industry with its release of two new products. Cutters Choice Exquisite Blend offered RYO smokers a more mature and premium blend, while the new Rothmans Menthol tapped into the popular menthol segment, as it grew at a rate of 17%.
B&H Blue
Launched: June
With B&H Blue, JTI strengthened its value offering for price-conscious smokers and gave its trade partners the chance to make bigger profits. The brand comes in King Size 19s and Smooth Flavour King Size 19s, RRP £6.50. Both price-marked and non-price-marked packs were made available and JTI gave retailers 10% profit on return.
Smirnoff Frozen Cocktails
Launched: May
Following in the footsteps of Parrot Bay’s ‘freeze and squeeze’ cocktails, Diageo launched its Smirnoff Sorbet pouch range in three flavours: Raspberry, Mango and Lemon. The company also released a frozen drinks range that included Smirnoff Apple Bite and Smirnoff Ice.
