Content about Energy drinks

WOODBURY, N.Y. — Arizona Beverages is adding three new Rickeys flavors, a beverage that combines a balance of sweet fruit and tart lime inspired by the Brooklyn original soda fountain novelty, the company announced this week.

The three new Rickeys flavors include: Mango Lime, Grape Lime and Lemon Lime Rickey. These flavors join Cherry Lime, an immensely popular drink, according to the company.

The new drinks contain 10% juice and only 70 calories per serving.

WASHINGTON — Three Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report that found inconsistencies in the labeling and classification of energy drinks, extensive marketing to adolescents and young adults through social media and events, and high caffeine levels that exceed what is considered safe in soda by the Food and Drug Administration. The report was compiled using responses from 14 energy drink companies received by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., from their investigation into the industry.

PHOENIX — Vitamin Squeeze announced today the release of a full line of powdered water enhancers available in supermarkets nationwide.

Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancers come in eight flavors and three varieties:

• Multi-Vitamin (Fruit Punch, Acai Grape Pomegranate, Strawberry Watermelon and Lemonade);

• Energy (Black Cherry, Blood Orange and Blueberry Pomegranate Acai); and

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo is testing the waters of a new beverage segment with Kickstart, a new breakfast drink that's a mix of Mountain Dew and 5% real fruit juice. The beverage comes in two flavors, orange citrus and fruit punch, and has 80 calories per 16-oz. can, about half the calories found in a typical soda.

So far, Kickstart is being positioned as an alternative to coffee or juice, and not as an energy drink.

NEW YORK — Kraft Foods is adding to their line of flavored water enhancers with two flavors of Mio Fit, a portable liquid water enhancer with B vitamins and electrolytes, and has planned the brands first-ever Super Bowl spot to run during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVLII on Feb. 3.

PHOENIX — Ecosentials on Monday launched Vitamin Squeeze™ Powder Water Enhancers, which is packaged in a squeezable bottle that provides vitamins and customizable flavors. The Vitamin Squeeze Powder Water Enhancers are available in a variety of eight flavors among three supplement products — multi-vitamin, energy and weight control.

Mounting pressure to regulate energy drinks could hamper growth in a category that has been on an upward trajectory for years. But sales of energy drinks have so far been immune to controversy. Mintel forecasts that sales of the products could double from 2011 to 2016. In 2012, Mintel estimates dollar sales for the category will total $9.4 billion, an increase of nearly 11% over 2011 sales. New line extensions, like Red Bull’s Editions, will continue to drive the category.

CHICAGO — Nurish Brands on Thursday launched Feel Natural Energy, a new energy drink available in Rexam 10.5-oz. Sleek cans.

LAS VEGAS — Red Bull will introduce a new line of energy drinks this coming March.

The Red Bull Editions, which provide the same functional benefits of the original, come in cranberry, lime and blueberry flavors and are packaged in red, silver and blue cans, respectively. The new beverages were showcased at the National Association of Convenience Stores conference this month in Las Vegas.

Red Bull Editions will be available nationwide in single 8.4.-oz. single cans and 8.4-oz. four-packs.

NEW YORK — Arizona Beverages is saluting American icon and sports legend Joe DiMaggio with the launch of a lightly carbonated espresso drink called Joltin' Joe.

Sport and energy drinks are the hot spots of the beverage category. The sport segment, powered by such low-calorie products as PepsiCo’s Gatorade G2 and Coca-Cola’s Powerade Zero, has continued to register double-digit sales increases.


Energy drinks also continue to deliver double-digit sales jumps fueled by consumers eternally in search of a jump-start. Category leader Red Bull is closely followed by Monster Energy, which is pumping innovative new products into the category.