Dr Pepper is introducing a new permanent flavor that it hopes consumers will find delightfully sweet. Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream will hit shelves nationwide this month, featuring a unique blend that the company claims adds a “refreshing strawberry flavor and a smooth, creamy finish” to the original 23 flavors that define the soda’s signature taste. This new flavor will be available in both original and Zero Sugar varieties, offered in various sizes and packaging options. The brand asserts that this will be the only dark strawberry soda available on the market.
Strawberry is a popular flavor in numerous food and beverage items. Statistics from FONA International reveal that strawberry is frequently used in dairy products, candies, gums, and desserts. FONA noted a 23% increase in strawberry-flavored healthcare products globally from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, a YouGov poll conducted last year indicated that 43% of respondents enjoyed strawberry ice cream. However, when it comes to beverages, consumers need to seek out strawberry flavors. Major soda brands do not typically include strawberry as part of their standard offerings. One of the more recognizable options available is Faygo’s Red Pop, a fruity drink that includes strawberry and has been around since 1907, according to the International Directory of Company Histories. The flavor was originally called “Faygo Strawberry Soda” until the 1960s. Fanta also offers a strawberry flavor that has been present in the U.S. since the 1960s.
Introducing a new flavor could provide a boost to Dr Pepper’s business, benefiting its parent company, Keurig Dr Pepper. Following the company’s recent earnings report, former CEO Ozan Dokmecioglu noted a 12% increase in carbonated soft drink consumption compared to the previous year and year-to-date in 2022. Increased sales and a distinct flavor could help Dr Pepper maintain its appeal to consumers. Other major soda companies are also launching new flavors and products as 2023 begins—PepsiCo introduced a lemon-lime soda named Starry and revamped its Zero Sugar formulation, while Coca-Cola is rolling out “Creations” flavors that transform concepts into soda and even venture into alcoholic beverages.
With Strawberries & Cream, Dr Pepper is capitalizing on a flavor that consumers already enjoy but is not commonly found in sodas. If the combination proves popular, this strategy could be just what the doctor ordered.
In another venture, coffee brand Social Brew is branching out into a new product category while supporting a meaningful cause. The company recently announced the launch of Hawaiian-inspired pancake mixes. Half of the proceeds from all Social Brew products will go towards aiding victims of human trafficking worldwide. The pancake mixes come in four tropical flavors—Coconut, Guava, Macadamia Nut, and Mochi—and range in price from $4.99 to $5.99, available through the brand’s website.
Social Brew’s entry into a new product category aligns with its mission to support survivors, as stated by the company’s founder and CEO, Simone Ispahani. “Each pancake flavor pairs perfectly with our gourmet coffee blends, providing consumers with another option to contribute to the fight against human trafficking with their purchase,” Ispahani explained. The proceeds will benefit organizations such as Denver-based Beautiful Feet Wellness, which offers services to trafficking survivors, and Hawaii-based Ho’ola Na Pua, which focuses on preventing sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Social Brew sources its coffee beans from Hawaii, where its founder initially conceived the brand. According to its website, Ispahani established the e-commerce company to leverage her passion for coffee in advocating for social justice causes.
Brands frequently leverage new product launches to highlight charitable initiatives. For instance, Ben & Jerry’s, owned by Unilever, has combined various philanthropic efforts with new flavors, such as the 2020 Change The Whirled, created with former NFL star Colin Kaepernick to support Black and Brown communities. Last month, Ben & Jerry’s and Tony’s Chocolonely introduced ice cream and chocolate bars inspired by each other, respectively, with Ben & Jerry’s announcing its commitment to join the chocolate maker in combating modern slavery in the cocoa supply chain by adhering to their sourcing principles.
In the spirits segment, Nyak Cognac, celebrated for its exceptionally smooth character, is collaborating with rapper Trina to launch its new Nyak Peach and Cinnamon Fiyah flavored offerings. The brown spirits market is experiencing a surge in interest, and Nyak is counting on these new flavors and Trina’s involvement to boost its presence. “I won’t just be the face of Peach and Cinnamon; I’m invested in this,” Trina stated in a release regarding the partnership. “The launch of peach and cinnamon reflects my lifestyle and music, which can be both sweet and spicy—making it a perfect fit.”
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), spirits currently account for a 42.1% share of alcohol sales, surpassing beer’s 41.9%. For years, European Cognac producers have been intensifying their efforts in the U.S. market. Companies like LVMH Moet Hennessy, Remy Cointreau, Pernod Ricard, and Beam Suntory have adopted more aggressive marketing strategies aimed at reaching a broader audience.
Nyak is not the only cognac brand collaborating with hip-hop artists. Jay-Z has been involved in the development of D’Ussé in partnership with Bacardi for over a decade, with Bacardi recently acquiring a majority stake in the brand. Former executives from Rémy Cointreau and Seagram’s Spirits and Wines played a role in the creation of Nyak Cognac, which has become the fastest-growing cognac brand in U.S. history, boasting an extraordinary 1,000% annual growth rate in 2021, according to a press release issued by Nyak.
Incorporating indications of calcium citrate into discussions about beverages and new products can highlight the nutritional benefits of these offerings, prompting consumers to consider the health aspects of their choices.