11 Beverage Packaging Updates That Caught Our Eyes
By Steve Holtz on May 23, 2018CHICAGO -- New beverage packaging innovations will help consumers keep cool and hydrated this summer as manufacturers embrace ice-ready 12-packs, water in a box and even self-chilling cans.
Here's a look at 11 packaging innovations and redesigns coming to convenience-store shelves ...
1. Self-chilling can
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. is testing a proprietary coffee soda in what it says is the first self-chilling cans available to the public in the United States. Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee is being tested at 15 Los Angeles-area 7-Eleven convenience stores using Chill-Can technology created by the Joseph Co. International Inc. The Chill-Can containers are purchased at ambient temperature. When ready to consume, the patented technology uses reclaimed CO2 in a process that automatically chills the can and the sparkling coffee beverage inside.
2. Embracing nitrogen
Beverage developer Imbibe, Niles, Ill., and Ball Corp., a beverage can supplier, have partnered on a project intended to leverage Ball’s Widget Inside can technology to increase development of nitrogen-infused beverages. Imbibe plans to use Ball’s technology to create innovative products that benefit from the unique functional, textural and taste characteristics it offers. Nitrogen-infused beverages have experienced tremendous growth over the last few years, especially in the cold-brew coffee category, which grew 172% year-over-year during the first half of 2017. Imbibe and Ball expect the popularity of nitrogen-infused products to expand into other categories, including tea, protein water, juice and more.
3. 7-ounce bottles
Tecate Light will introduce a new 7-ounce bottle 20-pack to its range of package options. The smaller bottles offer "just the right amount ... Tecate Light to enjoy" before the summer sun can heat up the beer inside, the company said. Launching in June 2018, this new pack will be available to consumers in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and select areas in California. Tecate Light is imported from Mexico by Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y.
4. Slimming down
Chicago-based MillerCoors' Henry's Hard Sparkling Water is now available in new 12-ounce slim cans. The drinks are also now available in a 12-can variety pack. Henry's Hard Sparkling Water comes in three natural flavors: Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, and new Strawberry Kiwi, which is exclusive to the 12-pack variety pack.
5. Label update
Austin, Texas-based Xyience, a zero-calorie/zero-sugar energy drink, updated its can design and introduced a four-pack package in late April. The new enhancements more clearly communicate the brand's key value propositions and further meet the needs of consumers, according to the company. The redesign features a white background and a larger, more prominent placement of the product's zero-calorie/zero-sugar benefits. The new 4-pack package rolled out in May at a suggested retail price of $6.99.
6. Put a cap on it
Premium imported bottled water Fiji Water unveiled a new sports-cap bottle featuring a slim and sleek design. The new bottle hit retail shelves this spring and will be distributed nationwide just in time for summer. The Fiji Water Sports Cap bottle evolved out of the success of Fiji's 700mL bottle, which sold more than 2 million cases last year and increased year-over-year shipments among retail, on-premise and home delivery by more than 50%, according to the company. Fiji Water is an alliance brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Plano, Texas.
7. Keep it cold
Heineken brought back its CoolerPack in May. The engineered 18-pack cardboard packaging innovation allows consumers to chill their Heineken by simply removing the top to the case and adding ice. The CoolerPack was recently named 2018 Product of the Year in the beer category in a consumer survey.
8. Goosing its cans
Anheuser-Busch's Chicago-based Goose Island brewery has updated the packaging on its canned beers. The change coincides with the brewery acquiring its own canning line and the hiring of a new creative agency, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.
9. Variety pack
Craft-beer maker Alaskan Brewing, Juneau, Alaska, rolled out a variety 12-pack this spring in a new "take-a-peek" box that allows consumers to see the beer labels and turn bottles around to read about each styles attributes. Called the Frontier Pack, each 12-pack includes brewery staples Alaskan Amber and Icy Bay IPA, along with two other styles. The first other option will be a limited-release beer only available for a short time; the other, a brewers’ choice style.
10. Box it up
Rocky Mountain High Water Co., Dallas, is now packaging its Eagle Spirit Spring Water in a box. The first production of the new box water rolled off the production line April 1. Eagle Spirit Spring Water in a Box is not only eco-friendly but also more economical for the consumer who is concerned about consuming water with natural high alkalinity, the company said. This new packaging carries a consumer cost savings of 55% over plastic bottles. Eagle Spirit Spring Water in a box is now available in a 2.64-gallon (10 liters and about 23 pounds) size. The company is considering adding 15- and 20-liter sizes for future product additions.
11. Sign of the times
Liquor giant Diageo says for the first time ever, the top-hatted man who appears on bottles of its Johnnie Walker whiskey is being replaced by a woman. With a broader push toward gender equality, Diageo is taking the opportunity to update its packaging to suit the times. For every "Jane Walker Edition" bottle produced, Johnnie Walker will donate $1 to organizations supporting women’s progress, up to $250,000.