Beverages Dominate Largest C-Store Product Launches of 2016
By Steve Holtz on May 17, 2017CHICAGO -- Eight of the top 10 most successful product launches in convenience stores in 2016 were beverages, underscoring the importance of new-product introductions in the packaged-beverage category.
Five energy drinks from four different manufacturers made the top 10 ranking of IRI's 2016 c-store New Product Pacesetters, "reinforcing the notion that Americans want energy-packed solutions that can be consumed on the go," the Chicago-based company said. "New energy launches provide an array of flavor experiences, but there are several new options for those seeking healthier alternatives, such as Monster Energy Ultra Black, which is light and refreshing, with no calories and no sugar. AMP Energy Zero is bursting with flavor, but has no calories."
Here's a look at the eight beverages on the top 10 list ...
1. DairyPure
Brand: DairyPure
Total year-one dollar sales: $385.9 million
DairyPure milk from Dallas-based Dean Foods is backed by a “Five-Point Purity Promise,” which means the milk does not contain artificial growth hormones; is tested for antibiotics; is continually quality tested to ensure purity; comes from cows fed a healthy diet; and is cold-shipped fresh from local dairies. Other DairyPure products include creamers and sour cream.
2. Red Bull The Summer Edition
Brand: Red Bull The Summer Edition
Total year-one dollar sales: $149.0 million
The Summer Edition from Santa Monica, Calif.-based Red Bull was launched last year as a limited-edition offering. It was well-received, and the kiwi-flavored drink returned as a permanent SKU in January 2017 as the Red Bull Green Edition.
5. BodyArmor
Brand: BodyArmor
Total year-one dollar sales: $55.0 million
BodyArmor is a sports drink that combines electrolytes, antioxidants and vitamins for ultimate nutrition and hydration. Flavors available include fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana and grape. Each flavor is made with natural sweeteners and coconut water. The company is based in New York.
6. Rockstar Boom
Brand: Rockstar Boom
Total year-one dollar sales: $53.3 million
Rockstar Boom from Las Vegas-based Rockstar Energy is an energy drink that features whipped and blended flavors. Two varieties are available: Orange and Strawberry. Both varieties come in 16-ounce cans, and is the first of two Rockstar energy drinks to make IRI’s list of top convenience-store brands.
7. Rockstar Freeze
Brand: Rockstar Freeze
Total year-one dollar sales: $51.7 million
Also available in 16-ounce cans, Rockstar Freeze comes in two flavors: Frozen Watermelon and Frozen Lime. The drinks provide a “cooling sensation,” according to the company.
8. Not Your Father's Root Beer
Brand: Not Your Father’s Root Beer
Total year-one dollar sales: $44.2 million
Not Your Father’s Root Beer is a hard soda from Small Town Brewery, Wauconda, Ill. With an ABV of 5.9%, the beverage features hints of sarsaparilla, wintergreen, anise, vanilla and other spices. Not Your Father’s Root Beer is distributed by Los Angeles-based Pabst Brewing Co.
9. Monster Energy Ultra Black
Brand: Monster Energy Ultra Black
Total year-one dollar sales: $39.5 million
Ultra Black is a crisp, slightly sweet energy drink from Monster Energy, Corona, Calif. This limited-edition variety features hints of cherries and contains zero calories and zero sugar.
10. Amp Energy Zero
Brand: Amp Energy Zero
Total year-one dollar sales: $25 million
Amp Energy Zero in Watermelon and Blueberry White Grape flavors is an energy drink that contains zero sugar. These varieties from Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo are available in 16-ounce cans.