PICKS OF THE WEEK

NPD AND MEDIA

BUY ONE, GET ONE TREE

SCOTTISH BREWER BREWDOG IS MAKING ITS ‘PLANET FIRST’ CARBON- NEUTRAL LOST LAGER AVAILABLE IN WHOLESALE NEXT MONTH.

Scottish brewer BrewDog is upping the sustainability ante with the launch of its ‘planet first’ carbon-neutral Lost Lager into wholesale from the middle of next month.

The German-style Pilsner will be available in a 660ml glass bottle, 4 x 440ml and 10 x 440ml can multipacks and is brewed using wind power, a third less water and would-be waste bread in the malt bill. What’s more, with every multipack of Lost Lager sold, BrewDog will plant a tree in its ‘Lost Forest’ as part of a ‘Buy one, get one tree’ initiative.

The 4.5% ABV lager is made using Select, Spalter and Saphir hops, which combine vibrant citrus and herbal notes to deliver a unique taste that is crisp and refreshing.

Alex Dullard, Head of Customer Marketing at BrewDog, comments: “Sustainability is becoming a crucial priority to shoppers. However, despite 92% of people wanting to

live a sustainable lifestyle, only 16% are actively changing behaviour [Kantar, 2020]. It is therefore the responsibility of brands, like BrewDog, to help consumers act more sustainably.

“With 40% of the population drinking once a month or more and 70% more likely to purchase a beer made in a sustainable way [YouGov, 2020] there is the prospect that a sustainable beer offering will not only drive existing frequency but could also potentially grow overall penetration – this is a huge opportunity.”

Supported by a £6m investment, the launch will benefit from a £2.5m campaign kicking off in April, comprising of online, social and out-ofhome activity, as well as product giveaways and the launch of the brand’s Lost Forest.

JTI THANKS RETAILERS FOR KEEPING AMBER LEAF TOP RYO FOR A DECADE

JTI IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF AMBER LEAF AND 10 YEARS AS THE UK’S NO.1 RYO BRAND AND IS THANKING RETAILERS FOR THEIR ROLE IN THOSE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS.

JTI has reached two important milestones for its Virginia blend tobacco brand, Amber Leaf. Launched in 1991, Amber Leaf is now 30 years old and has achieved 10 years as the number one RYO brand in the UK as of this month. JTI is also thanking independent retailers for their role in helping the company achieve these landmarks.

The brand currently holds a 27% share of the RYO market, says the company, and continues to generate good cash margins for retailers. Amber Leaf original is available in a range of formats, each including hand stripped, fine cut Virginia blend tobacco, 100 premium quality cigarette papers and 77 filter tips.

The brand has gone from strength to strength, and we cannot thank retailers enough for helping retain its position as the No.1 RYO brand for the last 10 years.

Ross Hennessy, Head of Sales at JTI UK, says: “We are incredibly proud of Amber Leaf reaching these two major milestones in 2021. Since it was introduced 30 years ago, the brand has gone from strength to strength, and we cannot thank retailers enough for helping retain its position as the No.1 RYO brand for the last 10 years. We’re looking forward to supporting retailers in the years to come with this iconic brand in the tobacco category.”

HIGHLAND SPRING ADDS NEW FORMAT FLAVOURED RANGE

HIGHLAND SPRING HAS LAUNCHED A NEW RANGE OF FLAVOURED SPARKLING WATERS IN A NEW 330ML CAN FORMAT.

Highland Spring has launched a new flavoured sparkling water range in 330ml cans, the first time the brand has been available in this format. ,.Designed to sit within the canned sparkling water segment of the chiller, the range is available next month and comes in three fruity flavours inspired by Scotland: Pear & Elderflower Sparkling Spring Water (30kcal), Blackberry, Plum & Hibiscus Sparkling Spring Water (33kcal), Rhubarb & Ginger Sparkling Spring Water (33kcal).

The canned sparkling flavoured water category is up 40% in the last 12 months and is now worth £4.9m [Nielsen, Jan 2021]. The launch will be supported by an integrated campaign featuring national advertising, with presence on social media and extensive PR and digital support. A range of in-store activity will also take place to drive trial and repeat purchase.

At under 35 calories a can, all three flavours contain no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and are simply made from Scottish sparkling water, with the flavours of fruits and herbs, and are naturally sweetened with apple juice to deliver a fuller flavour.

RECYCLABLE FIRST

Lactalis is expanding its Galbani range with the UK’s first mozzarella in a recyclable carton. Available next month, Mozzarella di latte di Bufala 200g will launch just in time for the annual spring and summer mozzarella sales peak. RSP: £3.25

FEEL GOOD 4-PACK

Feel Good Drinks has launched a new four-pack of 330ml cans that is 100% plastic free. It will be available in each of Feel Good’s three variants: Peach & Passionfruit, Rhubarb & Apple, Raspberry & Hibiscus. RSP: £4

CURRY NACHOS

Nacho chips brand Cornitos has added a Spicy Tikka Masala variant to its range. All products in the range are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, cholesterol-free, with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. RSP: £1

B6 TWIST

Volvic Touch of Fruit has launched its first ever added benefit innovation: Touch of Fruit Pineapple & Orange Vitality with added vitamin B6. The 1.5l product is low in sugar and comes in a 100% recyclable bottle. RSP: £1.10

TOP BANANA

Spiced rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers has launched a new banana variant, first unveiled as part of a limited-edition series, that is now being brought back as a permanent addition to the line-up due to customer demand. RSP: £22

OATS YOUR WAY

Nairn’s has launched a new Oats Your Way range made with gluten free wholegrain oats and real fruit pieces. The product is available in two flavours – apple & cinnamon and blueberry – and comes in eye-catching packaging. RSP: £2.79