Packaging news round-up

New RTD beverage ready to explode in the crowded market

The explosive growth of RTD (ready-todrink) alcoholic beverages in recent year has unleashed a tidal wave of product innovation and experimentation, but a young British Columbia entrepreneur is looking to really blow the marketplace up with her one-of-akind SakeBomb pre-mixed cocktails made with Japanese rice wine.

Crafted in B.C. and using premium saké as its base, the SakeBomb o ers a premium-quality spiked sparkling water with best-in-class nutritional attributes—including low sugar, low calories, and low carbs—and using the natural sweetness of high-quality saké to deliver a rich, unique taste that is further enhanced with real fruit flavors.

A brainchild of serial local entrepreneur Stefana Prodea, founder and chief executive o cer of Bomb Beverages Inc., the SakeBomb is marketed as a BFY (better-foryou) adult RTD beverage currently available in three flavor varieties that include Berry Blast, Lime Drop and Peach Smash.

Packed in slim 355-ml direct-printed aluminum cans supplied by Vancouver-based Alna Packaging, the SakeBomb cocktails are currently sold in individual cans or in 12-can multipacks—containing four cans of each flavor—packed in highly decorative paperboard cartons supplied by Ellis Packaging Limited of Pickering, Ont.

Currently available only in B.C., the SakeBomb beverages are expected to be rolled out across Canada in the near future, according to Prodea.

“SakeBomb is truly a dream brand for us,” says Prodea, adding that a portion of all proceeds form the brand’s sales is dedicated to funding the local its BombWomen mentorship programs aimed at developing a new generation of women entrepreneurs

“Not only have we created a delicious, innovative RTD cocktail, but we are also making waves in the alcohol beverage industry with our focus on female empowerment,” Prodea states.

“It’s a dynamite combo that tastes like a much-needed change in the market,” she says, “and it is only just the beginning of what’s to come.”

Stefana Prodeo, Founder & CEO, Bomb Beverages Inc.

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Cottage country beermaker brings its craft to RTD market

Since opening their doors in 1996 as one of Ontario’s first craft brewers, Muskoka Brewery has worked relentlessly to adapt to a rapidly evolving market and ensure there is a beverage for everyone that comes to the table thirsty. While continuing to push the envelope but staying true to their roots, the independently owned brewer has recently expanded its capabilities to brew a new Juicy Hard Seltzer Squeeze the Day and Wandr, a non-alcoholic sparkling tea infusion, as part of a major expansion of its product portfolio this past summer.

Nestled in the heart of southern Ontario’s cottage country in Bracebridge, Ont., Muskoka Brewery has built up an exceptionally loyal customer base in the province over the years with popular beer brand such as Detour Session Ale and Mad Tom West Coast IPA, among others, and its foray into the RTD beverage market was a natural extension of its keen understanding of the beverage market trends, according to the company.

“We have crafted a line-up this year that has something for everyone and something for every occasion,” says Muskoka Brewery’s director of marketing Sarah Au.

“With individuals moving towards adopting drinks that fit into a more active lifestyle, these new beverages will let people can unwind with a beverage that aligns with their goals.”

Adds company president Todd Lewin: “At the core of our values is being welcoming by encouraging everyone to reach for a Muskoka beverage that fits their lifestyle.

“As we have from Day One, what we strive to do is to craft iconic experiences for Canadians, one glass at a time,” he states.

Coca-Cola’s massive capital investment a big boost for its B.C. bottling operations

Coca-Cola Canada Bottling

Limited has announced plans for a massive $42-million capital expansion of its Lower Mainland operations in the Vancouver area.

The investments—including a $24-million upgrade of its bottling facility Richmond, B.C. and construction of a new nearby sales/ warehouse/distribution facility—are intended to “help the company meet the evolving needs of customers in British Columbia and enable its capability to grow in the market,” according to Coca-Cola Canada.

“We are a family business, and as the Lower Mainland’s local bottler, we’re very committed to investing in our local business for the long-term,” says Coke Canada Bottling’s chief executive o cer Todd Parsons.

“We’re guided by our mission to deliver optimism and create a better future for our customers, consumers and communities.” Parsons states.

“By increasing our manufacturing capacity and consolidating our warehouse and distribution operations, we’re ensuring we’re able to grow our business and continue to make, distribute, merchandise and sell B.C.’s favorite beverages for many years to come.”

Scheduled for operational start-up in the spring of 2023, the new manufacturing line at the Richmond manufacturing facility will enable the use of pre-form bottles, add capacity and help decrease packaging emissions.

For its part, the new sales, warehouse and distribution center (DC) will combine the capabilities of its existing DCs in Richmond and Coquitlam to significantly expand its storage capacity, according to Parsons, while enabling seamless product distribution from production to delivery via the company’s iconic Red Truck delivery vehicles.

Slated to open in the spring of 2024, the new DC will also house Coke Canada’s local fleet and equipment service operations.

Operating on 24/7 and 24/5 schedules throughout the year, Coke Canada Bottling currently employs about 550 people at its Lower Mainland operations.

Servicing a region from Vancouver to Hope, B.C., the company produces nearly 20 million cases of product annually—comprising over 210 SKUs (stock-keeping units) and 18 packaging formats—including popular brands such as CocaCola, Canada Dry, A&W and Monster energy drinks, as well as the Dasani brand bottled water sold in 100-percent recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles.

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