New Beverage Products Take the Stage at C-Store Expo

Mike Buzalka

The annual gathering of the convenience retailing tribes took place in the Georgia Congress Center in Atlanta in November. The yearly NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) Show is the industry's major event, one where suppliers hoping to break into the market, and established ones looking to boost market share, bring their wares, especially their hottest new products.

We have noted in past years how the beverage category has supplied more than its share of product introductions, driven by manufacturer desires to attract more younger customers with various energy drinks, enhanced waters and tea or coffee formulations.

Well, that deluge of products seems to have slowed. Still, a fair number of recently introduced beverages and beverage-related products were shown at NACS. Here is a rundown.

Diet Coke Plus and Full Throttle Mother were two introductions from the Coca-Cola Co. The former is a calorie-free beverage fortified with various vitamins and minerals , while the latter features the juice of the South American acai berry, regarded for its high concentrations of health-promoting antioxidants. For info, go to www.coca-cola.com.

The E6Mu cappuccino machine from Schaerer USA Corp. claims to be the only self serve cappuccino machine with a disposable milk frother. For info, go to www.schaererusa.com

DZL fitness beverage from DZL Productions LLC delivers 10 grams of protein, antioxidants A.C.E, and glucosamine, along with no sugar, carbs or caffeine, making it appropriate for consumption all day. For info, go to www.dzlgear.com.

Wet Mango Exotic Energy Drink from Royal Blunts is the introductory flavor in New Image Global Inc.'s line of products, currently being introduced in selected markets in the U.S. For info, contact: New Image Global Inc. at (888) 898-6879.

Mini Thin Rush Liquid from BDI Marketing provides a six-hour shot of energy. Each berry-flavored energy shot contains 200 mg of caffeine, 200 mg of taurine, as well as essential B vitamins. For info, go to www.bdi-marketing.com.

The Easy Travel Cup from Capitol Cups features a patented dual wall construction that keeps liquids hot and cold longer. For info, go to www.capitolcups.com

S&D Coffee's new Iced Coffee program lets operators augment their brewed coffee with iced coffee options. For info, go to www.sndcoffee.com.

Pure Cool water beverage from Watermark Innovation has no calories, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. For info, go to www.drinkpurecool.com.

High-Test “Fatigue Fighter” Energy Coffee from Energy Coffee Co. features organic yerba mate and wild harvested guarana added to fresh roasted coffee. For info, go to www.shop.energycoffeecompany.com.

Space Saver Tea Dispensers from Leramo/Hudson Tea are marketed as “the convenience store solution” for dispensing Hudson's bag-in-the-box iced teas. For info, go to www.hudsonsfamousbrew.com.

Health Cola from Nulab, Inc., is a cola beverage that combines flavor with healthful ingredients like Vitamin C and various antioxidants. For info, go to www.healthcola.com.

Insulair Interlude cups from Dixie Foodservice feature a new attractive design combined with the design advantages of the Insulair line. Also from Dixie: The SmartTop Reclosable lid for hot cups and beverages, which offers a new, innovative sliding mechanism for easy opening and closing. For info, go to www.dixiefoodservice.com.

On Go Energy Shot is a new 2 oz. energy booster designed to maximize mental and physical performance. For info, go to www.ongoenergy.com.

Special K2O Protein Waters from Kellogg's provide five grams of protein to help consumers take the edge off hunger and stay hydrated throughout the day. For info, go to www.kelloggsconvenience.com.