The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on the latest news in the rapidly changing and growing beverage sector. From inaugural product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench the thirst for developments in the category.
Danone debuts kid-friendly plant-based milk
Danone is bringing plant-based milk to kids.
The company’s Silk line is introducing Silk Kids, the brand’s first-ever plant-based beverage for children. Danone said Silk Kids, which is made with an oatmilk blend crafted for ages five and up, was developed with pediatricians to deliver enhanced nutritional benefits..
Silk Kids contains at least 10% more of the daily value per serving of protein, vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin, phosphorus, iodine and choline than Silk Original Almondmilk.
“Delivering on both taste and nutrition is imperative, especially when it comes to nourishing kids,” Kristie Leigh, registered dietitian and director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Danone North America, said in a statement “That’s why we developed Silk Kids – to provide targeted nutrition kids need in a plant-based beverage they’ll love, because mealtime shouldn’t be a struggle.”
Silk Kids is being sold in 59-ounce cartons on select shelves this fall with a larger nationwide rollout starting in early 2025.
The challenge for parents in finding a plant-based milk they like often is tied to their own preferences. A survey last year from ingredients provider Ofi found one-third of consumers said they have not found a plant-based dairy product they like.
Plant-based dairy options remain popular, with 64% of those surveyed purchasing at least one each week, and nearly two-thirds buying them along with regular dairy. Health and nutrition were listed as the most important factors when deciding what to buy.
—Christopher Doering
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Christopher Doering/Food Dive
Celsius sees sales growth ahead of co-packer purchase
Energy drink brand Celsius Holdings is confident about its ability to secure further growth through manufacturing investments after a strong quarter.
Retail sales grew 7.1% year-over-year in its most recent quarter, the company said on its earnings call Wednesday. This came despite a softer purchasing environment for the overall energy drinks category in the past year, which saw a 2% increase.
Last week, the company announced it spent $75 million acquiring its longtime co-packing partner, Big Beverages Contract Manufacturing. CEO John Fieldy said on the earnings call the purchase will help it gain further leverage in the energy drink category by being able to wield its supply chain to create and launch new products.
“In this instance, vertical integration, the opportunity to leverage the business a little bit and to have the optionality around LTOs and innovation and R&D was well worth it,” Fieldy told investors.
Celsius has risen to prominence in recent years because of its better-for-you ingredient dek compared to other ingredients, with zero sugar or aspartame. The company’s revenue topped $1.3 billion annually last year. Fieldy told Food Dive in an interview earlier this year the company is potentially interested in expanding into other categories in the future, like water or food.
—Chris Casey
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Courtesy of XXI Martinis
XXI Martinis pour holiday cocktails
The espresso martini has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular cocktails at bars and restaurants. One brand believes it can corner the market for a bottled version of the beverage.
XXI Martinis, an espresso martini brand that debuted in 2022, announced this week it expanded its reach into 36 states, along with its drinks being sold online. It also debuted a limited time flavor, Chocolate Peppermint Martini, as well as miniature bottles ahead of the holiday season.
Angelo Bottley, a famous Las Vegas bartender and the co-founder of XXI, said in a statement the brand focused on making a bottled version of the complex espresso martini that is easier and hassle-free for bars and people at home to enjoy.
“There’s an alternative to the mundane hostess wine gift, and holiday gatherings don’t have to be stifled with messy and time-consuming cocktails. The XXI Martinis Chocolate Peppermint Martini comes in a beautiful bottle, delivers liquid joy and festive spirits as a dessert-like martini with a twist of seasonal freshness, and it brings the perfect pour every time,” said Bottley.
The brand’s bottles sell for $34.99 and can serve roughly six espresso martinis, which contain 15% alcohol-by-volume, the brand said. XXI also sells chocolate, raspberry and peach martini flavors.
Espresso martinis are growing a presence in the ready-to-drink beverage space as more consumers opt for cocktails that can be easily consumed at home. Canned cocktail brand MOTH sells a canned espresso martini that debuted in the U.S. in August.
—Chris Casey
