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Danone launches child-friendly plant-based milk

Danone brings plant-based milk to kids.

The company’s Silk line is introduced Silk Kidsthe brand’s first plant-based beverage for children. Danone said Silk Kids, made from an oat milk blend designed for ages five and up, was developed with pediatricians to provide enhanced nutritional benefits.

Silk Kids contains at least 10% more of the daily value of protein, vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin, phosphorus, iodine and choline per serving than Silk Original Almondmilk.

“Delivering both taste and nutrition is imperative, especially when it comes to kids’ nutrition,” said Kristie Leigh, registered dietitian and director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Danone North America. “That’s why we developed Silk Kids—with a plant-based beverage kids will love.” “They need targeted nutrition because mealtime shouldn’t be a struggle.”

Silk Kids is available in 59-ounce cartons on select shelves this fall, with broader distribution available nationwide starting in early 2025.

Parents’ challenges in finding plant-based milk they love often come down to their own preferences. A survey conducted last year from material provider Ofi One-third of consumers said they couldn’t find a plant-based dairy product they liked.

Plant-based dairy options remain popular; 64% of those surveyed buy at least one every week, and almost two-thirds buy them along with their regular dairy products. Health and nutrition were ranked as the most important factors when deciding what to buy.

—Christopher Doering

Celsius sees sales increase ahead of co-packer acquisition

Energy drink brand Celsius Holdings remains confident in its ability to deliver further growth through manufacturing investments after a strong quarter.

In the company’s earnings call on Wednesday, it was stated that retail sales increased 7.1% on an annual basis in the last quarter. This was despite a softer buying environment last year, which saw a 2% increase in the overall energy drinks category.

Last week, the company announced that it spent $75 million acquires long-time co-packaging partnerMajor Beverages Contract Manufacturing. CEO John Fieldy said in the earnings release that the acquisition will help it gain greater leverage in the energy drink category by being able to leverage its supply chain to create and launch new products.

“In this example, the vertical integration, the opportunity to strengthen the business a little bit, and the opportunity to have optionality around LTOs, innovation and R&D was worth it,” Fieldy told investors.

There is Celsius prominent in recent years It contains zero sugar or aspartame, making it better for you than other ingredients. The company’s revenue exceeded $1.3 billion annually last year. Field He told Food Dive in an interview earlier this year The company is potentially interested in expanding into other categories such as water or food in the future.

—Chris Casey

XXI Martinis pour holiday cocktails

The espresso martini has emerged as one of the most popular cocktails in bars and restaurants in recent years. One brand believes it can capture the market for a bottled version of the drink.

XXI Martinis, an espresso martini brand launching in 2022, announced this week that it is expanding its reach to 36 states with the sale of its drinks online. It also released miniature bottles as well as a limited-time flavor, Chocolate Mint Martini, ahead of the holiday season.

Celebrity Las Vegas bartender and XXI co-founder Angelo Bottley said in a statement that the brand is focused on making a bottled version of the complex espresso martini that’s easier and hassle-free for bars and people at home.

“There’s an alternative to the common hostess wine gift, and holiday gatherings don’t need to be bogged down with messy and time-consuming cocktails. XXI Martinis Chocolate Mint Martini comes in a beautiful bottle, delivers liquid joy and festive spirits as a dessert-like martini with a touch of seasonal freshness, and delivers the perfect pour every time,” said Bottley.

Bottles of the brand sell for $34.99 and can serve about six espresso martinis with 15% alcohol by volume. XXI also sells chocolate, raspberry and peach martini flavors.

Espresso martinis are increasing their presence in the ready-to-drink space as more consumers choose cocktails that can be easily consumed at home. Canned cocktail brand MOTH sells canned espresso martinis Released in the US in August.

—Chris Casey