This month sees the UK launch of CANS, an unsweetened carbonated soft drink range. On a mission to create a new 'non-sweet' category, the fledgling brand combines sparkling Alpine water with real fruit and effervescent bubbles. Made with just three ingredients, the range contains no added sugar, no sweeteners and nothing artificial!
Initially launching with three SKU’s, Apple, Cherry and Lemon (RRP: £1.39/330ml can), the drinks will be hitting the UK soon, with the full range will be available to independents via wholesalers in the coming months.
The brand, which first launched to market in the Czech Republic 15 months ago, has seen strong early success, selling more than 1million CANS to date. 2025 marks the entry into two new territories, the UK and the US, in a bid to secure sales of 8,000,000 CANS before the end of the year.
CANS is the brainchild of three co-founders, Jaroslav Beck, Dominic Rice and Jan Rambousek, who came together not to start a company, but to create an alternative to sweet drinks, one that people would actually want to drink and enjoy without remorse. When they couldn’t find anything that they were satisfied with already on the market, they decided to “rethink drink” and launch their own product.
Co-Founder and CEO Dominic Rice says: “Since we started our CANS journey 15 months ago we have been shaking up the soft drinks category with our ‘non sweet’ offering and we can’t wait to launch in the UK market. CANS does everything you would expect from a soft drink: quenches thirst, has a refreshing taste and yet comes without artificial additives, without sweeteners and without added sugar. The soft drinks are filled in a 330ml can that has already been recycled and can be recycled again.”
“Our goal is to reduce global overconsumption of sugar by rethinking simple things and making them right. Why do we drink so much sugar in the first place?" says Jaroslav Beck, co-founder, creator and main investor. “After the brilliant market launch in the Czech Republic in August 2023 with over 1 000 000 CANS already sold, which corresponds to a saving of 33 tonnes of sugar (equal to 8,250,000 sugar cubes) compared to conventional soft drinks, the launch in Slovakia and Germany followed in late 2024. Now the UK is the next step in CANS' mission to create and grow the best possible non-sweet drinks and with that fully establish the non-sweet category itself. We can’t wait to hear what our new customers think.”
CANS will also have a presence at five National trade shows including; Lunch! North and IFE in March, National Convenience Show in April, London Coffee Festival in May and Lunch! In September. The brand will also be at festivals during the summer including Taste of London and Goodwood Festival of Speed in July with the aim of sampling 500,000 CANS before the end of the year.
Empire Bespoke Foods, the specialist global food importer and distributor, has unveiled an exclusive new range of "heat and eat" taco fillings based on the most popular world food flavours in response to growing consumer demand for exciting and convenient meal solutions.
Pekis Taco Fillings are based on traditional and authentic recipes from around the world, cooked with 100% premium quality, natural ingredients and no preservatives. Ready to heat, eat and enjoy, the range comprises Chicken Jalapeno, Tikka Masala, Chicken Teriyaki and Chilli Con Carne. Each 180g pack will fill four average-sized taco shells.
“Shopper spending in Mexican has increased by nearly 10 per cent over last year with Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines now accounting for the vast majority of world foods sales,” said Madina Kaiumova, brand manager at Empire Bespoke Foods.
Quick, delicious, and packed with world flavors!
“The rapid rise in consumer demand for taste adventure, combined with the popularity of replicating restaurant-style meals at home, means that there is now a huge opportunity for retailers to capitalise on these growing trends.
“These fillings combine the true taste of some of the most popular world cuisines with the familiarity of the much loved Mexican taco, and with shortcut products increasingly in demand,” added Kaiumova.
“Sixty per cent of consumers now consider convenience a key decision factor when purchasing world foods, and with 80 per cent now claiming to be ready for ’safe adventure’ through familiarity, we fully expect the Pekis range to satisfy the growing consumer appetite for these winning combinations of great flavours and absolute convenience.”
The Pekis range of taco fillers require only ambient storage and contain all the ingredients necessary to create each dish within minutes. They are now available exclusively through Empire Bespoke Foods.
Cocktail lovers can rejoice this St. Patrick’s Day with the release of Kahlúa’s “Schneaky” Espresso Martini glass. Disguised to look like a pint of stout, the specially designed, hand-blown glass sneakily conceals an Espresso Martini inside a pint glass. The crafty solution was created following research revealing that cocktail lovers feel “St. Patrick’s Day pressure” to drink stout – even if they don’t savour its flavour.
According to the study, around two in three drinkers (64 per cent) have felt the need to order a "certain stout drink" to fit in and nearly half (42 per cent) fear they might be judged poorly for choosing a cocktail over a pint on St. Patrick’s Day. Enter the Schneaky Espresso Martini glass by Kahlúa – a saviour for many cocktail lovers on 16 and 17 March.
Kahlúa has enlisted former England rugby star and devout stout drinker James Haskell to raise awareness of the Schneaky Espresso Martini glass – showing that even the most loyal fans of stout can sip undercover.
“For any punters looking to avoid an unwanted pint of stout, Kahlúa has got you covered,” said Haskell. “The Schneaky Espresso Martini glass means you can enjoy the deliciously indulgent cocktail you crave, without the fear of being judged.”
Following the huge success of last year's St. Patrick’s Day campaign – Feliz St. Patrick’s Day – Irish TikTok sensations Tadgh & Derry are joining forces with Kahlúa again. They join 3bucksleft in a cheeky video revealing the Sneaky Espresso Martini glass in all its glory.
On 16 and 17 March, Kahlúa is giving away free Schneaky Espresso Martinis* in its bespoke glasses exclusively at two pubs – the Howl At The Moon pub in Hoxton, London and O’Loclainn’s in County Clare, Ireland. Punters can try the undercover glass for free by ordering a “Schneaky Espresso Martini” at the bar**. There will also be an exclusive opportunity to win a Kahlúa Schneaky Espresso Martini glass via the Howl At The Moon’s Instagram page.
Alison Perrottet, Brand Director for Pernod Ricard UK, said: “Kahlúa loves showing up in unexpected ways and that’s exactly what we’re doing this St. Patrick’s Day. While stout has traditionally been a favourite for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s time to stir things up with a Schneaky Espresso Martini, and what better way to celebrate than with the UK’s number one coffee liqueur. Slainte!”
**T&CS: The activation is open to all individuals aged 18 years or older, operating the “think 25” policy. Customers must present a valid photo ID to prove eligibility. Only one free drink per person will be given, subject to availability and the discretion of pub staff. The activation is valid from 12pm to 11pm on Monday 17th March at Howl At The Moon and from 5pm to 11pm at O’Loclainn’s on Sunday 16th March, subject to stock lasting. Alcohol consumption should be done responsibly. The pub reserves the right to refuse service to any individual who is intoxicated or behaving inappropriately. The Sneaky Espresso Martini by Kahlúa cannot be substituted for any other alcohol or item. The Schneaky Espresso Martini glass by Kahlúa is not available for purchase nor giveaway, all glasses are the property of Pernod**Customers can claim one Kahlúa espresso martini using the codeword “Schneaky Espresso Martini” at the bar, subject to T&Cs.
Confectionery distributor World of Sweets is welcoming new Bluey Ice Pops to its wide range of freezable lines and encouraging retailers to stock up on the new Ice Pops, as well as other best-selling freezables from Warheads, Jolly Rancher and Barratts to drive sales in spring and summer.
The delicious Bluey-branded 12-packs of natural fruit-flavoured freeze-at-home ice pops treats are perfect for kids who love the popular animated TV show, which is one of the most watched in the UK. The ice pops come in four flavours: pineapple, strawberry, apple, and blackcurrant.
What sets these ice pops apart is their healthier profile. Made with 25 per cent real fruit juice and no added sugar, they are HFSS-compliant, making them an attractive option for parents seeking nutritious treats for their children.
The Bluey character on the packaging will undoubtedly capture kids' attention, ensuring these ice pops fly off the shelves.
The Bluey Ice Pops will hit stores on April 25, just in time for the peak summer sales period. Retailers are advised to stock up early to meet the anticipated high demand.
This launch follows the success of other popular licensed products like PAW Patrol Freeze Pops, which also offer a healthier alternative with no artificial flavours or colours.
The Bluey Ice Pops join a line-up of top-selling freezable treats from World of Sweets, including Barratt Ice Duo multipacks, Jolly Rancher Multipacks and Warheads Sour 2-in-1 Snap Ice. These products have proven to be customer favourites, with their vibrant packaging and unique flavours drawing in customers.
"We're thrilled to introduce Bluey Ice Pops to our freezables range," said Kathryn Hague, the Head of Marketing. "Licensed products consistently perform well, as kids love treats featuring their favourite characters.
“These ice pops not only taste great but are healthier than many alternatives, making them perfect for impulse purchases at checkout points. We encourage retailers to stock up on these and our other best-selling ice poles to maximise sales this summer."
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Send your fan mail & win a Ferrari Welcome Present
Today, super premium Italian beer brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, from Asahi Europe & International, launches a new full-year campaign, "The Italian Way", to celebrate the treasured traits of Italian culture, passion and style.
To launch the campaign Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% debuts "The Welcome Present", an entertaining spot starring Scuderia Ferrari HP racing drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Paying homage to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s driver numbers, #44 and #16, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% has announced a global search for 60 of the world’s most passionate fans, to be inducted into The Italian Way.
As Scuderia Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every season since the Formula 1 world championship began, seventy-five years ago, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% tasks fans, to channel the traditional ways of fandom by sending "Posta dei Tifosi" (fan mail) to welcome Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to the 2025 season.
Applauding the innate passion of both Italians and Ferrari fans, the Tifosi, 60 of the most inspiring messages will be selected by Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, with the authors receiving one of sixty money-can’t-buy Welcome Presents. The winners will be announced by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Each Welcome Present will include Scuderia Ferrari HP merchandise and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% product, to enjoy racing weekends in style.
The Welcome Presents will be available to those in Italy, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Germany, and Romania. Winners will be announced on the @PeroniNastroAzzurro Instagram channel during the Imola race weekend, 16-18 May 2025.
Fans from around the world are asked to direct message @PeroniNastroAzzurro with their welcome notes, age and location. Terms and conditions can be found via the link on the @PeroniNastroAzzurro Instagram bio.
"We are incredibly proud to launch The Italian Way campaign, a true celebration of our brand identity and culture," said Nathalie Pfaff Seigle, Chief Growth Officer at Asahi Europe & International. "Through the campaign, we intend to elevate every racing moment for fans, embodying the very passion and style so pivotal to both Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% and Ferrari.”
Continuing the motorsport sponsorship journey, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% will again partner with the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli series. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is the most renowned single-marque championship, bringing together amateur and professional drivers on some of the world’s most picturesque tracks for over 30 years. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% will also be visible at Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli events across branding touchpoints.
The partnership plays a key role in the ambitions of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% brand’s parent company, Asahi Europe & International, to have 20 per cent share of their portfolio comprised of alcohol-free products by 2030 and is perfectly positioned to support the increased consumer demand for alcohol-free beverages.
CÎROC, the largest Super-Premium Vodka range in impulse, and the third largest Super-Premium Vodka brand in the total off-trade , has unveiled a brand-new flavour: CÎROC Colada RTD. A sparkling mixed drink, with CÎROC Vodka, pineapple and coconut flavours mixed with lemonade, is now available in a 250ml ready-to-drink can.
With "tropical" the second most popular flavour profile in Super-Premium Vodka, CÎROC will offer shoppers convenient luxury in an accessible format this summer with this latest launch.
“Our new CÎROC Colada ready-to-drink can offers a sophisticated blend of sweet, juicy pineapple taste upfront with a classic, creamy coconut and tropical finish. Conveniently served up in a beautiful, ready-to-drink can, the fourth variant in the CÎROC RTD portfolio." said Pippa Lewis, Senior Brand Manager.
“We are delighted to launch CÎROC Colada just in time for the spring and summer seasons, a period where consumers look to connect and enjoy meaningful moments together. Whether shoppers are on the go, at a picnic, or gathering with friends, CÎROC Colada is the perfect addition to fridges, helping retailers tap into these occasions and drive sales.”
CÎROC Coconut Vodka
Launching alongside the new Colada RTD can, CÎROC is also bringing back CÎROC Coconut flavoured vodka, made with 5x distilled vodka from fine French grapes and natural flavourings. CÎROC Coconut provides a taste of the tropics and can be used to create a classic Pina Colada or sophisticated martini cocktails, so there is a serve for all occasions.
CÎROC Colada is available across grocery, convenience and wholesale now, with CÎROC Coconut 70cl (37.5 per cent ABV) rolling out alongside it.