Chocolate mint ... water?

San Francisco's Soma Beverage Co. is expanding its line of Metromint flavored waters, with the latest targeted for national distribution in the first quarter of 2008.

Chocolatemint is a zero-calorie purified water infused wth natural cocoa essence and real mint. There are no sweeteners or preservatives used in its manufacture. The Metromint line already includes Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemonmint, Orangemint.

The line was created by Rio Miura and Scott Lowe. Japanese-born Miura, who has a background in product and fashion design, conceived the recipe for Metromint and designed the packaging. Lowe, a Stanford graduate with a degree in international relations, is responsible for product development and oversees operations.

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Cheers to Walt Disney World Resorts

It was a Disney world when the editors of Cheers, the beverage industry magazine, released its 2008 Cheers Awards for Beverage Excellence.

The awards are widely considered the adult beverage industry's highest honor for beverage program operators in chain and multi-concept restaurant companies.

They are divided into 12 categories, two of which were won by Walt Disney World Resorts. Each award is given based on the innovation and creativity of an establishment's beverage program and its impact on the sales and profitability of the establishment. Additional consideration is given to the level of operator support of the program, such as a high level of staff training or unique marketing efforts.

The winners:

• Best Overall Chain Beverage Program: Walt Disney World Resorts
• Best Signature Drink: Walt Disney World Resorts
• Best Chain Hotel Beverage Program: Hilton Hotels
• Best Chain Wine Program: Carrabba's
• Best Chain Beer Program: Buffalo Wild Wings
• Best Chain Spirits Program: Bennigan's
• Best Beverage Merchandising Program: Hard Rock Cafe
• Best Beverage Menu: Outback Steakhouse
• Best Drink Program: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
• Best Adult Non-Alcohol Drink Program: ESPN Zone
• Best Responsible Alcohol Service Training Program: Applebee's
• Best Multi-Concept Beverage Program: Back Bay Restaurant Group

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NZ researchers claim brain-boosting drink

New Zealand scientists are claiming they have developed a fruit juice cocktail that appears to improve memory and reduce stress.

After two years in development, reports the New Zealand Herald,"the drink, derived from a secret blend of fruits, has shown promising results in reducing stress and enhancing memory. It will go to a larger human trial within weeks. It also seems to have the opposite effects on the human body to caffeine, which can make drinkers jittery, and relaxes the body."

Dr. Arjan Scheepens, a neuroscientist with HortResearch -- the country's largest horticulture and food research organization -- called the drink a "mood food" aimed especially at tired mothers. The study says mothers aged 40 to 60 were the group who most wanted such a product.

"Whereas now they might reach for a cigarette or an alcoholic drink or might shout at somebody, they will go for this type of drink," Scheepens told the Herald.

The juice will be tested by 72 people in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. If it proves successful, HortResearch hopes to license the idea to a manufacturer and that the drink will go on retail sale within two years for about $4 a can.

Scheepens said the fruits in the drink were all currently available, unlike some others in the institute's research program that were specially bred.

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Stupid soda can tricks

A canner exceedingly canny
One evening remarked to his granny,
"I canner can can
anything that he can,
but a canner can't can
a can, can he?"
(English doggerel)

Cans apparently continue to fascinate some people, and not just for what's inside them.

Skeptical? Take a look at this trick, then.

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Snapple adds new drinks lineup

Snapple apparently is trying to outdo itself.

The Plano, TX, drink maker already is the No. 1 super premium tea brand with 71% of the market. and is responsible for 96% of the category's growth this year.

Now, it is introducing a line called Super Premium Juice Drink for the category. They include four drinks: Goji Punch, Peach Mangosteen and the low-calorie Noni Berry and Kiwi Pear.

"Our new Super Premium Juice Drinks will contribute to a healthy immune system and provide the metabolism boosting benefits consumers look for, complete with plenty of the great taste that they expect from Snapple," claims Bryan Mazur, vice president and general manager of Snapple for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "The exciting flavor combinations of the new Snapple Super Premium Juice Drinks include all-natural ingredients with added vitamins, and low-calorie options provide even more choices for Snapple enthusiasts."

The new drinks are packaged in tall, slim 17.5-ounce bottles, and carry a suggested retail price of $1.39.

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7UP joins pomegranate bandwagon

Lest anyone doubt the pomegranate craze has dissipated, Cadbury Schweppes today introduced Pomegranate 7UP, a blend of the fruit flavor and the traditional lemon-lime drink, aimed at the holiday beverage market.

Matt Smith, 7UP brand director for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, said, "Pomegranate is one of the fastest growing flavors in beverages today, and Pomegranate 7UP makes a perfect primer for any holiday party,"

Like original 7UP, the new drink has 100% natural flavors and is caffeine free. The limited edition product, available in 2-liter bottles, will be on store shelves from today through Jan. 31, 2008.

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