Global trends

Prepared Foods, Feb, 2005

Activity continues in full force in the alcoholic beverages market. Just launched in France is Kronenbourg Punch, an amber-colored aromatic beer that looks like a flavored alcoholic beverage (FAB), with scented notes of rum, citrus fruits and exotic fruits. In the wine sector, Kim Crawford Wines has introduced a drink targeted at the gay community in Australia. The pink-colored wine is called Pansy and claims to symbolize friendship, kindness and generosity of the human spirit.

The Neuzelle Kloster Brewery, a 400-year-old company in eastern Germany, has announced its latest beer is enriched with ingredients that "maintain good health and slow down the aging process." The drink, which carries an "anti-aging" claim on the label, has 4.8% alcohol by volume (ABV), and healthy ingredients such as spirulina, an algae rich in proteins, iron and vitamins. It also contains flavonoids, antioxidants typically found in tea, red wine and some fruits, which are believed by scientists to restore elasticity in the skin. It is currently available in Germany.

Swift & Moore has created the perfect workout log for lazy lumberjacks! It is a six-pack of pre-mixed Canadian Club whisky and cola in cans, packaged in an innovative log-shaped, foam-style bag that keeps the contents chilled for longer, with a handle to carry it across the shoulder. This multi-pack allows the consumer "to get a 6-pack instantly," with no exercise required. It is new in Australia.

Now available in Australia is Benco Pacific's Freshshot Herb Chilli, eight single shots of chili paste that are ready to use, individually packed and sealed for convenience. More chilies come from Australia, where Normandie Foods has introduced a chili jam to accompany grilled meats, fish and baked chicken or for use in toasted sandwiches, with soft cheeses, as a dip or as a base ingredient in tarts.

Choice in the instant coffee market already is abundant, with indulgent flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut and Irish cream. Now in Belgium is Momenti, a selection of sugar cubes with creamy flavors, which can turn every coffee into a specialty. Douwe Egberts' sugar cubes selection comprises assorted flavors such as: Irish cream, amaretto, praline and chocolate.

Launching a New Consumer Product? If so, contact Lynn Dornblaser at Mintel Group, 351 W. Hubbard St., Floor 8, Chicago, IL 60610. Call 312-932-0600, fax 312-932-0474 or e-mail lynnd@mintel.com. Information in this column is from the Global New Products Database, the premier source of global product intelligence, published by Mintel International Group.