ON THE SHELF NOW
US - A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda hits shelves
Keurig Dr Pepper's A&W launches limited-edition Ice Cream Sundae soda combining vanilla ice cream and fudge flavors in both regular and zero-sugar variants, available now in 12-packs nationwide.
Why we care: Dessert sodas are having their moment. A&W's nostalgia play taps into the same consumer psychology driving ice cream collaborations across categories, comfort meets convenience in a can.
Read more (All Recipes)
US - M&M's Cookies & Crème arrives nationwide
Mars debuts new Cookies & Crème M&M's featuring cookie-flavored candy shells with white chocolate centers, spotted at major retailers across the United States as the latest permanent addition to the M&M's portfolio.
Why we care: Cookie-flavored confectionery continues its march across categories. Mars is smart to capitalize on the cookies & cream trend while consumers still associate it with premium. Timing matters in flavor innovation.
Read more (Sporked)US - Pringles Ghost Pepper Ranch delivers serious heat
Kellanova's Pringles brand launches Ghost Pepper Ranch combining the extreme heat of ghost peppers with cooling ranch flavor, targeting heat-seeking snackers looking for intense flavor experiences in the premium crisp segment.
Why we care: Extreme heat variants justify premium pricing while generating social media buzz. Pringles' ranch base provides cooling contrast that makes ghost pepper accessible to broader audiences than pure heat plays.
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US - OLIPOP debuts SpongeBob Pineapple Paradise collaboration
Prebiotic soda brand OLIPOP launches SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Pineapple Paradise flavor featuring five collectible can designs, promotional Roblox integration, and the brand's signature gut-health benefits with only 4g sugar.
Why we care: Licensed character collabs are moving beyond just sugar-loaded treats. OLIPOP proves functional beverages can carry nostalgic branding without compromising health positioning.
Read more (Beverage Industry)
US - Slice Watermelon Soda launches at Albertsons exclusively
The retro soda brand continues its 2025 comeback with new Watermelon flavor, featuring 35 calories, no high fructose corn syrup, and prebiotic/probiotic blend, available exclusively at Albertsons family stores.
Why we care: Slice's healthy makeover strategy is working. Exclusive launches build retailer partnerships whilst testing market appetite before wider rollouts – smart distribution for comeback brands.
Read more (PR Newswire)- US - TRUBAR Kids protein bars launch at Sprouts with nut-free, school-friendly formula.
- US - Sour Patch Kids Monster Heads debut with double-sized candies featuring mismatched flavor combinations.
- US - Reese's Peanut Butter Mini Pumpkins returns for Halloween season.
- US - Oreo Apple Pie A La Mode flavor hits shelves.
COMING SOON
UK - Mondelez unveils 2025 Christmas range launching September
Industry leader reveals festive lineup including new Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Advent Calendar, refreshed Heroes and Roses packaging, and returning favorites like Cadbury Dairy Milk Coins, targeting September fast-start period.
Why we care: September Christmas launches capture 25% of seasonal sales in opening period. Mondelez's early strategy extends profitable selling windows whilst building retailer partnerships ahead of peak demand.
Read more (Talking Retail)
UK - Mars Wrigley reveals festive lineup for 2025
Confectionery giant announces seasonal range including limited-edition packaging and flavor variants across key brands, designed to capture Christmas gifting and sharing occasions throughout the extended festive period.
Why we care: Mars follows Mondelez's early Christmas strategy, confirming September launches as industry standard. The race for seasonal shelf space intensifies as brands extend selling periods to maximise revenue.
Read more (Talking Retail)
UK - Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red launching mid-August
Coca-Cola European Partners introduces new Monster Ultra variant featuring ruby red flavor profile, expanding the ultra-low calorie energy drink portfolio with distinctive berry-forward taste targeting UK market.
Why we care: Energy drink innovation focuses on flavor differentiation as the category matures. Monster's color-coded Ultra variants create clear shelf blocking whilst maintaining zero-sugar positioning for health-conscious consumers.
Read more (Talking Retail)TREND ALERT / INTERESTING STUFF
UK - Chupa Chups x Stranger Things collaboration launching September
Perfetti Van Melle unveils mystery flavor lollipop packs inspired by Netflix's final season, featuring Hawkins and Upside Down themed packaging with QR codes linking to digital experiences and £1.3m marketing investment.
Why we care: Entertainment partnerships are evolving beyond simple co-branding. Chupa Chups' digital integration and mystery elements create engagement beyond the product itself.
Read more (Better Retailing)
US - Kinder Joy launches Harry Potter Quidditch Collection
Ferrero partners with Warner Bros and Funko for third Harry Potter collaboration featuring 16 Quidditch-themed collectible toys, including golden figurines that unlock sweepstakes entries for Warner Bros Studio Tour experiences.
Why we care: Premium IP licensing drives higher basket values and repeat purchases. Kinder's experiential prizes elevate beyond plastic toys to create genuine brand loyalty.
Read more (PR Newswire)
