ON THE SHELF NOW
Global - Coca-Cola launches 27 Star Wars designs plus Disney park exclusives
Massive summer promotion features characters across 12oz cans, 20oz bottles, and glass bottles for both regular and Zero Sugar varieties. Three additional designs exclusively available at Disney parks worldwide, including Mandalorian and First Order Stormtrooper variants.
Why we care: Coca-Cola's scale in licensed promotions shows the power of entertainment partnerships. Their tiered approach, mass market plus park exclusives – demonstrates how to maximize limited-edition value across distribution channels.
Read more (Sporked)
US - Bloom Nutrition Bloom Pop launches exclusively at Walmart
TikTok wellness giant launches better-for-you prebiotic soda in 5 flavors across 3,000+ Walmart stores, featuring 20 calories, 3-4g sugar, and gut-health benefits. The functional soda category has surpassed $1 billion with 70% year-over-year growth.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Frito-Lay launches 15 new and returning limited-edition summer flavours
Massive summer rollout includes Lay's Farmhouse Cheese & Ranch, Thai Style Red Curry, Doritos Twisted Queso, Spicy Mustard return, and Southern Biscuits & Gravy comeback. Available across Walmart, Kroger, and nationwide retailers.
Why we care: Frito-Lay's aggressive innovation pace, with 15 flavors in one season, shows the market's appetite for constant novelty. Their mix of new and returning favourites proves nostalgia works alongside innovation.
Read more (Sporked)
UK - Highland Spring flavored water range launches nationwide
Scottish water brand rolls out sugar-free Strawberry, Apple & Blackcurrant, and Lemon & Lime with major 'Make Your Day Fruitier' campaign. 96-day sampling tour delivers 250,000 samples via Highland Spring Flavours Van across UK.
Why we care: Premium water brands expanding into flavored territory validates the low/no sugar trend. Their massive sampling strategy shows the investment needed to build new category habits.
Read more (Talking Retail)- US - Jarritos x Taste Salud functional powder sticks available online since June 27th.
- Global - Haribo Linkin Park limited-edition gummy mix launches exclusively at concerts across six countries during From Zero World Tour.
- US - Odwalla returns with nationwide online launch on Amazon and OdwallaDrinks.com, offering 25% off through July 31st.
- US - Celsius Fizz-Free Pink Lemonade and Dragonfruit Lime launch at 7-Eleven and Circle K.
- US - Hostess S'mores Frosted Cupcakes return to Walmart after 3-year absence.
COMING SOON
US - Mountain Dew Baja Blue Burst launching January 1, 2026
PepsiCo unveils unusual full-year limited release featuring Açaí Lychee Blueberry flavor in striking blue colour. Unlike typical summer Baja releases, this variant will be available for entire 2026 calendar year.
Why we care: Mountain Dew breaking their own seasonal playbook suggests confidence in exotic flavor combinations. The year-long availability indicates they're testing consumer appetite for more adventurous taste profiles.
Read more (Sporked)
US - Mountain Dew Baja 'Merica Melon targeting June 2026
Second 2026 Baja variant featuring watermelon lime combination launching for traditional two-month summer window. Patriotic branding suggests Fourth of July positioning for the flavor debut.
Why we care: PepsiCo's dual Baja strategy shows they're not putting all their eggs in one flavor basket. The watermelon lime combo feels safer than Blue Burst's exotic blend.
Read more (Sporked)- US - Sprite Vanilla Frost returning to Kroger stores November 2025 through March 2026.
- US - Finaflex x Calypso STIMUL8 Pre-Workout and Creatine launching in Strawberry Lemonade flavor this summer.
- UK - Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red launches exclusively through Booker ahead of August nationwide rollout.
TREND ALERT / INTERESTING STUFF
US - HiSmile Lucky Charms partnership redefines category boundaries
Australian oral care brand partners with General Mills for world-first cereal-flavored toothpaste, transforming daily routines into nostalgic experiences. Available online July 1st and exclusively at Walmart from July 14th with marshmallow and mint flavor profile.
Why we care: Category disruption at its finest! Proving food brands can extend into completely unexpected territories. This breakfast-to-bathroom licensing is absolutely delicious.
Read more (WERSM)
US/UK - Nestlé Cereals Superman on-pack promotion targets summer blockbuster audience
Cereal giant partners with DC Studios and Warner Bros for major campaign offering Six Flags Over Texas family holidays and cash prizes.
Read more (Talking Retail)INDUSTRY NEWS
UK - Government pledges energy drink sales ban to under-16s
New 10-Year Health Plan targets drinks with 150mg+ caffeine per litre, affecting Red Bull, Monster, and Prime. Ban could reduce childhood obesity by 0.4 percentage points with £7.7bn health benefits, alongside strengthened sugar tax measures.
Why we care: Regulatory pressure building across Europe for energy drinks: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Czech Republic already have restrictions. We should monitor this closely as it could reshape the energy category landscape.
Read more (Beverage Daily)
