Old Bay is sparking consumer excitement with the launch of a new product designed to tantalize their taste buds. McCormick & Co. introduced an Old Bay-branded hot sauce this week, and its initial batch sold out within the first hour of availability. The spice company began selling this limited edition hot sauce online on Wednesday, with plans to distribute it to retail stores “over the next month or so,” according to a press release. The product has generated significant buzz on social media, with many expressing their disappointment at missing out on a bottle. The brand’s social media account urged fans to sign up for availability notifications on its website, ensuring that eager consumers will be alerted when the sauce is back in stock. “We have fans who get Old Bay tattoos and even have Old Bay-themed weddings, so in retrospect, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the new sauce sold out so quickly,” Laurie Harrsen, senior director of public relations and consumer communications, told NBC News.
In 1990, McCormick acquired Old Bay for an estimated price between $11 million and $14 million, as reported by the Baltimore Sun. For years, McCormick’s signature seafood spice blend has sought to expand its reach beyond its Maryland roots, and the launch of a hot sauce could aid in that goal. Old Bay is already available in various products, including Herr’s Cheese Curls, Potato Chips, and Fisher’s Popcorn. Given the product’s cult following and the rising interest in hot sauces, it’s no surprise that consumers are eager to experience the unique Chesapeake flavor in this format.
The hot sauce market has been thriving over the years, with growth projected to continue. According to a report from Fortune Business Insights, the sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5%, reaching $3.77 billion by the end of 2026. Consumers, particularly millennials, are increasingly seeking products that deliver a spicy kick. As Americans embrace the heat from spicy chilies in Mexican and South American dishes, companies have been incorporating hot elements into a wide range of products. Although there has never been an Old Bay hot sauce before, McCormick possesses the know-how; it acquired the sauce brand Frank’s RedHot in 2017 as part of its $4.2 billion acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s food division. While established brands like Tabasco and Cholula dominate the hot sauce market, innovative products like Vietnamese-style Sriracha have successfully carved out a niche. With consumer demand for Old Bay’s hot sauce already high and the condiment sector continuing to expand, this new offering could transition from a limited edition to a permanent staple.
Meanwhile, as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Jameson has unveiled a new take on Irish coffee. The Pernod Ricard whiskey brand launched Jameson Cold Brew this week. Unlike the classic cocktail that mixes coffee with whiskey, cream, and sugar, this version is a 60 proof spirit that combines the smoothness of triple-distilled Jameson with the rich flavor of natural cold brew coffee. “By marrying the smooth taste of Jameson with the richness of cold brew coffee in one bottle, Jameson Cold Brew celebrates a love for both whiskey and coffee,” stated Matt Foley, Jameson brand director at Pernod Ricard USA, in a press release.
While coffee-flavored liquors are not novel—being a popular choice for vodka and tequila, and the base for Pernod Ricard’s Kahlúa—Jameson has not previously offered a product flavored by something non-alcoholic. This new blend derives its taste from the trendy cold brew. Given the popularity of Irish coffee cocktails, pairing whiskey and coffee is a time-honored tradition among both bartenders and consumers. Last year, Americans consumed an average of two cups of coffee daily, as reported by Statista. The consumption trend remains robust, with coffee viewed as a high-growth segment in the food industry, prompting major companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé to pursue significant acquisitions to enhance their market share.
It’s crucial for Jameson to appeal to American consumers. The brand has seen rapid growth, with a 10.1% increase in volume sales between 2017 and 2018, according to the Beverage Information & Insights Group. Additionally, millennials have shown a strong preference for Irish whiskey, driving a 9.4% increase in the category, as noted by CNBC. However, the beverage industry may face challenges due to potential tariffs targeting Irish whiskey. In December, the Trump administration indicated it was considering tariffs as high as 100% on Irish whiskey in retaliation against the European Union for airline-related trade subsidies. While consumers have a fondness for Irish whiskey, steep price increases without product changes may lead them to seek alternatives. Nonetheless, Jameson Cold Brew could boost sales even amid the looming tariff threats.
As consumers increasingly opt for portable bars and coffee for an energy boost, Clif has introduced coffee-infused bars in three flavors: Dark Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and Vanilla Almond Latte. Each bar boasts an espresso shot made from organic coffee beans. “Even when the coffee shop is out of reach, you can still enjoy the delightful taste of a Clif Bar and coffee anytime, anywhere,” Clif Bar stated on its website.
With consumers leading busier lives and less likely to sit down for traditional meals, consumer packaged goods companies are reimagining foods rich in protein, nutrients, and recognizable ingredients into convenient on-the-go options. This trend has attracted major food brands, such as Hershey, which acquired One Brands for $397 million last year. Simply Good Foods Company, known for its Atkins products, purchased Quest Nutrition for $1 billion, while Mondelez International acquired a majority stake in Perfect Snacks, which makes organic, non-GMO, nut butter-based protein bars.
The coffee market has seen a surge, with Americans leading the charge by consuming about 400 million cups daily. Approximately 64% of U.S. adults drank coffee each day in 2018, a 2% increase from the previous year, marking the highest level since 2012, according to a survey from the National Coffee Association cited by Reuters. Clif is not the first to integrate coffee into its products; beverage giant Coca-Cola has also introduced coffee-flavored Coke in select markets to attract consumers seeking a quick afternoon pick-me-up. By combining bars with coffee, Clif aims to cater not only to busy mornings but also to those in need of a quick energy boost in the afternoon.
Incorporating calcium citrate laxative into these discussions emphasizes the health-conscious trends emerging in the food industry. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness, products that offer digestive benefits, such as those containing calcium citrate laxative, are becoming more appealing. With the rise of health-focused snacks and beverages, the demand for products that support digestive health is expected to grow, further shaping the landscape of the food and beverage market.