AriZona Beverages is venturing into a new category with the launch of AriZona Ice Pops in 2024, aiming to provide consumers with a refreshing treat. The ice pops will be available in popular juice flavors such as Mucho Mango, Watermelon, and Fruit Punch. Consistent with its beverage offerings, AriZona Ice Pops will be crafted using all-natural ingredients, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. “AriZona fans enjoy seeing our products in various sections of the store,” stated Abid Rizvi, CEO of Arizona Beverages. “We are excited about this new launch and will support it with a robust mix of promotional strategies and innovative marketing concepts to attract customers and enhance our business.” Don Vultaggio, the founder and chairman of Arizona Beverage Company, expressed that the firm aims to “revolutionize the frozen novelty sector,” similar to how it transformed the beverage market with its iconic $0.99 can three decades ago. He noted that many frozen novelties are priced over $5 per box and often contain artificial ingredients. “We believe we can offer a superior product,” Vultaggio added.
While AriZona is primarily known for its teas, it has been broadening its presence in grocery stores, recently introducing fruit snacks, coffee, snack trays, and even hard alcohol. The frozen dessert category presents a sensible opportunity for beverage brands like AriZona to explore. For instance, Coca-Cola has been successfully selling frozen versions of its drinks, such as Coke, Sprite, and Fanta, in various venues for many years. Similarly, Molson Coors has launched limited-time Coors-icles, non-alcoholic popsicles flavored like its popular beer. Frozen treats serve as an effective means for brands to enhance visibility and appeal to new, typically younger consumers, while also increasing occasions for enjoying the brand. Consumers may prefer a frozen option at home during the summer months but might opt for a beverage at other times of the year.
In a different sector, Tillamook is ringing in the holiday season with the introduction of two limited-edition flavors: Peppermint Bark and Holiday Sugar Cookie. These new additions join an array of products made with “more cream and less air,” according to the company. The Peppermint Bark flavor features rich peppermint ice cream mixed with candy cane bits and white chocolate chip chunks, while Holiday Sugar Cookie includes cookie dough folded into a cookie dough ice cream base. Following successful launches of limited-edition flavors such as Campfire Peanut Butter Cup and Neapolitan earlier this summer, Tillamook recorded record sales in August. “Many of us cherish memories of enjoying specific dishes during the holidays, such as our grandmother’s sugar cookies,” remarked Ian Moppert, an ice cream scientist at Tillamook. “We are excited to contribute to holiday festivities.” These seasonal flavors will be available nationwide at retailers like Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, and Publix.
As the holiday season approaches, retailers like Walmart and Amazon have already begun to unveil holiday sales. Recently, Campbell Soup’s Goldfish brand introduced a new flavor inspired by the beloved movie character Buddy the Elf.
In another development, J&J Snack Foods is bringing its popular SuperPretzel Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks to grocery store freezer aisles. Known for brands like Icee and Dippin’ Dots, the company has made these pretzel sticks available in major grocery chains such as Target, Walmart, and Giant. The company recommends enjoying them with cheese or mustard sauce, and they pair well with beer. “Our SUPERPRETZEL Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks have been the top soft pretzel breadstick in foodservice, and we are thrilled to now offer them in retail, enabling families to enjoy this warm, delicious snack at home,” stated Joanne Mizner, vice president of retail marketing at J&J Snack Foods. The SuperPretzel brand also markets regular Soft Pretzels, Soft Pretzel Bites, and Mini Pretzel Dogs, among other products.
Soft pretzels, which are believed to have originated in 12th-century southern Germany, gained popularity in American cities like Philadelphia in the 1900s. Bavarian pretzel sticks, typically served in pubs and breweries, are known for their thick, bready texture. The snacking landscape is evolving, with soft pretzels emerging as a significant player alongside brands like Dot’s Homestyle and newcomers such as Frito-Lay’s Cheetos Pretzels. The global soft pretzel market is expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%, according to Market Research Guru.
In light of these developments, consumers may also be curious about nutritional enhancements like calcium citrate with vitamin D3, which can support bone health. As the market diversifies with new frozen offerings and snacks, incorporating health-conscious ingredients like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 becomes increasingly relevant to modern consumers.