NEWS ROUNDUP 1995-09-25 (2)

Pepsi Tests New Multipacks

Cola Co. here is test marketing two multipack innovations.

In supermarkets in San Antonio, Pepsi is testing the Zip Pack -- an eight-pack of 20-ounce Quick Slam bottles held together with flexible plastic that "unzips" when its built-in loop is pulled. The company's Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Mountain Dew lines soft drinks are being offered in the Zip Pack.

In BJ's and Costco warehouse club stores in Massachusetts, Pepsi is testing the biggest paperboard multipack in the soft drink industry. The new multipack contains 36 cans of regular Pepsi stacked in double-decker fashion, with one level of 18 upright cans (three across by six deep) on top of another.

Snapple Adding Cider Tea Line

CHICAGO -- Snapple Natural Beverage Co., a division of Quaker Oats Co. here, is adding a seasonal line of cider teas to its lineup this fall.

Snapple Cider Tea is a combination of tea, tart cider, fruit and a hint of spices. It can be served hot or cold and is available in Apple Pie, Peach Melba and Black Cherry Jubilee flavors.

The line is available in 16-ounce bottles and is currently arriving on store shelves.

Perrier Sets Non-Sparkling Water

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Perrier Group of America here is introducing its first non-sparkling spring water to the United States under the Perrier Valvert brand name.

The source for Valvert spring water is the Ardennes forest in Belgium. Perrier successfully introduced Valvert in France and Belgium in 1993, and introduced Valvert to the U.S. markets of Miami and Dallas last month. Valvert will be rolled out nationwide next year.

Valvert is packaged in a rectangular, clear plastic bottle in 1.5-liter size for supermarkets that retails for $1.49, and a half-liter size that will sell for 89 cents in convenience stores.

Perrier plans to extensively advertise Valvert with an ad campaign that centers around the Valvert Cat, an avant-garde, funky orange feline with its tail wrapped around a bottle of Valvert. A division of Nestle Sources International, S.A., Perrier is the leading bottled water company in the United States, distributing 13 brands including Perrier, Poland Spring and Arrowhead.

Nonalcoholic Pina Colada Offered

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- Mistic Beverages subsidiary of Joseph Victori Wines here has introduced a nonalcoholic pina colada drink.

The drink is available in 16-, 20- and 24-ounce resealable wide-mouth bottles, as well as 23.5-ounce cans.

"Our research told us that there are significant numbers of adults who want that pina colada taste, but do not drink alcoholic beverages," said Joseph Umbach, Mistic president.

Mistic Pina Colada also serves as a mixer when mixed with rum.

New Tradewinds Size Introduced

CINCINNATI -- Horizon Tea & Spice Co. division of Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Co. here has introduced a family-sized 48-ounce glass bottle of its Tradewinds drinks.

The 48-ounce size Tradewinds is available in lemon-lime iced tea, Valencia orange juice drink, black cherry lemonade and Ruby Red grapefruit drink varieties. A bottle retails for about $1.49.

Tradewinds has also added a peach iced tea in 16- and 22-ounce bottles to its lineup.

Mead Johnson Introducing 'Boost'

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Mead Johnson Nutritionals here is introducing Boost, a new nutritional-energy drink for healthy, active adults.

A milk-based, lactose-free drink available in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate mocha flavors, Boost is packaged in four-packs of 8-ounce cans with a suggested retail of $3.99. In test markets Boost was merchandised with either breakfast or diet drinks.