KANSAS CITY — Companies are adding both limited-edition and permanent additions to their beverage portfolios.
Chamberlain Coffee, a brand founded by social media influencer Emma Chamberlain, is expanding its plant-based ready-to-drink latte line, which launched in April 2023, with the introduction of oatmilk lattes. The initial launch of the product featured a blend of almond milk and coconut cream, but after consumer feedback, the line is formulated with oatmilk, which offers a sweeter flavor. The ready-to-drink oatmilk lattes are available in salted caramel and mocha flavors and are sweetened with cane sugar and date syrup.
Over the summer, the coffee brand raised $7 million to expand its retail presence and support product development.
“Growth and innovation is at the core of everything we do, and this fundraise will allow us to continue creating new products and grow our brand awareness,” said Christopher Gallant, chief executive officer of Chamberlain Coffee, when the funding was announced. “We’re extremely grateful to our returning investors for continuing to believe in the brand and the new ones who are coming on board, sharing in our vision for this next chapter at Chamberlain Coffee.”
Herbal sparkling water brand Aura Bora introduced its December flavor-of-the-month: chai cranberry. The holiday-inspired flavor features a blend of sweet-and-spicy chai with tart red cranberries and is available to purchase direct-to-consumer via Aura Bora’s website.
In September 2023, Aura Bora expanded its portfolio beyond sparkling water with the launch of Aura Bora Dry Guys, a co-branded, zero-proof beverage that combines Graza’s Extra Virgin Picual Olive Oil with yuzu extract, juniper oil, vermouth flavor and lightly sparkling water.
Making its debut in the alcohol aisle is… Doritos, a brand from PepsiCo, Inc.’s Frito-Lay division.
Doritos is partnering with Empirical to debut a limited-edition Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit. The spirit, which “offers a multi-sensorial, delicious beverage experience that smells and tastes just like the real thing,” was created through a production process using real Doritos chips and retaining their essence through vacuum distillation, according to the company.
"Empirical is an 'uncategorized' spirits company, so it allows us the freedom to experiment with really interesting flavors and not have to be stuck in a gin box or tequila box or whiskey box," said Lars Williams, chef/distiller and chief executive officer of Empirical. "And we can take something that has a unique and amazing flavor, like Doritos, and evolve it into something completely new."
