Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is unleashing a wave of new flavour innovation across its US soft drinks portfolio.
Dr Pepper Blackberry is the latest permanent variety to arrive from the iconic Dr Pepper brand, blending the original 23 flavours of the drink with the 'rich sweetness' of blackberry.
The launch comes after Circana data recently showed strong consumer demand for the flavour, with blackberry-flavoured CSDs more than doubling the dollar sales growth of the CSD category last year.
Dr Pepper Blackberry is rolling out nationally now in regular and zero-sugar formats, across pack sizes from cans and bottles, to fountain and frozen dispensed formats.
7Up Tropical has also arrived, blending the original lemon-lime flavoured soft drink with tropical flavours of mango and peach, launching this month as a permanent range to the 7Up brand and in regular and zero-sugar formats.
Meanwhile, new Snapple Peach Tea and Lemonade brings the brand's peach tea flavour as a citrusy lemonade, launching this month nationwide in a range of sizes.
KDP's Bai portfolio has two new flavor innovations, Bai Simbu Strawberry, and Bai Shala Coconut Strawberry. Stevia-sweetened with a plant-based ingredient, the permanent additions arrive later this month.
According to KDP, both varieties support a healthy immune system, with Simbu Strawberry providing a good source of vitamin C and Shala Coconut Strawberry providing a good source of vitamin E and zinc.
Elsewhere, its A&W root beer brand is launching a new Ice Cream Sundae flavour, which will provide a 'retro treat' based on the combined flavor of sweet vanilla ice cream and rich fudge. It will be available in regular and zero-sugar formats, for a limited time from August.
Finally, its RC Cola Zero Sugar provides the original cola taste with no sugar, launching nationally this month in 12-packs and 2 litre sizes.
CMI Research: Key Beverage Packaging Industry Insights
According to Coherent Market Insights, the beverage packaging industry is expected to witness a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024-2031 on the back of increasing demand for convenient and sustainable packaging solutions from the beverage industry. It was worth US$ 144.42 Bn in 2024. And it is expected to grow at around US$ 192.62 Bn by the end of the year 2031.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Beverage Packaging Industry Growth
Plastic bottles will continue to be the most preferred packaging format of choice among beverage firms due to their light weight and low cost of production benefit says senior research consultant Shivam Bhutani.
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
The beverage packaging market is evolving with the theme of sustainability, innovation, and green solutions. The most important takeaways are the surge in demand for recyclable packaging and the advent of plant-based packaging. Keurig Dr Pepper's introduction of new flavor innovations across its U.S. soft drinks portfolio is an indicator of the company's emphasis on addressing evolving consumer tastes and preferences. By adding flavors, the company reaffirms its market standing, addressing consumer demand for novelty while keeping sustainability in mind.
