Budding Products: Pure Leaf, Danone, and Tama Café Launch RTD Teas

Pure Leaf Released Hibiscus Iced Teas

Purchase, New York-based Pure Leaf is getting an early start to springtime with its launch of Herbal Iced Teas. The three new teas in the line are brewed with real hibiscus flowers and are free of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Pure Leaf is building upon the hibiscus’ growing popularity. Flavor experts at Firmenich named hibiscus the “Flavor of the Year” for 2019. The line has three refreshing blends: Cherry Hibiscus, Peach Hibiscus and Mango Hibiscus, which are already appearing on e-commerce sites and on supermarket shelves nationwide. All are made with real-brewed hibiscus herbal tea, natural fruit flavors and sugar and contain 100-110 calories per serving. "We're excited to bring real-brewed hibiscus iced tea to all of the places you buy your favorite beverage," said Amy Tran, Pure Leaf Tea Master in a company press release. "We've listened to feedback from our iced tea lovers, who shared that they love the quality and real-brewed taste that's synonymous with Pure Leaf, but also wanted a naturally caffeine-free option that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime." Additionally, Pure Leaf just expanded its Tea House Collection with the its new Organic Hibiscus Tea Passionfruit & Pineapple blend.

Danone Introduces its 4U Beverage Line

French company Danone has debuted its 4U beverage collection in Brazil, reports just-drinks. The collection consists of two flavored teas and two carbonated beverages. The new beverages were developed in response to Brazil’s growing demand for health and wellness products. The sub-brand, Tea 4U has two Black Tea blends: Hibiscus & Berry, and Lemon Grass & Citrus, which are packaged in 10.5 ounce cans. The carbonated juice, which is part of the True 4U sub-brand, is available in Citrus and White Grape flavors. All four beverages are natural and do not contain artificial coloring or preservatives.

Tama Café Introduces Sparkling Tea

Wilmington, North Carolina-based Tama Café has introduced its own line of ready-to-drink sparkling teas, reports WilmingtonBiz. “We assumed someone had to be doing this already, so we researched the idea only to find very little competition in the sparkling tea industry,” Rocco Quaranto, co-founder of Tama Cafe told the publication. “The brands we found weren’t very impressive, included preservatives, lacked flavor, or were filled with sugar.” Tama Sparkling Teas are made with organic green tea and other all-natural ingredients. The three sugar-free, zero calorie flavors are: Peach Pear, Mango Verde and Lemon Lavender. Tama Café has received requests from retailers who would like to sell the teas, which are currently being sold at Tidal Creek Co-Op, Epic Food Co., Lighthouse Beer & Wine and Beauty Bar Boutique. Tama Café donates one penny from each can sold to Masonboro.org, a local nonprofit.