On Monday, PepsiCo
It has been estimated that around $304.6 million have been spent on cocktail mixers, which has risen about 36% from the past year, according to Nielsen retail data. Pepsico plans to tap into that growing market, with the company conducting research on the at-home drinking habits within Millennial and Gen-Z customers (aged 21 to 34 year) in order to produce popular drink mixers to create a better at-home drinking experience.
Emily Silver, vice president of innovation and capabilities of for PepsiCo's North American beverage business, stated in a press release that young adults are, "really looking for convenience and high-quality ingredients in their at-home experience. The traditional category norm is those big jugs, like those margarita mixers you might buy for a party and then it sits in your fridge."
The Neon Zebra cocktail mixer contains of real juice and comes in four flavors: Margarita Mix, Strawberry Daiquiri Mix, Mojito Mix, and Whiskey Sour Mix. One 7.5 ounce can is designed to make two cocktails, with recipes calling from the addition of three ounces of spirit per drink.
Now more than ever, consumers are searching for easy ways to make cocktails, especially in ways that are suitable to their own lifestyles and habits. This particular cocktail mixer differs from other cocktail mixers in that it is not offering outdated drink options or artificial flavors.
Linda Lagos, Sr. Director, Innovation and Capabilities, PepsiCo North America, believes that "consumption is at an all-time high," and thus, people are looking for more of a way to satisfy their cravings at home as bars and restaurants are shuttered due to the pandemic.
The new drink mixer seems to have many advantages for the beverage maker when it comes to its level of sales and success during the pandemic. Only time will tell as to whether the success continues, but as long as individuals are investing in leisurely at-home activities, Neon Zebra will continue to benefit even after the pandemic has faded.
- https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2021/02/25/PepsiCo-seeks-to-disrupt-outdated-cocktail-mixer-category-with-Neon-Zebra
- https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/25/pepsico-to-launch-neon-zebra-cocktail-mixers-as-at-home-drinking-spikes.html?&qsearchterm=pepsico
- https://www.pepsico.com/news/press-release/pepsicos-latest-innovation-neon-zebra-is-primed-to-disrupt-the-cocktail-mixer-ca02252021