Independent Scottish distiller Loch Lomond Group has announced the launch of its first hard seltzer range. Forrit.
Meaning ‘forward’ in Scots language, the range of botanic hard seltzers combine distilled alcohol blended with sparkling water and natural botanicals.
Presented in slim 330ml cans with an ABV of 4.5%, Forrit range includes three variants: Peach, Lemon & Mint; Watermelon, Lime &Basil and Strawberry, Rhubarb & Ginger.
A high flavour zero-sugar, zero-carb alcoholic sparkling water, each serving of Forrit is vegan and gluten free, and only 90 calories.
“Forrit is for the forward-thinking consumer looking to try something new, and with the hard seltzer market gathering momentum in the UK now is a great time to launch this new range,” commented Calum Leslie, innovation director at Loch Lomond Group.
“With Forrit, customers can enjoy a lower calorie drink without having to sacrifice that all-important flavour. The natural botanicals infused with our fruit blends add an extra dimension to our range, making Forrit an exciting new offering for consumers to enjoy.”
Each can is priced at £2 RRP. For trade customers, the 12-pack case is priced at £13.99 (ex VAT) and is available now from HT Drinks and United Wholesale Grocers.
Philip Morris Limited (PML), the UK and Ireland affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has announced the expansion of its TEREAPearls capsule range with the launch of two new dual-flavour variants; Riviera Pearl and Provence Pearl.
Featuring innovative capsule technology, the TEREA Pearls range enable users to switch seamlessly from a traditional tobacco blend to a unique flavour with a single click. This enhancement elevates flavour delivery, offering an enriched experience for users of its IQOS ILUMA heat-not-burn device.
The latest duo adds two new flavours to the portfolio, bringing the full TEREA flavour range to fifteen, meeting the top taste preferences of legal-aged nicotine users in the UK:
NEW Riviera Pearl: Raspberry Rose (on a click)
NEW Provence Pearl: Grape with Menthol (on a click)
Abora Pearl: Strawberry and Basil (on a click)
Amelia Pearl: Watermelon with Menthol (on a click)
Starling Pearl: Green Apple with Menthol (on a click)
Twilight Pearl: Blueberry with Menthol (on a click)
The TEREA Pearls range caters to the high demand among adult smokers and nicotine users for smoke-free, capsulated tobacco products. Early sales data revealed that nearly one in five TEREA packs sold in a top-four grocery multiple within the first three months were Pearls, demonstrating a strong preference for these capsulated products.
“For some adult smokers, having responsible access to a preferred flavour can be an important factor in making the switch from smoking cigarettes,” said Anthony Loinsard, Head of IQOS at PML. “Capsulated heated tobacco products offer retailers a unique proposition for legal-aged nicotine users to seamlessly switch from traditional tobacco blends to unique flavour blends of their choice with a single click,” he added.
“With the addition of two new flavours, Riviera and Provence, we will continue to strengthen the taste portfolio of IQOS ILUMA, providing an appealing and real tobacco alternative for adult nicotine users who would otherwise return to smoking cigarettes,” Loinsard concluded.
Available across all indirect retail channels, retailers can benefit from profit-on-return (POR) offers on selected TEREA Pearls, which are used exclusively with IQOS ILUMA.
IQOS ILUMA complements gantries because, when used with TEREA, it delivers tobacco taste and satisfaction, but with 95 per cent less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes and enables savings of up to £3,300 a year.
IQOS ILUMA is part of PMI’s expanding portfolio of smoke-free products available in the UK, including ZYN nicotine pouches and VEEV ONE, the latest innovation in PMI’s VEEV E-Vapor range.
Unilever and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have on Thursday named brands from Unilever’s foods and personal care business groups as official sponsors of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
The tournament, set to take place in Switzerland this summer (2–27 July), is anticipated to be the most viewed and attended UEFA Women’s EURO to date. With the game’s growing popularity, Unilever aims to leverage the platform to showcase its portfolio of brands – including Power Brands Hellmann’s, Knorr, Dove, and Rexona (also known as Sure) – with integrated campaigns.
“We are thrilled to partner with the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, enabling our foods brands to connect with a large audience who come together enjoying the thrill of a football match with friends whilst sharing delicious foods,” Robbert de Vreede, general manager Unilever Foods Europe said.
“Just as a great BBQ brings people closer, football unites fans in a shared experience of passion and camaraderie. In this partnership we will create memorable moments that highlight the best of summer – good food, great company, and beautiful games.”
Fulvio Guarneri, general manager Unilever Personal Care Europe, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for some of our biggest brands to tap into a big cultural moment and connect with millions of consumers who will be watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. It’s a great time for women’s football, and this partnership fits perfectly with our Personal Care products which are all about feeling clean and confident, and taking part in sports.
“Together with our retail partners, we look forward to building on the success of last year’s men’s tournament, delivering unmissable campaigns across a variety of channels that celebrate the power of women’s football.”
The partnership builds on Unilever’s previous sponsorship of the UEFA EURO 2024, in which it activated across 16 brands, 24 markets, and over 126,000 stores. It will see the brands activate a range of initiatives designed to enhance the fan experience and promote the company's commitment to growing the women’s game, removing barriers to entry, and inspiring the next generation.
A centuries-old Indian spirit, banned during British colonial rule, is poised to make a dramatic entrance onto the UK drinks market.
Six Brothers Mahura, distilled from the culturally significant Mahura flower (Madhuca Longifolia), will launch in the UK in 2025, marking the first time this unique spirit has been sold outside of India. This launch follows the unveiling of a limited-edition ultra-premium release, the Six Brothers 1922 Resurrection Mahura, of which only 102 bottles are available.
Also known as Mahua, Mahuva, Mahuda or Mhowra, the Mahura tree is native to the forests of western and central India. Its flower has long been cherished by indigenous tribal communities and royalty alike, but its distillation was suppressed during colonial times to protect European spirit imports. Now, South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest malt distilleries, is reviving this forgotten heritage with two Mahura expressions.
Six Brothers Small Batch Mahura, the spirit launching in the UK, is a premium spirit, double-distilled in copper pot stills and platinum filtered. Its complex and aromatic profile offers sweet, earthy notes of dried fruits, pepper, and ginger, followed by a clean, spicy finish with lingering raisin and hay. The spirit is expected to be versatile, lending itself to a range of sophisticated cocktails.
To celebrate the UK launch and introduce Mahura to the market, South Seas Distilleries has launched the Six Brothers Mahura Masters cocktail competition. Set to take place in March at the prestigious Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London, the competition invites top bartenders to create innovative cocktails using Mahura.
Andy Loudon, Director of Bars at Scarfes Bar, said the venue was the perfect setting for the launch of a new spirit category.
“With a legacy of redefining cocktail culture through creativity and narrative driven storytelling, Scarfes Bar naturally aligns with the symbolism of the Mahura flower: rare, vibrant, and full of possibility,” Loudon commented.
“The venue’s history of hosting world-class competitions and championing forward-thinking bartending makes it a fitting stage to unveil a spirit that, like the Mahura, signifies growth, transformation, and a bold new chapter in the world of cocktails.”
Drinks critic Douglas Blyde, a judge for the competition, added: “The competition provides an opportunity to introduce this groundbreaking spirit to the UK market, engaging the capital’s best talent in the process. Bartenders will have the unique chance to shape the way Mahura as a category is received in the UK, and to push the boundaries of what this versatile spirit can do in cocktails.”
The competition will see two winners being rewarded with a luxury trip to India to learn about the spirit’s cultural and distilling heritage, timed to coincide with the Mahura tree’s blooming season.
Doritos' Super Bowl ad, chosen by the American public, is set to air in Britain this Sunday during the big game between Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for the most coveted trophy in American Football.
While many Brits may not fully grasp the nuances of American Football, the Super Bowl commercials themselves offer a spectacle often as entertaining as the game.
This year, UK viewers will get a taste of the #DoritosCrash competition, a unique initiative that empowers aspiring filmmakers.
Last September, Doritos challenged fans and creators to produce their own 30-second Super Bowl ad for a chance to win $1 million and have their work broadcast during the game. The call to action was simple: “Think you can do better? Prove it.”
Thousands of entries were whittled down to three finalists – Abduction, Barbershop, and Charades – by a panel of judges including players and advertising experts. Ultimately, the American public chose the winner: Abduction.
Created by co-directors Dylan and Nate, Abduction humorously depicts that no one can resist the bold crunch of Doritos – not even extraterrestrials! This sci-fi-inspired spot, packed with twists and turns, will be shown on ITV and Sky Sports during the Super Bowl broadcast.
While this marks the first time a #DoritosCrash ad will air in the UK, the competition itself has a rich history. Launched in 2006, it was a pioneering effort in user-generated content, placing the biggest advertising moment of the year in the hands of fans. Despite social media being in its early stages, the gamble paid off, and the contest ran for ten years, producing some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads ever seen.
“This year’s #DoritosCrash contest winner, Abduction, is the ultimate embodiment of Doritos’ For the Bold ethos,” Chris Bellinger, chief creative officer at PepsiCo, said.
“They truly pushed the bounds of creativity with their Abduction ad. We can’t wait to showcase their vision on the biggest stage in advertising, as we know the spot will inspire our fans to continue stepping outside of what is expected.”
Bolle Drinks has announced the launch of BOLLE Chardonnay, its first non-alcoholic still wine, into the UK market. Crafted from a blend of 75 per cent Chardonnay and 25 per cent Sylvaner grapes, this Chardonnay has been made to capture the essence of its terroir and demonstrate the quality possible via pioneering non-alcoholic winemaking.
With an alcohol content of less than 0.5 per cent ABV, BOLLE Chardonnay has a clear golden appearance and offers a clean, light palate with balanced acidity. Flavour notes include citrus fruits and ripe pear, leading to a smooth texture, creamy mouthfeel, and a lingering finish.
"We are excited to introduce our first still wine in response to the growing market demand for quality non-alcoholic wines.” said Bolle Drinks CEO Gary Read. “The wine is made using a similar process as our sparkling wines, by re-fermenting the de-alcoholised wine to naturally create all the flavour, aroma and mouthfeel, resulting in a bright, crisp, and elegantly balanced wine. We are the only non-alcoholic wine company in the world that uses the technique of double fermentation."
The growing market for non-alcoholic beverages has been underscored by the IWSR, predicting the market will grow by $4bn over the next four years. Priced at £14.99, BOLLE "continues to set the standard for premium non-alcoholic wines," concluded Read.