The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Remedy Drinks has launched a limited-edition kombucha flavour, Merry Cherry, ahead of the Christmas season.

The new variant combines cherry with notes of white chocolate, raspberry and biscuit, and is positioned as a festive, better-for-you soft drink option for the holiday period.

Merry Cherry is long-age brewed for 30 days and contains no sugar and five calories per serving. The kombucha is also vegan and gluten-free.

The new product is available in a 700ml sharing bottle, with a recommended retail price of £2.95. It is launching at Sainsbury’s and Ocado, as well as through Remedy’s online store.

Remedy said the limited-edition launch is intended to provide retailers with a seasonal opportunity to encourage new consumers to try kombucha, while offering existing shoppers a festive flavour in a sharing format.

Santino Luciano, newly appointed managing director UK & Europe at Remedy Drinks, said: “Innovation is how we recruit new shoppers into kombucha, and limited editions have driven strong trial and repeat.”

He added that the company is investing in “visibility, trial, great-tasting innovation and strong storytelling” to make kombucha more accessible to consumers.

The launch comes as the UK grocery kombucha category continues to expand. According to Remedy, the category is now worth £47.2m and is growing by 14% year-on-year, compared with 5.2% growth across total flavoured carbonates.

The company said the category has added £6m in value over the past 12 months.

Remedy currently holds a 34% share of the UK kombucha market, with £16.1m in retail sales, according to figures supplied by the brand.

Alongside the product launch, Remedy has partnered with charity Social Bite, which supports people experiencing homelessness and food poverty.

The company will donate 10p from every bottle of Merry Cherry sold to the charity. Consumers can also make an additional donation using a QR code on the product packaging.

Remedy said the initiative forms part of its plans to combine seasonal innovation with social impact during the Christmas period.

The company, which was founded in Melbourne, Australia, has expanded its portfolio beyond kombucha with Remedy Sodaly, a no-sugar soda made with apple cider vinegar.

Remedy's drinks are naturally sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free and contain no artificial ingredients.