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*Innovation in the global beverage industry was celebrated on 9 April 2008 in Moscow, Russia, with the presentation of the 2008 beverage innovation awards. The awards, in partnership with UNESDA – the Union of European Beverages Associations, were kindly sponsored by SmartSeal from Norway. *
With categories for juice, functional and adult drinks, along with categories for health, ingredients packaging, sustainability and marketing initiatives, the awards attracted more than 120 entries from 21 countries. The awards were organised by Zenith International Publishing through its beverage innovation magazine.
The Best new juice or juice drink category, sponsored by Frigoglass, was awarded to Good Natured, for its pure orange and pure tropical juice using Rainforest Alliance certified farms. Other finalists were Coca-Cola España with Limon&Nada and true fruits GmbH with true fruit Smoothies. Highly commended in this category was J García-Carrión of Spain with Asda Not From Concentrate juice.
The Best new functional drink category was won by Firefly Tonics, with Firefly Water, which infuses spring water with teas and superfoods as well as spices such as mint and lemongrass. Other finalists were RDA Organic, and Sonnenalm Getränkevertrieb GmbH with Antistress. Highly commended in this category were SkylarHayley with essn energy and Angel Drink GmbH.
The Best new adult drink section was won by Pepsi with RAW, made using natural raw cane sugar. Other finalists in this category included Orchard Pig entered by design agency Blue Marlin, Afriplex from South Africa with ega, and Hib! from The Hibisicus Drinks Company.
Coca-Cola Hellas and Coca-Cola Hellenic Trian Epsilon from Greece won the Best new health initiative category with their nationwide School Education Programme. Close behind was Coca-Cola Hellenic with the functional drinkEyzhn by Amita. Highly commended in this category was Micro Mobility Systems with Super Cap and Multon from Russia with Dobry Fortified.
The Ingredient innovation category, sponsored by Velcorin, was won by the entry from Sonnenalm Getränkevertrieb GmbH of Austria with Antistress a functional drink made using stinging nettles. Other finalists were Bolthouse Farms. USA with BomDia and Dobry Winter from Multon in Russia. Highly commended were Kerry Bio-Science with Hyprol and Tate & Lyle with Promitor.
SmartSeal of Norway won the Best packaging innovation with FLEX, a revolutionary range of no spill active closures. Other finalists were true fruit GmbH with its range of Smoothies and Waterwerkz with the PouchLink System for vending drinks. Highly commended in this category were Cubis with its square drinks container, Claessens Products Consultants with Ya Dessert, Arkema GmbH with the protective coatingTegoglas 3000+, and Demo Design & Moulds from Italy with its innovative bottle, Blobble.
The winner of the Best sustainability initiative was Good Natured. In sourcing its fruit from Rainforest Alliance certified farms this ensures real benefits to the Costa Rican farm workers. The other finalist was Coca-Cola Beverages Hungary with its companywide sustainability programme. Highly commended were GSK which is now using 100% recycled plastic for its bottles, and Unilever France which now has all Rainforest Alliance certified tea.
The Newcomer brand or business came from Blue Marlin, which submitted Coco, a premium coconut drink communicating refreshment, indulgence and respect for nature. Other finalists were the Smart functional range from Croatian company Jamnica and UK’s Good Natured. Highly commended in this category was also Multon with its fruit puree blend Rich Fruit Mix.
Australian smoothie company nudie won the Best marketing campaign with the first fruit election campaign, which coincided with the Australian Federal Election. Other category finalists were Coca-Cola European Union Group (EUG) with its interactive Music campaign, along with Coca-Cola Hellas with Sprite. Highly commended in this category was the botaniQ original campaign from Coca-Cola Hellenic Eurasia.
The Best overall concept award went to Coca-Cola España with Limon&Nada. The product is fun, comes in modern packaging with great graphics and has a simple focus on the naturalness of the ingredients.
beverage innovation Editor Claire Phoenix commented: “The overall concept winner for Limon&Nada – meaning Lemon and Nothing – indicates the consumer need for something simple, natural and refreshing that is delivered in a modern, easy to drink format. Entries in each category were outstanding as can be seen from the 36 page entrants supplement. Congratulations to all involved for making the industry heart beat a little faster and showing a healthier and more environmentally aware way forward.”
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