Innovation in the beverage industry remains very high, with three innovative launches over the past month in terms of concept, packaging, ingredients or functionality. Quaker Oats has launched new packaging for its Gatorade sports drink. Gatorade Thirst Quenching EDGE Bottle is designed with a system that matches the shape of the mouth and lips, making it easier to drink. In the US, Coca-Cola is going to please coffee fans with a range of caffeine enriched coffee drinks. Milkywave, Tremble and Javachino are the three available varieties and are marketed under the Planet Java brand. Tremble is the strongest variety, Javachino is cappuccino flavoured and Milkywave is nut flavoured. Probiotics continue to grow in popularity, with more products now available on the market. Valio of Finland has launched an Emmental type cheese, Kevytjuusto, under the Gefilus brand. This is the first hard cheese, which contains Lactobacillus GG. The taste is said to be sweet and nutty but rich, and the product contains only 15% fat. Research studies have shown that between four and six slices of Gefilus cheese supply an adequate daily dose of LGG. Still in the healthy sector, Japanese company Daisho has introduced Macha Creamy, a green tea spread. This spread is available in 130g squeezy tubes. Although it's still a long way to Easter, German manufacturer Gut Springenheide has launched unusual Easter eggs, filled with a chocolate nougat or chocolate truffle centre and packaged in real shell eggs. Gut Springenheide uses a special process that empties out the shell eggs, sterilises the interior, fills them with chocolate and seals the hole. Convenience and healthy benefits are two features that are increasingly used together. In the US, Eggland's Best has launched a range of breakfast kits which include eggs plus other ingredients to make quick easy meals. Eggland's Best eggs offer lower cholesterol, less saturated fat and more vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids than regular eggs. The range comprises Ham & Cheese Omelette Kit, including four eggs, ham and cheese; Eggs Benedict including four eggs, Hollandaise sauce, Canadian bacon and English muffins; Egg Sandwich Kit, including English muffins, four eggs, cheese and Canadian bacon; and Devilled Egg/Egg Salad Kit, including eight hard boiled eggs, a honey mustard, mayonnaise mix and spices. {{P&P }}

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