Hit series The Simpsons is embarking on a trail of health-driven innovation with a range of sugar-free drinks targeted at kids’ lunchboxes.
Six-pack juice drinks in orange & peach and strawberry & apple flavours (rsp: £1.99), as well as a new squash in orange and apple & blackcurrant (rsp: 78p for one-litre and £1.29 for two-litre), are being produced by Cott Beverages in the UK. The products are free of sugar and artificial colours.
As part of NPD aimed at cashing in on the popularity of The Simpsons and a growing trend towards healthier drinks, a branded range of 330ml flavoured waters at 26p each is also being relaunched.
With the UK kids’ water market currently valued at more than £25m and growing at around 5% year-on-year [ACNielsen], Fox Licensing Europe MD Carl Lumbard said healthy character-licensed products aimed at kids were a significant sales opportunity.
“There is a consumer and retailer drive towards healthier products and we will be looking at developing new products in that area early next year, while continuing to meet demand for treat products,” he said. “We want to be part of the debate on character licensing while making sure we have a balanced portfolio.”
There are more than 20 Simpsons-licensed food and drink products on the market, ranging from tinned pasta to celebration cakes.
Vimto Soft Drinks will handle the sales, marketing and distribution of the drinks range.