News Briefs for July 11, 2025
July 11, 2025•Mixer and RTD brand Zing Zang has been acquired by condiment company Mizkan America, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. According to Mizkan, Zing Zang will operate as an independent entity for the foreseeable future but will leverage Mizkan’s resources to enhance operations. Prior to the sale, Zing Zang was owned by NexPhase Capital. Zing Zang’s latest offering is a dill pickle flavored Bloody Mary mix that joins the brand’s original Bloody Mary mix, a spicier Bloody Mary mix, a variety of Margarita and other cocktail mixers, and a line of RTD Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Mizkan is the exclusive distributor of Angostura bitters in North America, and is also active in cocktail mixers.
•Suntory Global Spirits’ vodka RTD brand -196 has launched a new combo variety pack, featuring four flavors. Each drink is at 5.5% abv and made with vodka, sparkling water, and frozen and crushed fruit. The 8-pack offers two cans each in Strawberry & Watermelon, Lemon & Lime, Strawberry & Pineapple, and Lemon & Raspberry flavors. The new variety pack carries a suggested price of $20 and is now rolling out across the U.S. While relatively new to the U.S. market, -196 is the largest spirits brand globally by volume at more than 30 million cases in 2024, according to Impact Databank. In the U.S., -196 was at 160,000 cases last year, up from 20,000 a year earlier.
•Larkspur, California’s O’Neill Vintners and Distillers has entered the functional beverage market with Catalyst. The new energy drink is made with caffeine and vitamins B12 and B6, plus a “formula of premium nootropics,” according to the company. The new brand comes in six flavors at launch, including SuperBerry, PomPower, Grapefruit Frost, Fruit Fusion, Citrus Spark, and Orange Dream. Individual 12-ounce cans carry a suggested price of $3, with 12-packs selling for $33. Catalyst is now available in select retailers and through the brand’s website.
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