Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
Dole unveils a piña colada pineapple
Produce giant Dole Food Company has created a new pineapple that's perfect if you like piña coladas (and potentially getting caught in the rain).
After 15 years of research and development, Dole has unveiled Colada Royale pineapple, which the company calls a "game-changing" innovation to the fresh fruit category. The pineapple has been conventionally bred to be green and gold on the outside with a cream-colored inside, offering "notes of coconut and piña colada for those seeking the ultimate tropical eating experience," according to a release.
The Colada Royale also features two and a half times more vitamin B6 than a standard Dole pineapple, the company said, supporting brain, nervous system and immune health. Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, said in a statement that the goal of the fruit was to offer a premium pineapple for all income levels.
“Our new Colada Royale Pineapple is not just a novelty or publicity gimmick; it’s Dole’s long-term strategy for getting more people to embrace the tropical majesty of pineapples with a luxurious new taste experience that leaves you wanting more,” Goldfield said in a statement.
Premium pineapples are having a moment as health-conscious consumers gravitate toward tropical flavors and seek "exotic and vibrant taste experiences," according to Innova Markets. Fresh Del Monte's Pinkglow pineapples, which are bioengineered to have a rosy interior, have been a standout for the produce company,with demand at one point outpacing supply.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Mission tortillas flip for GLP-1s
Mission Foods is giving consumers taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss a new option for their taco or wrap.
The Mexican food products maker is expanding its Better For You line with the launch of its Zero Net Carbs Spinach Tortillas. The product is meant to offer flavor and essential nutrition for consumers seeking low-carb and high-fiber choices.
“At Mission Foods, we know that eating well looks different for everyone,” Sathish Mohanraju, vice president of sales and marketing for Mission Foods, said in a statement. “Our Zero Net Carbs Spinach Tortillas are crafted to support today’s most important wellness goals, whether that’s reducing carbs, increasing fiber or fueling up.”
Food companies have little choice but to respond to the GLP-1 craze. Roughly 13% of people have used GLP-1s, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation cited by Mission. Even more consumers are expected to take the drug as availability expands, which could reshape eating preferences and purchasing patterns.
This shift has prompted food makers to launch new product lines aimed specifically at this demographic, or to debut extensions of existing products. Danone’s Oikos has launched a yogurt drink aimed at GLP-1 users, while Nestlé launched its first major U.S. brand called Vital Pursuit for consumers taking these medications.
— Christopher Doering
Coca-Cola brings back Diet Coke Lime
Coca-Cola is tapping into the nostalgia trend with a limited re-release of Diet Coke Lime.
Retro Diet Coke Lime will be available in 12-pack cans and 20-ounce bottles nationwide through the end of the year in groceries, convenience stores and other mass retailers. The launch follows the success of Retro Diet Cherry Coke earlier this year, which the company said “proved just how much appetite there is for throwback flavors that connect people to cultural moments and personal memories."
Diet Coke Lime first launched in 2004 before being discontinued in 2018. The soda giant is bringing back the flavor as it looks to reinvigorate Diet Coke after a two-decade decline, with CEO James Quincy telling investors that the company has recently found "more responsiveness to investment in marketing and innovation" for the brand.
Coca-Cola is featuring the lime beverage in its Diet Coke “This is My Taste,” campaign, which focuses on consumers’ personal tastes with Diet Coke, including those on social media adding pickle juice and jalapenos to the beverage.
“We spend a lot of time listening to what our consumers are saying online,” Ryan Watson, brand director, Diet Coke North America, said in a press release. “People have been signing petitions and DM-ing us asking for flavors from the past, including cherry and lime. We take all of that into account before doing extensive qualitative research and testing to determine our next offerings.”
Customization and unique flavors have been a focal point in soda over the past few years, and even fueled the “dirty soda” craze.
— Laurel Deppen
