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.
Popeyes says ahoy to at-home biscuit mixes
Popeyes is bringing some muscle to the biscuit aisle.
The fried chicken chain launched its biscuit mixes in stores, allowing consumers to make them at home. The Popeyes biscuits are available in two flavors: Cajun Cheddar and Homestyle. Both require just water and butter, with Cajun Cheddar also needing a dash of cheese.
"Our guests have always loved our biscuits, and we're thrilled to bring the flavor of the iconic Popeyes Biscuit into homes nationwide in a whole new way," Matt Rubin, chief marketing officer at Popeyes, said in a statement. "[This provides] guests a new way to experience the flaky, buttery flavor they know and love wherever they are."
The mixes, which will make 10 biscuits in just under 20 minutes, are available nationwide at Walmart, HEB, and at select Target locations. They will sell for between $3.23 and $3.49.
As cash-strapped consumers spend more time cooking at home, the opportunity to replicate a popular restaurant staple at home has proven increasingly attractive. It also provides Popeyes with a different channel it can turn to promote its brand, which could lead to sales later on at its restaurants.
Biscuits are not Popeyes' first foray into grocery and retail stores. Last year, the fried chicken chain brought its Blackened Ranch, Sweet Heat and Mardi Gras Mustard sauces to shelves for the first time.
— Christopher Doering
Bero soaks up the sun with shandies
Nonalcoholic beer brand Bero is launching shandy varieties this summer.
As nonalcoholic beer grows in popularity and new brands enter the segment, many beverages are looking for ways to stand out. Bero hopes the shandy line will help it evolve “beyond traditional expectations” of nonalcoholic beer and provide consumers with more occasions to engage with the brand.
"BERO is focused on delivering amazing flavor to meet the modern palette with premium at its core," John Herman, co-founder and CEO of Bero, said in a statement. "We have heard from our community that they love our beer styles but this shandy represents an opportunity to introduce our brand to new and different consumers.”
Bero, co-founded by actor Tom Holland, is releasing four new shandy varieties crafted with the brand’s golden pilsner and lemonade in fruit flavors: lemon lime, grapefruit, elderflower and blackberry yuzu.
The limited-time beers will be available online beginning on June 8, with a Target expansion planned for June 14. Wider retail availability will begin on July 1.
Holland isn’t the only celebrity to plant his flag in the nonalcoholic beer segment. George Clooney recently entered the mix with Crazy Mountain; Charlie Sheen founded Wild AF Brewing; and John Mulaney bought into Chicago-based Years. Celebrity endorsements help draw consumers to unfamiliar products and encourage them to try something new.
— Laurel Deppen
Cuervo Tequila cracks open canned margaritas
Cuervo Tequila is modernizing its classic spirit with a line of ready-to-drink sparkling cocktails.
The canned offerings include ready-to-drink varieties of tequila cocktails, including Classic Margarita, paloma, Strawberry Margarita and pink lemonade.
Cuervo is launching eight-count variety packs, single-flavor four packs and individual cans. The drinks contain 5.9% alcohol by volume, which Cuervo said taps into consumer interest in sessionable items.
“People are reaching for RTDs now more than ever,” Lander Otegui, executive vice president of marketing and innovation at Proximo Spirits, said in a statement. “With the new lower-ABV Cuervo Canned Cocktails, we’ve reimagined those same beloved flavors that are already part of our DNA, in a convenient, on-the-go format that makes it easy to sip your favorite cocktails all season long.”
Spirit-based RTDs have grown 30% in the past year, according to Nielsen data cited by Cuervo. Those associated with established spirits brands tend to perform even better.
The lower alcohol content gives Curevo a point of differentiation from other ready-made margaritas on the market. Earlier this year, Casamigos released its first ready-to-serve margarita at a 20.5% alcohol by volume per 750 milliliter drink.
— Laurel Deppen
