Lipton, a British brand of tea that is sold in 150 countries worldwide, has launched its first hard tea in response to the increasing consumer demand for hard teas.The hard tea market is currently estimated at US$19 billion and growing, with canned alcoholic beverages, particularly tea-flavored beverages, taking the market by storm.
Lipton Hard Iced Tea is a 5% ABV non-carbonated product made with real brewed Lipton tea, natural fruit flavors and a triple-filtered, premium malt base. It is launching in four just-sweet-enough flavors that are inspired by Lipton tea fan favorites: Lemon, Peach, Half & Half and Strawberry.
The drinks are sold as 12-can variety packs or as singular cans and are available to purchase now in select US retailers.
In October 2022, PepsiCo signed an agreement with FIFCO, a beverage and food group headquartered in Costa Rica to develop and distribute an alcoholic version of its Lipton brand, Lipton Hard Ice Tea.FIFCO USA has also signed a distribution agreement with Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., a wholly ownd subsidiary of PepsiCo to oversee the physical rollout of the product.
The cooperation follows a similar pattern which PepsiCo already has in place with The Boston Beer Co. for Hard Mtn Dew, an alcoholic version of the PepsiCo-owned carbonated soft drink brand Mountain Dew. (inside.beer, 10.8.2021)
Blue Cloud Distribution Inc. is also responsible for the distribution of Hard Mtn Dew.
"Lipton Hard Iced Tea is what you want hard iced tea to taste like," said Lisa Texido, Brand Director for Lipton Hard Iced Tea at FIFCO USA. "We created the recipe to make sure that the smooth, balanced flavor people love about Lipton iced tea really came through. I think people will be surprised that a hard iced tea can be this delicious – it's a must-try."
