Page 81 - Demo

THE BEVERAGE GUIDE perfect for summer get-togethers with friends, and we’ll have plenty of creative and inspiring ways to up your cocktail game on our social channels throughout summer, alongside retailer promotions to drive trial.” Box Mixers, says Mr Barton, will continue championing the idea that great cocktails can be part of any social occasion, without the need for the host to be a mixologist, or leave the house. “It’s all about doing less without compromising on taste.” A ‘premium’ protein relaunch In May, Halo Food Co Trading relaunched the Tonik Nutrition brand. The “premium” better-for-you product range is primarily aimed at health- conscious millennials, who have a high consumption rate of protein products driven by their active lifestyles. Among the brand’s first products to launch was Tonik Pro, a high-protein shake “loaded” with vitamins and minerals and low in fat and sugar. Halo Food Co Head of Sales Ash McMillan says the market has shifted to align with global trends and in line with people living busier lives. “We believe the market has experienced a positive shift primarily due to consumer health trends shaking things up, shifting demand away from sugar-filled products to healthier alternatives, coupled with those living an active lifestyle looking for a protein-rich supplement to get them through the day,” he said. Following what was said to be a successful rollout of the Tonik rebrand, Halo Food Co launched a new proprietary product range under the brand in August, Tonik Plant. This product is claimed to be Australia’s first vegan/ plant-based ready-to-drink protein shake and has been developed, manufactured, and commercialised in-house by the company’s product development team. Tonik Plant, says Halo Food Co, has been developed in response to rapidly growing demand for plant-based health products, and especially to capitalise on some top global trends for food (namely plant-based foods, better-for-you snacking and health food on demand. Tonik Plant has six flavour SKUs which are manufactured at the company’s ready-to- drink bottling facility in Melbourne. Despite relaunching during the Covid-19 pandemic, the response to Tonik Nutrition, according to the brand, has been well received by retailers and distribution partners. The Tonik Pro and Tonik Plant products can now be found nationally in Coles, Coles Local, Caltex, Freedom Fuels, NightOwl, Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness as well as in “many” independents. Further ranging through the Halo Food Co distribution channels is expected in the near term, both nationally and internationally. “Halo Food Co has plans to roll out further innovation in the new year, launching Tonik Energy and Tonik Amino + Sports Drink ranges to further support health-conscious consumers’ desire for premium energy and sports drinks as the brand’s momentum continues to grow,” Mr McMillan said. NOV, 2020 RETAIL WORLD 79