Dr Pepper is partnering with Johnsonville to launch a new sausage inspired by the soda giant's original 23-flavor blend. The meats will be available in fully cooked and uncooked varieties at retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and 7-Eleven.
According to Derek Dabrowski, senior vice president of brand marketing at Dr Pepper, the company's signature 23-flavors have been used in home kitchens and backyard BBQs for years. He stated, "So transforming that iconic taste into a sausage felt both unexpected and completely natural."
Johnsonville and Dr Pepper acknowledged that the new sausage may be polarizing among consumers, but they noted that it brings together two brands synonymous with community hangouts. A survey conducted by the Harris Poll found that 73% of Americans are hanging out less than they used to, while 9 in 10 Americans agree that delicious food makes hanging out more fun.
Product Expansion
Dr Pepper has been incorporated into various foods in recent years, including jelly beans, Tic Tacs, meat sticks, and popcorn. Conagra Brands also plans to launch Dr Pepper flavored Snack Packs later this year, citing a 9% rise in Dr Pepper sales for the 52-week period ending December 21.
Meanwhile, Founders Brewing is entering the ready-to-drink vodka cocktail market with Water Hazard, a drink inspired by a popular TikTok recipe. Water Hazard is made with vodka, blue sports drink, lemonade, and lemon-lime soda, and will initially be available in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Market Trends
The RTD offering comes as craft beer sales decline and consumers gravitate toward premixed, canned cocktails. Founders will also unveil two new low-alcohol beers in March, including Easy Drinking, a golden ale, and Low Profile IPA, which is 86 calories and 3% ABV.
New Snack Options
Smash Kitchen, a better-for-you condiments brand co-founded by actor Glen Powell, is expanding into the snack aisle with kettle chips, tortilla chips, and microwave popcorn. The brand aims to provide a better-for-you option for families at an affordable price, according to Sameer Mehta, CEO of Smash Kitchen.
