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“We’re thrilled to bring Nestea^® in ready to drink format across the country.” said Jean Gagnon, Vice President, Cold Beverages at Keurig Dr Pepper Canada (KDP Canada). “This beloved brand holds a special place in many hearts, and we’re excited to carry that legacy forward with the quality and innovation Canadians expect from KDP.”

Available now at major grocery and convenience retailers across the country, including Loblaws, Walmart, Sobeys, Metro, IGA, Amazon, and more, Nestea^® RTD comes in four refreshing flavours: Lemon, Peach, Raspberry, and Lemon Zero Sugar. The beverages are offered in four popular formats: 355mL can, 473mL and 1.89L bottles, and a 10-pack of 200mL tetra packs. Canadian’s can also enjoy Nestea^® when dining out or on the go, with availability in a variety of ready to drink and fountain formats at your favourite establishments.

Retailers across Canada are preparing for strong consumer demand as Nestea^® rolls out in ready-to-drink format, supported by a high-impact national campaign. “Nestea^® in RTD format presents a strong opportunity to meet consumer demand and drive category growth,” said Knolly Smith, Vice President of Sales at KDP Canada. “With excitement already building in market, we’re working closely with our retail partners to ensure they’re well positioned to capture the opportunity.”

KDP Canada is also supporting the launch with a 360-marketing campaign titled ”Nothing’s Like Nestea^®,” including digital and social OLV, OOH placements, in-store retail activations, PR support, influencer engagements and a comprehensive social media campaign. This campaign highlights the authentic love Canadians have for the brand, and the thirst-quenching love  Nestea can deliver.

Nestea^® fans in the GTA looking to find their bestea are invited to visit the brand’s activation taking place at the Toronto Eaton Centre on August 28-31 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a chance to sip on this iconic Canadian brand.

Check out the new Canadian website www.drinknestea.ca as well as @NesteaCanada on Instagram and @Nestea_Ca on TikTok to stay in the know about Nestea^® in Canada.

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The Muskoka Foundry, which started as a manufacturing plant in 1904, is a retail and event space in Bracebridge. The Farm Store has been a vendor at the Foundry for two years, offering a range of locally sourced foods and boutique wines. Chris Finlay and Alexandra Roth, owners of The Farm Store, were offered a space to sell drinks during events, which sparked the idea for the Speakeasy. They decided to create an artisanal cocktail bar that married the mission of their store with the history of the Muskoka Foundry.

“The bar is the connection between the two,” Finlay said. “It’s luxury cocktails, selected wines, we have a bottle shop attached to us, and a bunch of different beers from local vendors, and then it’s all hosted in this beautiful industrial space that has a ton of history and legacy in it.”

The building was made in 1903 and Dominion Linen Mills took over from 1904 to 1912. The Muskoka Foundry and Bracebridge Manufacturing each ran the plant for periods during the 1900s, creating metal products like signs, steel beams and parts for the timber industry.

Now, with a name calling back to its history, the building hosts weddings, concerts and other events in addition to the retail space. During renovations for the bar, Finlay and Roth installed a larger stage to host live music. They’ll feature local musicians on Fridays and Saturdays in May and June and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July and August.

“The place is filled with antiques, it’s eclectic, there’s exposed brick – it was just a really great fit for the building,” Roth said. “Along with that, the era matches the Foundry as well, and we wanted to tie in that high-end cocktail and wine bar because we also believe that’s something that’s needed in Bracebridge.”

Finlay and Roth worked with their mixologist to create a menu of signature cocktails that fit the 1920s theme. They’re also offering drink and charcuterie menus that, like the products in their store, are curated to include local ingredients that change throughout the year, highlighting the best each season has to offer.

“Most of the cocktail menu items are all made from Ontario distilleries or sourced from Ontario breweries, so for example, most of our spirits are all from Copperhead Distillery, which is just from Sundridge,” said Ken Elo, consultant and manager for the Speakeasy.

Even the tequila they use comes from a brand with Canadian founders. “All of the signature drinks incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables to try to have a very local, luxury, curated menu,” Elo said.

The Farm Store has been closed during renovations, but they’re excited to be putting the final touches on the bar as they prepare for the grand opening. Bracebridge musician Carter Pharoah is performing from 6 to 9 p.m. as they introduce the Speakeasy to the public.

The Speakeasy will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays until Father’s Day. After that, the bar will be closed on Mondays, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the rest of the week.

“We are also opening up an artisan food and drink market, so there will be other local food and drink vendors open here as well,” Roth said. “Customers can come to the Foundry, purchase food from some of the other vendors, and sit at the Speakeasy and enjoy one of our signature craft cocktails, so it’s a really unique experience.”

The market will offer barbeque from TheBack40 Smoke Box, salads from The Balancing Way, and gourmet donuts and ice cream from Lil Tuck’s Donut Shop. Muskoka River Bagel Co, one of the Foundry’s existing tenants, will have fresh-baked bagels, bread and Detroit-style pizza. Enchanted Florals will also be there to sell bouquets and other arrangements.

The bar and market will open as of May 18, and an outdoor patio is slated to open sometime during June. Scott Harkness, owner of the Muskoka Foundry, said it’s been great having The Farm Store as part of the Foundry family, and he can’t wait to see where they go from here.

“They offer a very unique selection of locally produced foods that are typically not available elsewhere, and they also have an absolutely fantastic wine selection that is definitely not available anywhere else,” Harkness said. “All of their wines are from all over the world from boutique wineries and not available at the LCBO.”

Harkness said the concept behind the bar is the perfect blend between the high-end food and drink at The Farm Store and the history of the Foundry. It’s a special building that requires a bar that’s just as memorable, so he’s excited to be able to offer customers a full selection of food, drink and entertainment.

“It was just really crying out for a bar that would be unique to the Foundry and to this area, and the Speakeasy obviously just screams that,” Harkness said. “Also, the Speakeasy vibe [dates] back to Prohibition, which is getting back closer to the date that the Foundry was originally built.”

He’s gotten a sneak peek of the bar’s offerings, and he’s already impressed with their selection of cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer. He has owned the building for eight years, and it’s taken substantial work to get the Foundry where it is now. Though it’s been a grind, he can’t wait to see the new and improved Foundry open later this month.

“To really have the vision of the market now finally coming together at the south end of the building – the Speakeasy obviously as an anchor to it – it’s absolutely wonderful.”

Visit 101 Entrance Drive in Bracebridge from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on May 18 for the grand opening, and follow the Speakeasy on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

This article is sponsored by The Farm Store.

The post A Toast To The Past: The Speakeasy At Muskoka Foundry Hosts Grand Opening On May 18 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The affected products have been sold nationally and online.

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Served all day, only at A&W Brew Bar locations across Canada, the Frozen Root Beer lineup features three mind-numbing, mouthwatering flavours: Frozen A&W Root Beer®, A&W Root Beer® Sweet Cream Shake, and A&W Root Beer® Mocha Shake.

• Frozen A&W Root Beer®

Classic A&W Root Beer® made with natural cane sugar and natural flavours, blended with ice.

• A&W Root Beer® Sweet Cream Shake

Classic A&W Root Beer® made with natural cane sugar and natural flavours, mixed with the rich creamy addition of sweet cream made with 100% Canadian dairy, blended with ice.

• A&W Root Beer® Mocha Shake

Classic A&W Root Beer® made with natural cane sugar and natural flavours, with the added smooth taste of cold brew coffee and sweet cream made with 100% Canadian dairy, blended with ice.

“Our Frozen Root Beer lineup is a new take on our classic root beer that Canadians have grown up loving. The frozen texture adds a new dimension to the smooth and creamy taste of our signature root beer. This frozen treat is perfect for hot summer days or whenever you’re craving an icy, nostalgic beverage,” said Karan Suri, Director of Menu Development for A&W Canada.

A&W began rolling out its new Brew Bar program to A&W restaurants in the spring of 2021. With 520+ A&W Brew Bar locations now open, Canadians across the country can enjoy the new frozen and hot and cold espresso-based beverages.

Schlurp up the new Frozen Root Beer lineup by heading to aw.ca/brewbar to find your nearest A&W Brew Bar® location and explore the menu today.

The post A&W Classic Root Beer Gets An Icy Twist As “Frozen Root Beer” appeared first on Muskoka411.

Made with the perfect blend of fruity flavours and sparkling water, the new Sparkling Quenchers at Tims make for a light, bubbly and delicious drink and are available in two refreshing options: Blackberry Yuzu and Orange Ginger.

“The lightly bubbly, and fruity flavour of our Sparkling Quenchers is a brand new Tims beverage experience that is going to be a huge hit with our guests all spring and summer long,” says Victoria Stewart, Director of Beverage Innovation at Tim Hortons. “Refreshingly light with the perfect hint of sweetness, our Sparkling Quenchers will be a match made in heaven for Tims guests trying to beat the heat this summer.”

Pair the Blackberry Yuzu or Orange Ginger Sparkling Quenchers with your favourite Loaded Bowl or Loaded Wrap for a delicious lunch or dinner on the go, or a quick meal to bring home.

The Tims cold beverage lineup for this spring and summer also features the OREO DOUBLE STUF Iced Capp, OREO Strawberry Creamy Chill, Caramel Toffee Cold Brew, Tims Strawberry Frozen Lemonade, Strawberry Watermelon or Peach Real Fruit Quenchers, and Vanilla Iced Latte.

Head to a Tim Hortons restaurant, order ahead on the Tim Hortons mobile app, or place an order for delivery and let Tims keep you refreshed all spring and summer long!

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Embracing its Mexican heritage, the new Tequila CAZADORES Paloma and Margarita canned cocktails elevate the classic recipe in a flavourful and fresh no-bar required format. These cocktails are expertly mixed to enjoy a premium cocktail experience without the hassle.

Tequila CAZADORES Paloma and Margarita cocktails are meticulously crafted using only the finest ingredients giving them a smooth and more refreshing taste. The 100% blue agave tequila used in the cocktails is sourced and distilled in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, widely known as the world’s premier agave growing region.

“Tequila CAZADORES has remained dedicated to producing the highest quality, 100% Blue Weber Agave Tequila throughout our 100-year history.” said Fernando Martinez, Tequila CAZADORES, Brand Manager. “Nothing is more important to us than remaining true to what is real & authentic, which is why we are so excited to be launching this line of delicious RTD canned cocktails to the Canadian market made with our expertly crafted Tequila CAZADORES Blanco. With these cocktails, we are offering the vibrant, fresh taste of Mexico in a convenient & portable format that will make them the perfect drink to enjoy anywhere with friends & family.”

Tequila CAZADORES Margarita and Paloma canned cocktails will be available in Alberta, British Columbia and the Maritimes at select retailers. Tequila CAZADORES Paloma RTD can be purchased in Ontario at the LCBO and Quebec at SAQ.

For more information on Tequila CAZADORES, please visit www.cazadores.com.

*This article is sponsored By: Tequila CAZADORES

The post Tequila CAZADORES Launches Premium Ready-To-Drink Cocktails appeared first on Muskoka411.

“From cool and creamy options to frozen coffee classics, and fruity and tangy delights, we’ve crafted our new cold beverage menu to ensure that Tims will be your go-to destination all spring and summer long, no matter what kind of drink you’re craving,” says Victoria Stewart, Director of Beverage Innovation at Tim Hortons.

Here’s a look at the new Tims cold beverage menu:

• OREO DOUBLE STUF Iced Capp 
  
  Two classic treats combined to make the drink of the summer! Tims iconic Iced Capp is taken to another level by being blended with OREO cookie crumble and vanilla syrup, topped with vanilla-flavoured whipped topping, and finished off with even more OREO cookie crumble on top for a DOUBLE STUF OREO flavour.
  
  
• OREO Strawberry Creamy Chill 
  
  Our Strawberry Creamy Chill is blended with OREO cookie crumble for a delicious fruit-and-chocolate flavour combination.
  
  
• Caramel Toffee Cold Brew 
  
  Steeped for 16 hours for a smooth and velvety taste, Tims Cold Brew is paired with Caramel Toffee syrup and topped with espresso-infused cold foam for the perfect mix of richness, sweetness and creaminess.
  
  
• Strawberry Watermelon or Peach Real Fruit Quenchers 
  
  Quench your thirst all spring and summer long with two refreshing Real Fruit Juice Quenchers served over ice – available in Strawberry Watermelon and Peach flavours.
  
  
• Vanilla Iced Latte 
  
  Change up your go-to espresso order by adding ice, a hint of vanilla and your choice of ice-chilled milk, cream, or an oat or almond beverage.
  
  
• Strawberry Frozen Lemonade 
  
  This fruity and tangy favourite is the perfect beverage to cool off with on a hot summer day.

The new Tims cold beverages are available starting today in Tim Hortons restaurants and through mobile order or delivery on the Tims app.

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The Vanilla Coconut Cold Brew and the espresso-based Vanilla Coconut Latte and Vanilla Coconut Cappuccino are made with our 100 per cent ethically sourced Premium Arabica Beans.

They’re made-to-order just the way you like it, including with your choice of cream, milk or an oat or almond beverage. The Vanilla Coconut Latte and Vanilla Coconut Cappuccino are topped with toasted coconut, while our Vanilla Coconut Cold Brew is finished off with a layer of espresso-infused foam.

“Our new Vanilla Coconut beverages are the perfect way to add a little something special to your day,” says Victoria Stewart, Director of Beverage Innovation at Tim Hortons.

“The combination of rich vanilla flavours with just the right hint of coconut tastes delicious in a hot Latte or Cappuccino, or in a Cold Brew. If you’re looking to elevate your coffee routine with something new, you have to give our Vanilla Coconut beverages a try.”

The Vanilla Coconut Latte, Vanilla Coconut Cappuccino and Vanilla Coconut Cold Brew are available for a limited time at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada.

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Within the spirits category, customers gravitated to tequila, which features innovative brands, interesting finishes, regional products (such as Mezcal), and cocktailing trends. As a result, tequila sales were up by 28% over the previous
year.    

Also trending upwards, were whiskies from America and new emerging whisky regions such as Ireland and Japan. New customers and collectors alike were eager for new innovations and special releases of highly sought-after collector brands. Our Whisky Shop Collection of specially released scotches and whiskies from around the world experienced growth of more
than 25% over the previous year.  

When it comes to wine, Ontarians purchased ‘less but better’ in 2022. This means that while customers were buying less wine overall, when they did make a purchase, they were willing to spend more on a premium product, such as Vintages. Key product categories that are driving growth in wines include champagne, sparkling European wines, California wines
and rosé. Demand for Ontario icewine is also bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels in store and online with more than 52% growth over last year. 

As we emerged from pandemic lockdowns, customers were more mindful of making positive drinking choices. Lighter wine choices – low sugar, lower calorie, lower in alcohol and even alcohol free – were a popular option at the beginning of the
year and continue to offer choice to those wishing to practice moderation. 

Within the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category, which includes pre-mixed cocktails and coolers, customer demand slowed compared to the previous year, but sales growth overall continued to outpace other categories. Customers tended to stick to their favourite RTD brands, even as new brands entered the market. Within this category, seltzers continue to be
the most popular segment with 39% of the overall RTD sales. 

In response to the current economic environment, customers are seeking value when it comes to the beer category. Meanwhile, craft beer consumers continue to be adventurous in their tastes as full-flavored and innovation IPAs lead in popularity.   

Across all categories, convenient formats were a popular trend throughout the year that met customers’ lifestyle needs, whether they were entertaining at a cottage or attending a backyard BBQ. Popular packaging trends included larger format RTD boxes and single-serve wine in cans or tetra packs.  

“LCBO and our trade partners monitor purchasing trends throughout the year to ensure our selection reflects what Ontarians are looking for,” said Abhay Garg, Vice President, Merchandising. “We want to ensure that it’s easy for customers to find the perfect choice and there’s always something new to discover.”  

Data and information pertain to January 1 – November 5, 2022. 

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