New drinks review: energy drinks toast their popularity

In this month's rundown of the latest innovations from the drinks industry, energy drinks are once again venturing into new territory, this time forging an unlikely alliance with champagne in a recent launch in Germany. Meanwhile, a drink powder that claims to be able to absorb alcohol has hit shelves, while bag-in-boxes are looking to the world of high fashion to reinforce upscale positioning.

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New drinks review: probiotics give beer a functional boost

The diversification of beer into functional territory leads this month's roundup of the latest innovations from the drinks industry, with an alcohol free beer that promotes health debuting in Germany. Also looking to draw in health-conscious consumers is a novel melding of coconut water and ready-to-drink coffee, while flowers and vegetables are being used to create unusual smoothie combinations.

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New personal care review: toothbrushes get a handle on replacement indicator technology

This month's rundown of the latest personal care launches looks at how toothbrush indicator technology is taking strides forward, with a recent innovative launch featuring an integrated device in the handle showing when the toothbrush should be replaced. In other news, the trend for personal care products to mimic indulgent food continues with the launch of a bath soap "chocolate bar."

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PLA Functional Innovation of the Month: weight loss supplement turns to chili

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New food review: glitter and gold add sparkle to gum and jam

Glitter effects are being increasingly used by manufacturers, as seen in this month's round-up of novel food introductions, with recent innovations including gum coated in "beaten silver" and jam featuring edible gold. Soup, meanwhile, has borrowed an idea from hot drinks with the launch of a self-heating pouch, while economy branding has taken an irreverent turn with the launch of "crisis chips."

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New drinks review: canned drinks go healthy with vegetable innovations

Unusual vegetable-based drinks are the highlight of this month's roundup of innovative product launches from the drinks industry, as canned tomato and zucchini drinks hit the shelves. In other news, drinking chocolate is a focus of innovation, with two novel formulations, while concerns about pack security and hygiene have extended to energy drinks with the launch of a new lidded can design.

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New household products review: luxury beckons for air fresheners

The trend for air fresheners to be decorative as well as functional has taken another leap, as outlined in this month's rundown of innovative household products. Two new launches are making use of marble diffusers and jewelry bag designs, as air fresheners explore their potential as a luxury item. In other news, alternative materials are continuing their march in the household paper category.

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New personal care review: antibacterial silver finds new home in nail varnish

In this month's run-through of the latest launches from the personal care industry, an antibacterial silver ingredient is part of a novel formulation in the nail varnish category. In other news, a US company could court controversy with the launch of a lipstick for babies, while a soap product takes its cues from confectionery in a bid to enhance its indulgence appeal.

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New drinks review: QR branding sees wine embrace the smartphone era

The emergence of QR codes in line with growing consumer take-up of smartphone technology is offering diverse marketing and branding opportunities to consumer goods companies, as evidenced by the sparkling wine launch that headlines this month's rundown of drinks innovations. Meanwhile, new flavors are emerging in the gin segment and novel formats are being explored for liqueurs and bottled water.

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a sparkling wine that changes its appearance when shaken

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