What’s red, white and blue all over? Soon, pantries across the US.
With the United States’ 250th birthday two months away, food manufacturers are blanketing grocery stores in patriotic packaging – from top-selling sweets to baking staples.
Here’s a quick roundup of food and beverage makers getting an early start in preparation for the notable Fourth of July celebration.
Coca-Cola celebrating all year
Iconic soft drink brand Coca-Cola launched a marketing campaign in April that will run for the rest of the semiquincentennial and include limited-edition packaging, community initiatives and creative storytelling.
“At the center of the celebration is a new collection of limited-edition America250 packaging, including custom bottles and Coca‑Cola’s first-ever America250 collectible mini-cans,” the company said. “Each mini-can features a design unique to one of the 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, highlighting iconic local symbols – from Georgia’s peach to California’s surfer culture.”
The marketing push also features the chance to win prizes and rewards that highlight America’s rich cultural heritage.
“For nearly 140 years, Coca‑Cola has been part of the American experience,” said Stacy Jackson, vice president of Coca‑Cola Trademark, North America. “From our collectible America250 mini-cans to our community outreach initiatives, our goal is to uplift Americans throughout every zip code and create optimism for the future.”
The beverage giant is also launching its “Paint the Nation” initiative, which will include dozens of murals highlighting local communities and American pride, the company said.
Sparkling Ice Life Savers raises its flavor flag
Talking Rain Beverage Company is waving its “flavor flag” with the release of its Sparkling Ice Life Savers Red, White and Blue variety 12-pack.
The new drink line “transforms the classic taste of Life Savers candy into America’s favorite zero-sugar sparkling water,” the company said.
The company also recruited hip-hop legend Flavor Flav to help promote the campaign.
“We knew Flavor Flav was the perfect partner for our Sparkling Ice collab with Life Savers because he has an innate ability to connect old school with a new era,” said Lisa Holcomb, vice president of brand at Talking Rain. “We know that our consumers love to indulge in ‘newstalgia,’ and thanks to our ongoing partnership with Mars, flavor fans can experience those classic candy flavors that spark joy and recognition, now reimagined as a sparkling water.”
Funfetti: America Edition
The quarter-millennial celebration is getting a little more fun with Pillsbury’s Funfetti Stars and Stripes Sprinkle Cake Mix and Funfetti Stars and Stripes Red Swirl Cake Mix.
Combined with red, white and blue frosting, the lineup is a must-have for patriotic cakes, cupcakes and other baked treats.
The lineup begins rolling out in early May, and Pillsbury is doubling down with dedicated endcap displays at Walmart locations across the country, the company said.
“This lineup is all about bringing people together to celebrate in a fun, memorable – and delicious – way,” said Dan Anglemyer, chief operating officer at Hometown Food Company, owner of Pillsbury. “As we gear up for America’s 250th birthday, we wanted to make it easier than ever for families to bake up something special. With bold red, white and blue colors and classic Funfetti flavor, these products help create festive desserts that look as incredible as they taste – and turn any gathering into a true celebration.”
Red, White and Boom
What better way to celebrate the big two-five-oh with a heaping bowl of ice cream?
Prairie Farms and Hiland Dairy have the celebration covered with its Red, White & Boom brand ice cream, an American take on the classic Neapolitan, but with strawberry, blueberry and vanilla flavors.
The limited-time brand is available for Memorial Day and Independence Day parties beginning in May. The artificial color-free frozen treat supports Prairie Farms’ and Hiland Dairy’s $250,000 donation to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit dedicated to families of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.
“Red, White & Boom is a fun, nostalgic flavor that captures the spirit of summer while reinforcing our commitment to eliminating artificial colors in our ice cream products,” said Ryan Murphy, vice president of marketing and communication for Prairie Farms. “We are proud to honor our heroes, celebrate America’s 250th, and enhance our support of Folds of Honor and their mission.”
