Dairy processors have the processing equipment and the retail relationships so it makes sense to capitalize on the popularity of ready-to-drink coffee and tea beverages. Here’s what you need to know about developing these RTD drinks.
The Double Cola Co., Chattanooga, Tenn., introduced its first line of ready-to-drink teas. Zili teas come in five flavors, including citrus ginger green tea, plum acai black tea and sweet tea.
Tea and ready-to-drink (RTD) tea achieved estimated sales of $6.7 billion in 2012, according to Chicago-based market research firm Mintel. And sales are expected to grow to nearly $8 billion by 2014, said Douglas Rash, group vice president of global sales for Treatt, Lakeland, Fla., citing statistics from Rockville, Md.-based Packaged Facts.