V is an energy drink brand produced by Frucor Suntory, a New Zealand–based beverage manufacturer. It was launched in Methven, New Zealand in August 1997 and in Australia in 1999. The product's success, a market share over 60% in New Zealand[1][needs update] and 42% in Australia,[2] makes it the most popular brand of energy drink in both countries. V is considered a local rival to Red Bull.[3] Frucor says V energy drinks are not intended for children, and they are not recommended for pregnant women or people sensitive to caffeine.[4]
 500ml can of "V" brand energy drink | |
| Type | Energy drink |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Frucor Suntory |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Introduced | 1997 |
| Website | https://v.co.nz/ https://v-energy.com.au/ |
Variants
editV Energy (also referred to as "Green V"[5]) is the original flavour of V released in 1997.
Blue (also referred to as "Blue V") is a pineapple and passion fruit flavour introduced in October 2011[6][7] which V challenges the drinker to try and work out the flavour.[8] V Sugar Free Blue and V Zero Sugar Blue (as of August 2023) are also currently available.
V Black was a flavour variant that was discontinued in 2013. V Black was re-released in 2018 for a limited time in New Zealand over a 6-week period.[9] It was described as having a strong coffee flavour.[10] V Black was rereleased in June 2024.[11]
V Pure is a flavour alternative released in 2016 coming from six Natural Ingredients; apple juice, sparkling water, lemon juice, Guarana seed extract, caffeine from green coffee beans and natural V flavour.[12]
V added a second Sugar Free flavour in 2018, themed after summer and the tropics. This product replaced V Zero.[1]
V Tortured Orchard Raspberry Lemonade was introduced in 2018.[13][14] In 2020, this flavour was brought back as a permanent edition and rebranded to 'V Raspberry Lemonade'.
The V Energy Refresh line released in 2022, is available in four flavours: Citrus Lemonade, Pineapple & Watermelon, Green Apple Lemonade and Blackcurrent & Yuzu (All Zero sugar).
V Tropical Tang was released in May 2023 and is described as "guava, pineapple and berries". However, the new addition is currently only available in 500ml cans.[15]
V Energy Shots
editThe energy shots (described as "Pocket Rockets") are claimed to be as effective as the larger cans but have an extremely bitter taste that, according to the V Pocket Rocket website, is to stop young children from drinking them.[16]
V Iced Drinks
editIn 2018, V released two Iced Coffee and two Iced Chocolate drinks to the New Zealand and Australian Market.[17]
Advertisement and promotions
editThe drink sponsored I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in the UK for its second series in 2003.[18]
In April 2018, V together with donut store chain Donut King, released in Australia a V flavoured donut. The donut was sold through Donut King stores nationwide and contained a gooey Guarana filling and covered in green sugar crystals.[19]
V sponsored Back of the Y Masterpiece Television in the mid-2000s.
References
edit- ^ a b "V Energy Drink". 14 October 2008. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
- ^ "V Australia Website". AC Neilson Research. Frucor. 13 April 2003. Archived from the original on 19 June 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
- ^ Swann, Allan (3 February 2009). "Frucor deal finally in the can". nbr.co.nz. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
- ^ "V Energy drink FAQ page". Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ "V Green". V Energy. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
- ^ "Wayback Machine has not archived that URL". www.frucor.co.au. Retrieved 13 April 2023.[dead link]
- ^ "V-Blue - V Energy Drink". Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "V Blue". V Energy. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
- ^ Lucio, Remedios (5 November 2018). "V Energy re-releases limited edition V Black". Inside FMCG. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
- ^ Mcilraith, Brianna (11 November 2022). "Could the Black V make a comeback? Bidding war ensues for potential 'last ever' can on Trade Me". stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "V Energy brings back fan-favourite V Black". Newshub. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
- ^ "V Energy releases a drink made from natural ingredients". Scoop News (Press release). 17 June 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
- ^ Marketing At Retail
- ^ Frucor Suntory and Phantom Labs torture street posters for new V campaign, 5 June 2018, StopPress.
- ^ "V Energy unveils first full sugar launch since 2020". 9 May 2023.
- ^ "A Fast V Energy Blast". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
- ^ "V Iced Chocolate". V Energy. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
- ^ "Media Insight builds V brand in £1m I'm A Celebrity promotion". Campaignlive.co.uk. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
- ^ Esveld, Olivia (4 April 2018). "Donut King Now Make V Energy Flavoured Donuts". KIIS 106.5. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.