Albertsons refreshes own-brand Soleil sparkling water

Albertsons Cos. has relaunched its Soleil sparkling water brand with four new flavors plus special summer packaging that sports designs from globally renowned artists.

Starting this month, the new flavors and packaging will headline a summer promotion called “Sip to the Beat” that will feature digital music service Spotify, Albertsons said Monday. Customers buying Soleil sparkling water will be able to unlock one of three curated Spotify music playlists: Amped Beats, Chill Vibes and Good Times.

New Soleil flavors mango, raspberry lime, tangerine and watermelon join more than a dozen other varieties, including original, berry, lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach, blood orange, cucumber melon, black cherry, cranberry raspberry, strawberry, pineapple and apple. The lime, blood orange, and grapefruit flavors are also available with caffeine.

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons noted that Soleil sparkling water’s strong growth since its 2016 launch shows that shoppers are embracing alternative beverages. Made with carbonated water and natural flavors, Soleil contains no added sugars or sweeteners, artificial flavors, calories or sodium. The beverage is produced by Albertsons self-manufacturing teams at plants in California, Washington and Colorado.

“We’re excited to team up with Spotify and share the eclectic packaging artwork from a diverse group of artists for this relaunch,” Lisa Mirae, senior director of brands and marketing at Albertsons Cos., said in a statement. “The entertaining playlists, exciting designs and delicious Soleil flavors are a perfect combination for summertime fun. Soleil is crisp, refreshing and a healthier beverage alternative to regular soda.”

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The revamped packaging, from a collaboration of seven artists from around the world, reflects each Soleil flavor through art and music. Artists participating in the package redesign include Raul Urias (based in Mexico City), Nuria Boi (Edinburgh, Scotland), Bárbara Malagol (London), Alejandro Parrilla (Madrid), Mel Cerri (São Paulo) and Minji Moon (Seoul) and Calvin Sprague (Rotterdam, Netherlands).

“We’re really pleased with the fun new look of each Soleil flavor,” Mirae said. “The designs are an imaginative way to celebrate culture, music, and the power of Soleil to add a little sunshine to any occasion. The bold Soleil script on each package means it will still be very recognizable to our customers.”

Soleil is a part of Albertsons Cos.’ billion-dollar Signature family of brands. Albertsons added more than 1,200 products to its Own Brands private-label portfolio in fiscal 2020, exceeding its target of 800 new items. The Own Brands roster’s more than 12,000 items span over 500 categories and generate $14 billion in sales annually across nine primary brands, four of which — Lucerne, O Organics, Signature and Signature Café — top $1 billion in sales.

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