#OnShelf: A mixed bag of new products

by Louise Burgers. It’s a mixture of new launches this week, with an SA sports brand; a sustainable health and beauty platform; and a hard seltzer from a beer brand.

South Africa’s newest sportswear brand

Kicks Sportswear is introducing the South African sports brand from Africa to the world. This newest apparel and footwear line is inspired by today’s rapid urbanisation and the growing movement to seek a healthy lifestyle. Combining the best of style and function, Kicks Sportswear is designed for a generation seeking experiences outside by allowing them to move more seamlessly from office wear to gym wear, striking a balance between comfort and style. “We see a movement taking place as more young people are looking to nature and the gym to find balance and recharge from their busy lives. To answer that call, we’ve created apparel and footwear that speaks to their sense of urban style while delivering performance for the gym,” says Sammy Mhaule, CEO and founder of Kicks Sportswear.

Sustainable beauty and skincare platform launches

Asrai Skin has launched a consciously curated collection of clean beauty and high-performance, luxury skincare brands. The dedicated platform represents brands that have made serious efforts to integrate safer, more sustainable, ethical and transparent products into their business philosophy. Asrai Skin has carefully curated its product ranges to include global leaders in the clean beauty industry such as Chatelier from the Netherlands; as well as NUORI and Manasi 7 from Scandinavia. They are available to South Africans for the first time exclusively via the online shop.

With over 20 products to choose from, conscious consumers can shop the latest in beauty and they will receive 10% off on their first order. Founder and managing director, Brigita Hess, explains: “To launch, we have committed to offering luxury brands that value sustainability without compromising on efficacy and innovation. Asrai Skin’s tagline, Clean. Conscious. Considered., intends to empower South Africans to align their beauty and skincare purchases with their personal values, by making informed choices about the products they use. In line with this, we are consciously cautious in everything from formulas to production and, of course, packaging.”

SAB launches Hard Seltzer

Hard Seltzer, sparkling water with real alcohol and a dash of fruit juice, is fruity, low in calories, carbs and sugar. The global trend began in the US and is spreading around the world. Flying Fish created South Africa’s first flavoured beer and is officially launching Hard Seltzer in the country. SAB’s new ventures director, Zintle Botha, comments: “Our ambition is to grow this category with one of our premium and well-liked brands, Flying Fish.” The 5.5% ALC/VOL drink comes in a premium 300ml slim can with two flavour varieties: lemon & lime and raspberry. Made with water, alcohol, fine bubbles and a dash of fruit juice, and only 0.5g sugar/100ml and 35 calories/100ml, it is set to hit shelves by April 2021 at selected Pick ‘n Pay Liquor stores nationwide and online on the Pick ‘n Pay portal or through Bottles.

Louise Burgers is the Publisher and Editor and Co-Founder of RetailingAfrica.com. She has spent over 20 years writing about the FMCG retailing, marketing, media and advertising industry in South Africa and on the African continent. She has specialised in local and Africa consumer trends and is a passionate Afro-optimist who believes it is Africa’s time to rise again and that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will be a global gamechanger in the next decade.

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