01.08.2006
Children’s drinks specialist, Calypso, has pre-empted the announcement of new government standards for food and drink in schools by being first to market with ‘Juicy waters’ branded ‘Aquajuice’. Aquajuice contains 56-73% pure fruit juice blended with natural mineral water, with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners and no added sugar.

"In addition to Aquajuice, the range includes pure fruit juices, juice smoothies and plain natural mineral waters. This latest move means that Calypso now offers the most complete range of drinks that comply with the new government standards for food and drink in schools," said Richard Cooke, Sales and Marketing Director of the family-owned company based in North Wales.

"Calypso believes in offering children’s drinks which provide the essential nutritional hydration they need to stay healthy and alert, and something they find fun and tasty to drink."

"Our research with children has proved time and again that they find drinking plain water too boring. Juicy Waters provide the variety that encourages children to drink the recommended daily intake of water, and provides extra nutritional benefits."
 

Aquajuice is available in a range of packaging formats, sizes and prices which will make it easier for schools to meet the new standards introduced in September. The new Aquajuice 185ml cups and 200ml cartons combine long shelf-life with the convenience of a single-serve pack size that is ideal for 5-11 year olds. Larger 250ml, 330ml and 500ml bottles are aimed at secondary school children, and they also satisfy an important nutritional need by counting as one of the recommended daily portions of fruit under the government’s ‘5 A Day’ initiative.

In a series of taste trials, panels of children aged between 12 and 14 preferred apple and tropical ‘juicy waters’ to pure orange juice, with plain water trailing behind all of them. The School Food Trust report on food and drink sold through school vending machines and tuck shops also stated that 44% more fluid was consumed during exercise if children were offered a natural mineral water drink with juice varieties rather than plain water alone.

"Our trials prove that Aquajuice ‘juicy waters’ encourage children to keep hydrated, with a healthy blend of natural mineral water and high pure juice content," said Richard Cooke.

"Those responsible for planning, delivering and budgeting for school meals under the new standard face a daunting task, but we are convinced that we are offering them an extensive range of healthy drinks. These fulfil the requirements of the new legislation in a way that provides healthy, nutritional and refreshing drinks that children will enjoy."