Picabi

Product Type:Juice: Sparkling Juice; Container: 8.4 oz Can
BevNET Review: Picabi’s 100% Sparkling Apple Juice is fortified with pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract), apple extract, beta glucan, L-carnitine, and a bevy of vitamins. The flavor of the drink is sweet – too sweet – to the point where it overpowers the pleasant apple flavor that provides the backdrop. Oddly enough, the drink has fewer calories (129) and sugar (30g) than its grape counterpart (159 calories / 38g sugar). Plus, the vitamin flavor is more pronounced, leaving a lasting note of flavor in your mouth. While this might sound rather negative, the drink is still enjoyable. It’s just that the grape flavor is that much more enjoyable – so we’d like to see this flavor brought up to the same level. Visually, they’ve created a nice looking package, with a slim 8 oz. can that’s been given a white backdrop and a cute looking graphic of a mustached apple character. It seems like the type of thing that will have the largest appeal with a younger audience, whereas the flavor (which is heavy on the vitamins) and company’s website seem to be going for something slightly different. Overall, we like the look of the product and what they are conceptually trying to do, but the flavor and the messaging need some tweaks. Reviewed on: 4/29/2010

Product Type:Juice: Sparkling Juice; Container: 8.4 oz Can
BevNET Review: Fortified with resveratrol, vitamins, beta glucan, grape seed extract, whole grape extract, and L-carnitine, Picabi’s 100% Sparkling Grape Juice is more than just a juice product. From a flavor perspective, it’s spot on, with a bold grape flavor that doesn’t use any filler juices. initially, in fact, it's about as accurate as you’ll get when it comes to a grape flavored beverage. However, there’s a slight vitamin like note to the finish, which lets you know that this is a functional product. Each 8 oz. can has 159 calories, 38g of sugar, and 1.5g of protein as well as loads of nutrients. Packaging is clean and cute, with a bunch of grapes that have been given human facial features. This sets a not so serious tone, while the name “Picabi” has a nice sound as it rolls off your tongue. The front panel features very little text – but it seems like too little in the case of this product. Looking at the front panel, one might think that this is simply another player in the kids oriented sparkling juice category. However, that’s not what they’re going for, according to their web site. That being said, the positioning of the product seems a bit askew from the likely buyer of this drink. Overall, it’s a really nice tasting product that’s visually appealing, but we can’t help but wonder if this product would benefit from some slight changes to the packaging and positioning. Reviewed on: 4/29/2010