V is an
energy drink brand produced by
Frucor
Frucor is a Japanese-owned beverage company operating in Australasia, and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. The company is known for its V energy drink launched in 1997, which is sold across the world including Europe, South Africa and ...
, a New Zealand-based beverage manufacturer. It was launched in
Methven, New Zealand
Methven ( mi, Piwakawaka) is a small town in the Canterbury, New Zealand, Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located near the western edge of the Canterbury Plains, 35 kilometres north of Ashburton, New Zealand, Ashbur ...
in August 1997 and in Australia in 1999. The product's success, a market share over 60% in
New Zealand
New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
and 42% in
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
, makes it the most popular brand of energy drink in both countries. V is considered a local rival to
Red Bull
Red Bull is a brand of energy drinks of Austria, Austrian company Red Bull GmbH. With 38% market share, it is the most popular energy drink brand as of 2019. Since its launch in 1987, more than 100 billion cans of Red Bull have been sold worldwid ...
.
Frucor says V energy drinks are not intended for children, and they are not recommended for pregnant women or people sensitive to
caffeine
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is mainly used recreationally as a cognitive enhancer, increasing alertness and attentional performance. Caffeine acts by blocking binding of adenosine t ...
.
Variants
V Energy (also referred to as "V Green") is the original flavour of V released in 1997.
Blue (also referred to as "V Blue") is a "mysterious" flavour introduced in October 2011 which V challenges the drinker to try and work out the flavour.
V Pure is a flavour alternative released in 2016 coming from 6 Natural Ingredients; apple juice, sparkling water, lemon juice, Guarana seed extract, caffeine from green coffee beans and natural V flavour.
V added a second Sugar Free flavour in 2018, themed after summer and the tropics. This product replaced V Zero.
V Tortured Orchard Raspberry Lemonade was introduced in 2018
V Energy Shots
The
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.
V Iced Drinks
In 2018, V released 2 Iced Coffee and 2 Iced Chocolate drinks to the New Zealand and Australian Market.
Advertisement and promotions
The drink sponsored ''
I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'' in the UK for its second series in 2003.
In April 2018, V together with donut store chain
Donut King released in Australia a V flavoured
donut
A doughnut or donut () is a type of food made from leavened fried dough. It is popular in many countries and is prepared in various forms as a sweet snack that can be homemade or purchased in bakeries, supermarkets, food stalls, and franc ...
. The donut was sold through Donut King stores nationwide and contained a gooey Guarana filling and covered in green sugar crystals.
V sponsored
Back of the Y Masterpiece Television
''Back of the Y'' (also known as ''Back of the Y TV'' during series 1 and ''Back of the Y Masterpiece Television'' during series 2), is a cult New Zealand television series, created by Chris Stapp and Matt Heath. The show glorified stunts and th ...
in the mid 2000s.
References
External links
Australia production of VNew Zealand production of V
{{DEFAULTSORT:V (Drink)
Energy drinks
Products introduced in 1997
New Zealand drinks
New Zealand brands
Suntory