Based on the latest findings, it’s possible that consumers are passing up their local coffee and tea shops for the nearest grocery store because ready-to-drink coffee and tea sales are increasing. Data provided by SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, show that sales in the shelf-stable tea/coffee ready-to-drink category rose 3.2% to $1.6 billion in the 52 weeks ended July 8, 2012, with the unit sales also showing an increase of 5.1% to 747.7 million.

Nescafé made by Nestle, Glendale, Calif., introduced Memento, a foaming instant-coffee beverage.

Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle, launched Starbucks Refreshers, a beverage that is made from green coffee extract and real fruit juice.

Tea, even when served cold, is hot. Other than water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world and the 6th or 7th most consumed beverage in the United States.

The refrigerated juices and drinks category includes orange, apple, cranberry, grape, blended fruits and other flavors. Lemonade and vegetable drinks also fall under this umbrella. In the 52 weeks ended April 15, total sales in the category were $4.4 billion, an increase of 0.9%. Unit sales fell 2.8% to 1.55 billion. The only bright spot in the category was an average price increase of 11 cents. The data come from SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago.

Brisk Iced Tea, Purchase, N.Y., promoted a new video game on limited-edition 1-liter bottles sold in 7-Eleven stores in April and elsewhere in May and June.

Dairy processor Turkey Hill, Conestoga, Pa., has a new premium iced tea line called SunBrew, said to contain no added preservatives or colors.

The Republic of Tea, Novato, Calif., has a new collection called Be Active Teas. Each of the five Rainforest Alliance certified organic green rooibos-based teas has specific wellness-promoting properties, such as refreshment, flexibility or endurance.

“Not Too Sweet” Tea from Honest Tea, Bethesda, Md., has 40% less sugar and calories than the leading brands of sweet tea.