Carabao’s highly successful Carabao Energy range will be centre stage once again at Vendex Midlands, thanks to the unveiling of a brand-new flavour: Cherry Crush.
‘Cherry Crush is a big, bold new flavour that’s been created to meet the needs of today’s flavour-led energy drink shopper’, Ash Ellis, Carabao’s National Account Manager, Vending, told PV. ‘In a 330ml can, Carabao Cherry Crush delivers a vibrant cherry taste alongside strong shelf presence, making it perfect for vending environments in which quick decisions and impulse purchases matter most.’
But cherry flavour? Who knew, but as it happens cherry is one of the fastest-growing flavours in the energy drink category, now worth £18.9m in RSV* (250-568ml). ‘Cherry Crush has been developed with this surge in popularity in mind’, Ash said. ‘It is refreshing, easy to drink and appeals to a wide range of consumers, including students, commuters, gym-goers and night workers.’
At just 41 calories per can, the energy boost Cherry Crush provides is guilt-free. The drink is enriched with B vitamins, offering both great taste and functional benefits and what’s more, there’s good news for discerning consumers in that Cherry Crush contains no aspartame…
Carabao’s launch strategy is backed by its high-profile football partnerships, including a decade of Carabao Cup sponsorship and its ongoing collaboration with the EFL. ‘These partnerships give the brand visibility and engagement with football fans across the UK’, Ash said, ‘so for vending operators, Cherry Crush offers a powerful opportunity to tap into a growing trend. Cherry-flavoured energy drinks have seen a 30% value growth in the latest 26 weeks to 27.12.25*.
As the vending sector continues to evolve, Carabao is proving that products combining exciting flavours with strong visual impact will lead the way. ‘Carabao Cherry Crush delivers on visuals and taste, giving operators a fresh way to drive impulse sales and excite shoppers in 2026’, Ash said.
The Carabao Energy range has already had a significant impact in the nation’s spirals – and the new flavour makes something that is already good even better. You might say, it’s the Cherry Crush on top of the cake’!
Available to purchase now.
*NielsenIQ – Energy Database – UK Total Coverage – MAT To WE 27.12.25
More from Carabao on Planet Vending here.
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