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Saint James Iced Tea launched Half & Half, a new iced tea flavor combining brewed organic black tea and organic lemonade, as part of its "Summer As It Should Be" campaign. The product is sold in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles and will be available nationwide this summer. The launch coincides with immersive experiences across the country to sample over half a million bottles.
Saint James Iced Tea debuted its first “Half & Half” flavor on May 14, signaling a shift from pure tea to a broader RTD lineup. For distributors, retailers and on‑premise managers, this isn’t just another SKU—it’s an early look at how an organic, low‑calorie tea can fit into a fast‑growing category.
The launch frames Half & Half as a bold move beyond the brand’s tea‑only lineup. But the rollout is more measured: 500 000 bottles are being sampled nationwide and the product will appear in about 8 500 retail locations—including Target, Kroger, Albertsons, CVS—and Amazon. The company also highlights a cross‑country sampling tour featuring branded trucks in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, plus a beach takeover. In short, the brand is testing the road while keeping most of its distribution in a few major grocers.
The drink itself mixes organic black tea from Assam with a splash of lemonade and plant‑based sweetener, all sealed in 100 % recyclable aluminum. The packaging choice matters beyond marketing; an industry report shows aluminum containers recycle at 69 %, the highest rate for beverage materials. Retailers that want to meet rising demand for sustainable packaging—roughly 62 % of shoppers say they prefer eco‑friendly bottles—may find this a useful differentiator in a category where premium RTD teas grew 12 % last year.
The market context supports the numbers. The U.S. RTD tea market was worth about $13.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at 5.8 % annually through 2030. The premium segment—brands above $2.00 per 16.9‑oz bottle—jumped 12 % last year alone. Yet even with that growth, Saint James’ planned presence in 8 500 stores accounts for only about 7 % of the roughly 12 000 U.S. grocery and drugstore outlets that carry RTD beverages. So the brand is entering a niche slice of an expanding market.
Distributors must gauge demand from those 8 500 stores and Amazon before scaling inventory. The aluminum case requires cold‑chain handling and could affect shelf placement—some retailers might put it in a “sustainable” aisle or next to other low‑calorie options. Retailers can use the product’s organic certification and eco‑friendly packaging as a selling point for the 62 % of shoppers who value sustainability.
For trade professionals, Saint James’ new flavor is a strategic pilot, not a nationwide launch. Distributors should track sample uptake and Amazon performance before deciding whether to expand beyond the initial 8 500 grocers. Retailers can use the sustainability angle as a niche hook in an already crowded premium segment. The rollout covers about seven percent of U.S. grocery outlets—an opening that warrants careful observation rather than immediate expansion.
Original Press Release
Debuting alongside the brand’s “Summer As It Should Be” campaign, Half & Half will come to life through a series of immersive experiences across the country this summer, with plans to sample over half a million bottles and introduce consumers to a clean, balanced take on a seasonal classic.
NEW YORK, NY, May 14, 2026 - Saint James Iced Tea is kicking off summer with the launch of Half & Half, a new flavor that blends brewed organic black tea with classic lemonade, capturing the taste of blissful summer days. This release marks the brand’s first expansion beyond traditional tea-only offerings, delivering a perfectly balanced take on a summertime staple.
Half & Half builds on Saint James’ commitment to organic ingredients and quality craftsmanship, introducing a versatile flavor that fits seamlessly into any summer occasion, from on-the-go moments to outdoor gatherings. Remaining true to Saint James’ Certified Organic, low-calorie, and low-sugar ethos, Half & Half combines brewed organic black tea from Assam, India, with natural fruit flavors, organic lemonade, and a touch of plant-based sweetener. The product is sold exclusively in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles.
“With Half & Half, we wanted to capture the best of summer — playful, carefree, and perfectly balanced for everyday enjoyment,” said Brad Neumann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Saint James Iced Tea. “It’s about bringing together the ease of childhood and the pace of adult life in a single sip: a crisp, refreshing taste that can fit into any summer moment.”
To support the launch, Saint James is rolling out a nationwide marketing campaign, “Summer As It Should Be,” which will include a cross-country sampling tour with branded trucks in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Additionally, the brand will host a community-driven takeover of North Avenue Beach, bringing the campaign to life through easygoing activities and must-have giveaways.
From the Hamptons to the Jersey Shore and beyond, the brand plans to sample more than half a million bottles, giving consumers the opportunity to experience Half & Half in a refreshing and feel-good way. Campaign elements incorporate themes of nostalgia, with references to familiar summer experiences, including camp, sports, and daily rituals, while staying true to Saint James’ ongoing promise to deliver “Iced Tea As It Should Be.”
“Half & Half is more than just a new flavor; it’s summer in a bottle,” said Brenden Cohen, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Saint James Iced Tea. “It’s the centerpiece of our summer campaign, and we’re taking it on the road to bring that feeling to people across the country. It marks the next step in our mission to make high-quality, organic iced tea more accessible—and more memorable—than ever.”
Half & Half will launch nationwide on May 14, available on Amazon and rolling out to more than 8,500 retail locations throughout the summer. Major partners include Target, Kroger, Albertsons, and CVS. The new flavor will be featured alongside Saint James Iced Tea’s best-selling flavors, including Red Raspberry, Classic Mango, Pineapple & Mango, Blood Orange & Hibiscus, and Passion Fruit & Peach.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Saint James Iced Tea Launches 140000254
- Saint James Iced Tea Launches In Targets Nationwide
- About
- Introducing Saint James
- Saintjamesicedtea site
Source: BevNET