Energy drink brand
V is an energy drink brand produced by Frucor, a New Zealand-based beverage manufacturer. It was launched in Methven, New Zealand in August 1997 and in Australia in 1999. The product's success, a market share over 60% in New Zealand[1] and 42% in Australia,[2] makes it the most popular brand of energy drink in both countries. V is considered a local rival to Red Bull.[3] Frucor says V energy drinks are not intended for children, and they are not recommended for pregnant women or people sensitive to caffeine.[4]
Variants
V Energy (also referred to as "Green V"[5]) is the original flavour of V released in 1997.
Blue (also referred to as "Blue V") is a "mysterious" flavour introduced in October 2011[6] which V challenges the drinker to try and work out the flavour.[7] V Sugar Free Blue and V Zero Sugar Blue (as of August 2023) are also currently available.
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.[8]
V added a second Sugar Free flavour in 2018, themed after summer and the tropics. This product replaced V Zero.[1]
V Tortured Orchard Raspberry Lemonade was introduced in 2018.[9][10]
V Black was a flavour variant that was discontinued in 2013. V Black was re-released in 2018 for a limited time in New Zealand over a 6-week period.[11] It was described as having a strong 'coffee' flavour.[12]
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.[13]
V Iced Drinks
In 2018, V released 2 Iced Coffee and 2 Iced Chocolate drinks to the New Zealand and Australian Market.[14]
