Feedback thread for Appletiser Product Test

[AnnMumsnet]

Many thanks for taking part in the Appletiser product test - please find below the questions that Appletiser would like you to answer. Please add your feedback once you've been able to try the drinks.

There are a number of questions as Appletiser are so keen to know what you think - please feel free to use these either as a prompt - telling us your overall views using these as a guide, or to answer each question individually.

If you have any other comments please add them below - they genuinely would like to know how they could improve on both the product and how it is promoted to both women such as yourself and to families.

Everyone who adds feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one lucky winner will win a £250 voucher for the store of their choice.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

[MrsWeasley]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons? Had it as a child but not often probably due to cost.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?
Like the range of flavours . My Favourite flavour is Mango, Mandarin and Apple as it was refreshing and didn't leave an after taste.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
Glass bottles and children dont mix but by far the worse thing is the size, there is only enough for 1 small glass each and so didnt get a 2nd drink of any of them. Not overly keen on the pear flavour.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
Any meal time but would also be nice for Family parties and special dinners.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with? All because you could choose a flavour to suit depending on your tastes and likes.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
All 6 members of my family tried it. (2 adults and 4 chidlren)
Husband didnt like any of them but isn't keen on any type of fruit juice. 1 child didnt like it but he doesnt like fruit juice or fizzy drinks. Myself and 3 other children liked them.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
I liked the fresh taste of the Appletiser drinks. (no slimy after taste)

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
Slightly larger bottles.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser? By making sure it is competitively priced.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes definately, its light and refreshing and ideal for situations where you want a little bubbly drink but no alcohol. BBQ's. Picnics, office party, children's party. etc

Thank you for letting us try it. We will definately be buying some more.

[mumatron]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

never bought as i assumed it was just another sugary fizzy drink.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

taste and bottles. favourite was the raspberry and pomegranet

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

not a big fan of the pear one. and the price would put me off buying it all the time.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

as an occasional treat for myself.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

bbq or nice salad.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

children all loved them and took some to work. most were suprised at how nice they were.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

i dont tend to buy this type of drink so wouldn't be able to compare.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

make it cheaper!

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

advertise the fact that its pure fruit juice. i know most people would assume it is full of sugar.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

yes and i already have.

[IPredictADiet]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

Cost mainly. Juice is 60p per litre. Appletiser is £2 odd.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

The drinks tasted good, particularly the pear. I liked that they were not too cloyingly sweet, and not too gassy. The packaging is quite chic, but equally with more modest packaging perhaps the price could come down?

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
Preferred the apple and the pear. DD (3) did really like the raspberry, but I remain unconvinced. A bottle didn't seem to lastlong, especially as you can't really dilute it in the way you might dilute juice if giving it to a child.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
During pregnancy or if in the pub and driving home. It makes a nicer substitute for a glass of wine than a coke or orange juice.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
We didn't drink it with food I'm afraid - strictly wine or water here.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
Yes - DD (3) was very smitten with the raspberry one, DH liked the apple.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
I would say it compares favourably to other fizzy drinks from a nutritional point of view, given that there's no additional sugars or sweetners.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

I haven't seen any marketing/advertising stuff other than in relation to this product test, so I guess just raising the profile generally might help. I had wrongly assumed it was a bog-standard fizzy drink, so would emphasise that it's just juice and water.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Emphasise it as a grown-up soft drink and an alternative to alcohol drinks.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes. I might even share the vouchers if they're really lucky.

Many thanks .

[whomovedmychocolate]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

Have tried the Apple one before - TBH I haven't seen it for about a decade in the shops. They put it up so high I can't reach it and with it being a glass bottle I'm reluctant to lift it from above my head.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

Best thing was that I could finally have something that tasted nice with my dinner that looked like alcohol but wasn't so didn't get the 'what do you mean you don't drink' at a dinner party this week. Would be excellent for secret pregnancies! Like the bottle, nice size and my toddler poured it without spilling so that's a thumbs up from us.

Apple still the favourite.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

Bleeurrgh raspberrys are the devils fruit.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

Dinner parties. The kids knocked it back like it was water so it might get pricey if we let them have it regularly.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

-fish with the apple one
-ice cream with the pear one
-sickbucket with the raspberry one
-The mango one would be v good as a base for fruit salad actually.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

DH thought it 'tasted like appletiser'
DD (nearly four) it tastes like 'lemonade with appley bits in it'
DS (nearly two) spat it out and pulled a face (he likes milk).

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

I quite like Ame but it has too much gubbins in it, too many ingredients. What I liked about Appletiser was the simple flavours. Just apple is fab. I don't want apple, with a tinge of elderflower and fairy gussets thanks very much.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

Market it as 'the driver cider' (ie non-alcoholic) and you DEFINITELY owe me a lot of free Appletiser if you nick that!

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

TBH I don't think it's that suitable for pregnant mums - fruit juice always gave me bad indigestion when pregnant and the fizz would have left me a big farty bum as well

For mums - god if Blossom Hill sells there is no reason why you can't flog this to us lot.

Again I would market it as 'for a refreshing grown up break away from the little monsters' you know, twist cap, fizz pour, taste, breathe.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Yes. But frankly my friends are a bunch of lushes

[redllamayellowllama]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

I haven't tried it for a long time as I always assumed it would be an expensive option. I see it as more of a 'treat' drink - something I'd be inclined to order if I was at a restaurant and not drinking

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

Everyone enjoyed it - DH is normally a diet coke man and DS and I are strictly juice people. But this was a drink that we all appreciated - a rarity!

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I found the mandarin and ? one a bit of an odd flavour combination, but very much enjoyed all of the others. Packaging and so on is very attractive, however seeing it in a glass bottle makes me think there's not much in there compared to, say, a carton of juice - not sure why this is, but it just is. This, combined with the cost doesn't make me think it is particularly good value for money.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

When out at a restaurant, or whilst pregnant and not drinking at social occasions. I associate it with summers, so would be more inclined to buy it myself for a barbeque.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Lighter, more summery meals - salads, fish etc.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

My sister very much enjoyed it and two of DS's friends wolfed it down.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

I guess it would compare to something like Shloer, which I've never liked as I think it tastes quite synthetic. Aqua Vita maybe? Also tastes very synthetic to me.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

I think you need to emphasis the lack of sugar/sweeteners - this very much appeals to me when buying for the whole family. On the flip side of this, I wouldn't buy this as a family drink as it looks too 'fancy' - more of a special occasion drink.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

I would make it look like more of a family drink. Also, I might make it available in cans (is it already??).

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Definitely

[gorionine]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?
I had tried Appletiser when I was pregnant because that was the only thing on the restaurant drink menu that was not making me boak an was non alcoholic. I had not tried it since because I just did not think about it.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?
I like the fact that it is fizzy without being too fizzy. I did not feel like a ballon after one glass. I like the fact that it is not sweet and actually goes well with pretty much any food I have tried it with . It is also rather nice on its own just as it is more refreshing than usual oversweetened sodas. My favourite flavour was Raspberry-Pommegranate.
I thought the bottle looked very elegant and would not mind bringing one as gift to someone who does not drink alcoholic drinks. Very presentable.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
I was not over keen on the Mago-Madarine flavour. I could not make up what it tasted of without looking at the bottle's label and I thought it left a "salty" aftertaste, a bit like effervescent Aspirin.
I think the cost is a bit high but as I consider it to not be an every day thing, it would not really put me opff buying it alltogether.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
I think it would be an occasion thing as a family (birthday...) or to bring to a non alcoholic dinner party (yes, it does exist)

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
We drank it with our family meal. It was smocked salmon and veg one night, chicken roas potatoesand salad the following night. Went fine with both (was the mango apple and mandarine one and the pomegranate and raspberry one.) Had the pear and apple one with nibbles (peanuts, olives...) it was very appropriate too.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
I "tested" it on all the family (2 adults, 4 children 11,9,6,3 1/2) the children enjoyed the fizziness of it and the lovely taste. I enjoyed more the less sweet side of it and the taste. My eldest daughter said it felt like a grown up drink.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
In that type of drink I only new "shloer" and really enjoyed it but somehow it did not go down so well with the children. Appletiser seems to have overcome that gap.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
I suppose there coupld be more advertising about it as for me there was a 9 year gap with the first time I drank it and now. If it was not for that survey from MN, I would probably never heard about it again.
As I said previously, I think the packaging is very appealing.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?
I am not quite sure to be honest. I read on the label that it is 1 of your 5 a day but somehow my brain does not compute the information, partially I think due to the fact it is a fizzy drink. Maybe I would empathise on the non-alcoholic but still grown up side of the drink.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes I think I actually have put it in a conversation or two since I received my nice pack of bottles.

[PiratePrincess]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

We drink Schloer and Ame - had assumed Appletiser was one flavour only.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

Packaging was really nice, we differed on our favourite flavours though! My favourite was Peartiser which had a lovely dry flavour and delicious taste.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I found the pomegranate and especially the mango too fizzy and sweet. However, these were the ones the children preferred.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

Socially - we don't drink alcohol so we buy nice drinks like this instead.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

In this weather, a picnic or a barbeque!

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

Eldest son (age 8) loved the mango drink. Son's friend (age 8) preferred Peartiser. Middle son (age 6) liked the pomegranate drink. Husband especially liked Peartiser as it was dryer than the others.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

I think Schloer and Ame are in the same bracket in style and taste. We're not loyal to any, it depends on the occasion.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

I think Peartiser tastes delicious but looks too similar to Appletiser in packaging colour and may not stand out on the shelves.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

This experiment is great, with the vouchers we will definitely be buying more. Had we not had the samples we may not have tried it. I would suggest targetting for example school fetes with a stall so people could try it.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Yes. Especially Peartiser

[NickiSue]

Can I just say first off- I love the box it came in! It's already been earmarked for a baby box

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?
I liked Appletiser but found it a bit acidy which is why I stopped buying it. I don't remember it ever having the other flavours?

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?
The Peartiser, long glass, plenty of ice. Fantastic!! The bottles look very "grown" up and wouldn't look out of place on the dinner table if we had people round.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
I liked the Apple and Pear flavours, the two others, rasp and pomegranite and the madarin one I found very tart (and I like tart) and even with lemonade mixed in, very bitter. My nearly 4yr old tried all the drinks and loved apple and pear but really didn't enjoy the other fruit flavours.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
Christmas, when having guests, hot days (with ice and a slice!), or just when I fancied a treat.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
Like Shloer I think the whole range would be good for any type of meal, but especially nice for an evening meal, chicken, vegetables etc.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
My husband particularly liked Peartiser (as did I) and thought the Apple was "Pretty ok". DS (nearly 4) like apple and pear but really disliked the other two bottles.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
I get Shloer because of it's availability and because it is quite mild while flavoursome. Also, especially around Xmas time, I find Shloer has some great money saving offers on.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
I rarely ever notice Appletiser in my local supermarket or food shops, it doesn't stand out in any way and I can't remember ever seeing them in conjunction with a special offer. I do think Appletiser is more of an adult soft drink than a family one nowadays, due to its sleek design and the fact the drinks are quite strong/tart and should be marketed as such, unless the company want to completely rebrand to get it back in line with being a family drink.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?
With special offers, with visual pictures ie long glasses with ice etc and a slogan that shows it is a treat for Mum after a long day!

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
I would definitely recommend the Peartiser and Appletiser drinks but not the other two fruit flavours I was sent.

I enjoyed this trial- thanks!

[SoBloodyTired]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

It's not something you see in the shops that often. It's something I'd tend to have if I was having lunch with friends during a break from work. I have less breaks of any kind since having a child!

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

Definitely taste. The packaging is good too, I do like a glass bottle.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I honestly think the cost is the only big drawback for me right now.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

Instead of alcohol while socialising.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Any summer foods. They're quite thirst-quenching in hot weather.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

My 3 year old LOVED it. My MIL also enjoyed the Peartiser. DP wasn't that fussed, but he's a heathen Pepsi drinker anyway.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

The only thing I could really compare it with is Orangina I think, and as a citrus drink it isn't really a competitor. Appletise is far better than Schloer which is very sickly.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

The Fruitiser drinks aren't packaged to look anything like they belong to the Appletiser range. I would also buy it in larger plastic bottles.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Free samples . But also wider availability and more presence on supermarket shelves. I was also surprised to realise that it is just fruit juice. I think a lot of people wouldn't know this, and it could be marketed as a "healthy" drink.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Definitely. I've really enjoyed it, and as a pregnant mum it's been a lovely change from boooooring soft drinks.

[ruddynorah]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

-i used to drink it when i was a singleton and had money for things i would now see as some what frivolous. we now buy own brand hi juice squash with no sweetners, or drink water,

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

-that it's 100% juice, no sweetners, no aspartame, taste delicious, nice looking packaging, no plastic.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

-feels like not much in a bottle, pour two glasses out and you're left with not enough for a third..perhaps our glasses are too big , feels too expensive cos of this. i get more drinks from a bottle of squash, so this type of drink would be a luxury item for me.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

-for entertaining friends and family, providing adult soft drinks rather than fizzy pop type stuff or squash. or for a treat for dh and i. not an everyday drink anyway. nice for a hot summers day.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

• i don't really like fizzy drinks with food, i'd have these on their own, possibly as a mixer or on their own with ice.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

-husband liked them all and was surprised they were 100% juice, as did our daughter.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

-i like m&s presse range. i love their elderflower one. i also work there so get discount which is nice!

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

-the glass bottle makes it look expensive and perhaps out of reach of a lot of people as an everyday drink for all the family. i did not know it was just carbonated fruit juice. could you sell it like orangina perhaps? they do big plastic bottles and little glass ones. they have bits of fruit on them too which helps give the idea of the fruit juice in it.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

-more marketing around it having no apsartame in, nothing added, 'just juice and fizz.' also the packaging makes it look like an adult soft drink, like schloer and others. it doesn't look like a family drink like perhaps 'robinsons' or whatever. it doesn't look like a good value store cupboard essential.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

-yes.

[QualityTime]

at wmmc.

BTW, for those (like me) that always bought Schloer. I have googled and Schloer contains glucose-fructose syrup. I didn't know that, so from now on will buy Appletiser instead.
ingredients here

[whomovedmychocolate]

what did I say Quality time? I'm always glad to entertain though....

[Tortoise]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?
I don't normally like any fizzy drinks or squash. Drink just water all the time.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?
I like the bottle and they all taste very nice. Also like that it is 100% fruit juice. Not overly fizzy which is good too. Favourite was probably the mango one.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
Didn't seem to be much in a bottle and quite expensive too.
Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
As a treat.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
Prefer not to have fizzy drinks with food so as a refreshing drink on a hot day i think.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
My Brother and my 4 children all tried them and thought they were lovely.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
Can't really compare as normally drink water.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
More advertising especially marketing that it is 100% fruit juice with no rubbish in it.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Maybe vouchers in baby/mums to be packs. More advertising, i don't recall seeing any adverts for it.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes.

[QualityTime]

Most of your answers made me smile actually, but I LOL'd at
What I liked about Appletiser was the simple flavours. Just apple is fab. I don't want apple, with a tinge of elderflower and fairy gussets thanks very much.

[BorisTheBold]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

Usually tend to buy fruit juice or squash - bottled carbonates are (in the main) more expensive than these.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

The Appletiser was by far my favourite and I was surpised to learn there was no added sugar and that it counted as 1 of my five a day.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I think the bottles were too small. Not really enough to go around for a family. Also the shape of the bottles aren't ideal The base was slightly too wide to fit in the door shelves of my American style fridge.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

During the summer. As a transplanted Scot in Southern England, I'm constantly trying to find new ways of sating my unquenchable thirst!

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Tricky question, as I think most of the flavours have enough "tang" of their own and may not be ideal for a sit down meal - other than something light, like pasta. However, I think they would be ideal for buffets or BBQs or snacks.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

Nope, they didn't get a chance (although if I'd had the six cans they might have... )

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

I wouldn't normally go for carbonated fruit juice - again with five of us in the house, I tend to lean towards bottles which would last more than five minutes.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

Change the bottle style (to reduce the base width), but also increase the volume. As this could be a viable alternative to other carbonated drinks are there any thoughts of producing a 2 litre plastic bottle (like Coke/Irn Bru). Also make more of the no added suger and fruit juice content.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

As above, but maybe work with Bounty or Tesco to include some vouchers/samples in their pregnancy/new mums pack.

Also, possible marketing as a "healthy" drink for the designated driver in pubs etc. (nice change from J2O).

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Already have!

[ruddynorah]

yes i should have said that too. i like simple flavours not mega mixes. so i liked the apple best, then the pear.

maybe they should do other simple ones? lemon, orange, strawberry, peach..

[whomovedmychocolate]

QT - that is funny (see how old I am I forgot already I said that)

[asdx2]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?Used to drink it when I was a child but remembered it as fizzy pop and haven't drunk pop in adulthood.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?It's a grown up drink and nothing like I remembered.I love the bottles and the more sophisticated flavours.
My favourite has to be pear.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?I like the look of the glass bottle but prefer not to have glass bottles that the children will use.I liked them all but appletiser was my least favourite

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?I'd drink them on an everyday basis but think they would be a nice alternative for visitors who didn't want to drink alcohol at parties and gatherings.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?I think they'd be great with light lunches, buffets,pasta meals, barbecues.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?My daughter 17 shared them and really liked them all and has added them to the weekly shopping list.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?Similar to Schloer that I buy occasionally but I do prefer the appletiser flavours in comparison.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?Make it more known that it is fruit juice and water rather than a fizzy pop.Consider plastic bottles and 2 litre capacity.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?Emphasise the fruit content and the lack of sugar. Market as a sophisticated alternative to the pop available.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?Yes have already and shared my money off coupons

[CurtainTwitcher]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?
Cost mainly, always seemed to be more expensive than ordinary 'juice' drinks or other carbonated drinks.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? I really loved the presentation, makes it feel like an adults soft drink and was nice enough to take to party etc as a non drinker. Tastes refreshing which is a bonus.Which was your favourite flavour? Appletiser

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Cost I think is the worst factor as for the amount you get it is quite expensive so more of a treat than a regular drink. Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on? pomegranite and raspberry dont know why but didnt like that one too much.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
Personally it would be a treat or something to drink while with friends who were drinking alcohol etc.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
I think the flavours range enough to cover most foods although strangely enough didnt like it with chocolate.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think? Children my girls loved the taste and thought it was a 'grown up drink'. One of my friends commented on how fresh tasting the peartiser was.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why? I did really enjoy the Appletiser drinks and they would probably beat my favourite if they were a little cheaper.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?Nothing I like the simplicity of the designs, the bottle is partly what makes it more appealing to me as it feels more adult but also quite nostalgic to the days of glass bottles for 'pop'.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?
Better advertising would be one of the first things as I dont recall seeing any. Also maybe small taster cans[ like the 15ml ones] inside bag with vouchers. I think once you taste the quality of the product it is easier to convince someone to buy it.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes definetly!!

[Tomatefarcie]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

Forgot all about it, simply.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

The best thing is that it's not too sweet, not too fizzy, not artificial tasting. It's just right really. The Winner in our house is Pomegranate and Raspberry, no contest. Both DDs luuuurved it, DD2 (4) declaring "Oooh it's jaaallicious!". Will definitely buy some again.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I wasn't as keen on the Mandarin and Peach one, nor were the DDs. Maybe because it had a slightly sharper taste.

I'd also say that the Peartiser and Appletiser bottles were very similar, I would make them a bit more recognizable (is this even a word???) from each other.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

I was after something to drink when going to friends' (you know, as a BYO), and when going out for pub meals. I'd always fall back on Coke, but now will order some Tisers. Hopefully the Pomegranate variety will be available in small bottles like the Apple and Pear ones.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Oh i can visualize a nice Roast Pork dinner in front of me right now with an ice cold glass of Appletiser

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

Yes, both DDs (6 and 4) tried them all and adored the Pomegranate and Raspberry one. They both want to grow pomegranates in the garden now.

Dp wasn't interested at all (but he is more into quantity rather than quality).

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

Well I tried Ame and didn't like them at all. Also tried Schloer but wasn't keen either. Not sweet enough, and expensive.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

Well, reading some of the posts on the very first thread, it stands out that people had forgotten about Appletiser. they had it years ago, but it seems like it slipped out of people's minds. Is it a case of "out of sight, out of mind?". It seems that the appletiser range appeals more to women (due to being healthy and an alcohol free option), so maybe a bit of showing it off in women's mags wouldn't hurt (I don't recall any adverts).

Alternatively, stick a Meerkat on the label. .

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

As mentioned above, advertising it in relevant mags/ telly programmes would help refresh people's memory! (everyone seems to say they liked it as a child so it's not even that they stopped drinking it out of dislike, scandal, health scare etc etc).

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?

Yes. And I have been bragging about the freebies, the lovely box etc..thank you!

[Shitemum]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

I've been abroad for 20 years.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

I liked the pear and apple ones best.
My kids preferred the apple to the mango and my 3 year old was not too keen on any of them but (we)they don't usually have fizzy drinks - 3 year old said it was 'nippy'. I think she meant the carbonated bit! They haven't tried the pear or pomegranate but I suspect they would prefer the pear out of those two.
Nice bottle but too tall for my fridge door.
Good to know that the ingredients are all natural. I've no idea what it costs!
Since we don't normally drink fizzy drinks I wouldn't serve it with meals but my husband gave me the remains of the mango one with some white wine in it this afternoon and that went down quite well!

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

Didn't like the mango or pomegranate as much as the pear and apple, would probably not buy the mango or pomegrante.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
Children's party, BBQ, Xmas or as a summer mixer.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
I wouldn't serve it with meals because it's fizzy. Could you do a non-fizzy version?

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
See above, husband also tried the apple and mango and liked them both but says the mango was too sweet and had "an indefinate flavour like Irn Bru".

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
Used to have Schloer on special occasions as a child but don't ususally buy fizzy drinks so can't compare. I assume Appletiser is healthier than the others tho'.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company could do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
I haven't seen it in the shops or on TV but then I shop local and don't watch telly. If it was advertised on the WWW I might have noticed it!
The bottle is fine if a little skinny in the neck and smooth which makes it harder to hold.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Stress the fact it has no artificial additives at all making it good for kids, make it look fun and like champagne in the ads:
Voice over:"Something to celebrate?" Shot of woman having her glass filled with something fizzy that could be champagne - "Try Appletiser" Shot pans down to show she's pregnant (hence the something to celebrate/idea that you can drink it instead of alcohol."100% natural".etc.
So, I'll be watching out for that on the telly and claiming my share if you use my idea!

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes, if I had the opportunity. I will probably buy it for kid's birthdays but not instead of other fizzy drinks as I don't buy them anyway.
Thanks for sending me the samples - we enjoyed trying them and will probably buy the apple and pear ones again.

[LaTrucha]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

I don't buy very many fizzy drinks. I always liked it and would occasionally have it in pubs or cafes as I don't really drink alcohol. I have a toddler, so I don't go to these places very much any more!

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

They all taste clean and fresh. They actually taste like they don't have nasty things added. They are not too sweet and I like the small bubbles. I am pregnant at the moment and absolutely obsessed with fizzy drinks and these are the best by far. I already have a reserve supply in my fridge ready for the labour ward. I'm ashamed to say how quickly I drank the ones you sent. My favourite by a mile is the raspberry and pomegranite.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I didn't think the mango one was very tasty or distinguished. I wouldn't buy it. I also thought the bottles were quite heavy.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
At a special meal, either at home or outside. In a cafe. In labour, apparently! (see question 2)

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with? Cold buffet / sandwhich type food. Also barbecues. Light lunches. Girly lunches.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think? My husband saw how fast I was drinking it and wisely said (as I'm 38 weeks pregnant) that he'd leave me to it. My daughter tried it and was quite fascinated (she's only two) but didn't drink alot of it. She is a fussy child though and the fact she did ask for more meant she did like it.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

There isn't a brand I prefer. I think it is closest to something like the Bottle Green cordials because of the clean taste and the unusual taste of a flavour like the raspberry one. The Bottle Green does work out cheaper. You are not going to sell this as an everyday drink, I don't think as it is quite expensive.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
I never liked the cans, and that is the image I had of the product still. I think an 'upmarket' and adult style would suit best, or as an all-round family drink for special occasions as there are no nasty ingredients for children. Something showing it's difference from a product like Apple Tango (sorry - legacy of the cans) in terms of taste, ingredients and ethics.

I haven't beem aware of the company's marketing for quite some time. New campaign!

I thought the bottle was quite heavy. I did wonder if it needed to be such thick glass.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?
See above, especially the difference with other fizzies. The fruit content and lack of sugar. A really good alternative to an alcoholic drink. You wouldn't feel second best, as with bog standard pub lemonade etc

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
I already have!

[hellymelly]

1.I did drink appletiser years ago,I haven't bought it for ages because I try to avoid both fizzy drinks and fruit juice/sugary drinks as I worry about the effects on teeth.
2.I liked the fact its in a glass bottleand so can be recycled,I liked that it is just juice,(I was under the wrong impression that it was a sugary juice based drink rather than just juice),I liked all the flavours and having a range of flavours to choose from.the favourite flavour chez melly was the mango /mandarin/apple.Although dd2 liked the raspberry one best.
3.The bottles are quite small for a family to share or for parties.The drinks could be slightly less sweet in general.The raspberry one was a little bit too sweet and jammy tasting,although still v.nice.
4.party with children or a mix of ages,any special meal or family celebration,as a drink with Summer lunches.
5.Party food,canapes,salads,barbeques,Christmastime food and drinks parties where you might want a non-alchoholic option with snacks.
6.Husband and two daughters (3 and 5)tried all of them.Children liked the raspberry/pom one and the mango/mandarin/apple best,husband liked the mango best,I liked the mango and the pear best,but we all liked all of them ,nothing was "uggh".
7.Very rarley buy fizzy drinks because of concerns about teeth and bones,but we sometimes have fizzy elderflower cordial based drinks.I preferred the appletiser as it was a bit less sweet.
8.I would make it slightly more diluted so it is rather less sugary,it wasn't over fizzy which was good,so I would keep an eye on that,an organic option would be really great,bigger bottles.
9.Agree with other posters that you need to stress the natural/no additives side to it,as I did think it would have added sugars etc.And make it organic,and/or as green as possible.Not too fizzy,and slightly lower the concentrate dilution so it isn't quite as sweet.Maybe even making one less sweet option? I added water to it tonight for my children and they didn't complain even though they'd had it undiluted a couple of days ago.
10.Yes,I would suggest it to friends,and I will be buying it in the future for parties especially.I usually buy juice and fizzy water for parties,so this will be a good addition and is a lovely treat for children as well as a great option for adults who are driving/not drinking at parties and get togethers.Will take some to my book group!

[BornInTheLGI]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?

I tend to buy Bottle Green cordial and mix it with fizzy water for the children, as it lasts longer.

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour?

The packaging that they arrived in was fab. That aside, the bottles look nice, and the Mango one was marvellous all round. The children loved them all, and they normally claim not to like apple juice.

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?

I prefer the other flavours to apple. Overall, though, I think they're all slightly on the sweet side for my taste.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?

Before supper instead of wine.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?

Would be happy to have them with all types of food!

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?

Children liked them all. Husband liked the pear one. I didn't let him try the others!!

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?

I prefer Bottle Green as it's a bit less sweet. I also like the Robinsons fizzy juice.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?

At the moment, I think it's still too strongly associated with apple juice. If there's a campaign to make it less apple-y, I'm not aware of it.

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?

Emphasise the fact that it's sugar-free and - I think more importantly - free from artificial sweeteners. I personally won't let the children anywhere near 'tooth-friendly' squashes and such like, so I'd definitely want to have this emphasised.

I think I'd see it as a drink for adults rather than children. I rather resented having to share it with my children.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes. I'd probably say it's a bit sweet for me, but it's nice all the same. The children would definitely recommend it!