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?

[Ponders]

I wasn't part of the trial (have been buying it for years) but I think for selling to mums & mums-to-be it should be alongside the fruit drinks & pop in supermarkets, not with the mixers in the alcohol section.

Agree also with those who've said it would be much more child-friendly in plastic bottles (although I think you can get it in cans)

[StrictlyTory]

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

It was the only drink my sister and I would fight over as a child. If she went to help with the food shop she would always claim a bottle of the then Appletise to be 'just hers' so when I went I'd do the same! Then the other one would have to beg you for a glass of it

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)? Which was your favourite flavour? The taste of the apple flavour bought me right back to being a child and outsmarting my sister!

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 too keen on the pomegranet taste, too sweet with the rasperry.

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
When they are on offer... and always get a bottle to have with the BBQ as I can't drink being pregnant but it feels as good as a glass of white wine!

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with? BBQ for sure with apple and pear.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think? My husband loves the pear flavour

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

It's my top choice for fizzy drinks as the glass bottle makes recycling easier and I find it goes flat less easily than the drinks in plastic bottles.

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

Make larger bottles as well as doing a six pack of the smaller bottles for out and about.

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

Tell them that Appletiser, chilled, is as lovely on a hot summer day as white wine or Pimms but you can have it totally guilt free as no alcohol is involved and it has much healthier ingredients than normal fizzy drinks which is important when pg or breatfeeding.

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

I already do, I've even reminded my sister or how much we loved it and she's been out to get some!

[StrictlyTory]

Oopps I seem to have lost the last line of my answer to the first question... It should end, However, I don't get to buy it as much now as I did when I was a child and I have to pay for it myself and my strict Scottish soldier husband definetly puts it in the 'treat' bracket!

[wannaBe]

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

We used to have appletiser when i was a child and lived in South Africa, my dad used to buy it when we stopped for petrol etc. As time moved on I drank coke rather than anything else really.

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

I loved the glass bottles, and the fact that it is pure fruit juice with no additives etc and counts towards your five a day. Apple was my 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?

The cost. When the package arrived I became very excited thinking that we could buy this as a regular thing, I drink to much coke and thought that a more healthy fizzy drink would be lovely as an alternative. So I was horrified when I discovered that it's approx £2.33 a bottle on ocado.

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

Probably on a summer's day, at bbq, as a mixer with alcohol (I don't generally think so like nice mixers to hide the taste of alcohol that I do occasionally drink when socializing).

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

Anything really.

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

Yes - apple was all-round favourite with everyone.

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

Tbh I don't generally buy these types of drinks but would probably consider doing so now.

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

Do something about the cost. It is far too expensive to be considered an every day item tbh. Also emphasise the benefits - i.e. that it's one of the five-a-day and has no additives etc.

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

Giving out money -off vouchers, try to get it into the bounty packs, maybe put advertising into gp surgeries or send vouchers/samples to antenatal groups.

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

Yes.

[Lilyloo]

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

I didn't even realise it was still on the market. We rarely drink fizzy drinks

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

My favourite was the fruit ones. I liked the sweetness of these. I like that it is 100% fruit.

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?

Pear was my least favourite (i don't like pears though). When looking at the price it is probably more than i would pay for he size.

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

I think it would make a good mixer drink , or as a grown up treat from the fridge.

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

I am not sure it goes that well with food as such as it is very carbonated. Maybe a barbecue type meal ?

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

My partner and children tried it. The children found it too fizzy , my partner liked it especially the apple.

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

We don't really drink fizzy drinks other than the occasional bottle of 7 up. It is a nice more luxury drink which i may buy as a treat.

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

Maybe offer family size 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?

Maybe advertise it as a luxury drink as a refreshing alternative to alcohol for mums to be and as a mixer to others. Emphasise the one of your five a day as this seems at odds with a carbonated drink.

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

[Lastyearsmodel]

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

Q2 What was the best thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)?
Taste, lightness, lack of added stuff.
Which was your favourite flavour?
Raspberry

Q3 What was the worst thing about the Appletiser range (including the taste, the bottle, ingredients, cost etc)?
Cost
Which flavour(s) weren?t you so keen on?
None

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range?
Special meal if non-alcoholic drink wanted, in pub.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
Apple with a cheese sandwich? Not good at that sort of thing.

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
Kids loved it (they would, it's expensive) and DP loved all flavours too. But he was surprised.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
Not much similar, certainly not served in pubs. Aqua libra, I suppose, but that's more herbal.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
Compete with J20s in pubs! Horrible sweet things...

Q9 If you were in charge of selling Appletiser how would you try to encourage more mums, or mums to be, to buy Appletiser?
Bounty packs, or similar, which I think you already do, emphasise healthy side and also 'sophisticated' aspect - it's lighter and more refreshing than some heavy, sugary fruit drinks, and a lot more interesting than sparkling water.

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

[Soontobemum2010]

Q1 I had forgotten how good it tasted and was mainly buying and drinking water and the expensive Bottle Green Elderflower concentrate.

Q2 I loved the box that the bottles came in! Beautifully packaged. The Appletiser taste propelled me back to my childhood. The best thing about the Appletiser range is the 'no added' bits and the taste freshness.

Q3 The bottles aren't very big and the glass is heavy. I was very excited to try the raspberry and pomegrante flavour one, but found it was quite sharp in taste.

Q4 At the moment, the only thing that satisfies my pregnant taste buds is sparkling anything so have been having soda water or sparkling water with orange juice and other concentrated juices. On any other occasion this would be bought as a treat to have on a summer's day or picnic.

Q5 Salads, chicken, light summer dishes.

Q6 Yes, my husband shared all the bottles with me. He agreed with my view on the sharp taste of the raspberry one. His favourite is still the original Appletiser, although mine is the Peartiser.

Q7 The Bottle Green Elderflower concentrated drink is good, and also the fizzy version. I would suggest that Appletiser considers moving into this area too to complete its range.

Q8 I think the move to diversify into Raspberry and Pomegrante, and Mango etc dilutes the Appletiser and Peartiser products. They are nice to taste, but I wouldn't buy them, rather preferring to spend my money on the Appletiser or Peartisers.

Q9 I would make bigger bottles, maybe made in plastic for travelling to picnics etc. I would continue to promote the "no added-ness" of the product as really fantastic. The "one of my five a day" didn't really sell it to me. Focus on the wonderful refreshing, natural taste. Also, if you considered an Elderflower version, then you would be also catering for mothers: they buy Elderflower for them, and Appletiser or Peartiser for the children. Also, another market to pursue would be the pub/bar/restaurant market - vodka and Appletiser - declicious and refreshing. Vodka and Peartiser - like Perry!

Q10 Yes, absolutely - without question, the Appletiser and Peartiser will be recommended to friends.

Thank you for sending me the bottles. We really enjoyed the taste trial and will be buying Appletiser and Peartiser in the future.

[sitdownpleasegeorge]

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

-Don't go to pubs anything like as much as I used to before having children and I only bought it in pubs.

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

-Appletiser is just slightly sparkling apple juice, it counts as one of the 5 a day, it's surely waaaaaaaay better for you than coke/lemonade if like me you are a fizz addict. I like Appletiser and Peartiser the best

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 are heavy and less likely to get packed for a picnic plus the small size aren't generally value for money. Couldn't you find a classy plastic option (like Roses Lime cordial have done) Hopefully this would bring the price down too.

--Wasn't so keen on the raspberry and pomegranate but I think that's a personal taste thing.

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

-Pub outing (rare these days)but having re-acquainted myself with the product will no doubt be seeking it out in other places such as supermarket.

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

--Appletiser with Pork products/fish/chicken. Other flavours for barbeques/picnics etc.

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

--ds1 (7) professed to love them all but I think he still hankers after lemonade and coke more although he will be henceforth offered these instead when a treat is in order. DH and DS2 not interested at all. (dh thinks that "fruit based drinks are for the ladies" and ds2 just has milk or water at his own insistence so don't take it personally guys !)

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

-Having conducted a schloer/appletiser taste comparison I now prefer appletiser.

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

---Plastic bottles and handy small plastic bottles/cans. Perhaps target newly pregnant cider drinkers as this being an alternative to see them through the next 9 months.

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 Q8, put a discount coupon in the first bounty/Emma's diary pack that you get in pregnancy.

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

--Yes, and it will be available to offer when friends visit plus will take it with me as my tee-total offering at bring a bottle get-togethers

Thanks so much for the samples and for taking the trouble to present them nicely too, that box and ribbon will be re-used, I'm a such a meanie recycling addict.

[geekgirl]

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 child, I suppose as an adult I moved on to things like cola light or a glass of wine.

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

Lovely flavours, easy to dilute with sparkling water, good sized bottles.
The pomegranate one was my favourite, but it was too sweet to drink undiluted (even the children thought so!) - it was absolutely beautiful though with some sparkling water. The children liked the mango one best.

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 keen on the pear - not sure why. It tasted a bit artificial for some reason. They were all a bit too sweet for me.

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

as a refreshing drink on a hot day, or with a meal.

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

We found that it goes particularly well with picnics. Anything really.

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

The children really enjoyed all of them, but found the pomegranate one too sweet.

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

I don't usually buy these sort of drinks.

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?

Point out that it is one of your 5 a day, price it competitively. Maybe offer watered-down versions?

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

yes

[Eve]

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

the high sugar content and the price, its quite dear.

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

Apple.. it was refreshing if it was cold, bit sweet otherwise

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?

the fizz went very quickly and then it tasted artificial

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

as an alternative to wine to accompany a meal

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

..all foods..

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

children tried it. They both liked the apple best

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

I would brand it in with Shloer and Aimee..

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

reduce the price, emphasise how much 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?

free sample, money off , targeted advertising

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

the apple and pear not the other flavours

[mum2be2010]

Q1 If you haven't tried Appletiser before, or for a long time, what are the reasons?
The only time I have ever drunk appletiser was when i?ve gone to pizza express as they are one of the few restaurants to have the drink. When I received my glass bottle of appletiser along with my meal I noticed that it counted as one of my five a day which pleasantly surprised me. The reason I don?t drink it more often is because I don?t feel that it is widely available so tend to stick to a diet coke or lemonade type drink.

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 about the range overall is the fact that it does class as one of your five a day without you even realising it. I also like the style of the bottle, it makes you feel like it is an adult drink without actually containing any alcohol. It is also not too too fizzy so you can drink a fair amount of it before feeling like you?re going to ?pop?. I would say that my favourite flavour was the rasberry and pomegranate as it was different to the normal drinks I have been having and was a welcome change.

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 would say the worst thing overall was the flavour of the mango, mandarin and apple. Just wasn?t for me but then my other friend who has just had her baby liked that one when I offered her a drink of it. For me it just left as strange aftertaste in my mouth 

Q4 On what occasions would you typically drink a product from the Appletiser range? As it is getting to summer and I?m craving my usual ?white wine spritzer?, these drinks are good for bbq?s, picnics in the park and just generally lazing about in the sun in a beer garden.

Q5 What foods do you think the different Appletiser flavours would be good with?
Peartiser reminds me a bit of ?shloer? and therefore to me, goes with a variety of foods such as roast dinners and all types of meat. The fruitiser?s (both flavours) suit lighter meals, perhaps a salad or a panini/sandwich. As for appletiser, it?s a classic and goes with anything!

Q6 Did anyone else in your family, your children, or any of your friends try it? What did they think?
As mentioned my pregnant friend tried the fruitiser and loved it and both of our partner?s tried the peartiser and agreed that it was a nice flavour and not too overpowering or ?sparkling? but fizzy enough.

Q7 How does the Appletiser range compare to other similar drinks? Is there a brand you prefer? If so why?
The peartiser compares to ?schloer?. If I am honest I like both drinks the same amount so the only thing that would make me buy one over the other is the price and I am not sure off the top of my head which one is cheaper.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
I think the marketing or branding of the product needs to be increased so that more people know about it. I mean I knew that appletiser existed but did not know they had a whole range of products until this ?taste test? came up on mumsnet.com.

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 produce a booklet suggesting different non alcoholic cocktails mums could make using the different flavours in the range and also suggest certain foods that go well with each flavour. That is what happens with alcoholic drinks so why non the appletiser brand of products too?

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
I definitely will and have already used my vouchers to purchase more bottles so I can stock up for the summer and concoct my own ?mocktails? for my pregnant and breastfeeding friends this summer!

[Rindercella]

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

I seem to overlook the brand when shopping and it never particularly appeals to me when I do notice it. I vaguely recall not really being that keen on it as 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?

Peartiser was my favourite flavour. The appearance of the drinks - style of bottle, labelling, etc., was attractive. I liked the fact that the flavours were totally natural.

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 all the drinks far too sweet. The pomegranate & raspberry was my least favourite (when I actually had high expectations for it!) as it was particularly sweet. Looking at the ptices online, I think they are too expensive. Shloer (which I like very much) is less than £2 per bottle as is Ame.

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

If I buy drinks such as Appletiser, I tend to drink them at home, or if doing a picnic.

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

Probably salty snacks - crips, nuts, etc., to try and counter the sweetness.

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

My husband tried the all and like me found them to generally be too sweet. He preferred the Appletiser out of all the flavours. My daughter had a couple of sips, and loved them, but she would!

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

As I mentioned above, Shloer is a brand I drink quite a lot of and is probably the closest I can think of to the Appletiser range. I also really like the Fentimans range - the flavours are much tarter than those of Appletiser. I also like the smaller bottles that Fentimans do. Although they probably work out to be more expensive, they are far more convenient.

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

Lower the price - it is about 40 pence per unit more expensive than the brand I would normally choose. Do special promotions. Again, Shloer frequently have a 'buy 2 bottles for £3' offer for example. Do introductory promotions on new flavours. Have more prominent displays in supermarkets. High profile advertising - sponsorship of a major sporting event perhaps?

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

Promote the fact that the drinks are 100% fruit juice. I was not aware of this until now. Advertise in parenting magazines, forums, etc. Market it as an 'adult' drink. I always thought it was aimed at children.

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

Yes, but only if I knew them to have a sweet tooth!

[WinkyWinkola]

Where's my Appletiser? I didn't get mine!

[WinkyWinkola]

[plantsitter]

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

Is expensive and there's not much of it in a bottle.

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 great to have fizzy fruit juice that is just fruit juice. My favourites were appletiser - nice and tangy - and mango and mandarin.

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?

Cost, sugar content even if is fruit sugar. Didn't think pear tasted of much (though partner did)

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

Pregnant, with meal or at party.

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

strong flavours like goat's cheese for the apple stuff. Honestly the flavours are a bit acidic to drink with food as if it were wine - a bit overpowering.

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

Partner liked pear but found mango too sweet. Friend tried pomegranate and liked it but said it just tasted of 'red juice', not really pomegranate.

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

Shloer is lighter and so nicer with food, although I prefer the taste of appletiser.

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

Packaging reminded me of babycham (sorry!). Also really hate the font and capitals everywhere. Bottles almost too good quality - looks unaffordable for what it is. Probably make it clear that it is just fizzy fruit juice as I wasn't sure that was the case until I got the 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?

put emphasis on no added sugar and play the no alcohol wine equivalent thing. Make it seem too classy to share with the kids - a grown up fizzy drink. Instead of a glass of wine when the kids are in bed show the idea of someone drinking an indulgent glass of appletiser (but not too indulgent).

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

Yes!

[picc]

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

seems expensive for size of bottle
however, have drunk it in the pub as an alternative soft drink

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

Peartiser favourite flavour
BEst thing: the appletiser and peartiser were incredibly refreshing. not too sweet and not at all synthetic-tasting. just tasted like refreshing, fizzy fruit juice.

(i also like the bottles)

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?

cost!

personally, i found the 'pink' ones a bit too sweet.
(didn't stop me glugging them down and enjoying them, though!)

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

they've just started selling cans at my school (i'm a teacher), and have recently developed a peartiser-addiction at morning breaktime!

also, in the pub when i'm not drinking alcohol
(tend to dilute it with soda water, though as incredibly expensive otherwise for such a small bottle, and it still tastes good!)

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

i drink a lot of apfelschorle (DH is german), so i tend to think things like this go with everything!!

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

DH fought with me to get some, but i told him it was mine!
however, he enjoyed the little sips i allowed him to have...
DS (16 mo) had a tiny bit when i was desperate to give him something and it was the only thing i had at the time. looked a bit puzzled, but seemed to like it.
won't be giving it to him again for a while just because i'd like him to stick to water/milk for as long as poss.

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

my other addiciton is Bottle Green ginger and lemongrass cordial with fizzy water.
i guess it's similar.

also schloer, but that doesn't appeal to me so much. looks too much like it's trying to be a 'wine alternative'
if i want fizzy fruit juice, i want fizzy fruit juice. and i want to know it'd just fruit juice!! that's why aplletiser is more appealing...

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

larger bottles/ better value
emphasise the 'purity' of the product
push more in pubs
the cans go down well at school (with me and with pupils)- this is a definite area to explore. kids like fizzy drinks. schools hate sugary 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?

as for Q8!!

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

yup... am already an addict to the apple/peartiser. bought some more already using vouchers. gonna be gutted when they run out, as i do feel the bottles are too expensive to justify buying, except as a special treat.
will no doubt continue to feed addiction via cans at school!!

[misdee]

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

I havent had appletiser for a long time due to the cost, and availability locally.

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

I love the glass bottles, and the fresh taste. lovely chilled. Favourite flavour is the original Appletiser

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?

The cost. I wasnt too keen on peartiser, but not enough to stop me buying it.

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

BBQ's, parties, nights out

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

I think the appletiser/peartiser would go well with things like chicken dishes, salads, lighter meals. The other two flavours would work well with most other meals.

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

One daughter tried a couple of flavours and really enjoyed the pomegranate and raspberry flavour.

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

I havent really tried other drinks like this.

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

Availability at smaller shops like co-op/somerfield would be great. I would prefer larger bottles as one bottle shared between the family would be gone in one sitting. Alsdo the other flavours in cans would be handy for picnics, days out etc

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

Focus on the 1 of your 5 a day line, as although it feels like a naughty treat, its not that bad. Also, as much as i hate to say this, consider bounty packs for vouchers.

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

Definatly. lovely fab drink for these summer days

[danabu]

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

Haven't really noticed it for sale as I don't buy a lot of fizzy drinks, but I would probably have thought it was unhealthy (high sugar and additives)

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

Dh thought they all tasted great (he had nearly polished off 3 of the 4 bottles before I got home). Myself, I preferred the pomegranate one. I also liked the natural ingredients

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?

The worst thing is probably the price - I would buy it if it was on offer, but not routinely, although I would have it on a non alcoholic night out.

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

On a non alcoholic night out. Though it did go down quite well on a sunny day

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

Summer foods and barbeques

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

Well,dh had more than me and he loved it, though he does have quite a sweet tooth

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

The Appletiser range is similar to others, but with the fruitisers has more choice. Having had the opportunity to try it, I will make Appletiser my preferred brand!

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

I'm no marketing expert but I guess it's targeting the slightly health conscious youngish women through the likes of mumsnet and humourous advertising

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

Vouchers and ads in Bounty bags, mother and baby magazine etc

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

Definitely.I also think that it would be of interest to my mum's generation (golfing and gym attending 60 year olds!)

[TheMouseLookedGood]

Q1 Don't generally like most soft drinks and remember it as being very sweet from childhood. However, have been craving sweet fizz in this pregnancy so thought it would be perfect.

Q2 Discovering it was just juice (albeit from concentrate). I presumed it would have a whole load of sugars/sweeteners/nasties in it. Favourite flavour was Apple and surprisingly for me, the Mango & Mandarin one (would never have bought that as didn't appeal to me before I tasted it). Glass bottle good in terms of recycling.

Q3 Pear one tasted of chemicals (odd as it's just pear and fizzy water). Pomegranate one far too sweet, even for my revised pregnancy palate.

Q4 Summer occasions - bbqs, garden parties, etc.

Q5 Would still prefer to drink water with food and Appletiser pre/post, but summery salads, picnic foods, etc.

Q6 Yes, pregnant friend tried Apple and Mango varieties. Liked Apple, pronounced Mango "too strong".

Q7 As previously mentioned, don't usually drink soft drinks, but have recently become addicted to Bottle Green squash and think the ingredients in Appletiser are probably better for you!

Q8 Need to emphasise the 'just fruit' element much more and look at brands like Innocent and Bottle Green which seem to appeal more to health/eco-conscious consumers. Packaging still looks a bit retro (and not in a good way) to me - need to make it look a bit more high end.

Q9 As above.

Q10 Would certainly tell them to give it a go!

[Calamansi]

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

I think I'd kind of forgotten about it or am always caught up trying a new product that has just launched.

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

I love the bottle, apple, pommegrante and pear were our favourites, we didn't like the Mango one - it tasted really strange.

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?

The mango one was so dissapointing, I adore mangos but this tasted odd and no-one of us wanted to finish our glasses.

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

Having rediscovered it I've been buying it for BBQs, i also had iut instead of wine when we went out for pizza on sat.

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

I like it with simple foods like BBQ or Italian food.

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

My husband, 2 kids and nanny. We all loved the pomergrante and apple, also the pear (although kids found ti too sweet) no-one liked the Mango one.

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

I think the quality compares really well.

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

To keep making it feel comtemporary as sometimes it feels old fashioned. I also thought it was great to mention the 5 a day thing as that would never have occured to me before!

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

The fact that it can count towards your 5 a day is brilliant.

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

I already have and will continue to do so!

[shufflebum]

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

Kind of forgot about it as I hadn't seen it around, always used to have it as a treat when I was taken to the pub as 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?

It's natural, it's very hard to find a soft drink with no added sugar or sweeteners. Didn't get a chance to try the mango one as bottle broke and that flavour missing from replacement box. Favourite was the original Appletiser.

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?

Quite pricey and although the bottle looks big it doesn't go very far so definately not something you would drink everyday like squash. Peartiser was least favourite but didn't dislike it. Thought it tasted very similar to the Appletiser to be honest.

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

Out for a meal and driving or pregnant

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

All

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

Husband tried them, thought the pomegranate one was cranberry flavour but liked them all

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

Don't drink other similar drinks.

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

Make it more available, brand awareness is poor although I noticed it in Pizza Express the other day and ordered it and will remember that they sell 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?

Push the no added sugar and five a day line

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

[ChasingSquirrels]

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

• just "fell off the radar" of drinks that I consider

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

• Favourite flavour was the raspberry and pomegranate.
• Also liked pear, and then apple.

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?

• Mango, mandarin & apple was non-descript.

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

• in the pub
• to drink at home
• to take to a party

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?

• no

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

• I normally drink Britvic Orange 55 or J2O. I prefer Orange 55's as the taste is more intense. I prefer the 'tiser range to J20's due to the fizz.

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?

• I will probably tell them about it due to this trial, I don't think I would recommend otehrwise as I don't tend to.

[Emster30]

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

It's a bit too expensive.

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 really nice grown-up soft drink - not too sweet. I think I liked the classic apple flavour best.

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?

My least favourite flavour was the raspberry and pomegranate - it tastes a wee bit more artificial.

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

Probably for a special occasion when others are drinking alcohol (I'm pregnant).

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

Any food, really! Nice with a roast or a barbecue, and I've just enjoyed a glass of raspberry and pomegranate with a pasta bake.

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

My friend had some of the pear flavour and enjoyed it.

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

It seems to be in the same market as Schloer, but I preferred Appletiser as it's not quite so sweet.

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

I think it does a good job.

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 think the emphasis on it counting as one of your five a day will encourage more mums to buy it. It's nice to have something that tastes so good but is also healthy.

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

Yes, definitely!

[Lia1977]

Q1 I didnt use it before because I prefer fresh juices or made at home milkshakes.

Q2 My favourite flavour is pomegranate & raspberry. I think the design of the bottle is quite stylish and also the fact that it isnt a very caloric drink compared to other fizzy drinks.

Q3 I really disliked peach flavour. I found it too strong and I dont think it goes well with the sparkling.

Q4 It's a very nice refreshing drink to have in a warm evening after a tiring day at work. I associate Appletiser with relaxing moments.

Q5 Definetely with grilled fish. It goes well with something light.

Q6 My DH tried all the flavours and although he enjoyed it, he thinks the flavours are a bit unusual.

Q7 The only thing that comes to my mind is Schloer. I would say I prefer Appletiser because I think is more well known.

Q8 What do you think Appletiser the company do to improve the product, packaging or marketing?
It would be good if Appletiser was available in larger and cheaper 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?
Highlighting the pure juice aspect and low calories.

Q10 Lastly, do you think you would recommend the Appletiser range to your friends?
Yes I think it's a product with very good quality. My DH said it's got "class".

[VodkaGirl77]

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

It's just not something that I would normally buy - usually only fizzy drink I buy is lemonade for me.

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 fact that the range are made just from carbonated fruit juice - think that is really good. The Fruitiser drinks were really nice. Not sure how much the cost is as haven't found them in our local supermarket

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?

There wasn't very much in a bottle - only about three small glasses, which isn't very much for a family drink. All the flavours were nice, but I would be more likely to buy the Fruitiser drinks

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

I think it has been a very nice refreshing drink in this warm weather we are having. I probably wouldn't buy it for general consumption, but the odd bottle as a treat.

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

Would be nice with salads and fish - light food.

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

All the family tried it - my three year old thought it was too fizzy (but she's not keen on fizzy drinks), my six year old loved all the flavours - especially the peartiser. I was particularly surprised that dp liked it as he normally thinks fizzy drinks are too sweet or too 'sachariny', but he really enjoyed the fruitiser flavours and was very impressed that it was just made from carbonated fruit juice.

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

I've not really bought any similar drinks, but think this looks nicer and more 'grown up' than some of the others.

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

I really like the packaging - it's simple, which reflects the product. Just also wanted to say my daughters and I loved the box and everything that the samples came in - it was like Christmas (we don't have much excitement in our lives lol!)

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 a pregnant woman, I think the fruitiser drinks particularly would be good to be marketed to mums to be as an alternative to alchohol - was really nice drinking these rather than lemonade - felt more 'special'

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

Yes definitely!