V is an energy drink brand produced by Frucor Suntory, a New Zealand-based beverage manufacturer. It was launched in Methven, New Zealand in August 1997 and in Australia in 1999. The product's success, a market share over 60% in New Zealand[1][needs update] and 42% in Australia,[2] makes it the most popular brand of energy drink in both countries. V is considered a local rival to Red Bull.[3] Frucor says V energy drinks are not intended for children, and they are not recommended for pregnant women or people sensitive to caffeine.[4]
V Energy (also referred to as "Green V"[5]) is the original flavour of V released in 1997.
Blue (also referred to as "Blue V") is a pineapple and passion fruit flavour introduced in October 2011[6][7] which V challenges the drinker to try and work out the flavour.[8] V Sugar Free Blue and V Zero Sugar Blue (as of August 2023) are also currently available.
V Black was a flavour variant that was discontinued in 2013. V Black was re-released in 2018 for a limited time in New Zealand over a 6-week period.[9] It was described as having a strong coffee flavour.[10] V Black was rereleased in June 2024.[11]
V Pure is a flavour alternative released in 2016 coming from 6 Natural Ingredients; apple juice, sparkling water, lemon juice, Guarana seed extract, caffeine from green coffee beans and natural V flavour.[12]
V added a second Sugar Free flavour in 2018, themed after summer and the tropics. This product replaced V Zero.[1]
V Tortured Orchard Raspberry Lemonade was introduced in 2018.[13][14] In 2020, this flavour was brought back as a permanent edition and rebranded to 'V Raspberry Lemonade'.
The V Energy Refresh line released in 2022, is available in three flavours: Citrus Lemonade, Pineapple & Watermelon, and Green Apple Lemonade (All Zero sugar).
V Tropical Tang was released in May 2023 and is described as "guava, pineapple and berries". However, the new addition is currently only available in 500ml cans.[15]
The energy shots (described as "Pocket Rockets") are claimed to be as effective as the larger cans but have an extremely bitter taste that, according to the V Pocket Rocket website, is to stop young children from drinking them.[16]
In April 2018, V together with donut store chain Donut King released in Australia a V flavoured donut. The donut was sold through Donut King stores nationwide and contained a gooey Guarana filling and covered in green sugar crystals.[19]
