7-Eleven debuts new Slurpee flavor

Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. said it introduced a Sour Patch Watermelon flavored Slurpee on July 1. The new flavor, inspired by chatter on social media from fans, is exclusively available at participating 7‑Eleven stores throughout its 100 Days of Summer.

Fruit-flavored Slurpees are the most popular among 7‑Eleven customers, and Sour Patch Kids are one of the top-selling candies at 7‑Eleven. So the new Sour Patch Watermelon-flavored Slurpee made sense, the retailer said.

“We’re always working to take Slurpee to the next level,” said Dennis Phelps, 7‑Eleven, vice president of food service. “And it's summer, a time when watermelon flavor is a natural fit. The new Sour Patch Watermelon Slurpee tastes delicious — it starts off a little sour, but always ends sweet.”

According to Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven’s vice president of marketing and brand innovation, the retailer really listened to its customers to develop the new Slurpee flavor.

“New social listening tools give us the ability to interact directly with customers, learn what they want and quickly experiment with products and flavors they love,” she said. “Our customers were already buying Sour Patch Kids with their Slurpee drinks, and drinking Slurpees through sour straws — so we know Slurpee fans will love it.”