Pernod Ricard Invests $22M To Increase RTD Production
Pernod Ricard USA has invested in its first-ever canning line for ready-to-drink (RTD) products, aimed to accelerate growth in the burgeoning category.
Can Hard Coffee Keep Its Buzz Going?
Espresso martinis have made a comeback at bars, but can their canned counterparts revive the hard coffee segment? Just a few years ago, hard coffee drinks burst into the scene as major brands like Jameson, Jäegermeister, and Pabst Blue Ribbon brought together cold brew and alcohol in bottled or canned form.
Spirits: 7 New Pre-Thanksgiving RTD Cocktail Releases
As the holiday season approaches, some RTD cocktail brands are leaning into winter-inspired flavors while others are holding onto an eternal summer. Check out this gallery for the latest launches from brands like Spirited Hive, Cutwater Spirits and Dewey Crush.
Study Suggests Spirits-Based RTD Excise Tax Cuts Cost Consumers More; DISCUS Calls Study ‘Misleading’
Trade groups across beer and spirits continue to fight over whether spirits-based, ready-to-drink canned cocktails (RTDs) should be taxed at the same as malt-based alternatives. The argument came to a head this month when Public Sector Consultants (PSC) released a study claiming decreased excise tax rates for spirits-based RTDs have cost consumers more on shelf.
American Aperitif Makers Seek Opportunity in Emerging Low-Alc Space
Non-alcoholic beverages and spirits are evolving into a fast-moving segment, but are low-alcohol spirits and wines following the same trajectory? New producers of naturally low-ABV aperitifs and amaros are hoping the category’s progression will create a niche for them.
Sesh Hard Seltzer Maker XED Beverages Acquired by Next Century Spirits
Spirits portfolio company Next Century Spirits has acquired XED Beverages, the maker of cocktail-inspired hard seltzer brand Sesh. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jarritos Maker Novamex Partners with Anheuser-Busch on Cantaritos Hard Sodas
Another soda company is testing the beverage-alcohol market – this time with the world’s largest beer manufacturer. Novamex, the maker of Mexican soda brand Jarritos, is partnering with Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) to launch Cantaritos Hard Sodas in California and Texas markets next spring.
Diageo Acquires Balcones Distilling, Expanding Super Premium American Whiskey Portfolio
Diageo has acquired Waco, Texas-based whiskey maker Balcones Distilling in a cash transaction, the company announced today.
Spirits: 15 New Autumn Releases From Top Chef to King Tut
In this autumn edition roundup of new spirits releases, Highclere Castle celebrates the anniversary of discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Åhus Akvavit introduces its seasonal blend in the U.S. and Yobo Kish teams up with Top Chef winner Kristen Kish to launch a new aperitif line.
Campari Acquires Wilderness Trail, Extending Bourbon Interests
Campari Group is boosting its Kentucky bourbon portfolio by taking a majority stake in Wilderness Trail Distillery, the company announced today. The move comes at a time when American whiskey continues to rise, and particularly higher-priced brands.
Will the Recession Stall Momentum for Superpremium Spirits?
Super premium spirits have been outpacing mainstream categories for over a decade, but will a looming recession stall that trajectory? A new report suggests that economic conditions may soften demand for high end wine and spirits, but won’t hinder long term growth.
Boston Beer Rolls Out First Tequila-Based RTD: Loma Vista Tequila Soda in 4 Markets
Boston Beer Company is expanding its ready-to-drink canned cocktail portfolio with the addition of Loma Vista Tequila Soda, the company’s first tequila-based RTD.
The Booze Boom: Behind the Rise of Craft Spirits & RTDs
While doing research for her book, Movers and Shakers: Women Making Waves in Spirits, Beer, and Wine, writer and bartender Hope Ewing got the inspiration to start her own company. In 2019, she and two co-founders launched Vervet, a farm-to-can sparkling cocktail line, in Los Angeles.
BeatBox Closes $15M Raise to Support National Retail Partnerships
BeatBox, makers of a ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic fruit punch, just hit a $200 million valuation at the close of its $15 million raise aimed at expanding its national retail partnerships.