The Spirits Business

The new canned RTDs comprise: Martini Fiero and Tonic, Martini Non-Alcoholic Vibrante and Tonic, and Martini Non-Alcoholic Floreale and Tonic. In May 2019, Martini released its brightly-coloured Fiero expression (14.9% ABV), a blend of white wines and botanicals, including Murcia orange peel, artemisia absinthium and artemisia pontica. The canned Fiero and Tonic RTD (4.7% ABV) provides citrus notes from the orange peel, and bitterness and herbal aromatics from the artemisia. Last month, Bacardi-owned Grey Goose vodka unveiled a 30% ABV range infused with fruit and botanicals to attract ‘mindful’ drinkers.

Pernod Ricard said the watermelon craze has risen in popularity, growing by 40% year over year, according to Nielsen data. Malibu Watermelon is available across the US, priced at US$19.99 per 750ml and US$25.99 per 1.75l bottle. Malibu reported a strong performance in 2019, with sales up by 5.5% to 3.9 million nine-litre cases, according to Brand Champions 2020 data. Last week, Pernod Ricard unveiled a watermelon-flavoured Absolut vodka to tap into the demand for watermelon-flavoured alcoholic beverages.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Hot Cross Bun Vodka has been launched across New Zealand following an initial release of 50 bottles, which were sold out on the first day. Released ahead of Easter weekend, the vodka is said to be ‘slightly sweet, yet savoury’. Hot Cross Bun Vodka is priced at NZ$65 (US$45.50) per 700ml bottle and available to buy from The National Distillery Company’s website. Based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, The National Distillery Company produces gin and vodka, including Hemp Gin and a navy strength bottling.

Global Cognac sales are predicted to increase by US$303.59 million between 2021 and 2025, boosted by demand from North America, according to a new report. According to a report from market analysis firm Technavio, global sales of Cognac are projected to increase by 2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2025. The report, titled Cognac Market by Product, Distribution Channel, and Geography – Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025, analysed the impact of product types, distribution channels and varying global regions will have on the Cognac sector in the next five years. Prevalence of new products in the category will attract new customers, expand Cognac’s presence and give the sector ‘a competitive edge’, the report said.