From functional spirits to on-trade led NPDs, Millie Milliken outlines the low and no spirit trends retailers should be keeping their eyes on There is no doubt that retail has the upper hand on the on-trade when it comes to the low and no-abv opportunity. According to Lumina Intelligence, 53% of consumers discovered the category in the off-trade (2021), compared to 9% in bars and…

Caroline Thompson-Hill took the role of Accolade Wines’ regional managing director for Europe last July. Now, with her feet firmly under the table, she talks to Drinks Retailing about product innovation, sustainability and the future of hard seltzers “It’s been a very interesting time to take the reins,” Thompson[1]Hill says of her near-18-month tenure. In line with the times, we’re chatting over Teams, but we…

Nielsen client team leader Rob Hallworth makes some predictions for how shoppers are likely to behave this festive season. Hands up if you’re looking forward to a more “normal” Christmas this year? But what will normal look like? In 2020 Christmas was all but cancelled, with UK lockdowns introduced at short notice and the hospitality industry at limited opening hours or closed for the majority…

Campari has launched its first NPD for the Aperol brand in the UK market. The Aperol Spritz Kit features a smaller 35cl bottle of Aperol and a 37.5cl bottle of Cinzano Prosecco DOC. The kit is launching in the convenience channel, with an RRP of £16. Each kit contains ingredients for 4-5 cocktails. Sandra Brunet, marketing director, Campari Group UK, said: “Whilst the Aperol Spritz…

Halewood Artisanal Spirits has sold its alcohol-free wine brand Eisberg as part of its strategy to focus on the premium spirits sector. The alcohol-free wine brand has been acquired by the producers of wine-based drinks Schloss Wachenheim AG (SWA). The two businesses have been production partners since 2006, with SWA playing an integral part in the continued success of the Eisberg brand. During recent years…

Tanqueray is expanding its portfolio with a series of innovations. First to join the brand’s portfolio this month is Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale (41.3% ABV). In April, the brand is also set to introduce two brand new ready-to-drink (RTD) 25cl can formats for Tanqueray London Dry Gin and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Distilled Gin (6.5% ABV). Tanqueray Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin (41.3% ABV) is also set…

Atom Group, which incorporates Atom Brands, Maverick Drinks and Master of Malt, has added a new innovation arm to its portfolio. Atom Labs was created as part of a mission to create “a range of unique spirits”. Each project will be created by a small team of dedicated spirits minds and these will then be seeded through online retailer Master of Malt initially in small…