Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Are Poised for Action this Summer
Jun. 25, 2015
Cocktails and convenience don’t often go hand-in-hand, but a recent surge of well-crafted ready-to-drink and pre-mixed products are changing consumers’ perception of the category.
Over the forecast period, ready-to-drinks (RTDs) and high-strength premixes are expected to record a positive performance with total volume growth of 2%.* A number of consumers, especially the millennial generation, will start to adopt these RTD products as a convenient, high-strength drink primarily through off-premise channels.
Today’s RTD offerings encompass a wide-range of on-trend flavors that mimic the innovative craft cocktails that consumers are ordering on-premise, but in a convenient pre-mixed package. This packaging offers a major convenience for consumers, especially during the warmer months when quick-to-serve options become especially appealing.
For retailers looking to capitalize on this action, it is all about stocking, timing and knowing which flavors consumers are looking for. Be sure to keep cases of cans chilled in the cooler, and put seasonal cocktails — like summer margaritas and daiquiri mixes — by the register to encourage impulse buys.
Stock up on the consumer favorites below, and ensure that no matter where your customers are going, you have all their RTD needs covered.
Palm BreezePineapple Mandarin Orange
One of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados," the pineapple has been used as a symbol of hospitality and celebration for centuries. This malt beverage leans heavily on that wonderful pineapple, but also features subtle notes of juicy orange.
Mike's Hard Lemonade Flavors of America' Variety Pack
Mike's knows the best moments of summer happen in the backyard and to make sure your customers stay cool and refreshed all summer long, they have created a special edition Flavors of America' Variety Pack. This fridge pack features four incredibly refreshing flavors — Lemonade, Peach, Black Cherry and Apple — that are iconic to the different regions of the country, like peach juice from Georgia.
Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Alcoholic Ginger Beer
Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer is carefully crafted from a recipe using ginger shipped from the Far East which is cold steeped for up to six weeks and then combined with four secret ingredients. The result is a refreshing, light bodied ginger beer with a spicy fresh ginger flavor, notes of citrus and a warming finish. Spiced Orange offers the same refreshing taste as the Original but with a lighter ginger profile and a zesty orange flavor. Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Alcoholic Ginger Beer is ideal when served chilled over ice with a slice of orange.
Fruits: Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade
Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade offers something completely different for fans of the Crabbie’s brand and newcomers alike and is a refreshingly adventurous alternative to other alcoholic fruit drinks. Crabbie’s Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade is a quenching drink with an aroma of fresh lemons, a zesty lemon taste and a refreshing, tart finish. Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade is best served ice cold, drank straight out of the bottle.
Cayman Jack Margarita
Cayman Jack crafts what is arguably the most refreshing margarita in the world. Using organic limes, 100% Blue Agave nectar and pure cane sugar Cayman Jack Margaritas are the perfect travel companion for those consumers looking for a grab-and-go cocktail option.
Bacardi Party Drinks
BACARDÍ® Party Drinks are a premium, pre-mixed cocktail. Made with BACARDÍ's award-winning rum, these bottled cocktails make summer entertaining effortlessly easy for your customers. Simply poured over ice and your customers have a quick and simply perfect every time. No shaking, stirring or mixing required.
Source Info
Euromonitor International: Rtds/High-Strength Premixes in the US, June 2015