a-year-of-innovation-in-rtd-wine-spirits-2022.pdf

8 MARCH 2022 | REPORT
A YEAR OF INNOVATION IN RTD,
WINE & SPIRITS, 2022
Brands are responding to growing interest in planet-friendly options, while
better-for-you offerings also tap into increased demand.
Mikolaj Kaczorowski,
Innovation Analyst
1
Prepared for kmacnamara@mintel.com
© 2022 Mintel Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Confidential to Mintel.

Table of Contents
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA) .......................................................................................8
Europe: brands address consumer demand for more sustainable offerings...................................10
Graph 1: RTD, wine and spirit launches, by share of select ethical and environmental claims,
2017-22 ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Europe: no-alcohol options continue to make inroads ....................................................................13
Graph 2: RTD, wine and spirit launches, with an ABV less than 1%, 2017-22 ...............................14
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) ..................................................................................................... 18
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC) ......................................................................................................................... 20
Asia: flavour innovation can keep the RTDs sector vibrant and relevant........................................22
Graph 3: RTD launches, by share of top five flavour components, 2017-22 ..................................23
Asia: consumers look for local options............................................................................................26
Graph 4: RTD, wine and spirit launches, by import status, 2017-22...............................................27
Australia & New Zealand................................................................................................................. 29
THE AMERICAS................................................................................................................................... 32
North America: appealing to consumers' health needs...................................................................34
Graph 5: RTD and wine launches, by minus claims, 2021-22 ........................................................35
North America: sustainability is high on consumers' radars............................................................37
Graph 6: RTD, wine & spirit launches, by share of select ethical and environmental claims,
2017-22 ........................................................................................................................................... 38
Latin America: consumers are looking for ready-to-drink cocktails.................................................40
Graph 7: RTD launches, by share of alcohol flavours, 2021-22 .....................................................41
https://clients.mintel.com/report/a-year-of-innovation-in-rtd-wine-spirits-2022
2

What we have seen
EMEA: sustainability and low alcohol
Brands are bolstering their eco-credentials with sustainable production and packaging. Meanwhile,
they are also responding to a growing legion of consumers who are reducing their alcohol
consumption.
APAC: fruit flavours and locally produced
Consumers are looking for fruit flavoured ready-to-drink options. While imported brands continue to
hold strong appeal, consumers are increasingly looking to locally made options to support their
communities.
Americas: better-for-you and eco friendly
The interest in health and alcohol moderation is prompting wine and RTD brands to launch low sugar
and calorie options. Brands are falling behind consumer demand for more sustainable and eco-
friendly alcohol products.
3

Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Sustainable packaging innovation
Planet B Organic Red Wine 2019 uses a FrugalPac bottle which
comprises a plastic pouch and paperboard shell. The bottle is five times
lighter and has a 6 times lower carbon footprint than a glass bottle
(Germany).
Aged in a 'sonic cellar'
Bain's Symphony Limited Release Single Grain Whisky has been aged
in a sonic cellar, where pulsing sound-waves have enhanced the
whisky's richness with added layers of depth and flavour (South Africa).
Eco-friendly rum
Flor De Caña Eco 15 Years Old Aged Rum is a new rum which overtly
highlights its sustainability credentials on pack. The Fairtrade product
has been distilled with 100% renewable energy (Canada).
4

Other innovative launches
Made for mixing
X by Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is said to be made with
the best bartenders especially for mixing. This product features a
sweeter and richer taste to create delicious drinks (Germany).
Features leftover fruit essence
Takara Can Chu-Hi Sumika Japanese Lemon Spirit Drink is made with
Japanese fruit essence which is the leftover product after fruit is
squeezed and which would otherwise be wasted (Japan).
American Sake
Colorado Sake Co Blueberry Hibiscus American Sake is a handcrafted
product that is part of a new range of flavoured and unflavoured
American-made sake (US).
5

Innovation opportunities in RTD, wine and spirits
Global food & drink analyst, Martin Pasco, highlights three opportunity areas for RTD, wine and
spirits innovation:
Tap into mood or lifestyle benefits to prove value
Drinkers will need joyful respites from the anxieties/stress of the pandemic. But some adults will see
disposable incomes squeezed by inflation – and be tempted to cut back on spirits/wines. Brands
should prove value by promising the drinker emotional benefits like: an uplifted or relaxed mood, or
ownable lifestyle messaging.
Step up story telling as sustainability roars back
The expected economic recovery will see spirits and wines step up their sustainability story telling.
There is still huge potential for compelling stories, starting by flagging basic touchpoints such as
greener packs, to using upcycled 'waste' by-products for an easy win green ingredients story.
Re-engage younger drinkers via permissible alcohol
Younger drinkers are moderating how much spirits and wines they drink – and the category needs to
re-engage the generation on which its future depends. Younger drinkers will be attracted to lower
ABV drinks which promise tasty 'go-to' flavours supported by 'healthier' cues like low sugar, carbs
and ABV.
6

Global retail market overview: wine and sparkling wine, 2022
The mature markets of Europe and North America are struggling to find growth. India is an opportunity
market with forecast for strong value growth.
Base: bubble size is based on market volume (litres); CAGR is based on forecast market growth value
over next five years in local currency
Source: Mintel Market Sizes
Global retail market overview: spirits, 2022
South Korea and Japan have the highest per capita consumption globally. Small consumption markets
including Colombia, Mexico and South Africa offer opportunities.
7

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
8

EMEA retail market overview: wine and sparkling wine, 2022
Poland is the standout opportunity market in Europe, while overall value growth in the European market is
forecast to be stagnant.
EMEA retail market overview: spirits, 2022
Poland has the highest per capita spirit consumption. South Africa is an opportunity market thanks to
strong value growth.
9

Europe: brands address consumer demand for
more sustainable offerings
SUSTAINABLE
PACKAGING
XX%
of UK wine consumers
aged between 18-34
would feel encouraged
to buy a wine with a
more sustainable pack
Consumers seek planet-friendly packaging
A significant proportion of European consumers recognise the
importance of eco-friendly packaging, and they are now demanding that
companies offer such alternatives. Indeed, consumers are not only
expecting greater sustainability initiatives from alcohol brands, they are
actively choosing products which are doing so.
The spirit and wine categories are heavily reliant on glass bottles, and
though a highly recyclable material, its eco credentials are somewhat
hampered by its weight and production footprint. Brands are responding
to these concerns by investing in lighter-weight bottles and innovative
pouch-in-a-board bottle alternatives. Meanwhile RTD brands, where
aluminium cans account for over half of launches, are highlighting the
infinitely recyclable nature of aluminium and its low weight footprint, while
also reducing plastics from associated packaging.
Base: UK: 1,271 internet users aged 18+ who have drunk and bought wine in the last six months
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, July 2020
10

Brands are responding to concerns around packaging
sustainability
Claims relating to more sustainable packaging have seen the largest uptick in the RTD, wine and spirit
categories in Europe. Though more niche, brands are also increasingly speaking of sustainable ingredient
sourcing and carbon neutral production.
Europe: RTD, wine and spirit launches, by share of select ethical and environmental claims,
2017-22
Environmentally friendly package Ethical - recycling
Sustainable (habitat/resources) Carbon neutral
…Environmentally friendly product
Source: Mintel GNPD, Feb 2017-Jan 2022
11

Brands focus on more eco-friendly packaging and sustainable
production
Ethical production
CastelBarry Greetings from Earth Terrasses du Larzac Wine is said to
be for those with an interest in ethics rather than labels. The bottle
features Responsible Viticulture and Engaged Winegrowers for
Sustainable Development logos (France).
Plastic-free holder
LA Lervig Fjordly Craft Seltzer with Watermelon & Tahiti Lime retails in
a plastic free pack. It features a pack holder made from cardboard
(Norway).
Lightweight glass bottle
Elixir Organic Liqueurs Limoncello is said to be sustainable and
features a 100% recyclable and biodegradable Sardinian cork and a
lightweight glass bottle which helps to reduce energy consumption and
atmospheric emissions (Norway).
12

Planet B Organic Red Wine
2019
Brand renovation/innovation: Planet B wine
features a new eco friendly bottle
In Germany, Planet B has recently launched a new organic red wine
which has sustainably at its heart. The sustainable messaging begins
with the brand name, Planet B, which references the fact that humanity
has no other planet to move to if the climate crisis worsens.
The product's most notable sustainability initiative is the use of a new
eco-friendly bottle created by FrugalPac. The bottle comprises a
recyclable inner pouch and outer cardboard shell and is said to be five
times lighter than a normal glass bottle, using 77% less plastic than a
plastic bottle, and having a carbon footprint six times lower than a glass
bottle.
The bottle is designed to be easily separated, to allow recycling of the
different materials.
Europe: no-alcohol options continue to make
inroads
REDUCED ALCOHOL
CONSUMPTION
XX%
of adults aged 18 to 24
in the UK have
reduced/limited the
amount of alcohol they
drink
Consumers are reducing their alcohol
consumption
Demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol options continues to gather
momentum as consumers seek to moderate their alcohol intake. Though
especially prevalent among younger cohorts, older demographics are
also receptive to low- and no-alcohol options.
Brands are responding to the alcohol moderation trend and diversifying
their low- and no-alcohol options by tapping into the popularity of
flavourful spirit options such as gins, while creating novel alcohol-free
spirits that pack a flavour punch. Meanwhile, seltzer brands are moving
beyond their lower alcohol and calorie image, highlighting the use of real
ingredients over artificial flavourings to attract consumers looking for a
better-for-you option.
Base: UK:1,952 internet users aged 18+
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, April 2021
13

RTD, wine and spirit launches with an ABV below 1% remain a niche proposition, though have seen notable
growth over the last few years.
With 32% of launches with an ABV below 1%, the Other Spirits sub-category dominates no-alcohol
launches. RTD launches with an ABV below 1% and Gin launches with an ABV below 1%are also
noteworthy, though significantly more niche, with only 4% of launches respectively featuring an ABV below
1%.
Most no-alcohol spirits are categorised under the other spirits sub-category as brands do not see them as
fitting within the confines of traditional spirit sub-categories.
Europe: RTD, wine and spirit launches, with an ABV less than 1%, 2017-22
RTDs, gin and other spirit launches spearhead no-alcohol
innovation
Source: Mintel GNPD Feb 2017-Jan 2022, (1, 2)
14

Multi-national gin producers pounce on low-alcohol trends
Alcohol free
Tanqueray Alcohol Free Spirit is made with a distinct blend of the four
Tanqueray botanicals, distilled to give a complex yet refreshing taste of
hand-picked juniper berries that Tanqueray is famous for (UK).
Alcohol free
Gordon's Alcohol Free Gin is an alcohol-free drink based on distilled
botanicals, natural flavourings and sweeteners (Belgium).
20% ABV
Beefeater Light Gin has been crafted with nine famous botanicals, and
is full of taste but with half the alcohol compared to Beefeater London
dry gin (UK).
15

Seltzer brands focus on real, natural and organic ingredients
With real juice and herbs
Kugi Premium Craft Seltzer with Real Juices & Herbs is an alcoholic
seltzer made with real juices and herbs. It does not contain added
sugar and is low in calories (Netherlands).
All-natural ingredients
Berczy Passionfruit & Turmeric Hard Seltzer is made with all natural
ingredients including British sparkling spring water, four-times distilled
spirit and real fruit flavours (UK).
Organic ingredients
Fefe. Hard Seltzer with Juniper and Grapefruit is an alcoholic sparkling
and fresh drink made with organic ingredients. It contains 2g of sugar
and 30 calories per 100ml (France).
16

Grey Goose Essences
Brand renovation/innovation: Grey Goose
launches lower-alcohol flavoured vodka
Grey Goose, a renowned purveyor of premium vodkas, has recently
launched a new line of lower-alcohol, botanical infused vodkas under the
Essences brand.
The Essences range differentiates from the brand's other flavoured
vodkas with its lower ABV of 30%, compared to the usual 40%, and is
also carb- and sugar-free.
The range is available in three flavours: Watermelon & Basil, White
Peach & Rosemary and Strawberry & Lemongrass. The brand suggest
that the vodkas are ideal for its 'Simple Serve' cocktail collection as they
can be mixed with soda and garnished with complementary ingredients.
Source: Instagram/greygoose
17

The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Brands celebrate local varieties and production
Made with grapes from the Golan Heights
Pelter Distillery Arak is described as a delicate Israeli arak, made from
grapes from the north of the Golan Heights (Israel).
Aged in a sonic-cellar
Bain's Symphony Limited Release Single Grain Whisky has been aged
in a sonic cellar, where pulsing sound-waves have enhanced the
whisky's richness with added layers of depth and flavour (South Africa).
Hand crafted in South Africa
Ginologist No. 06 Floral Botanicals Alcohol Free Gin is hand-crafted in
small batches and is distilled with real juniper, Rose geranium and rose
(South Africa).
18

Chivas Regal XII Whisky
Phakamisa Spirit
Brand renovation/innovation: Pernod Ricard
launches Phakamisa promotion to support
local communities
In South Africa, Pernod Ricard has launched a range of spirits under the
Phakamisa brand, the Zulu word for 'to uplift'. The packs include one of
three locally made gifts – a citrus juicer, ice tray or sound amplifier – with
proceeds from the sale going to the local makers who inspired the gifts.
The campaign is focused on uplifting local communities and supporting
employment opportunities in South Africa.
The Phakamisa promotion is available with the following spirit brands:
Ballantine's finest, Beefeater London Dry, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet
Founders Reserve and Jameson Select Reserve.
19

ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
20

APAC retail market overview: wine and sparkling wine, 2022
India and Philippines are opportunity markets with strong forecast value growth, although per capita
consumption is low.
APAC retail market overview: spirits, 2022
China offers opportunities with a large market and modest forecast value growth. South Korea and Japan
have the largest per capita consumption in the region.
21

Asia: flavour innovation can keep the RTDs sector
vibrant and relevant
FRUITY FLAVOURS
XX%
of adults in Thailand
look for alcoholic
drinks with fruity
flavours when ordering
alcoholic drinks from
menus
Consumers are looking for fruity alcoholic
flavours
Echoing trends seen in other drinks categories, trying out new flavours is
a significant purchase driver for flavoured alcoholic beverages. Attention-
grabbing flavours can not only drive impulse purchasing but also tap into
the Mintel Trend Sense of the Intense, which explores people's desire for
visceral, intense experiences.
With consumers partial to fruit-based flavours, brands can look to the
juice category to find inspiration for trending and popular fruits, such as
orange and apple, to further tempt consumers to try new and exciting fruit
flavoured alcoholic beverages.
Base: Thailand: 1,500 internet users aged 18+
Source: Dynata/Mintel, March 2020
22

RTD brands can be more adventurous with flavours
Lemon flavoured RTDs not only continue to dominate flavour innovation, but are increasing their share of
launch activity.
The soda flavour has also seen an uptick in launches, with brands highlighting its use as a mixer in
flavoured alcoholic drinks.
Asia: RTD launches, by share of top five flavour components, 2017-22
23

RTD brands look beyond lemon flavours
Peach flavoured liquor drink
Sapporo Water Sour Peach Liquor Drink is a limited edition carbonated
alcoholic beverage. It contains 1% fruit juice and is said to taste like
sparkling water. Also available in lemon and orange flavours (Japan).
Kyoho berry
Zeltzer Fizz Kyoho Berry Flavoured Alcoholic Sparkling Water is crafted
with a balance of natural fruit juice, sparkling water and alcohol from
fermented fruit for a clean finish. Also available in melon flavour
(Thailand).
Chocolate, sea salt, hazelnut and cocoa
Miss Berry x Landbase Daily Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Hazelnut and
Cocoa Sweet Wine is made using imported milk sourced from New
Zealand. The product is free from preservatives, colourings and white
granulated sugar (China).
24

Brands add a fresh twist to lemon flavoured RTDs
For relaxing
For Chill Lemon Black Tea Flavoured Sparkling Alcoholic Drink is a new
product from Budweiser and retails in a 330ml can (China).
Hard lemonade
Nomel's Hard Lemonade Bitter & Sour Lemonade Liquor Drink is part of
a new range of hard lemonades from Coca-Cola. Also available in
Original and Sour Sour Sour variants (Japan).
Collaboration with lemonade shop
Takara Lemonade by Lemonica Lemon Sour Liquor Drink is a
collaboration between Takara and the Lemonica lemonade shop
(Japan).
25

Asia: consumers look for local options
SUPPORT LOCAL
XX%
of adults in Thailand
say that supporting
local brands has
become more
necessary since
COVID-19
Localism comes to the fore
The Mintel Trend Locavore outlines how provenance-related claims are
becoming more prolific in food and drink innovation. This movement has
gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by the
41% of adults in Thailand who say that supporting local products has
become more necessary since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Though the appeal of many wine and spirit brands lays in their history
and provenance, consumers are increasingly expressing interest in
finding locally made alternatives to support local producers.
Local brands can tap into this interest and bolster their on-shelf appeal
with launches which feature attractive packaging and tell their unique
local story.
Base: Thailand: 2,000 internet users aged 18+
Source: Dynata/Mintel, December 2020
26

Locally produced alcohols continue to grow in share of launches
RTD's, wines and spirits which are not imported have seen a notable uptick in launch activity in recent
years, and account for over a quarter of launches in the last 12 months.
This highlights how alcohol brands are increasingly vocal of their location of manufacture and taping into
consumer interest in supporting local producers.
Asia: RTD, wine and spirit launches, by import status, 2017-22
27

Brands emphasize local ingredient sourcing and production
Indian botanicals
Third Eye Distillery Stranger & Sons Indian Spirited Gin is distilled in
Goa with Indian botanicals including juniper, nutmeg, mace, coriander,
liquorice, angelica, Indian citrus peel, black pepper and cassia bark
(India).
Myanmar's first premium spirits brand
Generation Z Gin includes flavours from locally harvested ingredients,
including botanicals from the Chin and Kachin regions of Myanmar
(Myanmar).
Made with rice from local farmers
Slowvillage Soju 21 is described as a true rice spirit made with rice from
local farmers and the product is matured by the distillation of the brands
Makgeolli (South Korea).
28

Australia & New Zealand
SUPPORT NATURE
CONSERVATION
XX%
of adults in Australia*
say they look for
products which support
nature conservation
Consumers are looking for brands which
support ethical causes
The climate crisis, and the need for urgent action, is forcing consumers
and brands alike to take steps to mitigate their eco footprint. While
sustainability claims in the RTD, wine and spirit categories are well
established, brands rely heavily on recyclable packaging to demonstrate
their green credentials.
Though environmentally friendly packaging claims remain a key
sustainability indicator for consumers, there is growing consumer
expectation for brands to expand their eco credentials and protect nature,
lower their carbon emissions and support workers' rights.
* taken from Mintel's Global Consumer
Base: 1,000 internet users aged 18+
Source: Dynata/Mintel, August 2021
29

Brands support local and international ethical and sustainability
initiatives
Goats for women in Ethiopia
Jumping Goat Cold Brewed Coffee Liqueur. The brand donates 10% of
gross profits to Farm Africa in support of their initiative to cover the
costs of more than 300 goats for women in Ethiopia's South Omo
region (Australia).
Plants new coral on the Great Barrier Reef
Reeftip Drinks Co. Australian Spiced Rum with Blood Orange,
Pineapple, Ginger & Cinnamon is infused with Australian inspired
flavours. 10% of the profits are used to help plant new coral on the
Great Barrier Reef (Australia).
1 tree planted for every 6 bottles sold
De Bortoli 17 Trees 2019 Shiraz. The manufacturer claims that every
six bottles purchased will go towards planting one tree. The bottle
features a QR code to track the impact of the bottle towards tree
planting initiatives (Australia).
30

Tipping Point The
Beachcomber Hawke’s Bay
Rose
Brand renovation/innovation: Tipping Point
wines support a variety of sustainability
causes in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Constellation Brands has recently launched a range of
six wines under the Tipping Point brand. The range was created by
renowned New Zealand chef, Al Brown and his winemaking friends, with
each variety supporting a sustainably focused, New Zealand not-for-
profit.
The products feature labels with illustrations and names that allude to the
supported cause. For example, The Beachcomber features an illustration
of a whale in a plastic bottle, with the purchase supporting the Sea
Cleaners Conservation Trust. Also available are The Woodsman –
supporting the Mackenzie Basil Wilding Tree Trust, Sparkling Ocean –
protecting and restoring Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf marine park,
Working Bee – promoting the conservation and long term future of the
bumblebee, and Common Good – which supports indigenous Maori
peoples' community projects.
31

THE AMERICAS
32

Americas retail market overview: wine and sparkling wine, 2022
Chile is an opportunity market with the highest per capita consumption in the region, combined with a
strong value growth forecast.
Americas retail market overview: spirits, 2022
The US and Canada have the highest per capita consumption in the region, though growth is flat. Mexico
and Colombia are opportunity markets with strong value growth forecast.
33

North America: appealing to consumers' health
needs
HEALTHIER
OPTIONS
XX%
of adults who buy
alcohol in the US aged
22-44 seek out
'healthier' alcohol
options
Consumers are seeking out better-for-you
alcohol options
The better-for-you trend continues to show no sign of slowing as
consumers strive to reduce excesses and lead healthier lifestyles. The
growing momentum for better-for-you alcoholic drinks has been
accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on consumers'
aspirations to invest in their health and wellbeing.
Alcoholic drinks brands which reduce calorie and sugar content will be
well-placed to meet consumers' interest in balancing wellness, through
the low calorie or low carb content, and pleasure, derived from the
alcohol content. This more holistic approach to food and drink is explored
in the Mintel Trend Total Wellbeing.
Base: 799 internet users aged 22+ who have purchased alcohol in the last three months
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, July 2021
34

RTD and wine brands reduce sugars and calories
Better-for-you claims are primarily seen in the RTD category, especially with sugar reduction claims. In the
wine sub-category, BFY claims remain nascent.
Sugar free and no added sugar claims are particularly notable in RTD innovation where they've seen a
meteoric rise in recent years, though launches have tapered off somewhat in the last 12 months.
North America: RTD and wine launches, by minus claims, 2021-22
35

Wine and RTD brands offer consumers low calorie, carb and
sugar options
Vodka, soda, juice
NÜTRL JUIC'd Blood Orange Vodka Beverage with Real Fruit Juice is
described as the newest addition to the world of ‘better for you’ drinks. It
features no added sugar and real fruit juice (Canada).
No added sugar and only 100 calories
Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc Spritzer is made with only three ingredients
including Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc wine, crisp sparkling water and a
hint of lemon. It contains 100 calories and has no added sugar (US).
Low calories and carbs
Bota Box Breeze Light & Refreshing California Pinot Grigio is a low
calorie, carb and sugar premium all-balanced wine with hints of fresh
citrus, peach aromas and a crisp finish (US).
36

North America: sustainability is high on
consumers' radars
SUSTAINABLY
PRODUCED
XX%
of spirits consumers in
the US are looking for
sustainably produced
spirits
Consumers seek out locally produced and
sustainable spirits
Growing concerns around the climate crisis and the increasing frequency
of extreme weather events are prompting consumers to seek out more
sustainable options in all facets of their purchasing decisions. This is
reflected by some XX% of adults in Canada who say that the impact food
and drink products have on the environment is having a greater influence
over their purchasing decisions than it used to.
In order to address these concerns, alcoholic drinks brands are
innovating with recyclable packaging, while also utilising waste
ingredients in production, and supporting local wine industry workers.
Base: US: 945 internet users aged 22+ who purchased any spirit in the past six months
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, September 2021
37

Eco and ethical claims continue to drop in contrast to consumer
demand
After peaking in 2019, environmentally friendly packaging claims have been in free-fall in North America,
while other ethical and eco claims have largely stagnated.
With the exception of the RTD category, where brands promote the recyclability of aluminium cans,
sustainable packaging claims are niche in wine and spirits NPD in North America.
North America: RTD, wine & spirit launches, by share of select ethical and environmental
claims, 2017-22
Environmentally Friendly Package Recycling Sustainable (Habitat/Resources)
Environmentally Friendly Product Ethical - Charity Ethical - Human
38

Brands up their ethical credentials by supporting local wine
workers, utilising waste ingredients and sourcing from
sustainable producers
Healthcare for local wine workers
Vital 2017 Quintessence Vineyard Red Mountain AVA Cabernet
Sauvignon is a not-for-profit winery which funds healthcare for local
wine workers (US).
Made with waste milk permeate
Dairy Distillery Vodkow Cream Liquor comprises Vodkow Vodka which
is made with milk permeate, a byproduct of milk filtration, which makes
the vodka less carbon intensive than grain based distillation (Canada).
Sustainable farming
Obvious Wines No. 01 Dark & Bold 2017 Red Blend Wine is produced
from grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards in a 100% solar-
powered winery (US).
39

Flor De Caña Eco 15 Years
Old Aged Rum
Brand renovation/innovation: Flor de Caña
The Colombian Rum distiller, Flor de Caña, has been at the forefront of
sustainable rum production for the better part of a decade, primarily
communicating this with a small logo and text on the bottle labels.
The recent launch of Flor de Caña Eco in Canada is notable not only for
the use of eco in the product name but also as the packaging and
graphics are all designed to overtly communicate the sustainability of the
product.
The unlined carton is adorned with the product's ethical and sustainability
credentials, including: distilled with 100% renewable energy, 100%
recyclable packaging and carbon neutral certification.
Latin America: consumers are looking for ready-
to-drink cocktails
COCKTAIL
FLAVOURS
XX%
of RTD alcohol
drinkers in Brazil are
interested in buying
RTDs with popular
cocktail flavours
Cocktail-inspired RTDs elevate in-home
alcohol consumption
While COVID-19 restrictions have eased somewhat in much of the world,
consumers continue to express reluctance in visiting crowded bars and
clubs and are seeking out convenient at-home drinking options. Indeed,
the significant appeal of ready-to-drink drinks is not only the variety of
flavours they offer, but that they can help consumers have a drink at
home which they may not be able to – or want to – make at home.
Developing RTDs beyond popular cocktails, such as sangria and gin &
tonic, with more innovative mixes featuring popular local spirits along with
trending cocktail formulations, can help brands elevate the appeal of
RTDs to more consumers.
Base: Brazil: 237 internet users aged 18+ who have drank RTD alcoholic drinks in the past 6 months
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, April 2021
40

Sangria tops RTD flavour innovation, closely followed by Gin &
Tonic
Alcohol based flavours dominate RTD innovation in Latin America, with fruit and citrus fruits also seeing
notable innovation in the last 12 months.
Sangria leads alcohol flavoured RTD innovation, followed closely by gin & tonic.
% of launches
Latin America: RTD launches, by share of alcohol flavours, 2021-22
41

Pre-mixed drinks appeal to consumers looking for a cocktail at
home
Mezcal cocktail
Juniper Cocktails Paloma Mezcal Cocktail is made using Unión brand
mezcal. Also available is a Gin & Tonic with Tanqueray gin and a
Moscow Mule with Smirnoff Vodka (Colombia).
Mojito
F!ve Drinks Co Mojito is made with just five ingredients and comprises
rum, passion fruit, mint, cane sugar and carbonated water (Brazil).
Nitecap cocktail
Bakko Craft Cocktails Nitecap Carbonated Alcoholic Mixed Drink is an
artisanal cocktail designed to please palates with an intense fruity flavor
and texture, made with vodka, hibiscus tea and strawberries (Brazil).
42

Latin American spirit producers tempt consumers with new and
innovative launches
First Brazilian botanical distillate
Brizê Alma Brasileira Botanical Distillate is said to be the first Brazilian
botanical distillate. It is made with herbs and fresh fruit (Brazil).
With Cordyceps fungi
Sol Tarasco Artisan Silver Charanda Rum has been distilled using
Cordyceps sinensis fungi powder, which is said to promote longevity
and augment energy levels (Mexico).
Tamarind flavoured Tequila
Don Ramón Tamarind Flavored Silver Tequila has been made with
100% agave (Mexico).
Meet the expert
Mikolaj Kaczorowski
Innovation Analyst
Mikolaj has 8 years experience working at Mintel and is responsible for
analysing new product launches in food, drink and household categories,
tying these back to consumer insights, and identifying emerging NPD
trends.
Read more by this expert | Get in touch
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The consumer research exclusively commissioned
by Mintel was conducted by a Chinese licensed
market survey agent (see Research Methodology
China for more information).
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