TRENDING NOW
CRAFT MIXERS
a time for
MAKE IT INTERESTING WITH REGATTA In the early 2000s, industry veteran Stanley Rottell saw an opportunity to bring a more versatile ginger beer to the market than was currently available. The product he envisioned would go beyond the iconic Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail and mix creatively with a wider range of spirits. In 2006, Rottell’s vision became a reality when he launched Regatta Ginger Beer. This new brew soon became a favorite among bartenders and bar owners and was instrumental in bringing the iconic Moscow Mule back into fashion. Upon his retirement, Rottell sold Regatta to current owner Affinity Beverages LLC, and the company has aggressively invested capital, infusing new resources and energy into product development, sales expansion, and marketing. We spoke to Sam Zarou, CEO of Affinity Beverages LLC, about this new wave of craft mixers and what bartenders can expect to see from this category.
Tell us about Regatta’s success with its Ginger Beer and what inspired the company to expand its offerings in the craft mixers category. Regatta Ginger Beer was an instant hit with on-premise decision-makers and, in turn, their patrons. This has been reinforced over the years with multiple awards, including our unique position as a multiyear winner of the SIP Platinum Award as well as the SIP Consumer Choice Awards for taste and packaging.
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