PRODUCTS Booker launches BrewDog stout

Jasper Hart

BREWDOG‘S Black Heart Stout has launched in the convenience channel exclusively through Booker Wholesale.

The stout (4.1% ABV) was originally launched in BrewDog bars in February.

It is available from Booker in 4x440ml multipacks at an RRP of £5.79.

Its launch comes as stout is currently worth £150m in the off-trade, with Guinness accounting for 93% of sales. The supplier believes there is an opportunity to drive incremental growth with a distinctive challenger brand, particularly among younger and premium shoppers.

Like Guinness, BrewDog Black Heart cans contain a widget to replicate the draught experience in a can.

Alex Dullard, head of customer marketing at BrewDog, said: “We believe drinking beer is about discovery and experimentation, with a mountain of different types and styles available. However, when it comes to stout, there really is only one choice on shelf currently, that delivers a true draught experience.

“As the experts in taste and quality, we have worked with our brewers to develop a classic draught stout, brewed in and for this century, that can be offered to those looking to try some-

Sensation-al coronation crisps

WALKERS Sensations has launched King Prawn Cocktail and Regal Lamb & Mint limited-edition varieties to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Both varieties are available now in 150g sharing bags with an RRP of £2.50 and 65g £1.25 price-marked packs (PMPs).

The supplier says that during the week of the Platinum Jubilee, Sensations saw a 41% brand growth compared to the same week in the previous year with its special-edition �lavours.

It added that the new �lavours cater to growing crisp trends. Meat �lavours represent 28% of salty �lavour occasions for an evening snack, while seafood �lavours are growing by more than 5%. Additionally, sharing is the biggest format within savoury snacks, contributing to 33% of sales.

Carlsberg acquires Kronenbourg rights

CARLSBERG Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) will acquire the UK rights for French beer brand Kronenbourg from Heineken UK.

The deal, effective from 1 June, will see CMBC acquire all rights to produce and distribute Kronenbourg 1664 lager, which is owned globally by Carlsberg Group.

Under the agreement, Heineken UK will continue to brew and pack Kronenbourg 1664 under contract, before moving to CMBC in 2024.

Heineken has held the Kronenbourg licence since 2008.

Paul Davies, CEO of CMBC, said: “Kronenbourg 1664 is an excellent beer with a distinctive provenance, that is growing in both volume thing new. Consumer testing and insight indicates Black Heart has the potential to drive further growth into the category and deliver pro�it by attracting younger, more af�luent consumers that have all but given up on the chance of an alternative to the category leader.”

Grenade expands protein shake range

GRENADE has added to its protein shake range with the launch of a Chocolate Salted Caramel variety.

Inspired by the supplier’s Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Protein Bar, the shake contains 25g of protein.

With an RRP of £2.85 for a 300ml bottle, it is available to independent retailers from AF Blakemore, Muscle Finesse and Tropicana Wholesale. The supplier says Nisa and Costcutter availability is also coming soon.

“Following an exceptional start to the year with the launch of Grenade Oreo Protein Bar, Chocolate Salted Caramel Protein Shake repre- sents an important milestone for our core range,” said Rob Page, head of product at Grenade.

“We hope consumers of the Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Protein Bar are excited to give the shake a go and that it meets their expectations of that signature Grenade taste.” and value with strong brand awareness amongst consumers. We look forward to sharing our exciting plans to relaunch the brand with our partners in the on- and off-trade and cementing Kronenbourg 1664 as a leader in the category.”