24|Retail News|October 2020|www.retailnews.ie
Drinks News Coors Light to rebrand in March 2021 HEINEKEN Ireland has revealed an exciting rebrand for Coors Light. From March 2021, Coors Light will be known as Coors in a leadership move designed to drive ongoing growth in the dynamic American-style light tasting beer category. Coors is renowned for its ‘Peak of Refreshment’ and this brand promise will be brought to life through a refreshing new look that will aim to take the lager to new heights in Ireland. Consumer research shows that with its new design, Coors has increased stand-out, distinctiveness and overall brand appeal. The transition will underline the brand’s mountain cold, refreshing taste and see an extensive programme of investment to support continued growth, with new packaging and point-of-sale material to help drive sales. “The rebrand will bring clarity to consumers as to what Coors stands for and comes as part of an ambitious plan, which sees us amplify the brand’s “Keep It Fresh” positioning, which is a clear point of difference for consumers,” said Wojciech Bogusz, Marketing Director of Heineken Ireland.
Jameson Cold Brew launches in Ireland
A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND tipple that infuses the world’s favourite Irish whiskey with natural cold brew coffee, Jameson Cold Brew launched in Ireland to coincide with International Coffee Day on October 1. Produced in Ireland, Jameson Cold Brew marries triple distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey with natural cold brew coffee derived from 100% Arabica beans from Brazil and Colombia. The result is a smooth and distinctive beverage with intense coffee aromatics, complemented by the vanilla nuttiness of Jameson, with notes of toasted oak and dark chocolate. A refreshingly versatile brew, this unique whiskey can be enjoyed over ice, with tonic or cola, or in a Jameson Cold Brew-tini for a sophisticated take on the well-known Espresso Martini. Bottled at 30% ABV, Jameson Cold Brew is now available from €30.50 in retail outlets across Ireland.
Hope Beer joins Guaranteed Irish DUBLIN brewery Hope Beer has gained Guaranteed Irish membership. Founded in 2015, Hope Beer brews a range of premium craft beers at Howth Junction in North Dublin and became a Guaranteed Irish member following approval by the organisation’s appraisal committee. “We’re really proud to be the latest member of Guaranteed Irish. Being part of such an established and well-respected organisation that champions Irish businesses and jobs is important to us,” said Wim De Jongh, co-founder and Managing Director of Hope, pictured with co-founder Des McSwiggan.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo win global wine accolade ACTRESS Sarah Jessica Parker’s wine collaboration with Kiwi winery Invivo & Co, Invivo X, SJP, has been awarded ‘Best Launch of the Year’ by the 2020 Drinks Business Awards, which recognise outstanding companies in the alcoholic drinks industry. To celebrate the coveted award, Sarah Jessica and Invivo co-founders, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, filmed an awards ceremony-style acceptance speech in their homes. “Our judges were impressed by this slick and super professional campaign that is perfectly pitched at its target audience and ‘hits the nail on the head,’” says Lucy Shaw, Editor, The Drinks Business.
Covid-19 continues to impact on Irish spirits sector IRELAND’S spirits producers have said that the Covid-19 crisis has significantly impacted the sector, hitting production, exports and sales. Drinks Ireland|Spirits, the Ibec trade association that represents the spirits sector, published its Irish Spirits Markets Report 2019, indicating that in the context of current challenges, 2019 will be seen as a “benchmark” year for the industry as it seeks to recover from the Covid-19 crisis in the years to come. “The Irish Government can support the indigenous spirits sector in a number of ways as it seeks to recover from Covid-19,” noted Vincent McGovern, Head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits. “Ireland’s excise taxes are the second highest in Europe and will act as a barrier to recovery. As part of a broad package of measures, the Government should look to deliver a 15% reduction in excise tax on drinks products, which would help the industry and minimise the risk of job losses. In addition, in the immediate term, Government could also look to facilitate a safe and sustainable reopening of the hospitality sector.”
