MARKETPLACE: AUGUST 2022

Marketplace

Brand news and promotions

Buttery Chardonnay movement sees enhanced popularity

Robert Mondavi Private Selection has reported a big shift in popularity when it comes to its Buttery Chardonnay, with more consumers heading back to the traditional segment in search of the big, bold, buttery flavour profile it offers.

“We’ve seen some phenomenal growth on our Robert Mondavi Private Selection portfolio. Drinkers are looking for different expressions of their favourite varietals and gravitating towards our Californian Buttery Chardonnay,” said Andrew Theodosi, Brand Manager at Constellation Brands, the Australian distributor for Robert Mondavi Private Selection.

“The Californian climate allows for a really balanced Chardonnay giving it a softness and richness but still with nice, clean acidity. Consumers often know what they are looking for, so brands that can deliver on the buttery, creamy taste profile are set to capitalise.”

This recent success has led Robert Mondavi Private Selection to launch its first ever localised campaign in Australia, helping consumers explore everything the Californian wine region has to offer. The ‘Find Your California’ campaign will showcase the unique premium qualities of the region, as found not only in the Buttery Chardonnay, but also Robert Mondavi Private Selection’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay and Bourbon Barrel- Aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The California growing region has a perfect blend of fog, wind, chill, and warm sunshine, almost every day. These conditions cause the grapes to ripen slowly, producing intense, pure fruit flavours… The result is high-quality, fruit-forward, and varietally correct wines that are a great choice for every day,” Theodosi said.

For more information about Robert Mondavi Private Selection and its campaign, contact Dean Kornman on 0407 995 307 or dean.kornman@cbrands.com

Truly expands its range in Australia

Truly Hard Seltzer is again bringing the flavour to Australia by announcing the launch of a new hard seltzer lemonade range set to revolutionise the category.

Truly Lemonade Hard Seltzer is the perfect mix of refreshing hard seltzer and sweet lemonade that’s big on taste and low on calories. It packs the sweetness of lemon juice delivering the crisp, clean taste of an alcoholic seltzer with a bold lemonade flavour. Hitting shelves from this month, Truly Lemonade will be available nationwide in a 330ml slim can 4 packs of Original Lemonade and juicy Strawberry Lemonade.

But it doesn’t stop there - Truly Hard Seltzer is also releasing a new pineapple flavour to its classic hard seltzer range. It’s tropical in a can with the flavour of a ripe, juicy slice of pineapple refreshment for summer.

And as if that wasn’t enough, based on customer feedback, Truly Hard Seltzer has developed its first variety pack, bringing together the bright and refreshing flavours of classic fruits. This 330ml slim can 10 pack will be available nationwide with a RRP of $50.00 and is packed with all four delightfully crisp classic flavours: Lime, Watermelon & Kiwi, Pineapple and new Wild Berry.

Truly Hard Seltzer is sure to have a flavour for everyone to discover. Each 330ml can of Truly has4.5 per cent ABV with only one gram of sugar and95 calories, for refreshment that won’t weigh you down. Gluten-free and made with natural flavours, each flavour is available in four-packs with a RRP of $24.99.

To learn more about Truly Hard Seltzer, visit https://trulyseltzerau.com or contact your local Campari Australia representative.

Oxford Landing unveils new look with lightweight bottles

South Australian wine brand Oxford Landing has revealed a new design for its collection of wines.

The new ‘visual identity’ has been modernised and reflects the wine brand’s home on the banks of the Murray River. The colour palette recalls the vineyard’s Riverland home, symbolic of the native vegetation, soil, sun, river, and sky.

In conjunction with the visual changes, Oxford Landing has also moved to a lighter weight 420 gram glass bottle and 100 per cent recyclable cartons to further reduce the brand’s carbon footprint.

Oxford Landing Senior Brand Manager, Carolyn Macleod, explained how the redesign fits into the winery’s broader sustainability commitments.

“All Oxford Landing wines are vegan, sustainably produced and bottled at our winery in South Australia, which is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia,” Macleod said.

“For 30 years, we have made Oxford Landing wines to be a true reflection of the place they come from. We have always been proud of our roots, and we are excited to showcase that inside and outside the bottle.”

The Oxford Landing collection consists of six popular varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Shiraz, Shiraz, and Merlot. Distributed by Samuel Smith & Son, RRP $13.00.

Asahi releases mid-strength beer

Asahi Super Dry has released a mid strength version of its premium Japanese beer, replicating the unmistakable Karakuchi flavour of the full strength version.

Asahi Super Dry 3.5% will replace previous mid-strength beer, Asahi Soukai, building off the strength of the Asahi brand and the growing popularity of the moderation movement. Already, 29 per cent of Asahi Beverages’ beer sales are from the no, low and mid strength category.

Monique DiGregorio, Brand Manager for Asahi Super Dry, said: “Asahi Super Dry has continued to accelerate its growth in the Australian market. With this growth, ensuring we have the right approach to our moderation portfolio is crucial. The transition of our mid-strength Asahi beer to the ‘Super Dry’ taste profile is a positive step locally and globally to achieve this.”

Asahi Super Dry 3.5% has started rolling out from this month, supported by an ATL campaign across digital, social, out-of-home and video-on-demand channels.

Non-alcoholic Fellr Free makes its debut

Independent Australian RTD brand Fellr has released a new non-alcoholic product into market, intended the replicate all the best parts of its hard seltzer, without the alcohol. Fellr Free comes in Watermelon and Mango flavours, and is all-natural, while also free from gluten, sugar and carbs, with just 10 calories per can.

Co-founder, Will Morgan, explained the process behind the new drink’s creation, saying: “We’ve used our custom fermentation method and unique yeast, to brew, ferment and blend this product to create a truly refreshing and low calorie beverage.”

Co-founder, Andy Skora, added: “At Fellr, innovation is a core pillar of what we do, so we’re always keen to push the bar in multiple categories, and non-alc is something we saw really complemented our core range.”

Fellr Free is available in four-packs of 330mlcans, with a RRP of $16.

Cape Byron Distillery announces release of its first single malt whisky

Cape Byron Distillery, home of the incredibly popular Brookie’s Gin, has announced the release of its first single malt whisky. The highly anticipated release is the work of Co-founder and Distiller, Eddie Brook, and Master Distiller and Co-founder, Jim McEwan, who used his wealth of whisky distilling experience to play a pivotal role in the release of the spirit.

Included in the release is Cape Byron’s ‘The Original’Australian Single Malt Whisky, at 47 per cent ABV and with an RRP of $125, and the Cape Byron Chardonnay CaskAustralian Single Malt Whisky, at 48 per cent ABV and with an RRP of $140. Both come in 700ml bottles.

In line with the release, Brook and McEwan will be hosting a range of exclusive launch events across the country for the trade in August and September – to get involved, contact your local Brookie’s/Cape Byron representative.

The whisky will be available to order from 1 September.

Batched Premium Cocktails brings the bar into consumer homes

Since launching Batched Premium Cocktails into Australia last year, Global Endeavours Australia has been exciting consumers with its range of bar quality cocktails.

Batched Premium Cocktails offer consumers an elevated bar experience, in their own home! All you need is a cocktail shaker and ice. Simply shake and pour the pre-made cocktails for a perfect cocktail, every time. Batched Premium Cocktails brings together, taste, quality and an element of theatre. This has been key to the success of the brand so far, with hosts especially loving impressing their guests by presenting beautiful foamy heads on perfect cocktails, created in seconds.

“Consumers are loving the quality and theatre of Batched Premium Cocktails, it’s such an easy and engaging drink that changes the atmosphere of a room!” said Maurice Melis, CEO of Global Endeavours Australia.

Batched Premium Cocktails is available in 725ml bottles for the convenience of customers, with eight serves per bottle. It is available in Espresso Martini, Strawberry and Rhubarb Gin Sour, Whiskey Sour and Salted Grapefruit Margarita.

De Bortoli shakes things up with Re-Write The Rules

De Bortoli has released a new wine that is all about being open minded, adventurous and finding wine that you love. The Re-Write The Rules range debuts with two varietals– Pinot Noir and Tempranillo – both of which boast a personality intended to be beyond the boundaries of wine.

Free from stereotypes, the two new wines have their own distinct characters that are different to what you might expect. The Pinot Noir is a more bespoke bolder style than is often found with the grape, described as“fragrant, fun and soulful.” Meanwhile, the Tempranillo is described as “swooningly aromatic, spicy and delish.”

De Bortoli’s aim to encapsulate “the essence of individualism” is shown throughout all elements of the Re-Write The Rules range. The label features diagonal and straightforward lines, resembling the uncomplicated nature of the wine, with a plain black and white colour scheme that is simple yet powerful.

Aussie coffee spirits company launches Broken Bean

Coffee brewing and distilling company, Broken Bean, has released a premium coffee liqueur, made using a groundbreaking cold brew process that creates rich and complex coffee flavours.

Broken Bean is an evolution of on-premises supplier, Onyx Coffee Spirits, to make the locally-made coffee liqueur accessible to all Australian consumers. The company is led by cousins and Cofounders, Matt and Mitchell Faulkner, who bring together a decade’s worth of coffee brewing and liquor creation.

Matt said: “We’re driven by curiosity and continually seek exceptional drinking experiences. With Broken Bean, we wanted to provide drinkers with innovative cocktail creations using two things Aussies do so well; coffee and spirits. Ultimately, we’re a liquor brand that represents a nation of coffee fanatics.”

Broken Bean is distributed by Vanguard Luxury Brands and has an RRP of $60.

The Gospel unveils non-alcoholic rye whiskey alternative

Melbourne-based The Gospel has made its first foray into the booming non-alcoholic category, releasing an alternative to its much-loved rye whiskey.

Responsible Rye spent over 12 months in development and was crafted using 100 per cent Australian rye, grown by a single farmer in the Murray Mallee region in SA. It started with a de-alcoholised base of The Gospel Straight Rye Whiskey, with the flavour profile then built using a unique blend of botanical extracts.

Andrew Fitzgerald, The Gospel Co-founder, said: “There has been a tonne of innovation in the non-alcoholic spirits space, but little in the Australian rye category.

“As fanatics of all things rye, and with the help of our R&D Distiller Ellie Ash, we set out to craft a drink that is inclusive for everyone to enjoy and without compromise. It took numerous trials and tests over the course of a year to perfect, and we are proud to say this drink stacks up in a cocktail or on its own.”

Winesmiths launches organic cask collection

Winesmiths, a leader of the two litre cask wine segment, has announced the introduction of a new collection of certified organic wines, responding to the ever-increasing demand for more sustainable drinks options.

Senior Brand Manager, Lisa Antoney, said: “At Winesmiths, we've always thought beyond today’s glass of wine. We leave out animal products, making our wines vegan-friendly. After opening, the flavour is kept fresher for longer, so you don’t need to waste a drop.

“Our packaging has just 13 per cent the carbon footprint of bottled wine. Our packs are made from minimum 75 per cent recycled materials and we are actively undergoing pack research and trials to find a compostable bag solution.”

The new collection will include two litre casks of organic chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon, available from Samuel Smith & Son with an RRP of $24.

Hoju debuts Australian-made soju on the market

A local independent brand has turned a soju curiosity into alove affair, releasing an all Australian soju into the market.

Hoju Soju, created by Paul Wheatley and Damian Kent, was created to offer something different in Australia’s spirit industry, while also catering to the increasing global interest in Korean culture.

“We would like to help introduce premium soju to a new audience and help grow a category that is under-represented here in Australia,” said Wheatley.

The new brand’s name is a fusion of two countries, with Hoju translating to ‘Aussie’ in Korean.

As Wheatley said: “We want to put new eyes on the category, with a different spin on what soju can be, while still paying homage and respect to its traditional Korean heritage.”

Hoju Soju comes in 500ml clear bottles (different to the smaller and green bottles soju is usually packaged in), which aims to show how soju can stack up against other white spirits and why it's best when shared. Wheatley said the brand wants to be seen as a premium lower ABV option and champion the mid strength section of the market.

“We’re promoting it as the most versatile spirit around - at 17 per centABV, you don’t experience a mouth burn, like you get from even the very best full bodied spirts, when consumed neat,” he said.

“The lower ABV makes it smooth and delicate on its own, the perfect spirit to enjoy celebrating special occasions, without pulling a tequila face afterwards!”

Tails Cocktails brings convenience to the home bartender

Since launching its range of Tails Cocktails locallyearlier this year, Bacardi-Martini Australia hasalready received great feedback from consumersabout how convenient it is for them to shake uptheir favourite drinks at home.

Tails Cocktails are made using high qualityingredients blended with iconic premium spiritsfrom the Bacardi-Martini Australia portfolio. There’sthe Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky Sour, theBombay Sapphire Gin Gimlet, and the EspressoMartini and Passionfruit Martini, both made with 42Below Vodka. All of these are served as bar qualitycocktails in just 30 seconds flat, something whichEvert-Jan Bos, General Manager of Tails, said hasbeen impressing consumers.

“This is a game-changer for the home bar. Tails Cocktails offer both incredible taste and convenience, making it easier than ever for people to enjoy the same flavour and complexity of a cocktail made from scratch, without any effort or expertise. No shopping for ingredients, no measuring, no recipes - just add ice, shake and pour – how easy is that?” said Bos.

The convenience is heightened by a QR code on every 500ml Tails bottle, linking to a 30 second video which explains the three simple serving steps, along with garnish suggestions.

Bacardi-Martini Australia is currently focused on spreading this message of convenience, with a digital-first marketing campaign that is building awareness and driving trial of the new range.

For more information, head to: www.tailscocktails.com