Accolade launch ready-to-drink collection

Rexam Beverage Can has created cans for Accolade Wines' launch of four innovative drinks from the Hardys, Banrock Station and Stone’s brands.  The new drinks, called the Sparkling Collection, will feature alongside Echo Falls Spritz in a can, which launched last year.
 
The 250ml Slim cans, being produced at Rexam’s Gelsenkirchen plant, are targeted at existing wine drinkers as well as 25 to 35 year old females who are new to the wine market.  The range includes two Hardys Bellinis (in strawberry and white peach flavours) and Banrock Infusions, a blend of wine and summer berries. Stone’s Ginger Punch, a mixture of ginger wine and lemonade, is also available in a striking limited edition Union Jack can.
 
Clare Griffiths, European Marketing Director for Accolade Wines is delighted with the new products: “We are passionate about innovation, and with the launch of these cans from some of our most recognisable brands, we are spearheading the creation of a new category which will open wine up to new consumers, with new occasions. As a company, Accolade Wines is a leader when it comes to consumer insight, which drives our innovation process. Our new cans, offer a level of convenience in the wine market that hasn’t existed in the wine category with trusted recognisable brands and we hope consumers, new and existing, will embrace the range as they have done with our top selling brands.”
 
Gary Aslam, European customer services, sales and marketing director at Rexam Beverage Can commented: “It is great to see the expansion of the wine cocktail range – we have enjoyed working closely with Accolade Wines to bring these cans to market and to develop this new category together. Research from Mintel continues to highlight strong female interest in moving away from FABs to more grown-up RTS offerings and as such, Accolade Wines’ range of wine cocktails in cans open up the category to new consumers. And the convenience and portability of cans makes it possible for consumers to enjoy these great new products for a variety of drinking occasions.”
 
The Sparkling Collection

• Hardys has developed two RTS wine cocktails based on the classic Bellini: the Sparkling White Peach Bellini and the Sparkling Strawberry Bellini, both in 250ml cans at 5.5% abv, with a RRP of £1.85 each. 
• Banrock Infusions is a new RTS from Banrock Station and is a pre-mixed blend of sparkling wine with fresh and natural flavours of summer berries. Banrock Station Infusions will be available at 5.5% abv in a 250ml can at an RRP of £1.85.
• Stone’s Ginger Punch is available in a striking limited edition union jack-themed 250 ml can at 5.4% abv.  The RTS drink is a blend of Stone’s Ginger Wine with lime and lemonade.
• The four new variants build on the launch of Echo Falls Spritz in a can, which occurred in November 2011.  Echo Falls Spritz is a blend of wine and sparkling water, at only 120 calories in a 250ml can and only 4% abv. The Spritz cans, targeted at female ‘newbie’ consumers, are available in two varieties; White Zinfandel Rosé and Pinot Grigio.

1 May 2012 - Felicity Murray