Accolade Wines launches Stone's Gin

Accolade Wines has launched Stone's Gin into both the on- and off-trade.

Abigail Whithair, Stone's brand manager says: “Sales of gin have increased by £253m in the UK in the last year and volume growth is set to continue with IWSR data suggesting an increase of 6.2 per cent by 2021.

“Two thirds of alcohol consumers recognise the Stone’s brand and over 60 per cent identify Stone’s as producing high quality ginger wine. We therefore wanted to extend our offering to introduce new consumers to the iconic Stone’s brand and monopolise on the current ginger flavour trend by putting the gin in ginger.”

Stone’s was first produced in London’s Finsbury Distillery in 1740 when the first gin craze was in full swing.

Whithair adds: “It felt natural that we go back and honour the distillers of Finsbury by blending our gin heritage and ‘roots’ in ginger, to create our own Stone’s gin using traditional techniques. The original mill stones, used to crush the ginger for our ginger wine, can still be found on display on the corner of Northburgh Street in EC1.”

Stone’s Gin will be available for both the on- and off-trade. The launch will be supported with a PR led, consumer tasting experience, tied to the brand heritage as well as an on-trade activation around the suggested serving with ginger ale.

David White, marketing director of Accolade Wines says: “The strength of our brand portfolio is demonstrated by our ability to branch out into other categories.

“Consumers are always on the look-out for new products or serves and by harnessing our brand heritage with the current trends in gin, and in bold flavours (ginger in particular), we are confident that this exciting new product will encourage both our current and new consumers to try Stone’s Gin.

“Our recent successful launch of Echo Falls vodka demonstrates that our approach is tapping into strong consumer dynamics and creating new profit opportunities for our trade partners.”

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15 October 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editor