France's Pernod and Coke said on Monday the Absolut & Sprite canned cocktail will be launched in select European markets, including Britain, the Netherlands and Spain, from early 2024. "Sprite is a wonderful pairing for Absolut, and I'm convinced that our joining forces will bring the whole alcohol [ready-to-drink] category to the next level," said Pernod CEO Alexandre Ricard. Pernod said vodka is one of the most popular bases for alcohol ready-to-drink products, and lemon-lime soft drinks are one of the most popular mixers in pre-mixed cocktails. IWSR's 2022 research found that spirits-based products, especially those made from vodka, hold a 45% share in 10 of the ready-to-drink category's biggest markets, with cocktail or long drink products expected to spur growth. Across those markets, more than 50% of consumers are influenced to purchase ready-to-drink products made by a well-known spirits, beer or soft-drink brand, IWSR found.

Source: The Star October 16, 2023 21:45 UTC