UK – LWC, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, has collaborated with South African winery Overhex Wines to introduce Kamina, a new range of lower-alcohol wines.
This range, which includes popular varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Merlot, offers consumers a lighter, sessionable wine option at an 8% ABV, ahead of the UK’s anticipated February duty increase.
Kamina is exclusively available through LWC and offers consumers an alternative that balances affordability with quality, targeting those seeking to moderate their alcohol intake.
To create this unique low-ABV product, Overhex employs an innovative production technique: a portion of the wine is fully de-alcoholized and then blended back with the original wine, preserving the rich structure and texture of full-strength wine.
This approach allows Kamina to retain the flavor and mouthfeel typical of traditional wines, ensuring quality isn’t compromised.
Shaun Healy, Wine Director at LWC, said, “LWC is delighted to be partnering with Overhex on a range of 8% wines that not only support customers from a cost perspective, but also lend themselves excellently to changing consumer lifestyle habits.”
He emphasized that Kamina will help ease financial pressure on both operators and consumers during the upcoming duty hikes.
“With the upcoming duty hikes, operators – and ultimately the end consumer – are really going to feel the pinch when it comes to wine, but we cannot let this impact the quality of wines entering the market.”
In response to concerns that lower-alcohol wines may lack the fullness of their regular counterparts, Healy praised Overhex’s approach, highlighting that the technique “ensures the varietal character of these wines still shines through.”
The Kamina range aims to meet the demand for high-quality, affordable wine options as consumers face rising living costs and shift towards reduced-alcohol alternatives.
The range, retailing at an RSP of US$4.92 (ex VAT), provides a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing the wine’s authentic taste and character.
In addition to the Kamina launch, LWC’s rum brand, Old J Spiced Rum, expanded its offerings in June 2024 with a new coconut-flavored variant.
Known for its blend of Caribbean spices, Old J’s coconut variant joins the brand’s existing lineup of spiced rums.
Earlier this year, LWC also celebrated an impressive performance at the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards, winning 74 medals, including six golds.
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