US – American beverage giants Molson Coors and Coca-Cola have expanded their exclusive agreement to develop and commercialize Topo Chico Spirited, a line of spirit-based, ready-to-drink cocktails.
The companies said Topo Chico Spirited, the third drink to be introduced by the beverage makers since they first joined in 2020, will debut in more than 20 markets across the U.S. in 2023.
The RTD cocktails will be made with 100% real spirits, including premium tequila from Mexico, and feature familiar cocktails common on bar and restaurant menus across the country. Molson Coors will produce, distribute and market Topo Chico Spirited.
David Coors, Molson Coors’ vice president of next-generation beverages said: “Taking inspiration from the popular cocktails made in bars and restaurants today, Topo Chico Spirited will bring something completely different to our aisle.
“We believe Topo Chico Spirited will shake up the canned cocktail space with unparalleled flavors and a legacy rooted in the iconic 125-year-old master brand.”
Topo Chico Spirited, along with recent launches like Simply Spiked Lemonade and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, mark the latest initiatives to aggressively grow Molson Coors’ above premium portfolio as part of the company’s revitalization plan.
The soda maker and Molson Coors first launched Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the US in 2021. The alcoholic drink is currently the fastest-growing brand in its competitive set over the latest 52-week period, the companies said.
Since then, the companies have rolled out a line of ready-to-drink spiked lemonades based on Coca-Cola’s refrigerated juice brand Simply.
Ready-to-drink cocktails were the fastest growing spirits category in both revenue and volume in 2021, according to a recent report issued by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
The American trade association estimated supplier revenue for these cocktails and spirits rose 42.3% to US$1.6 billion. The trade group found more than half of adults surveyed prefer spirits-based beverages to other RTD choices.
Recently, a partnership between Constellation Brands and Coca-Cola Company has resulted in the launch of a boozy version of the popular soda, Fresca Mixed.
The new line of premium, pre-mixed cocktails crafted with the deliciously bright and citrusy classic taste of FRESCA and real vodka or tequila – is now available in two varieties: Vodka Spritz and Tequila Paloma.
Coca-Cola also has partnered with Brown-Forman on plans to introduce an RTD cocktail combining Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and the iconic soda brand.
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