The Weekly Sip: Molson Coors shifts Peroni production stateside | Outshine blends smoothies into cocktails

The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on the latest news in the rapidly changing and growing beverage sector. From inaugural product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench the thirst for developments in the category.

Molson Coors moves Peroni production stateside

A major brewer seeking to boost its premium beer portfolio is bringing one of its popular offerings into its U.S. supply chain after years of importing the brew from Rome.

Molson Coors announced it will begin producing Peroni Nastro Azzurro at its brewery in Albany, Georgia, starting this summer — first in kegs, then in bottles and cans next year. According to the company, the move is designed to help unlock the full potential of the beer and expand distribution opportunities for the Italian brew.

“We’ve spent the last few months working closely with Peroni’s talented master brewers to make certain we stay true to the brand’s crisp refreshing taste and honor its original recipe from 1963,” said Brian Erhardt, Molson Coors’ chief supply chain officer, in a statement. “By brewing Peroni at home, we can ensure consumers can get fresh, great-tasting Peroni at even more of their favorite restaurants, bars, shops and events across the country.”

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0%, the line’s nonalcoholic brew, will continue to be produced in Peroni’s brewery in Rome.

Moving production from Italy could help Molson Coors expand Peroni’s reach. A representative for the company told Beer Business Daily some U.S. bars and stores were hesitant about selling the beer because of the high cost and unreliable supply that comes with importing beer in small quantities.

Molson Coors said producing Peroni in the U.S. is part of its goal to grow its high-end beer offerings. Gavin Hattersley, the company’s CEO, made boosting its premium alcohol products a key priority since taking the helm of the company in 2019.

The move following a three-month strike at Molson Coors’ Fort Worth, Texas production facility which ended last week after the Teamsters union representing its workers came to an agreement with the company on a new three-year contract. Details of the contract were not revealed. During the strike, production of Molson Coors products was not impacted as the company brought in temporary and salaried workers to work in the facilities.

Chris Casey

Outshine Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies cocktail kits.

Optional Caption

Courtesy of Outshine

 

Outshine Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie makes a toast to cocktails

Outshine Fruit and Yogurt Smoothies has become a popular brand with kids. Now, parents are finding an adult way to enjoy the offering.

Inspired by a modern love for easy, fruit-filled cocktails and creative parents looking to use the rest of their kids’ snack pouches, Outshine is launching limited-edition Fruit Cocktail Kits. Each kit includes all the cocktail-making essentials, including Outshine Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie pouches, cocktail-ready glasses, a stirrer and a $25 gift card for the adult to purchase their drink of choice. 

The pouches have been a popular shortcut for beverages like a Peach Raspberry Bellini, Blueberry Pear Mimosa or Strawberry Coconut Colada.

“Whether you’re used to being the caretaker of your kids – or even your friends – Outshine Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies allow you to indulge in a little self-love too with a fruit-ified cocktail you can enjoy anytime,” Leili Riegel, Outshine Fruit & Yogurt Smoothies Brand’s lead, said in a statement.

Consumers have until June 21 to win an Outshine Fruit Cocktail Kit by visiting the brand’s Instagram page.

Outshine, previously known for its frozen novelties, launched the Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie Pouches in 2022, the first shelf-stable, portable snack offering in its history. 

The pouches addressed what the company identified as an unmet need in the marketplace: a portable, nutritious snack that, much like its fruit bars, is popular among both adults and kids.  

Outshine is the latest brand to see its product used by adults to make cocktails or mocktails. Energy drink brand Celsius and coconut water maker Vita Coc0, in addition to Coke, are just a few of the beverages incorporated into adult concoctions.

Christopher Doering

free af

Optional Caption

Courtesy of Free AF

 

Free AF expands as mocktail craze continues

As many consumers seek to drink less, one New Zealand brand is making a name for itself in big box stores.

Source: fooddive.com

Share