Pernod Ricard has upped its RTD game in the US, partnering with cranberry cooperative Ocean Spray for a co-branded premix with vodka flagship Absolut.
The Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Vodka-Cranberry RTD has been lined up for nationwide release in “early 2024”. Centring around a 4.5% ABV premix in 35.5cl-can format, a variety eight-pack of “four sparkling combinations” will also feature, although further details on the additional flavour combinations were not disclosed.
The announcement comes just over a month after Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Co debuted their own co-branded RTD for Jack Daniel’s & Coke in the country.
According to Pernod Ricard’s US division, “the brands have already been working together on integrated programming, co-packaging, innovation and new offerings that will start rolling out in exciting ways this summer … “.
“Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice have long been enjoyed together at bars and in homes across the country,” said RTD & convenience North America VP Natalie Accari. “We are very excited to be bringing this beloved classic cocktail to our consumers in a convenient new format.”
Late last month, Pernod Ricard posted a 2.3% slip in quarterly sales although for the nine months to the end of March, the group’s top line was up by 7.6%.
