Mark Girdlestone’s Post

According to CGA’s BeverageTrak service (NielsenIQ), cocktail sales surged by 6% in the last quarter of 2023, with Tequila emerging as the base spirit for over 1/3 of all sold cocktails. As a long-time devout Tequila drinker, I’m thrilled to see the masses coming to their senses!   Tequila's dominance in the market grew, capturing a 34.1% share of cocktail base sales by value, surpassing vodka. The classic Margarita maintained its reign as the nation's favorite cocktail, while drinks like the Spritz, Negroni, and Espresso Martini gained traction. *Ever tried an Espresso Martini with a Tequila or Mezcal base? (Do it)   Consumer insights will be a crucial function for #spirits brands/suppliers if they want to pivot appropriately and experience continued success in 2024. Cheers! #CocktailTrends #Tequila #Mixology #DataDrivenInsights https://lnkd.in/e4ifEumz

Tequila is still pulling in the cash for bar owners. Gin and Whiskey aren't far behind, with a touch of rum joining in. I still believe a large percentage of the profits are derived (in the on premise) in the cocktail segment, as opposed to beer and some entry level RTDS. I like the emergence of the espresso martini and mai tai. Cordials and flavored spirits are making a comeback. Beverage Solutions || Big Dog New York LLC You need to get in the agave space now. Dont forget gin and cordials. https://lnkd.in/enTEC4Va

Transitioning from winter to spring doesn't mean giving up whisky cocktails. Discover how to create satisfyingly complex yet low-ABV drinks with tips from industry experts. Read on: https://lnkd.in/ewXb2yuk #whiskyadvocate #whiskycocktails #lowabvwhiskycocktails

"Canned cocktails are far from a new phenomenon. One of the earliest "Commercial canned cocktails in America was Heublein's Club Cocktails, which hit the market in 1892, but even that wasn't actually a first. Bars were known to mix and bottle their house cocktails and sell them at retail along with other bottled liquors in the mid-1800s when regulations on the sale of liquor were looser, allowing guests to take their favourite beverages home with them from the bar." Fascinating. What are your favourite canned cocktails? https://lnkd.in/gF5GN_cp

🌅 Tequila’s Time to Shine 🌅 I just read a great article in The Grocer about how Tequila is growing in popularity here in the UK. It’s exciting to see Tequila being recognised as more than just a party drink—it’s now seen as a premium spirit, like whisky or gin. 🎉 With more people exploring high-quality Tequila brands and innovative new products, there’s a big opportunity for bars, retailers, and drinks brands to expand their Tequila offerings. From creative cocktails to sustainability, there’s so much potential for growth. 📈 If you’re in the drinks industry, I recommend checking out this article. It’s a great look at where Tequila is heading in the UK. https://lnkd.in/e4TkMTFd The Advocate Group #Tequila #DrinksIndustry #PremiumSpirits #UKMarket #FMCG

Our American Mule and Lisa's Lemonade are highlighted in the article "Pop Your Top: Cocktails in a Can" by the Two River Times. Learn more about why these RTD cocktails are making waves in the industry. #AmericanMule #LisasLemonade #RTDCocktails #TwoRiverTimes

From cocktail bars to boardrooms and lately, farmers' markets in the beautiful Hudson Valley, my work in launching dozens of beverages has taken me around the world. My favorite part of the job over the years has always been to keep customers informed — aka talking, as my four year old would put it (her "favorite thing to do") or rather, "educating," on products that I believe in. It's no surprise that I come from a family of (conventional, incredible, patient and miraculous) teachers, the backbone of society. All this to say is why, I suppose, I was hired to teach on behalf of some of the largest and most successful drinks companies in the world for decades on the global stage — and why my work with Siponey Spritz Co. B Corp closely follows that trajectory of success today. I want to share with you potentially the most impactful part of my teachings that I can disclose, which is especially important as we approach the election and holiday seasons: how to approach shopping with education and discernment, aka "voting with your dollar". By the way, of every product that I've ever endorsed, I can firmly say that I still believe in it to this day. Because they too pass the test I explain below. As customers, our dollars deserve the best. As a rule of thumb, while shopping, I always ask: - Who is making this? - Where are they making this? - What’s in this? - And what’s the point of them making this? This is how we stand up to big business (and celebrity cash grabs…) and vote with our dollar to get better, more meaningful products on the market that suit our actual needs, as oppose to products that are smattered with million dollar marketing campaigns long before proof of their concept is established. Do we recall cupcake frosting vodka, for example? When it comes to Siponey, we are a family-founded, B Corp certified canned cocktail company aiming to change the way the world drinks by using all real ingredients. With our latest nonalcoholic cocktails and mixers, we give our customers a CHOICE — to either mix with spirits (with the exception of cupcake flavored vodka...) or enjoy a nonalcoholic cocktail perfectly adequate on its own — made with love (something a lot of larger companies are lacking…). Our promises with Siponey nonalcoholic cocktails & mixers are: - Certified Organic wildflower honey - Less than 45 calories - Naturally gluten free - No "natural flavors" (if you see this on a product, run...) - No processed sugar - No simple syrup ever Lots of love, Amanda PS sorry not sorry cupcake frosting vodka producers... pls do not come at me in DMs lolz

Some great insights shared today by The Spirits Business from the Global Cocktail Report 2024 (CGA by NIQ). 💡 Cocktails are now the fourth most-consumed category in the global on-trade. 💡 Tequila and agave spirits were highlighted for their popularity with the Margarita and Tequila Sunrise seeing year-on-year growth. 💡 Espresso Martinis have increased by two percentage points from 13% to 15%, with cocktails with a coffee flavour rising from 19% to 22% over the past year. 💡 Beyond the type of cocktail alone, other factors influencing cocktail drinker decisions include good value (43% surveyed had a preference for this), high quality (41%) and a sense of premiumness (23%). Full article here: https://brnw.ch/21wNQsb

RTDs and Canned Cocktails are on fire- they're redefining how we enjoy our favorite drinks. But what exactly are consumers reaching for in this booming category? Let's dive in... **ESPRESSO/COFFEE COCKTAILS** Is it the bold flavor, or perhaps a nod to the energy we once sought in Vodka-Red Bull? According to NielsenIQ's CGA Cocktail Sales Tracker, Espresso Martini orders surged by over 50% by the end of Q3 2023, and Espresso Martini RTDs were up 252% in dollar sales YoY at the end of 2023. Between these 2 articles, let’s tip our cap to Tribini Espresso Martinis, Après Hours, and Pabst Brewing Company (Hard Coffee). + Honorable mention to Snapchill for obtaining authorization to apply their patented technology (for flavorfully brewing & packaging coffee) to BevAlc products. **FAMILIARITY & CONVENIENCE** Sometimes, it’s not about the most complex concoction but rather the reliable classics that consumers can enjoy with ease. Cheers to the recognized Mimosas (Mayne & Co. and Ohza), G&Ts (You & Yours Distilling Co. and Cutwater/AB InBev), Vodka Gimlet (Post Meridiem Spirit Company), Old Fashioned (OTR: On the Rocks Premium Cocktails + Suntory Global Spirits) Sparkling Paloma (Two Chicks Cocktails), Spritzes (Saint Spritz, Campari Group, Sazerac Company), and Tequila-Soda variations (Ranch Rider Spirits Co. and Onda). Not to mention the "adult versions" of nostalgic favorites like Molson Coors Beverage Company's Arnold Palmer Spiked, and Goodwell Brands ( Dirty Shirley and Country Luau ). **MODERATION, SESSIONABILITY, & “BETTER-FOR-YOU”** Today’s consumers are embracing moderation, and smaller format RTDs are leading here for it. Tip Top Proper Cocktails (100ml can), Golden Rule Spirits (100ml can), and OM (200ml can). Shout out to Spirited Hive for using honey as a sweetener in their all-natural cocktails. **SHAREABILITY** RTS (Ready-To-Serve) cocktails are sold in larger format bottles (750ml) for a more upscale vibe. Pour some of these into a glass over a big rock- Via Carota Craft Cocktails, The Family Jones Distillery's Early Grey Negroni, The Cooper Spirits Company's Hochstadter's Slow & Low Old Fashioned, Hercules Mulligan Co., and Fabrizia Spirits LLC's Limoncello Spritz. For expertise in recruitment and hiring within the #wine & #spirits industry, reach out to me and the Protis Global team. *If you are a candidate, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gSrR7MKT Delish- https://lnkd.in/ejkP5Uaq SevenFifty Daily- https://lnkd.in/eSR_NjUj

🍹 Curious about Germany's favorite cocktails?🍸 Discover the top 5 most popular cocktails in Germany, from the iconic Wine Spritzer to the refreshing Hugo Spritz. Based on data gathered from millions of menus across the country, our insights offer a unique glimpse into local drinking preferences. Ready to explore the vibrant world of German mixology? Read the full article now and sign up for a trial of our platform Outlet Census Live to dive deeper into the data! 📊✨ #Cocktails #Germany #Mixology #DataInsights #OutletCensusLive https://rb.gy/ld6zo4