Trevor Hague’s Post

STORIES STORIES STORIES That's what we need more on in the NA category. I'm always banging on about it and I am banging on about it again in this lovely article in the The Spirits Business: “NA brands have to differentiate through authentic stories - it’s something that is missing from non alcoholic brands, as the category is so new and liquids are often made in fragrance houses. We have to work harder to tell stories about the makers, the provenance, the complex processes involved in liquid creation. Leaning into these stories will differentiate us” I for one am excited to see other truly craft, luxury NA spirits like Sylva from Pollen Projects by Ben Branson and co entering the market (see article for more on this). It feels like we are entering a new phase and we at Botivo Drinks | B corp are ALL for it. Let's goooooo. #craft #botivo #nonalcoholic #brandstories

What sells the first bottle? What small brands like Penrhos don't have that big brands have in bucket loads: ➡ Brand equity. Everyone knows Gordons but who knows Penrhos? What is the first brand that comes to mind if I say gin? Not Penrhos but could be. ➡ Trust. We are pack animals and if everyone is buying Gordons then they must be right? Lets buy a Gordons, it is safe. ...So how do we get the first bottle into a consumers basket? ➡ Emotion. Why is emotion so important? Emotion is an instant response to how you feel, emotion is the reason to do something quickly. Buy our gin and don't look at other brands. How does Penrhos Spirits create emotion? ➡ Being the first to create a 100% ♻ aluminium that is 91% less Carbon than our glass bottle. Consumers want to choose sustainable options if they can. If a consumer was faced with a wall of gin brands maybe not all will be triggered by the emotion of helping the planet, maybe they might be triggered by the emotion of trust or the feeling of getting a bargain? But first we need to make sure the consumer knows the benefits of our bottle in order to trigger the emotion we want. ...and maybe then just a few will think Penrhos is worth trying because they are offering an extra benefit to me? Two Drifters Distillery capture all their carbon. Does the consumer know how good their rum is? Probably not yet but their emotions will instantly be signaling to choose the small brand over say Captain Morgan because they are doing something that resonates with consumers that the bigger brand might not be offering. What will sell the second bottle? The liquid and so it must taste bloody good because they will not come back for the repeat purchase. And that is why we talk about our bottle because we need to trigger an emotion at the point of sale that will get our first bottle sold. Lets hope we get a different emotion during the Euros. #recycle #reuse #refil #travel #retail

The Carajillo cocktail. Coffee and liquor (usually Licor 43 or brandy), is rooted in Spain and is especially popular in Mexico. Its allure lies in its simplicity and adaptability—qualities brands can emulate for success. The Carajillo’s appeal spans generations and cultures, showing the power of versatility in reaching a broad audience. By adapting a classic to local tastes, as seen in the Mexican version with ice, brands learn the value of localization without losing authenticity. Additionally, the Carajillo’s ritualistic preparation—shaken over ice to create a rich, layered experience—demonstrates the impact of memorable, sensory-driven experiences in brand engagement. The drink’s balance of bold coffee with smooth, sweet liqueur reflects the importance of contrast and balance in branding, where unique elements harmonize to create a memorable product. Embracing these qualities helps brands resonate emotionally, making a lasting impression in a competitive market. Side note: most bars only order Licor 43 for this cocktail. Conclusion: if you are a brand nail the signature serve. #casestudy #signatureserve #signatureservestategy

Barrels of gold or Polished S!&t?  The newest celebrity alcohol offering - BERO   The beer market is filled with trends of dominants and start-ups, where the new disruptors are often engaged in a branding battle of differentiation between the normal conventions of the category and those looking to gain a foothold through differentiation. The alcoholic beer market has seen this for years from craft or microbreweries who were looking to shirk conventional branding symbols (like shields) or heritage markers (like dates and places) in pursuit of visual difference, something we’ve helped clients to explore extensively at Huxly Global.   Then Mr Holland and his team came along and released Bero, The branding of the newest celebrity alcohol product from Tom Holland is distinct from brands on either side of the alcoholic aisle but sits proudly on the side of zero, Tom’s story as to why he’s set up the brand is also compelling and deeply personal, but how is this different from yet another alcohol brand produced in partnership with a celebrity.   In a rapidly growing market, there’s room for both strategies. Whether building on familiarity or breaking the mold, the key is often the authentic connection consumers can make to the brands vision. From a pack and brand visuals point of view, Bero is distinct from competitors, taking cues from high end fashion or luxury jewellery with its polished gold top, font colour and half crest, placed above colours ranging from British Racing green, Oxblood and Cream. Repurposing or re interpreting one of the three salmons that adorn the Kingston upon Thames crest, The place where he grew up. Whilst also incorporating a Serif typeface, in a similar fashion to that of Burberry’s new logo direction, another subtle nod to the more premium positioning that the brand is looking to play in. All this is to say, the can feels distinct, grown up, in a subcategory (Non Alcoholic) that is only beginning to mature itself. It feels luxurious and apt for those who are often stigmatised for not drinking alcohol beers, to have an offering that can be celebrated rather than hidden in social settings. Bero has done an excellent job of providing an offering that can be sought after in pubs. Shame the U.S gets it first, but I am sure it’ll be back home in no time.   #NonAlcoholicBeer, #BrandStrategy, #MindfulDrinking, #TomHolland, #BeroBeer

Cheers Group Unveils Growth Plan with Launch of Award-winning Labrodog Scotch New Varient Cheers Group aims to triple revenue by focusing on premiumization and innovation in the whisky market, featuring the new Labrodog Black Tartan Scotch Cheers group has unveiled an ambitious plan to triple its revenue in next couple of years by prioritizing premiumization and innovation in the Indian and International markets. The company unveiled groundbreaking Scotch-- Labrodog Black Tartan Blended Scotch whisky. The flagship 'Labrodog Scotch whisky' launched decade ago in India, inspired from Scotland's picturesque Highland landscapes and history. It’s produced in picturesque Scotland. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and its unique approach to Scotch whisky making. The blend comprises carefully selected single malts --- bourbon barrel-aged and single grain whiskies. The final product is finished in exquisite casks, adding richness and a layered, nuanced complexity to the flavor profile. The whisky has a rich, gold hue, not unlike the color of the many gold medals it has won. The nose features a combination of rich and smooth profile, especially pineapple, peaches, and coconut, with hints of citrus, caramel, and cinnamon spice. It's smooth and creamy on the palate, with a mouth-coating texture and distinctive weight. It features flavors of honey, Crème Brulé, mixed nuts, and a touch of assorted wood spices and that's -- Labrodog Black Tartan Blended Scotch whisky. Crafted by Cheers Group, India’s luxury spirits conglomerate, having bagged over 200 National and International awards with luxury portfolio valued at an impressive INR 650 Crores stands as a beacon of distinction. Cheers Group, under the visionary leadership of its founder Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada, a trailblazer in the global whisky industry and Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group, have consistently excelled in the global beverage alcohol industry. Blended scotch whiskies are perfect for any occasion, from lively gatherings to cozy nights. Cheers group's top award-winning flagship Scotch whiskies: Labrodog 12 Year-old, Labrodog Decade, Labrodog XR, Labrodog Double Cask, Scottish Legend, Mc Glenn, Glen Dog -- offer a rich mix of flavors and stories, making each exquisite bottle a journey. India's love for Scotch whisky continues to grow, and Cheers group's finest blended Scotch whiskies provide a unique experience with every sip! As the largest whisky market in the world, India’s scotch segment continues to be highly aspirational for whisky consumers. With sales hitting bigger benchmarks across Blended Scotch whiskies, Cheers group is poised to be a dominant player in the market. Crafted without compromise -- Labrodog Black Tartan Scotch whisky, is available in an exclusive Gift-pack with 750ml bottle and a complimentary rare glass tumbler for ₹1850 to ₹3600 depending on state regulations.

Some good insights from Verallia on 2025 trends. The shift towards ethical production, innovative packaging, and health-conscious options will continue to shape the future of the wine and spirits market. 🍷 It’s exciting to see how brands are adapting to meet evolving consumer expectations. #WineIndustry #Sustainability #WineTrends #PackagingInnovation

Curious about what's next in the drinks industry? 💡 Explore the latest trends shaping wine and spirits in 2025 with Verallia and Morillas Brand Consultants. Here's a sneak peek: 🌿 The Return of Ethics and Sustainability Brands are prioritizing authenticity by embracing simplicity in packaging and using unconventional ingredients with respect for the planet. 🍸 Less alcohol, more well-being Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks are on the rise, offering complex flavors and vibrant designs to meet the growing demand for healthier options. 🍹 Customized experiences Brands are blurring the lines between different alcohol types, creating new, unique flavors and packaging that enhance the consumer experience, especially with single-serve options. 💎 The pursuit of added value There's a focus on luxury through minimalist aesthetics and sensory designs, reflected in limited editions and exclusive wines and spirits that cater to those seeking unique, high-quality experiences. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eR_Njv_A #Verallia #DrinkTrends2025 #WineAndSpirits #Sustainability #Innovation

"Big thanks to BarFly for recognizing our efforts in the Global Whisky Market Overview ! It's always a pleasure to receive acknowledgment from industry peers.  Gratitude goes a long way, and we're incredibly thankful for their acknowledgment. It's collaborations and support like this that truly make a difference in our journey. The market is anticipated to reach USD 127.53 billion in size by 2028, up from USD 88.85 billion in 2022. Beyond its complex flavors and fragrances, Whiskey has assimilated into culture, participating in social gatherings, celebrations, and rituals. It has the capacity to arouse nostalgia, start a discussion, and generate enduring memories. The market is projected to grow at a 6.34% CAGR by 2023–28. Worldwide demand for Whiskey spans a wide range of tastes, from conventional and time-tested classics to daring and avant-garde expressions that push the frontier of what is conceivable. link to the report: https://lnkd.in/dBY9p3td

I was just in Costco and saw this cool-looking bottle of oil. I decided to do a quick research on them and see what is Secret Behind Truff's Luxury Hot Sauce Brand Growth Strategy Recently, Kim Kardashian even invested in it. Secrets of Business Growth Strategy: First, I've never seen luxury sauces before. The bottle's design looks like it belongs to a high-end beauty brand, which is awesome! They crafted a unique and stylish cap that looks very expensive. Check out their cool website at Truff.com Secondly, on social media, they steer clear of direct prompts urging purchases. They focus on creating content that resembles what your friends might post in their feeds. Visually pleasing, aesthetic things that you'd want to send to your friends. "Hey, check this out. It's cool. This approach is genius because it taps into the power of word-of-mouth marketing but on a digital scale. #LuxuryBranding #MarketingStrategy #TruffHotSauce

FORGET VANILLA - here's how exotic flavors revolutionized my luxury dessert brand!! • Saffron, rose water, and cardamom: The game-changers that transformed my desserts from ordinary to extraordinary • In a saturated market, standing out is crucial • Exotic flavors became my secret weapon • This journey redefined luxury in the dessert world • The Vanilla Dilemma: - Oversaturated market - Customers craving something new - Need for a unique selling proposition • Enter the Exotics: - Saffron: The golden spice • Adds luxury and visual appeal • Unique, slightly sweet flavor profile - Rose water: The essence of elegance • Brings floral notes and sophistication • Enhances both taste and aroma - Cardamom: The spice of surprise • Offers warmth and complexity • Pairs wonderfully with chocolate and fruits • The Revolution: - Customer reactions: Intrigue and delight - Social media buzz: Increased engagement and shares • Challenges Faced: - Sourcing high-quality exotic ingredients - Educating customers about new flavors - Balancing exotic with familiar tastes • Lessons Learned: - Innovation is key in a competitive market - Quality ingredients are worth the investment - Customer education is crucial for acceptance • Ready to elevate your dessert game? • Try incorporating one exotic flavor into your signature dish this week • Share your experience in the comments below!