April 17, 2018
Warm weather is just around the corner, which means brewers and retailers alike are launching products and programs to make sure consumers have plenty of refreshing options to help them celebrate all of the special occasions that spring and summer bring.
New Brew Roundup
Several new beers have recently hit store shelves. Bud Light has expanded its citrus portfolio with a refreshed Bud Light Lime and new Bud Light Orange; D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. has introduced Yuengling Golden Pilsner; Ballast Point used a newly developed Belgian yeast strain to develop its newest product, Aloha Sculpin IPA; Constellation Brands launched Corona Premier, a lifestyle light beer with 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle; and Michelob debuted Ultra Pure Gold made with organic grains, with only 85 calories and 2.5 carbs per 12-ounce serving.
Heineken’s CoolerPack Is Back
The CoolerPack—an 18-pack cardboard packaging innovation that lets consumers chill their Heineken by simply removing the top of the case and adding ice—is back for a second season. Introduced in 2017 and recently named 2018 Product of the Year in the beer category, the CoolerPack can drive incremental sales and profits for retailers who stock and display this innovative item. The product will be available in stores beginning May 1.
Tiger Beer’s ‘Uncaged’ Campaign Champions Creative Courage
Tiger Beer is building on its call to "uncage" bravery in pursuit of passion in a new campaign designed to show how far the impact of creative courage can go. To kick off the campaign, Tiger Beer launched a film on April 9 highlighting "Uncaged Heroes" who are sharing their work to impact positive change. The video can be seen on the brands' social media channels and campaign website, Uncage.com.
Tecate Invites Beer Lovers to ‘Bring Pride to the Grill’
Beginning in mid-May and continuing all summer long, Tecate will invite beer drinkers to “Bring Your Pride to the Grill” in a retail program that puts the carne asada occasion front and center with the fresh taste of Tecate and Tecate Light. The program incorporates bilingual POS, display enhancements, digital and social media, and TV advertising, plus a Tecate Grill Truck in select markets in partnership with Kingsford charcoal. There also will be a sweepstakes in which winners will have the opportunity to attend the Weber Grill Academy in Monterrey, Mexico.
SpartanNash Exclusively Showcases Short’s Lemon-Hop Stand Beer
SpartanNash retail stores throughout Michigan are now stocked with Short’s Lemon-Hop Stand, an India-style cream ale made just for SpartanNash. The brew features lemon drop hops with flavors of sweet grain and soft lemon spice followed by a sizable grassy bitterness, with 70 IBUs and an ABV of 7.8%. Only 1,200 six-packs of the limited-edition beer are available for purchase at 75 Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s and Forest Hills Foods locations.
Constellation Brands Revamps Website
Constellation Brands recently updated its website, which now offers easy access to downloadable b-roll and company highlights videos, leadership bios, press releases and news content. It also includes information about the company’s beer, wine and spirits brands, along with access to the brand center for more detailed information and downloadable brand images.
Whole Foods Market Features Rose in New Spring Promotion
As part of its Sommelier Best in Class program, designed to highlight on-trend wines, Whole Foods is inviting shoppers to try 12 wines hand-picked by Master Sommelier Devon Broglie and his team. This year’s selection represents a variety of vintners from all over the world, and includes eight wines that Whole Foods Market’s beverage buyers loved so much, they bought the whole lot. The wines will be available at a special price through the end of May 2018.