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Tag: Bacardi

  • Bacardi and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners: Brewing Success in Australia with New Distribution Deal

    Bacardi and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners: Brewing Success in Australia with New Distribution Deal

    On November 3, Bacardi-Martini and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) initiated a multi-year partnership in Australia. This strategic alliance between the two beverage leaders aims to broaden their influence in the local drinks industry.

    The Partnership Details

    The partnership, first publicized in August, allows CCEP the responsibility of distributing an array of well-known brands. These encompass Bacardi rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka, Patrón tequila, Dewar’s Scotch whisky, Angel’s Envy whiskey, and Martini vermouth. Simultaneously, Bacardi-Martini will continue to manage marketing and brand strategies.

    Luiz Schmidt, the Managing Director of Bacardi-Martini Australia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Our brands are incredible with fantastic equity, but we acknowledge that to fully exploit their potential in Australia, we need to collaborate with an organization that possesses the necessary resources to put them in consumers’ hands nationwide,” he stated.

    Schmidt further stated that not only does CCEP have tremendous scale, but it also possesses proven industry expertise that can ensure long-term sustainable growth for both companies.

    Strengthening CCEP’s Market Position

    This agreement solidifies CCEP’s position as a key contender in the local premium drinks market and mirrors broader consolidation trends in beverage distribution.

    Orlando Rodriguez, the Managing Director of Australia Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential. “The Bacardi portfolio is iconic, and we at CCEP have the track record of operational excellence to best support it,” Rodriguez stated.

    He added that both companies are eagerly anticipating the accomplishments they can achieve in the vibrant and expanding alcohol category.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the partnership between Bacardi-Martini and CCEP entail?
    The partnership allows CCEP to distribute Bacardi-Martini’s renowned brands across Australia, including Bacardi rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, among others, while Bacardi-Martini will continue managing marketing and brand strategies.

    How does the partnership affect CCEP’s position in the market?
    The agreement strengthens CCEP’s position as a leading player in the local premium drinks market and reflects broader consolidation trends in beverage distribution.

    What are the expected outcomes of this alliance?
    The Managing Directors of both Bacardi-Martini Australia and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have expressed optimism about the potential growth and achievements this partnership can bring to the dynamic and expanding alcohol category in Australia.

  • Coca-cola And Bacardi Unveil Premixed Rum Beverages, Marking Soda Giant’s Debut In Australian Alcoholic Rtd Market

    Coca-cola And Bacardi Unveil Premixed Rum Beverages, Marking Soda Giant’s Debut In Australian Alcoholic Rtd Market

    In a landmark collaboration, Coca-Cola Australia has joined forces with Bacardi to launch a premixed rum beverage line, signifying the first time the soda behemoth has ventured into the alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) market in the region.

    New Flavors on Offer

    The new rum mix range will introduce two flavors, Original and Spiced, to tantalize the taste buds of consumers. The beverages will be packaged in 330ml cans with an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of 4.8 per cent. These canned beverages are slated to hit the shelves at selected licensed locations nationwide within the month.

    Matthias Blume, Coca-Cola Australia’s VP of RTD, expressed exhilaration over the groundbreaking venture. He noted that the association with Bacardi, a brand renowned for superior taste and creating enjoyable experiences, enables them to delight consumers in an entirely novel manner.

    “This marks a significant milestone not just for the brand, but also for Australians who have long cherished Coca-Cola as their go-to mixer,” Blume added.

    A Historic Occurrence

    Historically, Bacardi made a significant acquisition in 1998 when it purchased John Dewar & Sons and Bombay Sapphire from Diageo for $2 billion. Now, in their new collaboration with Coca-Cola, the two brands are poised to create similar impact in the retail industry.

    In related news, Coca-Cola recently unveiled AI-powered vending machines in New Zealand.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the new rum mix range by Coca-Cola and Bacardi?
    The launch marks the first time Coca-Cola has ventured into the alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Australia, making it a significant milestone for the company.

    What flavors are being introduced in the new rum mix range?
    The new range includes two flavors: Original and Spiced.

    What was Bacardi’s major acquisition in 1998?
    In 1998, Bacardi acquired John Dewar & Sons and Bombay Sapphire from Diageo in a deal valued at $2 billion.

  • Bacardi Australia appoints Luiz Schmidt as new MD

    Bacardi Australia appoints Luiz Schmidt as new MD

    Luiz Schmidt will take over as Managing Director of Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand after more than two years in Panama working as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    A University of Technology MBA graduate and FMCG marketing specialist with over 20 years of international experience, Schmidt will lead Bacardi’s sales, marketing, finance and supply chain functions, as well as expand the company’s premium portfolio and market share in the region.

    Vijay Subramaniam, Regional President for Asia, Middle East & Africa and Global Travel Retail at Bacardi, said Schmidt is uniquely qualified to take over as Managing Director as a dual Australian and Brazilian national with a wealth of experience.

    “The appointment of Luiz Schmidt as our new Managing Director marks an exciting chapter for Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

    “Thanks to his extensive international experience leading both developed and emerging markets with the company and more broadly within the industry, Schmidt brings a deep and nuanced understanding of the global premium spirits market.”

    Schmidt said he’s excited to return to Australia, where he’ll be based with his family and take charge of a talented team across Australia and New Zealand.

    “These markets are one of the most developed and attractive premium spirits markets in the world, offering Bacardi a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the growth of our iconic brands in close partnership with our customers and consumers,” he said.

    Bacardi is the world’s largest privately held spirits company, and according to IWSR market share data, holds a leadership position across premium vodka, super-premium tequila, premium gin and white rum globally.

    Schmidt has experience leading long-term marketing and business strategy in companies such as Brown-Forman and Edrington in Australia, USA, Brazil, Mexico and Latin America.

    In his most recent role as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean, Schmidt successfully transformed the region’s marketing and commercial execution functions and increased market share for brands including Patrón and Bombay Sapphire while co-led Bacardi ́s marketing transformation in Mexico.

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  • Bacardi launches its first premium spiced liquor

    Bacardi launches its first premium spiced liquor

    Bacardi has announced the launch of its new Bacardí Caribbean Spiced rum, which is said to be the brand’s first premium spiced aged product.

    The aged rum-based spirit is created with pineapple, coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon.

    To create the Caribbean Spiced rum, Bacardi’s process uses both a heavy-aged rum base which provides the bold smoky flavors of molasses, and a light-aged rum base, along with blending coconut blossom sugar, pineapple and coconut water. After being rested and filtered, cinnamon and vanilla are blended into the spirit, followed by a further rest and a second polishing filter for clarity and color.

    Dickie Cullimore, global brand ambassador for Bacardí Rum, said: “Category research showed us that flavored and spiced are the fastest growing segments in rum and specifically premium rum, and the Piña Colada has risen through the ranks as a top five cocktail. Even more exciting was our discovery that people were looking specifically for unique flavors and aged rums.”

    He continued: “Understanding this desire was key in creating Bacardí Caribbean Spiced and ensuring the flavors and aged rum quality were intensified to deliver the best craftsmanship and taste”.

    Bacardí Caribbean Spiced, which has an ABV of 40%, is currently available at Ocado and will roll out in retailers nationwide, including Tesco and Waitrose, from next month.

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  • Bacardi launches ready-to-drink Mojito cocktail

    Bacardi launches ready-to-drink Mojito cocktail

    Bacardi has launched a new RTD, Bacardi Mojito, which comes in a 250ml can with an ABV of 4.8 percent and 114 calories per serve.

    The RTD is made using Bacardi Carta Blanca Superior White Rum along with all-natural flavors and real ingredients and the calories are kept down thanks to the use of natural cane sugar.

    Bacardi-Martini Australia Brand Ambassador, Loy Catada, said he was excited to see Bacardi Mojito launch into the Australian market. “With the original Bacardu Mojito having a rich history and rise in popularity since the 1930s, we’re proud to continue to meet our customers’ desires and launch the ready-to-drink Bacardi Mojito in time for Summer here in Australia.”

    “Bacardi has been synonymous with classic Caribbean cocktails since 1862, and our latest launch gives consumers the ease of a high-quality cocktail made with the natural flavors and real ingredients of mint, lime, and the world’s most awarded rum in a convenient format.”

    With the spirit-based RTD market surging 132 percent in the last year and Mojito continuously ranking highly as one of Australia’s favorite cocktails in Google search queries, the stage is set for a big Bacardi Mojito summer.

    Bacardi is available now for independent retailers and the major chains at $24.99 RRP per pack of four.

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  • Bacardi launches Aberfeldy pop-up store at Taoyuan International Airport

    Bacardi launches Aberfeldy pop-up store at Taoyuan International Airport

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail has launched a glittering Aberfeldy pop-up store in partnership with Ever Rich Duty-Free at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport.

    The pop-up store will run until the end of February, during what is the region’s peak holiday travel time.

    The Aberfeldy store features two global-travel-retail-exclusive single malts, the Aberfeldy 16yo and Aberfeldy 21yo, both finished in ex-madeira wine casks.

    “Taiwan is a truly dynamic market for Aberfeldy,” said Gaurav Joshi, regional director Asia Pacific, Bacardi Global Travel Retail. “Building on the exceptional success of last year’s airport campaign, we have now gone a step further to draw the shopper deeper into the Aberfeldy story, its craft and heritage and our constant commitment to age statements in the sublime quality of the Aberfeldy range.

    “We are also giving them their own chapter in the story with an individual and resonant link to this multi-award-winning single-malt brand by making the purchase a distinctly personal experience,” he said.

    The Aberfeldy pop-up store also features digital presentations, pyramid display units and a golden waterfall feature to represent the Pitilie Burn.

    Customers who purchase the two exclusive single malts can personalize their bottle by having it dipped in golden wax and sealed with their initials.

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  • Bacardi launches Exceptional Cask Series in Asia DF

    Bacardi launches Exceptional Cask Series in Asia DF

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail announces the launch of the Exceptional Cask Series – a collection of ‘extremely rare, superlative’, aged single malt bottlings – hand-picked from the distilleries for Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and Glen Deveron.

    Bottled in small quantities, the new series comprises a limited number of extraordinary Single Cask, Double-Cask and Small Batch releases chosen by Dewar’s Master Blender and Malt Master, Stephanie MacLeod.

    Only a handful of expressions will be released by each distillery. “Proudly showing the age of the whisky, all bottlings are numbered and will be available in very limited numbers due to the nature of single cask, double cask and small-batch whiskies,” says Bacardi.

    Now available in select airport retailers in global travel retail, the initial series launch includes the Aultmore 1986 (31 years old) – Single Cask which was originally created especially for the DFS Master of Spirits 2018, and is now available with select retailers in Asia Pacific.

    MATURATION 

    “The sherry cask maturation develops Aultmore 1986 with aromas of dried fruits and Christmas cake, a rich dark amber, almost mahogany colour,” says Bacardi.

    “Often shrouded in fog, Aultmore distillery has developed a secretive air since it was founded in 1897. The mysterious Foggie Moss conceals the age-old water source, while the wild, wet undergrowth purifies it to the profit of Aultmore’s refined character creating a smooth, clean taste.”

    In addition to the Aultmore 1986, Bacardi will be launching the Craigellachie 1992 (24 years old) Small Batch; Craigellachie 1999 (17 years old) Small Batch with Palo Cortado Finish; Aberfeldy 1984 (33 years old) Single Cask and Aberfeldy 1999 (18 years old) Small Batch Port Finish.

    “Maturation is my favourite part of the whisky making process,” says Stephanie MacLeod. “Once the whisky is in a bourbon or a sherry cask, you might expect certain outcomes but you’re certain to have a few wonderful surprises along the way.

    “It’s a question of working with the whisky and the different elements at play in maturation to achieve the right outcome. With Aultmore 1986, for example, I needed to consider all these nuances and sampled lots of different casks to discover those that displayed a new and different side to the Aultmore personality, while ensuring it’s drinkable at cask strength at around 50% ABV.”

    ‘INCREDIBLE RECEPTION’

    Gaurav Joshi, Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail Asia Pacific commented on the launch during this week’s TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition: “We’re extremely proud to offer the Exceptional Cask Series in Asia Pacific and we’re excited at the prospect of success with the range, following the incredible reception for Autlmore 1986 at DFS Master of Spirits in March.

    “Asia Pacific is a region with many types of new and experienced whisky collectors and connoisseurs actively looking for their latest discovery in aged single malt.

    “Offering them that chance in travel retail adds true dynamism and excitement to the channel and reinforces the fact that the quality and experience of airport shopping in the region leads the world.”

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  • Bacardi to showcase highly limited Craigellachie 31 Year Old

    Bacardi to showcase highly limited Craigellachie 31 Year Old

    Stephanie MacLeod, Malts Master and Master Blender for John Dewar & Sons, describes Craigellachie 31 Year Old as “beautifully balanced, smooth and rich”

    Bacardi is making highly limited stocks of its popular Craigellachie 31 Year Old single malt whisky available on allocation in travel retail.

    Visitors to Bacardi Global Travel Retail’s stand (D10) at next week’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore will be able to discuss opportunities.

    Bacardi Regional Director Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa Vinay Golikeri stated the spirits company would also be announcing an upcoming older age statement of Craigellachie at the show, as well as a new limited-edition in the region.

    Bacardi said global supplies of Craigellachie 31 Year Old surged after it was awarded the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, meaning global supplies are now limited.

    “Craigellachie was first launched in select customers in global travel retail in 2015 and accelerated rapidly to gain a tremendous following amongst connoisseurs in a short space of time, winning two prestigious global whisky awards within two years,” said Golikeri. “We’re delighted to have secured highly limited stock for our high net worth and discerning travellers, especially given the popularity we have seen for Craigellachie in the region to date.

    “Emerging market consumers, at the second stage of luxury, are highly motivated by the discovery of new-to-market single malts like this. Craigellachie has particular appeal to more experienced Chinese and Indian travellers, many of whom are whisky collectors and connoisseurs.

    “These shoppers are motivated by products that help them express their individuality and, in whisky, this means they seek aged stock, rarity, limited-editions, exclusivity and award-winning status. Craigellachie ticks all these boxes.”

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  • Bacardi builds Dewar’s presence in Malaysia with pop-up Whisky Emporium

    Bacardi builds Dewar’s presence in Malaysia with pop-up Whisky Emporium

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail is aiming to build the presence of Dewar’s whisky in Malaysia with a two-month shopper engagement activation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

    The pop-up John Dewar & Sons Fine Whisky Emporium features the travel retail launch of Craigellachie Speyside single malt in two age variants: 13yo and a travel retail-exclusive 19yo.

    Bacardi said the campaign is timed to maximise the extended holiday and gifting season in December and January covering Christmas, New Year 2017 and Chinese New Year.

    The pop-up is located in front of the Zon Duty Free Arrival Store run by Duty Free Zone (DFZ) in partnership with Heinemann Asia Pacific. Travellers can sample a variety of Dewar’s single malts and blends, including Dewar’s 15yo and 18yo, Aberfeldy 18yo, Glen Deveron 20yo, Royal Brackla 16yo and Craigellachie 13yo and 19yo.

    Customers who spend over RM288 (US$65) will receive a complimentary trolley bag.

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail Regional Director Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa Vinay Golikeri commented: “Kuala Lumpur International Airport is an important location for us as a brand building opportunity for Dewar’s with its passenger profile focused on emerging market travellers, especially the Chinese and Indian traveller.

    Dewar's KLIA Feb 2017 1

    “Covering both the December/January holiday season and Chinese New Year, we are engaging the additional surge of passengers travelling at this time with our Dewar’s single malt portfolio, which offers an intriguing range of whisky options perfect for gifting or for self-treats to add to a personal collection.”

    Dewar's KLIA Feb 2017 4

    Heinemann Asia Pacific Brand Activity Manager June Ong added: “The Dewar’s Emporium is a perfect attraction front of store at this time of year and our customers love it. The presentation of the Dewar’s range from the artisan wooden trolley encourages closer examination and the retail ambassadors are doing an excellent job in helping shoppers explore the offer for themselves. We are particularly keen to encourage this level of connection with our customers as it gives them a memorable experience in our store.”

  • Bacardi kicks off major CNY promotion in Asia Pacific

    Bacardi kicks off major CNY promotion in Asia Pacific

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail is running a major Chinese New Year (CNY) campaign at 11 airport and border crossing locations in six countries across the Asia Pacific region, in a three-month campaign running to March.

    Highly prominent CNY branded activations are now running at airport locations such as: Shanghai and Beijing airports with Sunrise; at Sydney with Heinemann; at Brisbane and Perth airports with JR/Duty Free; at Kuala Lumpur with Eraman and Heinemann; at Seoul with Lotte and Shilla; with Flemingo in Colombo Sri Lanka; Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau with Anway and Zhuhai land border crossing with Cheer Signal.

    Part of the campaign involves the offering shoppers the chance to win a range of prizes. Shoppers spending a certain amount (location specific) on Dewar’s whiskies and single malts are invited to try their luck in an Instant Win Lucky Dip by selecting a lucky red envelope to reveal their prize.

    Prizes range from travel-size bottles of spirits in the Bacardi portfolio, travel accessories and top prizes of an Apple Watch or Apple iPhone 7 Gold 32GB (location specific).

    The campaign focuses on the Dewar’s blends portfolio and its single malts Craigellachie, Aberfeldy, Royal Brackla, Glen Deveron and Aultmore as well as Baron Otard cognac.

    BENEDICTINE DOM AT CHANGI AIRPORT

    In addition Benedictine Dom is a key focus with DFS at Singapore Changi with an exclusive, limited edition ‘Good Luck’ gift tin. Sampling is also being made available.

    Vinay Golikeri, Regional Director Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Bacardi Global Travel Retail comments: “We want to make the Chinese New Year period our biggest yet with this shopper engagement campaign across key airports and border crossings in the region.

    “We are focusing on encouraging Chinese travellers to try our brands, especially with our premium whisky portfolio. The extended New Year period is a prime opportunity to engage and connect our brands.”

    Bacardi-GTR-CNY-2017-social-image

    A customer digs for buried envelopes at Kuala Lumpur Airport.

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  • Bacardi targets Hong Kong-China commuters with John Dewar emporium

    Bacardi targets Hong Kong-China commuters with John Dewar emporium

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail has unveiled the largest permanent merchandising installation of The John Dewar & Sons Fine Whisky Emporium in Hong Kong.

    The company has partnered with Chinese duty free retailer Sky Connection and sister company Anway for the opening at the Free Duty store inside Hong Kong MTR Lo Wu station.

    The station is home to train services between Hong Kong and mainland China, with over 100 million cross-boundary travellers using the location every year.

    Brand ambassadors are on hand at the three metre wide emporium to guide shoppers through the Dewar’s portfolio. It also showcases Aberfeldy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aultmore of the Foggie Moss Speyside Single Malt, Craigellachie Speyside Single Malt and Glen Deveron, Royal Burgh Collection.

    “We have looked in detail at Chinese drinking habits and believe there is a strong opportunity to drive incremental basket spend in Scotch,” said Bacardi Global Travel Retail Regional Director Asia-Pacific Vinay Golikeri. “This opportunity will come from shoppers who were born during and since the economic reform.  They are already actively engaging with the ‘discovery’ opportunity and the brand intrinsics of the five single malts in our aged whisky portfolio.”

    Bacardi sees a US$40 million incremental opportunity in global travel retail whisky. “We are convinced the key to this prize is by leveraging the appeal of discovery brands such as ours with shoppers at the second stage of luxury,” said Golikeri.

    Anway/Sky Connection Merchandising & Buying Director Simon Au commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to bring something special to the high proportion of our shoppers who are whisky lovers and collectors. We’re delighted with the customer feedback – people are genuinely amazed to be able to purchase some of the world most awarded whiskies on their commute home.”

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  • Bacardi shuffles Asia Pacific Travel Retail pack

    Bacardi shuffles Asia Pacific Travel Retail pack

    Bacardi has made several personnel changes to its Asia Pacific Global Travel Retail (GTR) division.

    The company said late last week that Irving Holmes Wong, formerly regional director of Asia Pacific for Bacardi GTR, would take on the newly-created role of managing director for Bacardi Greater China (domestic), from a base in Shanghai. He will be replaced by Vinay Golikeri, who will be based in Hong Kong and report to Mike Birch, Bacardi’s GTR MD.

    Golikeri moves up from the position of customer marketing director of GTR. He will be replaced by former GTR finance director Leila Stansfield.

    The team will assume their new roles on 14 April.

    Birch said: “Bacardi prides itself on developing its internal talent pool and I am especially pleased to have the expertise of Vinay and Leila in their new roles. Global Travel Retail is a strategic shop window for the Bacardi group with strong support from our CEO Mike Dolan and I am delighted that we have his personal support and continued investment in helping us deliver our ambitions in the sector.”

    In September last year, Bacardi set its sights on the spirits market in China with the creation of the non-executive chairman for Greater China position.

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  • Bacardi GTR appoints Golikeri as regional director Asia Pacific

    Bacardi GTR appoints Golikeri as regional director Asia Pacific

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail (BGTR) has announced the appointment of Vinay Golikeri as regional director Asia/Pacific. Golikeri will be based in Hong Kong and report to BGTR managing director Mike Birch.

    Part of BGTR since 2011, as marketing director, he led the company’s strategic drive to premiumise its portfolio and brought to market several innovations. The company said his experience in understanding the dynamics of the region’s emerging consumer demographics would be highly valuable in the company’s further collaboration with retailers to leverage the opportunity with shoppers at the second stage of luxury.

    Golikeri replaces Irving Holmes Wong who moves to a new role as Bacardi Greater China (domestic) managing director. Wong will lead the opportunity for Bacardi brands from his new base in Shanghai.  He will continue to work closely with Golikeri on synergies with the global travel-retail business in his region.

    Replacing Golikeri as customer marketing director, Global Travel Retail is Leila Stansfield. She joined BGTR as finance director in 2014, before which she was director, corporate strategy since joining Bacardi in 2010. Stansfield brings considerable shopper marketing experience from her earlier career as a retail and consumer specialist in the strategy consultancy arm of Price Waterhouse Coopers.

    Birch commented: “Bacardi prides itself on developing its internal talent pool and I am especially pleased to have the expertise of Vinay and Leila in their new roles. Global travel-retail is a strategic shop window for the Bacardi group with strong support from our CEO Mike Dolan and I am delighted that we have his personal support and continued investments in helping us deliver our ambitions in the sector.”

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