Fortitude Drinks UK today (22) announces that it has been awarded the exclusive distribution rights for Pampero, the renowned Venezuelan rum brand, in the United Kingdom.
This partnership supports Fortitude Drinks' commitment to bringing world-class spirits to UK consumers and trade partners.
Pampero, a name synonymous with craftsmanship and premium rum, is a celebrated brand with deep roots in Venezuela's rich rum-making heritage.
It is one of the leading Rums in Europe, known for its smooth profile and exceptional quality, Pampero offers a versatile range of expressions that have earned a loyal following worldwide.
With this new partnership, UK consumers can look forward to wider access to Pampero's award-winning portfolio, including Pampero Blanco, Pampero Especial, Pamero Seleccio and the iconic Pampero Aniversario.
The addition of Pampero further bolsters Fortitude Drinks' growing portfolio of premium spirits.
With its established distribution network and expertise in introducing high-quality brands to the UK market, Fortitude Drinks is uniquely positioned to elevate Pampero’s presence across on-trade and off-trade channels.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Gruppo Montenegro and welcome Pampero into the Fortitude Drinks family,” said Nick England Managing Director of Fortitude Drinks UK.
"Pampero’s legacy of quality and authenticity perfectly aligns with our mission to provide UK consumers and partners with exceptional spirits from around the world.
"We are confident that this partnership will deliver strong results and help grow Pampero’s reputation in the highly competitive UK market.”
This move is expected to strengthen Pampero’s footprint in the UK market, following its recent acquisition by Gruppo Montenegro, while offering consumers an authentic taste of Venezuela’s rum-making tradition.
Marco Seminaroti, Europe Director of Gruppo Montenegro comments, “We are delighted to partner with Fortitude Drinks in the UK.
"The Pampero acquisition strengthens Gruppo Montenegro’s international growth ambitions with a brand of strong quality and heritage, the first Venezuelan rum aged for more than two years.
"We are committed to long term sustainable growth and look forward to unleashing Pampero’s full potential in the UK.”
HEINEKEN UK is revamping its acclaimed loyalty programme, Star Retailer, by introducing a new participation and rewards framework for convenience retailers, as well as a redesigned website.
In the UK convenience channel, the beer and cider categories are worth £1.3bn and £372m, respectively , with HEINEKEN UK owning 24.5 per cent of total impulse.
With many of the biggest brands forming a part of HEINEKEN UK’s leading portfolio, Star Retailer aims to help retailers maximise the opportunity by providing category advice tailored to convenience stores, encouraging the development of a profitable and trending beer and cider range and offering rewards which increase based on their level of participation.
The new iteration of the loyalty scheme will provide three reward levels – Star Retailer, Star Plus and Star Platinum.
Retailers will unlock a tiered set of exclusive benefits and cash incentives, up to £100 per bimonthly cycle, starting in April 2025.
By stocking and promoting HEINEKEN UK’s wide range of beer and cider brands – including their no- and low-alcohol alternatives – such as Heineken, Heineken 0.0, Foster’s, Desperados, John Smith’s, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Strongbow, Inch’s Cider and Old Mout, retailers will be able to unlock their desired level, with additional guidance from their Field Sales Executive.
Retailers can claim the rewards either through their wholesaler account, or through newly launched digital vouchers redeemable through PayPoint.
Vouchers accessed via PayPoint will be emailed as a barcode, which participants will be able to scan at any PayPoint unit. Through this, retailers will be able to claim rewards as cash, offering a streamlined solution for redeeming rewards and boosting sales.
The newly reimagined Star Retailer website – www.starretailer.co.uk – not only has a new look and feel, but will also act as a gateway for information for convenience retailers looking to access key resources and support tools to help boost visibility and drive their beer and cider sales.
Operating for over 14 years, HEINEKEN UK’s Star Retailer programme has collaborated with 18,000+ stores, helping retailers drive significant revenue. Boosting category sales by over 13 per cent, on average, stores in the scheme see an additional £11,000 in beer and cider sales each year.
Sarah Romain, National Field Sales Manager – Off Trade, at HEINEKEN UK, comments, "We are thrilled to relaunch our Star Retailer scheme with a fresh approach that reflects the evolving needs of convenience retailers.
"We’ve worked closely with our retailer partners to redesign the programme, ensuring it provides valuable, tailored support to help them grow their beer and cider sales.
“2025 is set to be a huge year for beer and cider in convenience. Retailers have an excellent opportunity to grow sales by stocking up on bestselling and much-loved brands which align with the trends we’re seeing in the market – including the growth of moderation, and consumers’ increased interest in discovering new drinks, with depth.
"The range of products under each tier of the Star Retailer scheme offer just that. Along with new rewards, exclusive benefits, and an easy-to-use website, we’re proud to invest in helping our retail partners demonstrate excellence in beer and cider retailing for this year and beyond.”
Participating stores will need to provide an email address, to share updates, offers, and process rewards. RTM ID will also be required, to transfer rewards funds, and enroll retailers onto the scheme.
The Star Retailer scheme is open to both new and existing HEINEKEN UK customers, with no initial cost to join. Retailers can apply online via www.starretailer.co.uk.
Lager brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro is aiming to recruit younger and more affluent adult shoppers into the growing can segment by changing the shape of its cans, launching a new 10-pack multipack, and rolling out a new look.
Following feedback, the brand will move its 330ml cans from a slimline format to a "stubby" can, reflecting changing shopper perceptions and preferences associated with premium lager.
The cans will first be available in a new easy-opening 10-pack – designed for fridge storage – which is planned to launch across major multiple retailers, as well as Majestic and Parfetts.
“Historically, cans have been associated with the economy lager segment, but the format is becoming increasingly important to premium lager," said Rob Hobart, Marketing Director at Asahi UK. "For most premium brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro there is now a trend towards a more affluent and younger shopper demographic for cans.”
Cans have been growing their share of lager in recent years, reaching a value share of almost 64% in the latest year, up from 59.5% in 2022.
Can sales within premium lager grew in the past year by +10.6 per cent vs 2023, almost double the growth rate in mainstream lager at +5.6 per cent. The number of shoppers purchasing premium lager in can format has also been increasing year after year, with penetration rising from 8.3 per cent in 2021 to 11.5 per cent as of September 2024.
The new 10-pack follows the brand’s 4x440ml can launch in 2023. Last year, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 4x440ml was the fastest-growing premium can SKU within convenience and has added the most value sales to this pack-size out of any premium can brand.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is also benefiting from a new redesign for its outer packaging, rolling out across the wider range. The new design sees the brand’s key asset – the blue ribbon – sweep across each side of multipacks, designed in a way to create an ‘endless ribbon’ when packs are together on shelf.
The main logo – the Amaretti – has been refreshed to drive standout, but without losing any premium detailing.
The new design was developed by Bristol-based agency Outlaw, which tested two concepts in market before combining the learnings from both for the final version. In tests, the concepts saw the percentage of people who agreed that Peroni Nastro Azzurro "is a premium beer" increase by +19 per cent and those who agreed it is "worth paying more for’" increase by +12 per cent.
Keep ReadingShow less
Yellow Tail’s refreshed packaging makes wine shopping easier
Yellow Tail has shared its plans for continued growth in the UK market.
With the revitalisation of its iconic packaging and a dynamic marketing communications campaign launch, [yellow tail] is embarking on a fresh chapter that honours its legacy while engaging a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
“We’re thrilled to see Yellow Tail grow to become the UK’s number-one wine brand in value, and 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year,” said Simon Lawson, Managing Director at Casella Family Brands Europe Ltd. “Our goal is to continue connecting with consumers, ensuring that Yellow Tail remains a trusted and easy choice for wine lovers everywhere.”
When [yellow tail] wine burst onto the scene in 2001, its revolutionary packaging broke away from the traditional, often serious wine branding of the time, making wine more fun, accessible, and inclusive. Its vibrant label and iconic ‘Roo’ logo instantly stood out, symbolising a relaxed, enjoyable wine culture. The refreshed packaging highlights the brand’s playful and optimistic personality, better reflects the wine’s quality, and makes it even easier to find, enjoy, and love.
Key features of the new packaging
Modern and Consumer-Focused: A sleek, contemporary design that appeals to all demographics.
Easier to Shop: Bold packaging stands out on shelves, simplifying choice when navigating the complex wine category.
Clear & Informative: Enhanced graphics and labelling help consumers quickly identify varietals and flavours.
Refined Quality Cues: Premium details elevate the brand, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Revitalised Roo: A dynamic new Roo design embodies [yellow tail]’s lively, energetic, and positive brand personality.
During the transition period, a combination of old and new packaging may be available. The full [yellow tail] range will transition in all global markets by the end of 2025. Customers and consumers can rest assured that the wine inside is consistent and of the same quality regardless of whether it is bottled in the current or new packaging.
New 360̊ marketing campaign coming soon
As part of this strategic investment, [yellow tail] will unveil an engaging 360 marketing campaign launching nationwide in May 2025. The campaign will celebrate the simple moments in life that bring joy and happiness and the role [yellow tail] plays in facilitating them. With relatable storytelling, and a fresh take on the brand’s message, to make the most of the every day, the campaign seeks to deepen the emotional connection with its audience. It will feature a suite of creative executions and roll out across TV, digital, and social channels, along with impactful in-store activations.
“As we continue to invest in growing the brand and maintaining its number one spot, our refreshed packaging and exciting new campaign will strengthen our connection with consumers, making the brand more vibrant, engaging, and accessible than ever,” added Lawson
Keep ReadingShow less
Sweet Vintage Apple and Mango: Kopparberg’s Bold New Cider Flavours
Kopparberg is launching two new ciders onto the market, shaking up its vintage range with the launch of Sweet Vintage Apple Cider, and turning up the tropical vibes with its latest flavour launch – Mango.
Following the success of Sweet Vintage Pear, this new Sweet Vintage Apple addition delivers a sweet, full-bodied apple cider at seven per cent ABV – capturing the essence of perfectly ripened apples in every sip.
Sweet Vintage Apple offers a fresh, high-ABV alternative to traditionally dry vintage ciders. Staying true to Kopparberg’s signature flavour, it’s the ultimate choice for cider lovers looking for a sweeter, higher ABV experience.
“Our Sweet Vintage Apple Cider is all about bringing bold, refreshing flavour with a sweeter twist than other, more dry offerings within the vintage category," said Axel Tulip, Senior Customer Marketing Manager at Kopparberg. "At seven per cent ABV, it’s the perfect choice for those who love a fuller, sweeter cider without compromising on the unmistakable Kopparberg character.”
Kopparberg has the highest penetration of any beer or cider brand. Now, Sweet Vintage Apple gives drinkers a bold new way to enjoy the refreshment they expect – available in a 500ml can, it delivers the perfect serve every time.
Meanwhile, landing in stores from 10 March is new Mango flavour. This 3.4 per cent ABV cider is set to shake up the category, delivering a bold new taste that fruit cider lovers won’t want to miss.
Blending the tropical sweetness of mango with the crisp refreshment of Kopparberg’s signature apple cider, this new release brings a fresh twist to the fruit cider aisle. Designed to meet the evolving tastes of drinkers, Mango offers a vibrant, refreshing tropical taste, Mango is available in both a 330ml can and a 500ml bottle.
“At Kopparberg, taste is everything—we know what drinkers love, and no one understands young adult consumers and taste trends better than us," added Axel Tulip. "With demand for new, exciting flavours on the rise, we’re hyped to bring Kopparberg Mango to market in 2025. It’s all about giving cider lovers more of what they crave – bold, refreshing flavours from a brand they know and love.”
Kopparberg Launches Sweet Vintage Apple and Mango Ciders in 2025
Molson Coors Beverage Company is launching Madrí Excepcional 0.0%, a zero-alcohol version of its popular Spanish style lager as consumer demand for no- and low-alcohol world beer continues to grow.
The alcohol-free lager, created in partnership with La Sagra brewery in Spain, will hit supermarket and convenience shelves across the UK from March 2025, with listings already secured, including Waitrose.
The number of drinkers choosing to moderate has also increased dramatically, up by 2.2m between 2016 and 2023, with more than half (53 per cent) of 18–34-year-olds, and 59 per cent of Britain’s total adult population now trying to drink less alcohol. Some 64 per cent of these no- and low-alcohol drinkers do so during at-home occasions.
Sophie Mitchell, Marketing Controller at Madrí Excepcional, said, “Consumers increasingly expect to see a no- and low-alcohol versions of their favourite beers. With Madri Excepcional fast becoming the flagship brand in the world beer category, launching 0.0% is a natural evolution for us.
“It means consumers can stick with one of their favourite beers, even when looking to moderate, and enables retailers to better cater for a growing no- and low-alcohol market, while still tapping into the popularity of the Madri Excepcional brand.”
Madrí Excepcional is now the no.5 world beer brand, and the 6th fastest growing of the top 20 lagers in the GB off trade], worth over £123m in retail and growing sales by 9.3% over the last year].
The 0.0% version, which will launch in 4x330ml glass bottle multipacks, is created using cutting edge technology to remove alcohol which retains the refreshing flavour drinkers expect from Madrí Excepcional.
Simon Smith, Head of R&D and Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company, said: “Madri Excepcional 0.0% is brewed using cutting edge technology which is proven to retain the best flavour and quality, resulting in the same well-rounded taste profile as Madrí Excepcional, and a crisp, clean and refreshing beer full of flavour and aroma.”
In consumer testing, Madrí Excepcional 0.0% was preferred to other zero-alcohol world beers for taste, appearance, aftertaste and mouthfeel.
The rollout will be backed by a multi-million-pound marketing campaign, including advertising, PR, paid social, and a programme of influencer activity. Madrí Excepcional and its alcohol-free variant will both appear in a brand-new TV ad later this year.
Madrí Excepcional will be unveiling a new experience on its Conectada platform to support the launch of Madrí Excepcional 0.0% in April 2025.