Innovative flavors and sweet wine varietals help to continue the growth of wine and spirits. Flavored vodkas, whiskeys and bourbons suit consumers who are looking for variety and value, said Danny Brager, vice president, group client director and head of the beverage alcohol team at Nielsen, New York City, in Beverage Industry’s April issue.
In the last year, the industry has seen such introductions as Van Gogh Vodka’s Peanut Butter and Jelly-flavored vodka, Gummy- and Cookie Dough-flavored vodkas from White Rock Distilleries, and Big Dill pickle-flavored vodka under Sazerac Co.’s Naked Jay brand name. Outside of the vodka category, products such as Brown-Forman Corp.’s Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper and its Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey also have sparked flavor innovation.