Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., announced a definitive agreement with White Rock Distilleries, Lewiston, Maine, to acquire Pinnacle Vodka, Calico Jack rum and other related assets for $605 million in cash. Pinnacle Vodka’s 2012 volumes are expected to exceed 3 million 9-liter cases and will significantly enhance Beam’s presence in the growing vodka category, the company said.
Dill pickles, cookie dough, and peanut butter and jelly hardly sound like inspiration for adult beverages, but each of the aforementioned flavors were launched by vodka-makers within the last year. As these new product introductions show, one of the largest trends in the spirits category is unusual flavors, analysts say.
Campari America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliate Gruppo Campari, launched Skyy Infusions Coconut.
This spring, the William Grant & Sons brand is celebrating 50 years in the flavored vodka category by introducing Stoli Hot and Stoli Sticki varieties.
Skinnygirl Cocktails, a brand of Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Inc., announced new additions to its line of low-calorie cocktails that will be available in May. Joining Skinnygirl Margarita, Sangria and White Cranberry Cosmo, the brand introduced Skinnygirl Pina Colada, Skinnygirl Vodka with Natural Flavors and Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection.