News Briefs for March 6, 2024

•Campari America has launched Skyy Vodka & Soda, a new spirits-based RTD from the brand. The new extension is hitting shelves in two flavors—Lemon & Elderflower and Lime & Mint—both at 4% abv and 90 calories per can. Skyy Vodka & Soda will initially be available in select retailers in California, Florida, and Texas in 4-packs of 355-ml. cans for a suggested price of $11. Skyy, Campari’s largest brand in the U.S. by volume, was at 1.68 million cases last year, according to Impact Databank.

•Lodi, California-based Michael David Winery has launched a new brand, Misfits & Mavens. The Misfits & Mavens portfolio includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, retailing at $15 and debuting nationally this month. The new brand is aiming to appeal broadly to both seasoned wine drinkers and newcomers with the tagline “Wine for all + all for wine.” The Michael David portfolio also includes the Freakshow, Petite Petit, and Earthquake brands. The company has over 800 acres of vineyards in the Lodi appellation.

•Kylie Jenner is entering the drinks business with a new Sprinter vodka soda brand. Sprinter is a 100-calorie, 4.5% abv canned vodka soda made with real fruit juice and no added sugar. It’s launching this month in Black Cherry, Peach, Grapefruit and Lime flavors in an 8-can variety pack retailing at $20. Jenner tapped Chandra Richter, a beverage development veteran, to serve as head of product development and operations at Sprinter.

•California wine brand The Dreaming Tree, part of The Wine Group portfolio, is relaunching its portfolio with more eco-friendly bottles and sustainably grown grapes. The Dreaming Tree range includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Crush Red Blend, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé. The brand is a collaboration between musician Dave Matthews and winemaker Grayson Stewart. The revamped Dreaming Tree lineup is rolling out this month. The Wine Group acquired The Dreaming Tree along with several other brands from Constellation in 2022.

•Jones Soda Co. has partnered with Rainmaker LLC to create a new line of hard sodas based on the Jones portfolio. Spiked Jones will launch in six flavors—M.F. Grape, Orange & Cream, Strawberry Lime, Berry Lemonade, Cola & Lime, and Green Apple—at two different abvs, depending on the can size. In 12-ounce cans, Spiked Jones will come in at 8.4% abv, while larger 19.2-ounce single-serving cans will be at 6.9% abv. The new releases will roll out in Q2 2024 in grocery chains, convenience stores, and other alcohol retailers. Jones’s partner Rainmaker produces the Locust Cider brand, which is available nationally.

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