Sazerac To Acquire Fast-Rising RTD Brand Buzzballz

Sazerac is set to expand in the RTD space, agreeing to acquire the fast-growing Buzzballz brand for an undisclosed sum. The portfolio includes Buzzballz Cocktails, Chillers, and Biggies, along with other brands like Uptown Cocktails, Sip Sip Hooray, and Texas Craft.

Buzzballz, founded by Merrilee Kick, fielded three separate entries on Impact’s recently released “Hot Brands” list. They included wine-based Buzzballz Chillers (+13% to 1.3 million 9-liter cases in 2023), spirits-based Buzzballz Cocktails (+12% to 804,000 cases), and spirits-based Buzzballz Biggies (629,000 cases, up from 112,000 cases a year earlier).

Buzzballz Chillers are packaged in 187-ml. spherical cans ($3-$4) at 15% abv in flavors including Pineapple Colada, Strawberry ‘Rita, and Choco Chiller. Buzzballz Biggies ($20-$22) is a line of 1.5-liter packaging in a variety of flavors, and the original Buzzballz Cocktails lineup is at $3-$4 per 200-ml. The Texas-based brand also includes malt-based RTD offerings, and sees particularly strong sales in the convenience channel. The portfolio also includes a separate Uptown Wine Cocktails brand, which was at 300,000 cases in the U.S. last year.

Kick will stay on as CEO of Buzzballz as Sazerac aims to further its upward trajectory. “We have received many inquiries to acquire the company, however, Sazerac matched our innovative culture and spirit best,” she said. “They are a partner we can continue to grow with internationally, as well as expand our existing distribution footprint in the USA.”—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : BuzzBallz, Sazerac, Sip Sip Hooray, Texas Craft, Uptown

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