Tequilas, Whiskies, RTDs Lead The Way Among Impact’s “Hot Prospects”

Each year, Impact’s annual roster of “Hot Prospect” brands recognizes the up-and coming labels across the drinks business. This year, a total of 99 brands from the wine, spirits, and RTD cocktail categories met Impact Databank’s criteria to make the list.

To qualify as Hot Prospects, brands must have achieved at least 15% depletions growth for 2021, while also showing consistent growth in the two preceding years. For spirits, imported wines, and RTDs, brand volumes must be between 50,000 and 200,000 cases, while domestic wines are between 50,000 and 250,000 cases.

This year’s class of spirits Hot Prospects draws from 13 different segments, totaling 44 awardees. Given current trends in the spirits world, it’s no surprise that 12 whiskies and seven Tequila brands earned Hot Prospects status. Rum, gin, and vodka also made strong showings on the list, with the three categories landing six brands apiece. Brands from the liqueur, mezcal, and Cognac categories likewise earned honors.

Hot Prospect spirits brands over 100,000 cases include Gran Centenario, Patrón Reposado, Jefferson’s, Maker’s 46, Plantation, Grey Goose Essences, Captain Morgan Sliced Apple, Bumbu, Suntory Toki, Redemption, Wheatley, Maestro Dobel, and Aviation.

From the RTD category, a total of 15 brands earned Hot Prospect awards, with the vast majority hailing from the spirits category, augmented by two wine-based cocktail brands. On the spirits-based side, brands made with Tequila, rum, vodka, and gin are all present, as well as some brands that utilize multiple spirits across their respective portfolios.

Hot Prospect RTDs above 100,000 cases include Cazadores RTDs, Onda Tequila Seltzer, Flybird, Fishers Island Lemonade, Tanqueray RTDs, ZingZang, Svedka RTDs, and Playamar Seltzer.

The full list, along with data and analysis, appears in the September 1&15 issue of Impact. Click here to subscribe.

Tagged : Aviation, Bumbu, Captain Morgan, Cazadores, Fishers Island, Gran Centenario, Grey Goose Essences, Hot Prospects, Impact, Jefferson's, Maker's 46, Onda, Patrón, Plantation, Redemption

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