Following the announcement last month that Pernod Ricard had made an investment in Japanese Gin, KI NO BI, and formed a partnership with aperitivo, Italicus, the company’s UK affiliate has begun distributing both brands.
KI NO BI is a fast-growing, premium, artisanal gin, distilled in Japan’s first dedicated Gin distillery built in Kyoto in 2016.
Meanwhile, at 20% ABV, Italicus is aimed consumers looking for a lower alcohol spirit.
Ian Peart, Business Development Director, Pernod Ricard UK, commented: “We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of Premium+ artisanal spirits. KI NO BI will drive value at the Super-Premium+ end of the Gin category, which by the end of last year was growing +19% in the on-trade, by tapping into the continued popularity of Japanese whiskey (+24% in the off-trade) and increasing growth of Japanese Gin (+18%).
“With Italicus, we will target two growing consumer trends. Firstly, ‘Spritz’ cocktails, which are gaining momentum and now feature in the UK’s top 10 favourite cocktails, and secondly, as a lower-ABV spirit, Italicus provides an alternative for the 38% of cocktail consumers claiming to drink more lower alcohol options than one year ago.”
NAM Implications:
- A little innovation…
- …in response to consumer need.
- A no-brainer.
