Post Meridiem Spirits Co. and Duvernois Creative Spirits’ Romeo’s Gin RTDs were declared the winners of the Ready-to-Drink Category of WSWA’s extended, virtual 2021 Brand Battle Tournament. Six contenders were met with questions from an expert panel of wholesaler judges about the growing category and what differentiates them on the shelf. The competitive category showed many promising brands, but both Post Meridiem and Romeo’s Gin delivered during the live event, walking away as the Category Winners.
Each Brand Battle Tournament also invites attendees to vote for their favorite contender. Taking home the People’s Choice Award this week was Troop Beverage Co., a full flavor, full-strength cocktail that’s rapidly growing in its home state of California.
Andrew Rodbell, the Co-Founder of Post Meridiem Spirits Company, focused his pitch on the authentic ingredients of his canned cocktails. “You know, I can tell our story all day long but it’s that magic moment when you see [someone] actually taste the product and they light up…We believe that taste is king. If we can create something that tastes good…then we know that we’re going to start to win fans, both as consumers and as trade watchers and wholesalers.”
For Stéphane Rochefort, EVP, Duvernois Creative Spirits, the brand’s identity rooted in urban street art was a focal point in the competition. After the event he stated, “Arriving with new artists, and bringing new artwork on the cans, allows us to really grow our audience. I think that’s really what makes us stand out. There are other brands which use art or collaborate with artists, but for us this is at the core and the basics of everything we’ve done.”
Dale Stratton, a SipSource analyst, said ready-to-drink cocktails continue to lead growth among all other classes across the country, and are the only on-premise category currently showing growth.