NEW YORK — Diageo and the Vita Coco Co. are collaborating on a line of canned cocktails crafted with a blend of Captain Morgan rum and Vita Coco coconut water.
Called Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan, the spirits-based line will be available in early 2023 in three offerings all starting with a balanced blend of Captain Morgan Caribbean white rum and Vita Coco’s coconut water:
- Piña Colada: Finished with the flavor of fresh ripe pineapple, creamy coconut and dark rum notes.
- Strawberry Daiquiri: Finished with the flavor of fresh picked strawberries, ripe juicy lime and fruity rum notes.
- Lime Mojito: Finished with the flavor of fresh muddled garden mint, ripe juicy lime and a touch of simple syrup.
“Cocktail drinkers are looking for convenient ways to enjoy high-quality classic tropical drinks, especially rum-based ones,” said Debra Crew, president of Diageo North America, New York. “As we continue expanding our ready-to-drink portfolio, we consider ways to elevate the category, and it just made sense to marry together two premium brands that are loved by consumers around the world.”
In the United States, rum-based cocktails grew at 269% in the 52 weeks through Feb. 5, 2022, according to Nielsen, with piña coladas, daiquiris and mojitos leading as the most dynamic cocktail types and growing at a faster rate than the entire spirits-based ready-to-drink category.
“Consumers in tropical regions have been enjoying coconut water as a great-tasting, high-quality mixer in their cocktails for generations,” said Mike Kirban, executive chairman and cofounder of the Vita Coco Co., New York. “Now that coconut water is becoming a household staple across the United States, we wanted to make creating a delicious cocktail a few steps easier. We’re so excited to partner with Diageo to offer some great, ready-to-drink options featuring the best of both worlds: Vita Coco and Captain Morgan.”
Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan cocktails will be 5% alcohol and sold in 12-ounce cans for a suggested retail price of $14.99 per four-pack. The line will be available across the United States. Diageo will produce, distribute and market the products.
Diageo’s brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Its products are sold in more than 180 countries.
The Vita Coco Co. was cofounded in 2004 by Michael Kirban and Ira Liran. The company’s brands include Vita Coco, clean energy drink Runa, sustainable enhanced water Ever & Ever and protein-infused water Pwr Lift.
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