The range, which was originally positioned for the off-trade, will comprise three low-calorie canned cocktails also targeted at venues looking to stock takeaway drinks.
Top Beverages claims its first release, the Gin & Tonic, is the ‘first and only CBD [cannabidiol]-infused ready to drink cocktail’ in the UK, with a Spiced Rum & Cola, and Vodka & Lime to follow. All will be released before the end of 2020.
Co-launched by Top Beverages’ Saf Ali, Doña Sofía benefits from the company’s extensive CBD knowledge (it launched its CBD-infused spirit range, One, in early 2019). With the UK’s consumption of CBD doubling over the last two years, it is a new drink category with plenty of potentials.
What we’re looking to do is fill that gap for venues in the on-trade that have little or no time to create their own products available for their takeaway services
‘We wanted to develop a product that met two objectives: great taste and affordability,’ said Ali, co-founder of Doña Sofía. ‘We developed our own craft gin and handmade tonic that people have told us is the best gin & tonic in a can they have ever tried. We also have priced each can at £2, making it more affordable than any other premium gin & tonic on the market, while being considerably less expensive than other CBD infused non-alcoholic beverages. In this climate, people should not have to make a choice between quality and affordability.’
The range was initially positioned at the off-trade, but with the current coronavirus pandemic forcing on-trade venues to operate takeaway services, Ali is keen to provide them with his product.
‘We initially produced Doña Sofía to be available for the off-trade, multiple grocer and convenience retailer market, but due to a current shift in the consumer buying we are now targeting the on-trade,’ Ali told Imbibe.
‘We’re under no illusion that the finest of cocktail establishments have set in place premium cocktail delivery services, with places like The Sun Tavern and Halo cocktail delivery [being] one’s that we admire,’ he continued. ‘What we’re looking to do is fill that gap for venues in the on-trade that have little or no time to create their own products available for their takeaway services… Places like Selfridges are now looking at stand-alone CBD sections in the off-trade, [so] why can’t the on-trade takeaway venues do the same?’
Gin & Tonic (available from 29 June 2020); 5% abv, RRP £2/330ml can
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