The fastest growing traditional RTD in the UK’s off-trade[1], VK, today unveils its new VK flavour set to join the likes of Blue, Tropical Fruits and Orange & Passion Fruit. With a nationwide public search for a new flavour reaching over 6 million consumers across the summer – Watermelon beat the likes of Violet and Wild Fruits to be crowned the champ.
With more than 33,000 flavour suggestions once the competition opened in June, the four most popular flavours then went out to public vote in July. Relevant influencers then each championed one of the final four flavours, Watermelon, (Sam Gowland), Raspberry and pineapple, (Chloe Ferry), Violet, (Lateysha Grace) and Wild Fruits, (Josh Ritchie).
With over 35,000 votes cast across social media and the VK official website, Watermelon received over 19,000 of the final votes. Consumers can officially get their hands on the new Watermelon flavour set to be released in February 2019. However, lucky VK fans can get an exclusive first taste of the new Watermelon flavour with a sampling and consumer engagement tour in selected Deltic nightclubs in November.
Jen Draper, head of marketing at Global Brands, said, “Fans of VK have spoken in their thousands and they want Watermelon. Pink drinks are hot right now and our consumers seem to think so too, plus Watermelon is set to be a key flavour trend in 2019[2]. However, it’s not just about the on-trend colour – the taste is so important for VK, and our in-house flavour development team has been working tirelessly to ensure the Watermelon flavour tastes as good as it looks! We can’t wait for consumers to get their hands on the new flavour once it is officially available.”
The new flavour announcement comes off the back of a phenomenal year of growth thanks to VK’s unwavering focus on its consumers and recent initiatives such as the VK student Ambassador search. VK is the fastest growing ‘traditional’ RTD in the UK’s off trade (Growing +24% in value and +23% in volume) and is the fastest growing (+19%) mixed 10 pack[3].
VK is an award-winning range of RTD beverages and is driving the RTD category. With seven flavours currently available: VK Blue, VK Ice, VK Strawberry & Lime, VK Orange & Passion Fruit, VK Black Cherry, VK Tropical Fruits and VK Apple & Mango.
To find out more on the new flavour head to www.vkofficial.com
VK
VK is an award-winning range of ready to drink beverages and the only brand to revolutionise the RTD category with seven RTD flavours: VK Blue, VK Ice, VK Strawberry & Lime, VK Orange & Passion Fruit, VK Black Cherry, VK Tropical Fruits and VK Apple & Mango, all of which are mixed to 4% ABV.
VK is now the number one student and number one RTD*, and the ultimate #DOUVK campaign is putting VK on the lips of all 18-24 year olds. VK tastes great on its own or mixed up into shared serves such as VK fishbowls.
Available in 275ml and 70cl bottles, plus 10x 275ml Mixed Packs.
- VK is the BIGGEST RTD brand in the On Trade:
- VK has added +£6m in new RSV to the On Trade in the last 12 months
- VK is the ONLY Trad RTD to show positive growth:
- VK is +11.9% (val) +9.5% (vol).
- The On Trade RTD category is worth £199m,
- VK is essential to the Category
- VK has the best ROS in the ON Trade
* CGA, MAT P03, 2018
Global Brands
Global Brands is the UK’s leading independent drinks brand development business. It owns, markets and distributes a collection of products across the RTD, premium soft drinks, spirits and beer categories internationally.
Founded in 1997, having spotted an opportunity in the booming RTD category, Global Brands shot to success with RTD brand VK. This entrepreneurial vision has subsequently generated a portfolio of marketing leading products, which has put Global Brands on the path to be the UK’s number 1 drinks company.
Global Brands’ line up now includes fantastic brands, such as VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks and tonics, Hooper’s, Crooked Alcoholic Soda and Amigos Tequila Beer.
[1] Nielsen RTD dataset (52 w.e. 30.06.18)
[2] http://www.novotaste.com/food-and-beverage-flavors-to-watch-for-in-2019-food-business-news/
[3] Nielsen RTD dataset (52 w.e. 30.06.18)
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