TROPICAL TWIST! Absolut Vodka & SPRITE turns up the flavour with new pineapple innovation

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is continuing to accelerate growth in the alcohol ready-to-drink (RTD) category with the launch of Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Pineapple – the brand’s second fruity flavour innovation.

Now available nationwide at a recommended retail price of £2.29, the 250ml cans blend SPRITE’s signature crisp taste with Absolut Vodka’s smooth finish, elevated with a refreshing tropical burst of pineapple.

Pineapple was chosen to build on the strong performance of flavour-led innovation within the range. Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Watermelon – which launched in April last year – is now valued at nearly £750k^[1] and continues to deliver strong consumer appeal, achieving 84% purchase intent in testing^[2].

Perfect for relaxed, spontaneous occasions with friends – from social gatherings and picnics to festivals or simply unwinding after a long day – the new variant delivers a bar-quality serve in a convenient, ready-to-enjoy format, giving shoppers another refreshing option within the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE range.

With a vibrant orange-to-green gradient design ensuring standout on shelf, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Pineapple sits seamlessly alongside the Original and Watermelon variants. The eye-catching design cues reinforce the range’s premium credentials, while making it easier for shoppers to navigate the fixture.

A portfolio built for a growing category

Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Pineapple is well positioned to contribute to a category now worth over £735 million in GB^[3], growing faster than any other alcohol segment^[4] and with value growth forecast at nearly 4.4% by 2028^[5].

CCEP’s success in the rapidly growing alcohol RTD category is built on a strategy of strong brand partnerships, recognisable names, innovation and premiumisation. Its portfolio now includes:

• Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola – including Zero Sugar and Cherry variants
• Absolut Vodka & SPRITE – including Watermelon and Pineapple variants
• BACARDÍ & Coca-Cola – including a Spiced variant
• Schweppes canned cocktails – including Gin Twist and Paloma Bliss

Elaine Maher, Associate Director, Alcohol Ready-to-Drink at CCEP GB, said: “Innovation continues to be central to CCEP’s alcohol RTD growth story. Every launch is designed to bring something new to the fixture while staying true to our focus on premiumisation and strong brand collaborations – and this launch is no exception.

“Flavour is still the single biggest driver of shopper choice in alcohol RTDs, which is why flavour-led innovation remains a priority for us, with Pineapple as the next step. The packaging has also been designed to support easy navigation in fixture, clearly positioning Pineapple as an extension of the core range rather than a standalone SKU.

“This helps retailers maximise visibility, drive impulse purchases – particularly from the chiller, where cold is sold – and range the variant seamlessly alongside existing favourites to unlock incremental value.”

Retail-ready with marketing power

The nationwide rollout is supported by vibrant in-store activation – including secondary display units to cooler frame stickers and shelf strips – as well as downloadable digital assets via MyCCEP.com, helping retailers bring the launch to life at fixture.