Hiram Walker Liqueurs Introduces Two New Schnapps Flavors - Pink Grapefruit and Pear

23/04/07 Hiram Walker, the classic, diverse line of premium liqueurs made with all-natural flavors for real fruit taste, is continuing a long tradition of innovation by introducing the industry's first Pink Grapefruit and Pear flavored schnapps. The launch of these two new Hiram Walker Schnapps flavors capitalizes on the soaring popularity of flavored cocktails and reinforces Pernod Ricard USA's commitment to solidifying Hiram Walker's position as a leading player in the dynamic liqueurs category.

"Flavor is the name of the game in the liqueurs category," says Ron Zussman, Brand Director for Hiram Walker at Pernod Ricard USA. "The category has grown 25% over the past six years spurred primarily by new flavor introductions and consumers' continued fascination with cocktails." Zussman continued, "At Hiram Walker, we are focused on developing new flavors that satisfy consumers' ever expanding and evolving taste palates. Our research shows that pink grapefruit and pear are flavors whose sophisticated yet familiar tastes attract consumer and bartender interest. They are delicious and affordable additions to the Hiram Walker portfolio."

Like all of the 38 flavors in the family, both Hiram Walker Pink Grapefruit and Pear Schnapps are made with all natural flavors for a fresh and authentic taste experience. "Both of these new flavors are extremely versatile," adds Zussman, "They mix well with vodka, gin, rum, tequila and even brown spirits and will be available just in time for the peak summer season, when fruit flavored cocktails are popular both on-premise and for entertaining at home."

The Spring launch of Hiram Walker Pink Grapefruit and Hiram Walker Pear Schnapps will be supported with a full array of marketing initiatives including trade advertising, sampling (where legal) and on- and off-premise point of sale materials including pre-packed recipe neckers and case cards for cross merchandising with vodka, table tents and bartender recipes booklets. Both products will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml and 1 L sizes and will be sold -- along with other top Hiram Walker Schnapps flavors -- at a suggested retail price of $8.99-11.99 for the 750 ml.

A few delicious cocktail recipes include:

PearTini
1 part Hiram Walker Pear Schnapps
1 part Stoli Vodka
Shake over ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pearsian Kat
2 parts Hiram Walker Pear Schnapps
1 part Hiram Walker Creme de Cacao White
1 part Stoli Vodka
Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

PinkTini
1 part Hiram Walker Pink Grapefruit Schnapps
1 part Stoli Vodka
Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.

Icy Pink
1 part Hiram Walker Pink Grapefruit Schnapps
1 part Beefeater Gin
1/2 part lemon juice
Dash bitters
Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.