Smirnoff Unveils Vodka With Edible 23 Carat Gold Leaf

22 Aug 2013 --- Smirnoff is continuing to invest in its flavoured vodka range with the introduction of Smirnoff Gold – a blend of Smirnoff No.21 premium vodka with a hint of natural cinnamon flavouring, and garnished with real edible 23 carat gold leaf.

Available in all channels from mid-August, the launch will be supported by a £4.5m integrated through-the-line campaign.

The new variant is designed to appeal to consumers seeking new flavours, and is set to drive incremental sales into the vodka category, which is growing at 3% year on year in the off-trade. The edible 23 carat gold leaf ‘suspended’ in every bottle gives the product a stunning premium look, creating strong stand-out on shelf.

Karen O’Shea, marketing manager for Smirnoff Western Europe at Diageo, says: “Smirnoff is leading the way in innovation within the vodka category and this new premium offering represents a significant opportunity for retailers to grow their vodka sales by encouraging consumers to trade up.”

To coincide with the unveiling of the new variant, Smirnoff is launching a new signature serve – Smirnoff Apple Bite – a blend of Smirnoff vodka, lemonade and apple juice, which will inspire consumers to enjoy Smirnoff in new ways. The innovative Apple Bite can be enjoyed with any vodka from the Smirnoff range, including Smirnoff Gold for an ‘Apple Bite Gold,’ offering consumers the chance to experiment with different flavours from across the Smirnoff portfolio.

Smirnoff Apple Bite will also be available in a pre-mix can, ideal for consumers looking to enjoy ‘something for tonight.’ The addition of the pre-mix can offers the opportunity for convenience retailers to increase sales as pre-mix is the fastest growing alcohol segment in the off trade.

Karen O’Shea continues: “The launch of Smirnoff Gold and our new signature serve, Smirnoff Apple Bite, builds on our ‘Drink Inventively’ positioning; encouraging consumers to experiment with different flavour combinations, and driving category growth by attracting new and existing Smirnoff consumers with a highly unique, premium offering.”