Whitley Neill taps into RTDs

Halewood Artisanal Spirits-owned Whitley Neill has entered the ready-to-drink (RTD) space in the UK with two gin-based flavours.

The gin brand makes its RTD debut with Rhubarb & Ginger Gin with Ginger Ale, and Yuzu & White Strawberry Gin with Lemonade. Both flavours are offered at 8.3% ABV in 250ml cans, each containing 50ml of Whitley Neill gin. The brand's Japanese Yuzu & White Strawberry RTD features a vibrant, aromatic yuzu citrus flavour complemented by the delicate sweetness of white strawberry. Meanwhile, the Rhubarb & Ginger gin variation combines the tanginess of rhubarb with the spice of ginger, culminating in a refreshing finish with ginger ale. Whitley Neill's entry into the category comes as Attest data shows that 41% of UK consumers are shopping for RTDs. James Stocker, sales and marketing director at Halewood Artisanal Spirits, said: "Whitley Neill has always been about bringing exceptional flavours to the world, and RTDs are a natural next step. They give both loyal fans and new customers an easy, high-quality way to enjoy our gins, wherever they are. "With summer around the corner, this is the perfect time to launch. There are so many occasions where it's easier to grab a canned drink than mix your own. "RTDs have transformed the way people drink, and the category is one of the strongest growth stories in UK drinks right now. We're committed to building this out as a serious part of our portfolio, with more flavours to come." The RTDs are available for purchase as individual cans, priced at £3.25 each (US$4.40), and in 12-can multipacks for the trade. Approximately 130 Sainsbury's stores across the UK will stock Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger RTD. Both flavours can be found at Morrisons, Amazon, and The Drop Store, with on-trade listings expected to follow. The new RTD range complements the existing lineup of Whitley Neill gins, which includes Distiller's Cut London Dry Gin, Rhubarb & Ginger, Blood Orange, and Raspberry. Additionally, the brand's portfolio features three alcohol-free options. Halewood Artisanal Spirits sold JJ Vodka to Polish firm United Beverages Group earlier this year.