With dozens of new releases across several product categories coming to the market every month, we have compiled a list of some of the latest products available for retail distribution in our Marketplace Round-up.
Zoncello Limoncello Spritz now more convenient than ever
Since its release last year, Zonzo Estate’s Zoncello Limoncello Spritz has enjoyed great success, with the brand even expanding its range of bottled spritzes to include Bellina and Cicchio Pistacchio Spritz.
Ahead of the summer trading period, Zonzo Estate has made its Zoncello Limoncello Spritz available in a 200ml can format, now available to independent retailers after a successful launch through the winemaker.
Made with Zoncello Limoncello and Zonzo Estate Prosecco, the Spritz is fresh and bright with a gentle fizz and notes of lemon sherbert, described as being reminiscent of ice-cold sorbet.
Zonzo Estate Director Rod Micallef says the expansion into a canned format responds to consumer demand, but the transfer wasn’t quite as simple as it sounds.
“A lot of our consumers wanted a single-serve product, so we knew there was a market for it. It was also something we wanted to do because the product lends itself to being taken on all kinds of adventures.
“However, with Zoncello the product was formulated to be poured over ice, so we needed to alter the recipe slightly so that it was ready to drink straight from a can, this meant dropping the acidity and sweetness slightly, so it was just as delicious without the ice.”
Distributor: Zonzo Estate
Better Beer is now available for wholesale to all retailers
The award-winning Better Beer range is now available to all retailers across the country, comprising the original Zero Carb Zero Sugar Lager, Ultra Low Carb Middy, Ginger Beer, Ultra Low Carb Pacific Ale, Arvo Ale and Zero Alc.
Better Beer has a track record of continued growth, making $100m in revenue in the first 30 months of trading. It was only launched in October 2021 and is now one of the largest independently owned beer brands in Australia. Additionally, it has strong digital engagement, with more than 220,000 social media followers and a clear appeal to younger adult consumers.
Independent retailers are now able to benefit from the brand’s impressive growth through expanded wholesale opportunities, with introductory offers available to support the brand’s availability in independent channels.
Distributor: Contact sales@betterbeer.com.au
Hickson House captures the Aussie coastline with Oyster Shell Gin
Sydney distillery Hickson House has officially released a small-batch Oyster Shell Gin. Starting with Hickson House’s multi award-winning Classic Dry Gin, the new release features crushed Sydney Rock Oysters and native Australian ingredients. The botanical mix includes old man saltbush, seaweed, tarragon, and bright citrus notes from native finger lime and ruby grapefruit. Oyster Shell Gin offers a smooth and creamy texture with a delicate hint of salinity and vibrant citrus notes.
The new release reflects a heightened demand for artisanal spirits with distinct and unique flavour profiles.
Hickson House Head Distiller, Tim Stones, says Oyster Shell Gin is a versatile and flavoursome product.
“Gin is a very sociable spirit already, whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, it mixes with a lot of things. It really needs to be versatile, but gin enthusiasts are looking for a liquid that transports them beyond the bottle.
“Matching flavour profile, intensity and drinking experience to capture a feeling and place is really what we aimed for with the Oyster Shell Gin, and we wanted to create a sea-to-glass texture and taste. Each of the botanicals are selected from seaside locations across Australia to bring to life this hand-crafted spirit and tell a sensory story of the diversity of flora and fauna that makes our coastline so unique.”
Distributor: Amber Beverages
Bacardi-Martini launches Angel’s Envy in Australia
Ultra-premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Angel’s Envy has received a national launch in Australia, marking Bacardi-Martini Australia’s first large-scale whiskey release in the country.
Co-founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2011 by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy has seen impressive growth in the US, with a 26 per cent five-year CAGR.
Luiz Schmidt, Bacardi-Martini Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand said that the Australian market is showing a keen interest in premium whiskey.
“Angel’s Envy’s success in the US, coupled with Australia’s rapidly growing thirst for premium whiskey and the dynamic spirits market here, makes this the perfect time to propel Angel’s Envy into the spotlight. Since joining the Bacardi-Martini family in 2015, Angel’s Envy has been poised for this moment. We’re eager to elevate the super-premium American whiskey category in Australia and further strengthen our dark spirits portfolio,” he said.
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon, finished in Port Wine Barrels, is now available in a larger 750ml bottle for an RRP of $100.
Distributor: Bacardi-Martini Australia
Campbells Wines expands horizons with new Light Dry Red
Last month, Campbells Wines of Rutherglen launched its 2024 Trebbiano, along with the new Light Dry Red, being the first time the 155-year-old winery has produced this style of red.
Ian Diver, Winemaker at Campbells Wines, said the Light Dry Red is the family winery’s alternative to a Pinot Noir.
“It’s a go-to everyday wine that offers easy drinking, plus it has a lower alcohol content when compared to other Campbells reds.
“The Rutherglen wine region, including Campbells Wines, is renowned for its heavier reds and fortified wines. But at Campbells we are also blessed with the freedom to be innovative due to having an abundance of red varieties in the ground in our vineyards,” he explained.
The winery also unveiled its 2024 Trebbiano last month, an Italian-style white wine that is likened to Pinot Grigio. Pale straw in colour with green hues, tasting notes for 2024 Trebbiano describe a blend of Jonathan apples, ripe pear, citrus fruit and delicate blossom on the palate.
The two releases, along with Campbells Rosé, Amelie and Shiraz Durif, all have a new, contemporary label. Still incorporating the history of the brand with a bright drop of liquid gold, the range works collectively as a family, yet each label has its own unique typography.
Distributor: Contact jane@campbellswines.com.au
Beerfarm Hard Lemon is here
With summer right around the corner, Beerfarm has released a thirst-quenching and Australian-made RTD, Hard Lemon.
The nostalgic release is inspired by classic homemade lemonade, as well as the high-quality citrus available at this time of year. Hard Lemon is juicy, tangy, and refreshingly carbonated, with naturally lower levels of sugar than many RTD alternatives.
Brewed with gluten-free ingredients and fermented dry, Beerfarm adds Aussie lemon juice and natural sweetening before centrifuging and pasteurisation.
Charlotte Freeston, Innovation & NPD Manager, Beerfarm, said that the release responds to the demands of the Australian market.
“Our team is always searching for pioneering products that strike a chord with the Australian landscape. With Hard Lemon, we’ve used Aussie lemons, and no artificial flavourings to capture that balance of sweetness and lemon zest that Aussies love – perfect for those hot summer days,” she said.
Hard Lemon has already been well-received since its launch and was Beerfarm’s second highest-selling product at the recent Froth Town Fest in Perth.
Distributor: Direct
Morris of Rutherglen releases 36 South Australian Whisky
Morris of Rutherglen has launched its newest whisky, 36 South Australian Whisky, which, at RRP $70, aims to provide an affordable and Australian-made option for consumers looking to experiment within the whisky space.
The brand draws its name from the Morris Distillery in Rutherglen, which has a latitude of 36 degrees south. This reflects both the distillery’s geographical location, as well as the distinctive climate that the whisky was matured in. With the extreme seasonal temperatures at this latitude, the whisky has undergone a unique ageing process resulting in a complex flavour profile. Made with Australian wheat and barley and water sourced from the Snowy Mountains, 36 South heroes the natural flavours of southeast Australia.
Tasting notes describe a nose of raspberry jam and toasted cereal, with dried red fruits and charred oak on the palate opening into hints of honey-glazed pastry, with a lightly spiced, buttery finish.
Distributor: Casella Family Brands