By Andy Young
Pernod Ricard is looking to transform the way consumers enjoy premium spirits and experience mixology at home with the development of its intelligent Opn system.
Originally unveiled in 2014 under the Project Gutenberg title, the Opn system enables the user to learn and customise cocktail recipes, adapting them to the available ingredients. Opn can also coach users in cocktail techniques and skills.
In a statement about the new system, Pernod Ricard said: “From helping put together shopping lists to seamlessly ordering spirits online and having them delivered to your door, creating social calendars and offering inspiration on the art of hosting, Opn will simplify and enhance the way we organise events at home, and help us prepare our favourite cocktails, in the smoothest possible way.”
Alain Dufossé, the Managing Director of Pernod Ricard’s Breakthrough Innovation Group (BIG), added: “We are utterly committed to developing the future of entertaining at home: an experience that is connected, engaging, tailored and responsible. With Opn, our goal is to make it easier to enjoy meaningful moments of convivialité at home.”
In unveiling details of the new product, Pernod Ricard also detailed Opn’s “unique four-pillar system”:
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The Opn Cartridge: An innovative container, completely replacing the bottle
The Cartridge is a disruptive, efficient design, space-optimized to be unobtrusive, whilst still holding the standard 70cl of spirit. Its integrated tech also enables it to communicate with the rest of the Opn system. A future design classic, the sleek Cartridge effortlessly blends into any home, with a clean, contemporary look that will appeal to a multitude of tastes, and compliment numerous design styles.
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The Opn Tray: An intelligent cartridge-housing dock station
The intelligent tray unit interacts with the Cartridges, releasing measures through a pour application, helping the consumer achieve the perfect mix. The tray also monitors spirit levels whilst informing the rest of the system on what cocktails can be made, with what’s currently available.
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The Opn Application: The heart of the ecosystem
With a database of more than 300 cocktail recipes, created by top mixologists from around the globe, the core application opens up the world of cocktail-making for exploration, whilst its easily understood, step-by-step instructions help the user prepare a variety of mixes. As more recipes are learned and mastered, it encourages independent experimentation and customization of recipes. The application also ensures users have everything they need, by putting together shopping lists and placing cartridge orders. It even helps design event invitations, meaning every detail of social events is covered.
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The Opn Website: Unrivalled editorial content about hosting at home
The website features articles and films that share the stories and personal experiences of hosts around the world, who love entertaining at home. Whatever the scale, Opn’s friends and experts share their insights and advice on hosting and how to create a social gathering to remember.
Dufossé added: “Since November 2016, we have been meeting consumers in five European cities and the feedback is clear: Opn provides simplicity, great cocktails and great moments with your friends and family. Opn is redefining relationships between the user and product, creating a whole new range of experiences. Its potential is tremendous.”
Pernod Ricard said that it is planning to launch the Opn system in early 2018.