“In our testing, consumers told us that they prefer the Punch Top Can three-to-one over the standard beer can because it’s more lie drinking from a pilsner glass,” Amy Breeze, director of innovation and activation for Miller Lite, said.
Tactile ink technology
Chicago-based Molson Coors said that its first Grip Cans would feature branding for Mexican soccer team Chivas de Guadalajara and, in the autumn, the Miller Lite grip can will feature NFL branding.
‘Grip Cans’ use ‘tactile ink technology’ to create a ‘grip’ around the can designed for easier holding.
On the beer side, March saw Molson Coors launch its first ever Coors Light line extension. Coors Light Iced T fuses beer with tea botanicals and natural lemon added during the filtration process.
Molson Coors is keen to tap a US thirst for ready-to-drink (RTD) that it identified as a “major grocery trend” with more than 1,500 new products introduced onto the US market since 2000.
“Coors Light Iced T adds a new twist to the trend through its unique combination of refreshing flavour, perfect for consumers seeking the ultimate in refreshment this summer," the firm said.
Worthington’s seasonal varieties
Other innovations include an ‘aluminium pint’ bottle for Coors Light, Coors Banquet, Miller Genuine Draft and Molson Canadian that can be resealed after opening, and is designed for outdoor occasions: picnics, campsites, park visits were examples the company gave.
Molson Coors said that innovation had delivered more than $100m (€79.8m) of incremental gross profit to the firm, and also referenced major recent UK and Ireland launches, including limited addition, low alcohol citrus larger Carling Zest, which the company announced last Friday was now available on draught in UK pubs.
Also announced on April 12, Worthington’s seasonal varieties will be rolled-out in concert with the seasons. The first such launch is Spring Shield, available until the end of May.
Spring Shield is described as a ‘light golden, citrusy brew with a hint of wheat malt’, and Summer Shield,Autumn Shield and Winter Shieldlaunches are planned.
Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft 12oz and 16oz varieties will now be packaged in the Punch Top Can (pictured) as standard, where the innovation involves consumers piercing an additional hole in the top to increase airflow, with the firm promising a smoother pour.
