Get the whisky selection ready meet the demand of the occasion
SPECIAL occasions are key opportunities in the retail calendar and ensuring retailers have the stock ready to meet this demand will be vital to sales.
And this month, it’s the turn of dads as Sunday 16 June will mark Father’s Day, meaning c-store retailers should look to their ranges to help offer something special for consumers – especially those seeking a last-minute gift.
As the saying goes, don’t fix what isn’t broken and so, when it comes to dads across Scotland, a dram of their favourite whisky will certainly be in high demand for plenty.
Helping to take advantage of this, as well as communicate the upcoming date clearly to shoppers, Edrington UK has returned its The Famous Dad campaign once again for this year, which sees a special edition of the blended Scotch whisky on shelf.
A sure-fire hit for stores, The Famous Dad labels have proven themselves time and time again as a way to drive up sales, with Kantar data noting the campaign helped to recruit a further 30,000 new consumers to the brand in 2022.
A spokesperson for Edrington UK said: “The Famous Dad is back for 2024 with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Nisa and Morrisons all stocking the Father’s Day favourite.
“With 22,000 bottles set to be distributed to stores, shoppers will have the opportunity to pick up a bottle in Tesco from 21 May to 17 June, Sainsbury’s from 3 to 16 June, Co-op and NIsa from 28 May to 18 June and Morrisons from 27 May to 16 June.”
By the same token, these occasions can provide an opportunity to try something new in the whisky category and that’s exactly what Mangrove UK aims to cater towards with the launch of its new Red Bank Canadian whisky, with some assistance from a famous face.
Leading star from the TV show 24, Kiefer Sutherland, co-founded the Red Bank Whisky brand and it is now set to launch in the UK in partnership with Mangrove Global.
Offering a blended whisky with an RRP of £49, the new Canadian whisky brings in a balance of rye, corn and wheat whiskies that Mangrove said helps it to stand out as a multi-faceted premium whisky spirit.
Sutherland said: “The thing that I found so fascinating about Red Bank and this journey developing the whisky is the incredible pride Canadians take in themselves and their country.
“I am proud to have Red Bank represent all that is authentically Canadian and I am absolutely thrilled to bring it to the UK with the help of Mangrove Global.”
Nick Gillett, managing director at Mangrove Global, said: “Red Bank is a product that champions and reinvigorates the longstanding history of the Canadian whisky category.
“Red Bank is an exceptional liquid that can rely on the outstanding talent of having Kiefer as one of its founders.”
And for those consumers looking for a special touch that remains a bit closer to home, Edinburgh-based distillery Bonnington has launched its first sherry cask finish, marking its second release.
Fully matured in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks, the new whisky from parent company Halewood Artisanal Spirits comes bottled at 47% ABV with an RRP of between £50-55.
There are also only 250 cases available to the market, making this an extra-special limited-edition choice for Father’s Day gifting options this year.
Jamie Lockhart, distillery manager at Bonnington Distillery, said: “I am delighted to follow up our inaugural launch with this very nice sherry cask release.
“The liquid itself is something that we’re really proud of – aged in Pedro Ximénez Casks and cut at 47%, it’s bold, rich and full of flavour.”
