Press Releases
Hiram Walker™ Liqueurs Introduce the First Pomegranate Schnapps in the U.S.
White Plains, N.Y., July 18, 2006 – Hiram Walker Liqueurs, the classic, diverse line of premium liqueurs made with all-natural flavors forreal fruit taste, is continuing a long tradition of innovation by introducing the industry's first pomegranate schnapps. The launch of Hiram Walker Pomegranate capitalizes on the soaring popularity of the pomegranate flavor and signals an increased emphasis on Hiram Walker by the brand's new owner, Pernod Ricard USA.
"Cocktail culture remains in full swing, and consumers are always looking for the next big taste," says Ron Zussman, Brand Director for Hiram Walker at Pernod Ricard USA. "Pomegranate has taken center stage as THE new flavor choice across a variety of product categories, from ice cream to tea to fruit juice. That's why adding a delicious and affordable pomegranateschnappsto the Hiram Walker portfolio is a natural."
Like all of the 36 flavors in the Hiram Walker family, Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps is made with only all natural flavors for a fresh and authentic taste experience. "The pomegranate flavor trend is about to tip in the on-premise. We're offering a real solution versus juice that spoils quickly and other pomegranate liqueurs that are significantly more expensive," says Zussman. "Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps tastes great, won't spoil and doesn't break the bank. Our Pomegranate is a versatile, mixable spirit with real pomegranate taste – sweet and tart. It mixes well with all key spirits (e.g., vodka, rum, tequila), and it's ideal for any drink occasion, in both on-premise accounts and home bars."
The summertime launch of Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps will be supported by major marketing initiatives and a full array of both on- and off-premise point of sale materials. "We're excited to have a great-tasting new flavor that captures consumer imagination, and we're working on several other initiatives with the support of Pernod Ricard USA, which is dedicated to solidifying the brand's presence as a leading player in the dynamic liqueurs category."
Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps will be available in 50ml, 750ml and 1L sizes and will be sold – along with other top Hiram Walker Schnapps flavors -- at a suggested retail price of $9.99-11.99 for the 750ml.
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About Hiram Walker Liqueurs
Introduced in 1856, Hiram Walker Liqueurs pioneered numerous distillation and manufacturing processes that are now industry standards. For example, Hiram Walker was one of the first product lines to begin placing labels on its bottles.
Hiram Walkers' schnapps,flavored brandies and bar essential lines now sport a new, contemporary look, including actual photography on the labels to highlight the all-natural flavors used to create the liqueurs. Hiram Walker is one of a very few manufacturers to utilize only all-natural flavors in its entire liqueurs line-up. The Hiram Walker logo has also been refreshed to reflect Hiram Walker's rich history and sophisticated style. Finally, the bottle has been redesigned with ridges on the collar, allowing for a better grip and easier pouring.
The line of Hiram Walker products consists of 36 schnapps flavors,flavored brandies andbar essentials. Hiram Walker schnapps include Sour Apple, Peppermint, Peach, Butterscotch and newly introduced Pomegranate, Tangerine and Mango. Hiram Walker's Peppermint Schnapps is the category leader, owning about 30 percent of the peppermint schnapps category. Itsflavored brandies include Coffee, Apricot and Blackberry. Triple Sec, Blue Curacao, Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao, Amaretto andTriple Sec round-out the bar essentials line. Hiram Walker's Triple Sec is responsible for roughly 20 percent of total triple sec category sales.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA, based in White Plains, N.Y., is a leading producer, importer and marketer of prized spirits and wine brands in the United States and is one of the fastest growing subsidiaries of the world's #2 spirits company and #3 wine company, Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, S.A. The completion of Pernod Ricard's acquisition of Allied Domecq in 2005 vaulted Pernod Ricard USA to the forefront of the U.S. spirits market, doubling the company's sales value and market share. The company is now the third largest in the U.S. spirits industry by sales value and the fourth largest by sales volume in the U.S.
Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include Kahlúa® Liqueur, Chivas Regal® Scotch whisky, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Malibu® flavored Rum, Stolichnaya® Vodkas, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch whisky, Wild Turkey® Bourbon, Beefeater® Gin, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs and Martell™ Cognac, as well as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate® wines, Perrier Jouët® Champagne, Mumm®Champagne and Mumm Napa™ wines, and Pernod® and Ricard®Liquors. Enjoy Pernod Ricard's brands responsibly and in moderation.