Molson Coors Expands With New Slate of Non-alcoholic Products
Partnership With L.A. Libations
Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE: TAP; TSX: TPX) today unveiled a new slate of non-alcoholic products that it intends to roll this fall as part of the company’s efforts to expand beyond the beer aisle and reach more consumers seeking better-for-you beverages.
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Last October, the country’s second-largest brewer, then known as Molson Coors Brewing Company, redefined themselves as Molson Coors Beverage Company. In doing so, the company laid out a clear vision of leveraging the competitive strengths of their foundation in beer to grow in new spaces beyond the beer aisle. Today marks the most significant steps down that path to date with the launch of these non-alcohol brands.
“We’re following through on our promise to seek out new opportunities beyond beer, and we’ll continue to innovate and move into new spaces as it’s an important part of our long-term strategy,” said Pete Marino, president of emerging growth for Molson Coors Beverage Company. “This is just the start of our entrance to the marketplace with breakthrough brands, and we couldn’t have a better partner to embark on this journey with than LA Libations.”
The first of the new brands to hit shelves will be HUZZAH™, which launches this September in Southern California. A pumped-up, full-flavored seltzer with added probiotics to help support a healthy gut, the shelf-stable beverage contains 3g or less of sugar per 12oz can and 15 calories or less, giving HUZZAH™ a compelling point-of-difference in the popular seltzer category. HUZZAH™ will launch online at DrinkHuzzah.com and at select retailers in SoCal in three flavors: Strawberry & Hibiscus, Juicy Pear and Raspberry & Lemon.
HUZZAH™ marks the first non-alcoholic innovation from the emerging growth division at Molson Coors since the company took a long-term minority stake in L.A. Libations in November of 2019.
“These four brand launches are fueled by our dedication to health, wellness and social responsibility,” says Danny Stepper, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Libations. “With a keen eye on where the consumer is headed, in partnership with our key retail partners, we could not be more excited to launch these new innovative brands alongside our partner Molson Coors. These brands will give consumers an opportunity to taste tomorrow, today.”
Upcoming projects will continue to expand the Molson Coors non-alcoholic portfolio through trailblazing product development. Future innovations in the pipeline include:
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MadVine, a 100% plant-based, diet soda with zero calories, zero sugar and zero artificial ingredients. Infused with monk fruit and recognizable ingredients, including bourbon vanilla, yuzu lemon and black cherry, MadVine will launch in three flavors: Clean Cola, Yuzu Lemon-Up, and Dr. Stepper.
Golden Wing, a cutting-edge, grain-based milk alternative packed with proteins and nutrients, made with top-quality barley and no additives, stabilizers or frothing agents.
A yet-to-be announced, nootropic performance beverage that provides enhanced focus, nutrition, and improved performance without the jitters associated with high-caffeinated drinks, geared towards gamers and developers.
“Each of these beverages micro-targets a group and problem-solves a very specific challenge that maybe hasn’t been looked at before,” said Adam Louras, vice president of operations and product development at L.A. Libations. “That’s why I’m excited about these products—they are designed with real people in mind, and I’m pumped to get them in my own fridge.”
While Molson Coors foundation is rooted in nearly 250 years of brewing great beers, the global beverage maker has signaled that it will seek out the significant growth opportunities beyond the beer aisle as well – whether it’s with CBD and cannabis products, non-alcohol beverages, wines or spirits. In addition to the products created in partnership with L.A. Libations, Molson Coors has also developed non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages for Canadian and Colorado markets through its joint ventures with the HEXO Corp.
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