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The Boston Beer Company’s Slingers Signature Cocktails™ Enters Phase Two of Test Launch, Expanding Distribution from 3 to 19 Wholesalers

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The Boston Beer Company announces the expanded distribution of its Slingers Signature Cocktails brand, quadrupling its footprint in the marketplace. The malt-based lineup of full-flavored, 8% ABV, cocktail-inspired drinks in a 24oz can will now be available in Ohio, Vermont, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as in the western and central regions of Pennsylvania. The brand's three recognizable flavors – Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver, and Pineapple Punch – will be rolled out in February and March. Tim Kerrigan, Assistant Head of Innovation at The Boston Beer Company, expressed excitement about the opportunity to connect with a wider variety of consumers in each of its local markets.
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The expansion of Boston Beer Company's Slingers Signature Cocktails distribution represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market. The decision to increase the distribution footprint from 3 to 19 wholesalers suggests a confident response to the product's initial performance. This expansion could potentially increase market share and revenue for Boston Beer Company in the RTD segment.

From a market research perspective, the RTD category has been experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for convenience and variety. The choice of flavors, such as Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver and Pineapple Punch, aligns with current trends favoring tropical and fruit-forward profiles. The timing of this expansion is also noteworthy, as it precedes the summer season, when sales of such beverages typically peak.

However, competition in the RTD space is fierce, with many players introducing new products. The success of this expansion will depend on effective marketing, competitive pricing and maintaining the quality that initially attracted consumers. Monitoring sales data and consumer feedback as the product rolls out to the new markets will be crucial for ongoing strategy adjustments.

The Boston Beer Company's announcement regarding the expansion of its Slingers Signature Cocktails brand could have positive implications for the company's financial performance. By more than quadrupling its distribution footprint, the company is poised to significantly increase its volume sales. This move indicates a successful test launch phase and suggests that the company is scaling up its operations to meet consumer demand.

Investors should note the potential for increased revenue, but also consider the costs associated with expanding distribution, such as marketing, transportation and potential discounts to new wholesalers. The impact on the stock price will largely depend on how well the expanded distribution aligns with projected sales figures and whether the company can effectively manage its supply chain to meet the new demand without incurring excessive costs.

Long-term, if Slingers Signature Cocktails can secure a strong position in the RTD market, it could contribute to a diversified product portfolio for Boston Beer Company, potentially mitigating risks associated with fluctuations in other product lines.

The expansion of Slingers Signature Cocktails taps into several consumer behavior trends, such as the preference for high-quality, premixed cocktail options that offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. The 8% ABV content positions the product as a stronger alternative within the RTD category, which may appeal to consumers looking for a more potent drink option.

Understanding the target demographic in the new distribution areas, including Ohio, Vermont and Las Vegas, will be crucial. Each of these markets has unique consumer preferences and drinking cultures. For instance, Las Vegas's vibrant nightlife and tourism industry could provide a lucrative market for RTD cocktails. However, success in these markets will require tailored marketing strategies that resonate with local consumers and leverage the brand's unique selling propositions.

Continuous analysis of consumer purchase patterns and feedback will be essential in refining product offerings and marketing tactics to ensure that Slingers Signature Cocktails maintains its early momentum and builds a loyal customer base in the expanded markets.

Boston, MA, Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard and Dogfish Head, excitedly announces the expanded distribution of its Slingers Signature Cocktails brand, a malt-based lineup of full-flavored, 8% ABV, cocktail-inspired drinks in the convenience of a 24oz can. Now entering phase two of its test launch, Slingers Signature Cocktails will expand its distribution from 3 to 19 wholesalers, more than quadrupling its footprint in the marketplace.

Slingers Signature Cocktails initially launched in April of 2023, in New Hampshire, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, where it quickly became a fan-favorite ready-to-drink (RTD) option in the convenience store class-of-trade. In the wake of its early successes, Boston Beer has decided to expand the brand’s distribution, making its three recognizable flavors – Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver and Pineapple Punch – available throughout Ohio, Vermont and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as in the western and central regions of Pennsylvania. Drinkers in western and central Pennsylvania and Las Vegas can expect to see Slingers Signature Cocktails on shelves in February, and those in Ohio and Vermont can expect the brand to arrive in March.

“We cannot wait to share Slingers Signature Cocktails with more drinkers across the country,” said Tim Kerrigan, Assistant Head of Innovation at The Boston Beer Company. “We view this expansion as not only a huge geographical leap for the brand, but an opportunity for Slingers to fully connect with a wider variety of consumers in each of its local markets. With Slingers Signature Cocktails, it’s all about giving the drinker what they want, when they want and where they want it, and that’s exactly what we’re doing!”

With flavor, convenience and value at its core, Slingers Signature Cocktails is a cocktail-inspired RTD that was carefully designed for the convenience store class-of-trade, where more than half of all U.S. RTD beverage sales take place, according to NIQ*. Boston Beer believes Slingers’ brand attributes, coupled with its eye-catching graphics, higher-than-average ABV and relatable brand positioning, will help the company win in convenience stores, where drinkers are seeking easy, instant gratification at a price point that won’t break the bank.

The Boston Beer Company aspires to be the most innovative, consumer-oriented beverage company on the planet. Using a two-fold innovation strategy, the company is committed to both thoughtfully expanding existing product lines to meet shifting consumer needs, as well as purposefully developing new brands that capitalize on current and future industry trends. While some new products will be launched nationally, others will be released in a limited number of test markets to iterate and learn before expanding distribution.

“The expansion of Slingers Signature Cocktails is not only a testament to the brand itself, but it shows that our test-and-learn innovation model is working,” adds Kerrigan. “Through our test-and-learn model, we are able to better connect with our wholesale and retail partners, in addition to drinkers, to better understand consumption habits, and effective selling and marketing tactics. While it often appears to be a slower road to product expansion, the information we’re gathering along the way will best set us up for sustainable, long-term success.”

For more about The Boston Beer Company and Slingers Signature Cocktails, visit www.bostonbeer.com and www.drinkslingers.com, respectively. 

*NIQ, formerly known as Neilson IQ, is a company dedicated to collecting and interpreting data related to consumer buying behavior.

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Digital Assets: High-Resolution Photos of Slingers Signature Cocktails

About Slingers Signature Cocktails 
From The Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard and Dogfish Head, Slingers Signature Cocktails is a malt-based lineup of delicious, cocktail-inspired drinks in the convenience of 24-ounce cans. A relatable brand offering superior taste and 8% ABV, Slingers Signature Cocktails is the winning choice with three fun and recognizable flavors: Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver and Pineapple Punch. For more information, visit drinkslingers.com or follow Slingers Signature Cocktails on Facebook and Instagram. We Sling. You Drink! 

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FAQ

What is the expanded distribution announcement by The Boston Beer Company about?

The expanded distribution announcement is about the Slingers Signature Cocktails brand, a malt-based lineup of cocktail-inspired drinks in a 24oz can, quadrupling its footprint in the marketplace.

What are the three recognizable flavors of Slingers Signature Cocktails?

The three recognizable flavors are Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver, and Pineapple Punch.

When will Slingers Signature Cocktails be available in western and central Pennsylvania and Las Vegas?

Slingers Signature Cocktails will be available on shelves in February in western and central Pennsylvania and Las Vegas.

Who expressed excitement about the expanded distribution of Slingers Signature Cocktails?

Tim Kerrigan, Assistant Head of Innovation at The Boston Beer Company, expressed excitement about the expanded distribution of Slingers Signature Cocktails.

The Boston Beer Company, Inc.

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The Boston Beer Company is an American brewery founded in 1984. Their first brand of beer was named Samuel Adams after Founding Father Samuel Adams, an American revolutionary patriot. Since its founding, Boston Beer has started several other brands, and in 2019 completed a merger with Dogfish Head Brewery. The Boston Beer Company is the fourth largest brewer in the United States with products available throughout the United States and internationally.