E-Malt.com News article: USA: Molson Coors introduces new summer brews

With peak summer selling season right around the corner, Molson Coors Brewing Company is showcasing a global lineup of product and packaging innovations designed to deepen consumer connections to core brands like Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian and Carling, as well as build its portfolio to meet emerging consumer demands, Marketwatch.com reported on May, 22.

From Coors Light Iced T to Cold Activated Aluminum Pints and a new Blue Moon beer, the summer selection of cold, refreshing brews is heating up.

"Through innovation, we are able to create excitement and interest among consumers and build brand relevance and loyalty, effectively connecting consumers to our brands and growing our business. Innovation is the keystone of our competitive advantage," said Peter Swinburn, president and chief executive officer of Molson Coors.

In March, Molson Coors announced the first-ever line extension for Coors Light, Coors Light Iced T. Available in Canada, Coors Light Iced T promises beer drinkers a light and lively brew, comprising the sweet maltiness of Coors Light - Canada's favorite light beer - with a blend of natural tea and lemon flavors. Coors Light Iced T is brewed in the same way as Coors Light. The iced tea flavor comes from a blend of tea botanicals and natural lemon, which are added during the filtration process.

Tapping U.S. consumers as part of its innovation strategy, Blue Moon Brewing Company announced a new brew, Caramel Apple Spiced Ale. Through the "Craft the Next Blue Moon" program, Blue Moon fans helped guide the brewing process, voicing their opinions on beer styles, ingredients, packaging designs and names via social media. Caramel Spiced Apple Ale will be available in time to toast to the next blue moon on August 31, 2012.

U.S. consumers will be treated to additional brews this fall and winter like Lemon Berry Shandy and Snowdrift Vanilla Porter from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Driven by consumer demand and interest, MillerCoors is rolling out its pre-Prohibition style lager, Batch 19, to national audiences.

"Our foundation for innovation is the insights we glean from our drinkers," said Kandy Anand, president of Molson Coors International and executive lead for Molson Coors' Brand and Innovation Council. "Each of our packaging innovations begins with listening to what consumers want - a colder, smoother beer experience."

Led by a consumer-centric approach to innovation, MillerCoors recently introduced aluminum pint bottles for Coors Light, Coors Banquet, Miller Genuine Draft and Molson Canadian.

Other MillerCoors innovations designed to enhance the beer-drinking experience include Miller Lite and MGD Punch Top Cans and Grip Cans.

Innovation in 2012 comes on the heels of 2011 successes, with the introduction of Cold Activated bottles and cans and the launch of several new products, including Carling Chrome and Animee in the U.K. and Ireland and Molson Canadian 67 Sublime in Canada. Over the past three years, innovation has delivered more than $100 mln of incremental gross profit for the company.

About Molson Coors Brewing Company

Molson Coors Brewing Company operates in Canada through Molson Coors Canada; in the US through MillerCoors; in the U.K. and Ireland through Molson Coors UK; and outside these core markets through Molson Coors International.


23 May, 2012