AB InBev, so far known as the world largest brewer, is taking a side step into a new beverage marked. With the purchase of Boathouse Beverage LLC, the Connecticut-based maker of SpikedSeltzer, the company is entering the booming market for alcoholic seltzer drinks.
Alcoholic seltzer drinks are carbonated-water beverages made from fermented sugar that contain six percent alcohol by volume and come in different flavors. The product appeals to fitness oriented people looking for an alcoholic drink with no artificial ingredients and half the calories of standard cocktails. Carbonated water is viewed as a healthier than soda and alcoholic seltzer drinks seem like a natural extension of that trend. Nevertheless the taste of alcoholic seltzer drinks does not please naturally to most testers as the product is lacking the sweetness or body of other alcoholic beverages.
Boathouse Beverage describes SpikedSeltzer as clean and clear without the sugary sweetness of wine or the heaviness of beer. The beverage comes in Cape Cod Cranberry, Indian River Grapefruit, West Indies Lime, and Valencia Orange flavors.
Founded in 2013 by Nick Shields and Dave Holmes, Boathouse plans to produce already up to 40,000 barrels (47.000 hectoliters) in its third year. Spiked Seltzer was the forerunner in this market and is now followed by companies like Boston Beer Co., Mark Anthony Brands and Wachusett Brewing. AB InBev’s closest rival in the U.S. market, MillerCoors, has already two healthy-sounding alcoholic drinks in its product portfolio named Easy Tea and Zumbida Mango.
Production of SpikedSeltzer will be moved from Boathouse's current producers, North American Breweries and Blues City Brewery to AB InBev's brewery in Baldwinsville, New York. SpikedSeltzer will be part of AB InBev High End business unit, which was formed two years ago and includes eight U.S. craft breweries as well as import beers like Stella Artois and Shock Top specialty beers.
