Foley Introduces Elton John’s Non-Alc Sparkler In The U.S.
Foley Family Wines & Spirits is launching a new non-alcoholic sparkling wine from Elton John in the U.S. market. With the U.S. rollout, Foley is aiming to replicate the success of Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs in other global markets like the U.K., where it’s become the top-selling non-alc premium sparkler in leading retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s a short time after launch.
Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in Northern Italy, the new entry is made “using an innovative, precisely controlled fermentation with selected good cultures instead of yeast to mirror the structure and aroma of a classic Blanc de Blancs, with zero alcohol,” according to the company. That process differentiates it from brands that use spinning cone technology to remove alcohol from conventionally made wine for their NA products.
Retailing at $25 a 750-ml., Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs is hitting the U.S. market through Foley this fall. Elton John and partner David Furnish developed the brand in collaboration with London-based Benchmark Drinks.
“Most non-alcoholic sparkling wines are made with alcohol that’s removed later, and every one we tried tasted like something was missing,” Elton John and David Furnish told SND. “Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs is built from the ground up using a fermentation process to create all the character and personality of a beautiful Blanc de Blancs without ever producing alcohol. The only thing we’ve added is a touch of green tea to soften the sharpness. We spent a long time getting it right, because we wanted something we’d be proud to pour for guests in our own home.”
“The sparkling non-alcoholic wine category is growing +49% in the U.S., reflecting a meaningful shift in how consumers think about choice and occasion,” added Foley chief marketing officer Jason Daniel, “Crafted with 100% Chardonnay grapes and with the vision and unmistakable spirit of Elton and David behind it, Elton John Zero brings a truly premium, celebratory experience to meet that expanding consumer demand.”
Foley Family Wines & Spirits ranks among the leading premium wine suppliers in the U.S. at 1.7 million cases annually. It’s also a growing player in spirits, which account for another 90,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.
Most recently, Foley has sought to diversify its offering to reflect the preferences of a new generation of consumers, expanding with RTD labels Sabé and Tequio, and this fall adding to its portfolio with DrinkAde, a pre-alcohol wellness shot, and Cloudbreak, a THC recovery shot. With the launch of Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs it’s entering another growing area of the market.—Daniel Marsteller
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Tagged : Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs, Foley Family Wines & Spirits
