Andrew Peller introduces Skinnygrape Spritzers in Amcor 330ml PET bottles

Skinnygrape, previously only available as a low-calorie wine in a 750ml glass bottle, is a naturally flavoured wine-based cocktail that has 90 calories per bottle, and contains stevia.

“The slender bottle is extremely comfortable to hold,” said national brand manager Sarah Ripley. “Our consumers are mostly women and this bottle sits comfortably in their hand.”

Andrew Peller Limited moved to a single-serve size for the low-calorie spritzer based on an unmet demand for a wine-based, low-calorie option in the RTD category.

“We think the packaging is really fun and speaks to what our brand represents,” said Ripley, “and we believe our product offers consumers low calories without compromising on taste. From a consumer perspective, it boils down to brand, packaging and taste.”

Along with unique design capabilities, shatter resistant and portable PET bottles with a twist-off plastic cap provide an entry into new venues that don’t allow glass because of the potential for breakage, opening up new sales opportunities.

Another key feature is a barrier coating technology developed by Germany’s KHS Plasmax that provides extended shelf life.

Amcor’s ‘cradle to grave’ development process played a key role in a speedy product introduction. From design concept development to unit mould sampling and third party filling assistance, Amcor was able to help with a successful product launch.

“Our new product launch was highly successful because Amcor brought us a full range of design concepts and followed the project from development to execution with a high attention to detail,” said Ripley. “Their technical expertise and market knowledge helped to quickly take the design from concept to store shelf.”

“Since Amcor is a market leader in this segment, we were able to bring industry knowledge and significant resources to bear on this project, thus keeping the development and commercialisation costs and timing to a minimum,” said Todd Mastic, principal engineer and project manager for Amcor

Skinnygrape spritzers are available in 4-packs in Key Lime Lemonade and Blueberry Pomegranate flavours in Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and NSLC (Nova Scotia) stores, and The Wine Shop (100 stores in Ontario).

The Wine Shop also carries an exclusive flavour, Strawberry Pineapple.