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The two new vodka flavours are a first for Smirnoff, whose main competitors on the premium flavoured vodka market are Absolut and Stolichnaya.

Diageo will run a six month trial in Bristol, UK, with the two new flavours, Lime Smirnoff and Green Apple Smirnoff, to see whether there is potential for market growth.

Currently, flavoured vodka accounts for 4% of total volume sales in the vodka category worldwide. In Europe, flavoured vodka only has 1% market share.

The Bristol trial will be supported by a range of local marketing activity, including print, online and in-store merchandise. The two flavours will be made available in 70cl bottles and have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 37.5%.

Diageo Senior Innovation Manager Mike Martin said: “Both Lime and Green Apple Smirnoff are great options for pubs looking to differentiate their vodka serves. They complement popular serves of Smirnoff, providing additional flavour to classic long mixed drink. The Bristol test will aim to create further excitement and consumer interest in the vodka category, while driving incremental profit for licensees.”