“Tradition marries modern” in Ardagh’s Kiss Me spritzer slimline can

17 Sep 2019 --- In a “perfect marriage of modern and traditional,” Luxembourg-based Ardagh is supplying Austrian winery Weingut Johann Müllner with a slimline aluminum can for its “Kiss Me” Sauvignon white wine spritzer, designed to appeal to contemporary audiences. Ardagh’s wine can range comprises single-serve sizes of 200ml, 250ml and a new 187ml format, which represents a quarter of a standard 75cl bottle. The new launch by the packaging supplier follows a series of new product launches addressing the growing demand for attractive and highly-differentiated can packaging.

The can’s design is based on a multicoloured illustration by pop artist Oxana Prantl, creating “sophisticated modern branding that reflects the premium product.” Two of Ardagh’s finishes – Matte Impact and Premium Print 1.0 – are applied to elevate the overall aesthetic. The matte finish offers both visual and haptic enhancement, making the Kiss Me product stand out against the standard glossy can on the shelf, while Premium Print 1.0 brings crisp detailing and color contrast to the artwork, notes Ardagh and Weingut Johann Müllner.

Spritzer is second only to beer in the ranking of Austria’s favorite beverages, and is popular in portable, convenient and sustainable formats, as outlined by the companies. In a spritzer, carbon dioxide carries the flavor of the product, which makes the airtight packaging essential. The aluminum can guarantees this, and is also lightproof, further preserving taste and providing a minimum shelf-life of one year.

“Traditional pub style” copper design by Ardagh.This recent roll-out follows Ardagh’s July extension of its range of can-design customizations with a new addition to its Coloured Tab and Shell portfolio: copper. The company notes that the copper color option is unique to Ardagh, offering customers the chance to enhance their product packaging for standout shelf appeal – particularly for brands linked with copper-still distilling or with the feel of a traditional pub. The “eye-catching” tone is suitable for a diameter 202 can end as well as a diameter 200 end on which it was developed.

Previously, the company expanded the production of its beverage can ends and tabs by 10 percent at its Valparaiso plant in Indiana, US, in January. “When the top of the can package is characterized by different colors, it stands out on retail shelves, attracting consumer attention. In a market where price is often equal, a brand differentiator such as color, graphics and functionality can make a strong difference in purchase decisions,” Claude Marbach, CEO, Ardagh Metal – North America, told PackagingInsights at the time.

Kiss Me is currently available in Krems, Vienna, and in an expanding range of outlets throughout Austria, including petrol stations, souvenir shops and transport hubs, as well as from trade beverage suppliers. Tie-ins with major Austrian sporting events and ski resorts are planned, with export to international markets to follow.

By Benjamin Ferrer