Beam Inc. Extends Skinnygirl Margarita Brand to 200ml PET Bottles from Amcor

Beam moved to the single serve size for the pre-mixed cocktail based on feedback from its customers, according to Megan Frank, brand director, Skinnygirl Cocktails at Beam.

12 Oct 2012 --- Beam Inc., one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, has launched Skinnyminis, a four-pack offering of the Skinnygirl Margarita ready-to-serve cocktail in sleek-looking premium 200ml barrier polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles from Amcor Rigid Plastics, the world’s leading producer of PET packaging. The lightweight, break-resistant premium PET container delivers convenience and portability, enabling this popular spirits brand for women to be enjoyed at backyard barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor venues such as concerts.

Skinnygirl Margarita, previously only available in 750ml glass bottles, is one of the most popular products in the fast-growing Skinnygirl Cocktails line of products that include ready-to-serve, vodka and wine low-calorie options. Beam moved to the single serve size for the pre-mixed cocktail based on feedback from its customers, according to Megan Frank, brand director, Skinnygirl Cocktails at Beam.  “For us, the size extension made sense due to PET’s value and because consumers asked for the product,” said Frank. “In the single serve size, unbreakable and portable PET bottles provide an entrée into new venues that do not allow glass because of the potential for breakage, opening up new sales opportunities.”

Frank noted that Skinnyminis have been sold all season at Yankee Stadium in New York City and other similar type venues including sporting events and concerts. “We wouldn’t be able to get there (those venues) with glass,” added Frank.

The highly attractive, custom container also represents one of the first 200ml barrier PET bottles for the spirits industry, according to Amcor. A unique barrier PET resin with an oxygen scavenger offers protection from oxygen ingress and provides extended shelf life, resulting in bottle inventory benefits. A UV additive is used for the bottle to protect the product from ultraviolet light and preserve the product color.

The 200ml PET bottles preserve the brand image and premium look of the 750ml glass containers, according to Myles Graybill, project engineer for Amcor Rigid Plastics. The slender, long neck container is also designed to withstand high top load impact. A roll on, pilfer-proof (ROPP) premium aluminum screw top closure from Amcor Flexible Capsules, which requires top load strength of up to 200 lb of force, makes the entire package supplied by Amcor.

Beam also realizes key sustainability benefits with single serve PET bottles. They are one-sixth the weight of glass bottles, unbreakable, less wasteful, and recyclable. The plastic bottles also result in significantly reduced transportation costs and other supply chain efficiencies.

Amcor continues to work closely with other wine and spirits makers who seek alternative packaging. PET barrier technology is also being targeted at other markets for oxygen sensitive products.