Between 2016 and 2021, sales of pre-mixed cocktails grew by over 220%. So, when Giles Fuchs, serial entrepreneur and owner of the iconic art deco destination Burgh Island Hotel, finished a round of golf with his friends back in 2016 and ordered a round of Gunner cocktails (which was no mean feat for the poor bartender who had to make the round), he thought to himself why hasn’t anyone put this in canned form?
For those who are unfamiliar with this classic cocktail, first concocted in the mid 1800’s, a Gunner is an effervescent mix of ginger , bitters, and lime, giving a natural and refreshing taste – just the perfect recovery drink after a round of golf or a game of tennis!
Despite the UK’s uncertain economic landscape, Giles and the team here at Gunners Cocktails have successfully developed the non-alcoholic Gunner Saint, whose sales have doubled year on year. Following this success and popularity of the Saint, Gunner Cocktails Ltd has recently launched the first exciting alcoholic version – the Rum Sinner, often referred to as a 21st Century twist on the classic dark and stormy cocktail.
With a forecasted growth of 500% in 2023, The Sinner is not something to miss out on. Premium and exclusive venues are now stocking premium premixed cocktails, with Gunner stocked at the Hurlingham Club, The Guards Polo Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, due to its luxury branding and natural British ingredients – it certainly did not look out of place in the hands of Rafael Nadal earlier this year at the Rod Laver Cup pre-event dinner.
According to a recent market analysis by Esomar, the global RTD canned cocktail market is set to witness growth at a growth rate of 11.6%, reaching a valuation of USD$57.2 billion by 2032. Therefore, it’s clear that bars and hotels need to be stocking up now to keep ahead of the trend and be in a position to cater for the rise in demand.
This rise means that Gunner’s relationships with stockists, from members clubs, golf clubs, bars and similar luxurious establishments are going from strength to strength. Offering both popular alcoholic and no-lo options, Gunner Cocktails is the perfect addition for any premium venue that wants to cater to all their customer’s needs, with a low-sugar Skinny Saint alternative in the pipeline.
Giles and the Gunners team are excited for the year ahead and the Rum Sinner is just the first in the line of alcoholic canned cocktails hitting the market, making sure to capitalise on the growing demand for canned cocktails that is taking the hospitality industry by storm.