In a strategic move to expand its product offerings in Great Britain, Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I) has unveiled a new ready-to-drink alcohol (ARTD) brand, La Casera.
La Casera, renowned as the leading ‘Tinto de Verano’ brand in Spain, perfectly combines wine and soda. This refreshing drink resonates with UK consumers seeking an enjoyable aperitivo experience with friends.
Founded in 1949, La Casera—meaning ‘the home’—has been a beloved staple in Spanish households for generations. After its acquisition in 2009, La Casera has maintained its status as a bestseller in the Spanish market. Celebrating its 75th anniversary last year, the brand revived its iconic slogan: “If there is no La Casera, we are leaving.” This highlights La Casera’s enduring significance as a cultural symbol integral to gatherings and celebrations across Spain.
Elise Seibold, Chief Operating Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, emphasizes that this launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambition to diversify into new product categories beyond traditional soft drinks.
“We’re adding another well-loved heritage brand to our portfolio alongside Lucozade and Ribena, but this time with a Spanish twist,” Seibold states. “La Casera is a symbol of community and celebration, and we can’t wait to see UK consumers ‘spritz like the Spanish’ this summer.”
The ready-to-drink alcohol category is currently experiencing rapid growth, with an average increase of approximately 20% from 2020 to 2022. Experts predict this trend will continue, as the global market is expected to exceed £39.2 billion (US$50 billion) by 2030. Notably, La Casera, as the number one ‘Tinto de Verano’ brand in Spain, contributed 88% of the category’s volume growth in 2024. Additionally, it has made a significant impact in the on-premise channel, accounting for 9 out of 10 incremental liters sold.
Last year, SBF GB&I entered the alcohol sector by launching Suntory’s unique Japanese pre-mix alcohol brand, minus 196. This innovative brand introduced something new to the RTD segment in Great Britain, merging traditional Japanese spirit with modern technology to deliver an exciting taste experience for consumers.
Alpesh Mistry, Sales Director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, shares, “Spritz drinks have seen great growth in the on-trade, yet this category is only just beginning to establish itself in the ready-to-drink format. Much of the ARTD currently on shelves is spirit-led, presenting us with an excellent opportunity to introduce something different to the market. There is tremendous potential in this unexplored segment, and we aim to lead the way with the launch of La Casera.”
Driven by its “Yatte Minahare” company value, SBF GB&I continues to innovate with bold ambition, seeking challenges and discovering new opportunities to craft enriching experiences for its consumers.
La Casera will be produced in Toledo, Spain, by Suntory Beverage & Food Spain and will feature its traditional red and white wine flavors upon launch.
