CNSC Exclusive Q&A: Chris McMahon at Keurig Dr Pepper on ready-to-drink cocktail market
Keurig Dr Pepper recently announced its first entry into the ready-to-drink beverage alcohol category, partnering with J.P. Wiser’s whisky for a classic whiskey-and-ginger-ale premixed cocktail, rolling out now across the nation. In this exclusive Q&A, Convenience Store News Canada spoke to Chris McMahon, vice-president of away from home sales and RTD at Keurig Dr Pepper Canada.
READ: J.P. Wiser’s and Canada Dry team up for whisky & ginger ale RTD cocktail
How has the RTD category evolved over the past few years, and what’s driving its momentum?
Ready-to-drink has evolved from a niche cooler segment into a core pillar of beverage alcohol growth in Canada. Consumers increasingly value convenience, flavour variety and reliability of experience, and RTDs deliver on all three. Momentum today is driven by trusted brand equities, recognizable flavour profiles and formats that match modern lifestyles, offering a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. Consumers want beverages that fit seamlessly into their lives, without sacrificing quality, and that expectation continues to shape innovation and portfolio strategy.
In a market where C-stores can sell beer, wine and RTDs—but not straight spirits—how does that shape product innovation and portfolio strategy?
This regulatory environment creates a meaningful role for RTDs as it allows brands to extend reach beyond traditional liquor channels and connect with consumers where they are for those ‘’grab-and-go’’ moments. A cross-channel portfolio strategy becomes critical, ensuring consumers can find familiar experiences wherever and however they choose to shop.
Who is the core RTD shopper—age, occasion, lifestyle? Is that profile changing?
While RTDs initially skewed younger, the audience is broadening. Today’s core shopper includes a diverse consumer with older generation Zs, millennials and professionals who prioritize the conveniences of on-the-go options. Across demographics, behaviours are converging, consumers shop fluidly across channels, blend planned and impulse purchases, and gravitate toward recognizable brands that reduce decision time and ensure quality. Availability in convenience retail allows brands to meet these consumers during high-intent moments when speed and accessibility matter most.
Which occasions are most important for RTDs—casual weeknights, travel, outdoor activities—and how should C-stores merchandise around them?
RTDs are closely tied to spontaneous and social occasions, from casual evenings and small social moments to hockey nights, bbqs and cottage weekends. Products that communicate refreshment, familiarity or trusted cocktail cues perform well because they align with quick decision-making environments. Visibility, cold placement and clear flavour communication are key to capturing these occasions. For example, our Mott’s Clamato Caesars RTD embody the familiarity as Canada’s cocktail and the convenience of a pre-mix cocktail.
READ: J.P. Wiser’s and Canada Dry team up for whisky & ginger ale RTD cocktail
How important is price in this category?
Price sensitivity is very real in today’s environment. Consumers are making more deliberate choices about where they allocate their dollars, so brands must provide clear confidence that the purchase will deliver. Value extends beyond price, it’s about reducing perceived risk while strengthening the overall product proposition. Trusted brands, familiar flavour profiles and credible quality cues reassure shoppers they’re choosing something they’ll enjoy. Alcohol strength also plays a role, as higher-ABV offerings can signal greater value per serve and a more satisfying return on spend.
With limited cooler and shelf space, what makes an RTD product stand out and earn its place?
Success in constrained retail environments depends on immediacy of recognition. Products that perform well typically deliver: Packaging that captures attention quickly; brands consumers already know and trust; flavours that are intuitive and familiar; and a clear value proposition. Because convenience shopping is fast and focused, clarity and credibility often outperform novelty.
How do you see the RTD category evolving in the next few years?
The RTD landscape will continue to diversify through innovation and channel expansion, but fundamentals will remain consistent, consumers will seek trusted brands, recognizable flavour experiences and formats suited to modern lifestyles. For operators, this reinforces the importance of partnering with products that offer immediate shopper relevance and dependable velocity. Established brand collaborations and popular cocktail executions provide confidence both in consumer acceptance and sales performance within a fast-moving category.
