COCO VODKA: Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell
Creative director
Coco Vodka
Based on your data, insights and experience, what’s trending for summer 2025?
As overall drinking continues to decline slightly year to year, customers are increasingly looking for healthier drinking options that let them fit their lifestyle. This includes low-cal, low-carb, low-alc and even non-alc drinks. Everything from non-alc beer, lighter canned cocktails, and other better-for-you beverages that work well for summer drinking.
We also think supporting local is going to be a key point for most customers this year. With the situation down south, Canadians are looking to support Canadian brands and local companies more than ever.
Which of your products do you anticipate being hot sellers this summer?
We're really expecting CoCo Vodka and CoCo Rum to be hot sellers this summer. They are our Original Hard Coconut Water, combining real coconut water with Vodka or Rum, for the perfect hydrating summer drink. Hydration is key during summer months, which is why our drinks do so well.
Any new innovations in the mix?
Our brand new CoCo Rum Mojito is going to be a big hit. It's a tropical take on the classic mojito, in a sleek can that's easy to bring to the cottage, beach, or boat.
What are the outside influences shaping the space?
People are definitely looking for low cal options, as well as lower alcohol options. Non-alc is also making a big push, with tons of new beers and cocktails for people looking to stay sober.
This is the first sales summer for convenience retailers. What advice can you share in terms of seasonal demand, sales cycles, category management, planograms etc.?
Always be ready for the weekends and holidays. A lot of our partners have completely sold out on a Friday night before a long weekend, just because a nearby summer party bought them out. Keep more than you need and plan around the weather.
How are you partnering with or supporting convenience retailers this summer?
We are supporting all our local partners, with POS materials, online ads, store finders, as well as some direct delivery. Convenience is especially important during the warm summer months, and making sure we can keep them stocked is our biggest priority.
In terms of perfect pairings, what other convenience items go well with you offering?
Our brand is all in on the beach theme. I can't imagine a better pairing than a couple CoCo Rums, sunglasses, an ice cream, and your favourite beach destination.
Anything else you would like to add?
We're really happy to see all the support pouring in for supporting local in Canada at the moment. We always like to say we're a taste of the tropics, made right here in Canada. We're excited to see the support continue to grow throughout the busiest months.
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