As the weather heats up, Mitchells & Butlers reveals a range of new and innovative wine products, all ready to serve to its thousands of guests this summer.
Following the success of Frosé in the US last summer, M&B has partnered with leading wine producer E and J Gallo Winery, to exclusively offer Frosé with Barefoot Wine in around 150 of its pubs – making it the first pub and restaurant business to present the product to the UK market. The frozen wine slushies are created using Barefoot White Zinfandel Rosé and are available in Sizzling Pub & Grill and Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery sites.
The unique and very Instagrammable ‘POPS’ - premium alcoholic popsicles, are also available to enjoy in M&B's pub gardens. Available in over 120 sites including Premium Country Pubs, the British-made luxury lollies are being sold in four flavours: Frosé, a blend of Rosé & raspberry, Bellini, a mix of Prosecco, peach and hibiscus flowers, Classic Champagne and alcohol-free Strawberry & Mint.
Another perfect summer drink being added to the the pub group's wine selection is Oyster Bay Rosé. This brand new product from international producer Oyster Bay is exclusively available in the on trade across 700 M&B locations, including Vintage Inns, Ember Inns, Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery, as well as a selected number of Harvester and Nicholson’s businesses.
The new portfolio of products have been handpicked by M&B to appeal to younger, millennial consumers, as well as aiming to reignite interest for existing wine lovers. The Company is focusing on continuing to grow its wine offering by working with its leading network of suppliers to ensure it identifies new market trends, embraces innovative products and new taste profiles.
Lydia Worsey, Wine Category Manager at Mitchells & Butlers, said, “Pushing the boundaries and testing new products is a huge focus for us, especially in the wine category where we need to work harder than before to attract younger consumers who are looking for new experiences, Instagrammable products and wine to be more accessible.
'The spirits and cocktail categories have had huge success in meeting these needs and experimenting with flavours, and serve is a great way for us to move wine in this direction.”
Phil Doyle, Senior Business Manager UK & Europe, Delegat Europe, said, “We are excited to be launching Oyster Bay Rosé in the UK on-trade in partnership with Mitchells & Butlers. It’s the latest addition to our award-winning range and designed to entice consumers into the category, and offers UK wine drinkers something entirely fresh and new to enjoy.
'Produced in New Zealand, it is an elegant, dry-style rosé wine with summer floral aromas, strawberry and delicate cherry flavours. So, perfect paired with the lighter dishes that are typical of the season, such as salads and seafood, or equally delicious on its own.”
Charles Yates, On Trade Channel Manager at E and J Gallo Winery, commented, “At Barefoot Wine we believe wine should be more fun and less serious and are always looking out for innovative ways to help achieve this. We have loved working together with the team at Mitchells & Butlers to create Frosé, a wine serve which is fast becoming the coolest trend in rosé this summer – literally!
'It has been awesome to see the overwhelmingly positive reaction by consumers to Frosé both in the pubs and on social media and we expect the excitement to continue to blossom as the weather starts to heat up over the next few weeks.”
The new wines will be introduced as seasonal drinks to compliment M&B's menus throughout the summer.