Amsterdam-based Heineken is adding Red Stripe to its duty free and travel retail portfolio next year having recently acquired a majority stake in the Jamaican beer. Red Stripe will complement the core range which includes Heineken, Dos Equis, Newcastle Brown Ale and Tiger beer – while Strongbow Apple Ciders are also being expanded in the market.

Koos Vrijlandt, Global Duty Free Account Manager Heineken, comments: “Red Stripe has a powerful story to share in travel retail; it began almost 90 years ago in Jamaica and Heineken has already begun plans for the repatriation of production to the Kingston brewery by the end of this year.”

Meanwhile, in the cider segment, Strongbow – the number one global cider brand in the world – has been expanded with a range of natural apple-based flavours: Gold, Elderflower, Red Berries, Honey, and British Dry as well as the introduction of Strongbow 0.0% alcohol-free, launched earlier this year.

TWO AWARDS FOR BREWLOCK

In separate news, Heineken picked up the ‘Drinks Innovation of the Year’ and ‘Supreme Champion’ awards at the recent Drinks International Travel Retail Awards 2016.

BrewLock is designed for the cruise and ferry industry “to guarantee brewery quality draught beer in on-board bars” claims Heineken. Available on over 90 vessels globally, it is 25% lighter than regular draught systems, removes the need for additional gas and regulator systems; is 25% lighter than regular steel draught systems; and 100% disposable, reducing quality and cost barriers.

Vrijlandt comments: “It is a powerful innovation, delivering a stronger consumer experience and significant operational and logistical advantages for our cruise and ferry.”

Heineken has expanded the range of brands available in the BrewLock system in DF&TR with the addition of Heineken Light and Strongbow Apple Ciders, which join the existing Heineken and Newcastle Brown Ale.