USA: SPI Group launches gluten-free Stolichnaya vodka

USA: SPI Group launches gluten-free Stolichnaya vodka

SPI Group, the company behind the Stolichnaya brand, is launching a gluten-free vodka for the US market in April, according to an article in The Drinks Business.

Stolichnaya Gluten-Free Vodka is described as being made with 88% corn and 12% buckwheat that is triple distilled and filtered four times through quartz sand and birchwood charcoal, before being blended with spring water from the Latvijas Balzams’ artesian well in Riga, Latvia.

Michael Oringer, senior vice president of innovation and trade marketing of Stoli Group USA, said: "We experimented with a variety of gluten-free ingredients before finalizing on a unique mash of corn and buckwheat”, “The result is delicious, old-world style tasting vodka that meets the needs of our consumers who live a gluten-free lifestyle".

"As with all of our innovations, we conduct consumer research and discuss with our trade partners to identify unmet consumer needs in the marketplace", added Patrick Piana, president and CEO of Stoli Group USA. "Stoli Gluten Free will resonate with younger legal drinking age consumers who have an active lifestyle and greater focus on the products they consume".

Stolichnaya Gluten-Free Vodka will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml and 1L sizes, with the 750ml size at an RRP of $19.99.

Source: The Drinks Business