Commonwealth Brewery Limited, the company that is synonymous with Heineken and Kalik, raised their glasses to two new beverages last Thursday, launching a non-alcoholic version of Kalik and a reduced calorie, fruit based natural malt soft drink.
Both were unveiled at a customer and media event hosted by the nation’s leading manufacturer and distributor of spirits, wines and beer at its 150,000 square foot brewery at Clifton Pier in Nassau.
“Today’s launch marks another milestone in the journey of CBL, demonstrating that we are an ever evolving company, recognizing and answering current market needs and getting out in front of new industry trends,” said Managing Director Hans Neven.
“With the introduction of these two new brands, we are expanding our position in the non-alcoholic beverage category. Both beverages were years in development. And we believe that both – the non-alcoholic Kalik called Kalik Radler 0.0 per cent and the two flavours of the new fruit-based malt drink Fayrouz – will quench the thirst of customers and increase loyalty and satisfaction by offering drinks that are tasty, refreshing and healthy alternatives to existing options.”
Development of each of the beverages brews its own story.
Fayrouz is named after what CBL described as “a stunning turquoise gemstone found in nature.” It is a beverage that starts out with fruit, barley, hops and all the makings of beer, and ends up, after the alcohol is withdrawn, as a refreshing, fruit-infused soft drink.
Available in pineapple or pear flavours, it is packaged in a green bottle with a turquoise label or a turquoise can with yellow trim. Made with all natural ingredients and free from preservatives, additives and colorings, the brew is made with Stevia, a sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant.
Non-alcoholic Brand Manager Stacy Mackey explains how Fayrouz is made.
“Fayrouz is brewed with a blend of premium hops, fine barley malt, cereal grains and pure water,” says Mackey. “After full fermentation and maturation, the alcohol is gently removed to preserve the quality, flavour and body of the alcohol-free beer. And because it is all natural with no refined sugars, it is 20-30 per cent less in calories than traditional sodas, plus it has a really crisp, refreshing taste.”
CBL executives said they also have high hopes for the response to an alcohol-free version of Kalik which is deliberately canned and labeled in a way that is reminiscent of the beer that dominates the market.
“Kalik Radler 0.0 per cent is the answer to those who want to drink with the crowd and enjoy a cold refreshing brew but really do not want alcohol,” said Mackey. “We believe it will have special appeal to a young market, especially those under 30 who want the healthy alternative, even in the midst of a party atmosphere.”
Like Fayrouz, Kalik Radler 0.0 per cent begins with fruit, is additive- and preservative-free and in its first brewing stages includes malted barley, hops, water and yeast, which are later removed.
While Fayrouz features pear or pineapple, Kalik Radler 0.0 per cent starts with lemonade.
“We introduced the lemonade component in Kalik Radler 2 per cent last year and it was so well received that we were enthusiastic about investing in the development of the non-alcoholic version,” said Neven, the managing director of the debt-free, publicly-held company.
“Given that this version starts out as beer mixed with fresh lemonade made from natural lemon juice, is free from artificial additives and the end produce is a refreshing new taste experience without alcohol, we hope that it, too, will be well-received and think it will appeal especially to athletes and sports enthusiasts.”
Neven noted that it is safe for pregnant women, but cautioned that because of its fresh lemons and no additives or preservatives, the beverage should be kept in a cool place and has a shelf life of six months.
