Global Brands has launched what it claims is the first pre-mixed Mojito cocktail on the UK market in a bid to breathe life into the RTD category. The VK Mojito Original has 4% abv, like the company's flagship VK Vodka Kick RTD, and comes in 27.5cl bottles. "This has put real innovation back into the RTD category and gives retailers an opportunity to drive sales as consumers look for something a little bit different to enjoy at home," said MD Steve Perez. "Mojito cocktails are complex to make and most consumers wouldn't have the time to try." Nielsen figures for the year to December indicate RTD sales have slumped 6% in value while sales in rival category cider soared by more than 20%. NPD has been at a premium in RTDs after the high-profile failures of Diageo's Slate 20 and Quinns last year. Global Brands had sought to offset its reliance on RTDs in recent years by moving into premium imported beer.

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