Pan-European distiller Stock Spirits Group, has ventured into the aperitif category with the launch of Limoncè Aperitivo, a lower-abv citrus-based drink.
The 14.8% abv product, made from Sicilian femminello lemons, is being produced at the company’s Franciacorta distillery in Lombardy, Italy, and bottled by a local third-party business.
Stock Spirits already owns and produces a Limoncè limoncello liqueur at 25% abv.
Limoncè Aperitivo will be launched in seven European markets over the next eight weeks, the company told Just Drinks. These are France, Germany, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Balkans, and Slovakia.
In a separate statement, Stock Spirits said this launch was supported by a “multi-million-euro investment” and marks one of its “most significant launches to date”.
CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures said the move was “a bold step forwards in our ambition to become the leading mainstream sprits company in Europe by 2027.
“This product strengthens our entrance into the dynamic aperitivo category and reflects how we are innovating our product portfolio to meet changing consumer demands while continuing to drive growth across our key markets.”
When asked by Just Drinks why the company had decided to enter aperitifs now, the group said it was due to the popularity of the category in Italy, where it generates nearly €6bn ($6.48bn) a year.
Key trends driving the launch, the Warsaw, Poland-headquartered company added, include evolving consumption habits, with 50% of aperitifs in Italy now consumed during the day.
The growing preference for lower-alcohol options is also a factor, along with aperitifs’ cultural significance in Italy.
While specific retail and hospitality placements have not yet been disclosed, Stock Spirits said it planned to announce local market listings soon.
On price, the Stock 84 brandy and Żołądkowa vodka producer said it was dependent on the market but that it expected the products “to be in line with other aperitifs”.
In June last year, Stock Spirits expanded into the non-alcoholic spirits segment with a 0% ABV gin-style product under the Finsbury brand.
