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(Sharecast News) - Drinks maker Distil will shortly launch a ready-to-drink version of its RedLeg Spiced Rum product as part of a collaboration with premium soft drink, tonic and mixer brand Franklin and Sons.
Distil's new product will shortly be available through UK distributor Global Brands, while the remainder of its portfolio distribution will stay the same.
The AIM-listed group said its new beverage, mixed with Franklin and Sons' 1886 Cola and a twist of lime, "raises the bar" in the pre-mixed spirit and mixer category, which saw sales value grow 30% in the year ended 30 July.
Distil stated that rum was currently worth £367m in the UK off-trade, with spiced rum growing at just under 13% in value year-on-year, making ready-to-drink rum and cola more "on trend" than ever before.
The drink will be made available through an unnamed, major UK retailer.
Executive chairman Don Goulding said: "This new in-market brand collaboration sees RedLeg Spiced Rum continue to innovate and introduce new consumers to the brand through flavour, packaging and format development.
"We are delighted to enter this fast-growing category."
As of 1015 BST, Distil shares had rocketed ahead 15.64% to 0.95p.
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