Club Kokomo Spirits, a premium cocktail brand, is now available to consumers for online purchase in 34 states thanks to an e-commerce investment.
By leveraging online storefront and fulfillment capabilities through Speakeasy Co., Club Kokomo is able to expand access for consumers while remaining three-tier compliant. Additionally, the company will be investing in the platform’s digital marketing services to further grow brand visibility.
The distribution and marketing partnership marks significant growth for the California-based company, launched in October 2022 by Mike Love, co-founder of the Beach Boys.
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Love said in a statement that the solution’s technical know-how will help Club Kokomo scale and reach a national audience.
"We share their commitment to bringing world class beverage experiences to so many, and we can't wait to see our fans make new memories with the spirit of Kokomo brought right to their doorstep,” added Love.
Club Kokomo first launched last year with four canned cocktails (three rum-based and one gin-based), produced by subsidiary and small-batch distillery Seven Cave Spirits. The company was announced in Spring 2022 during The Beach Boys cruise, and its products have been available in brick-and-mortar stores across San Diego, as well as online in California.
The spirits category has exploded in popularity in recent years. According to Grand View Research, the North American spirits market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% between 2021 and 2028. Premium products have been driving this growth, prompted by a surge in unique flavor and product launches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ready-to-drink (RTD) subset, in particular, was showing steady growth, but may now be slowing down according to drink market analysis company IWSR. The research company found that after seven consecutive years of volume gains, the RTD category saw a slower growth rate in 2022 (+1%). Malt-based hard seltzers have slown down, but spirit-based RTDs like hard teas and FABs are still showing momentum.
Major consumer goods companies have leaned into the space in recent years. For example, last year, the Coca-Cola Company moved deeper into the RTD alcohol beverage market by partnering with Brown-Forman to launch a pre-mixed Jack & Coke cocktail. Also launched last year, Pernod Ricard’s Jameson Irish Whiskey brand celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Jameson Ginger & Lime, an RTD cocktail made with Irish whiskey.
