CHICAGO -- On the heels of 35% growth of its Modelo Especial Chelada in convenience stores in 2016, importer Constellation Brands will launch a line extension in March that delivers bolder flavors of the beer and tomato juice combination.
Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante is the second chelada flavor to join the Casa Modelo portfolio. It is prepared with traditional Mexican ingredients such as chipotle peppers and tamarind "to offer fans of Modelo a spicy yet sweet taste profile that embraces one of the most popular and growing flavor trends: the desire for unique, authentic flavor combinations," the company said.
"The sweet flavor of tamarind, combined with the spice of chipotle peppers, delivers a well-balanced taste that honors Modelo’s Mexican roots and provides consumers with a truly unique flavor profile unlike any other chelada beverage offering currently available,” said Ann Legan, vice president of marketing of Casa Modelo for Constellation Brands.
Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante is a blend of beer, tomato, salt and lime, along with tamarind and chipotle peppers. The result is a ready-to-serve “cerveza preparada with a spicy yet refreshingly sweet taste," the company said.
Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante is produced with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 3.3%. It will be available for a suggested price of $2.99 for a 24-ounce can at convenience stores nationwide starting March 2017.
Last year, the overall chelada category grew 7%, with Modelo’s original chelada offering, Modelo Chelada Especial, growing 35% in both dollar and volume sales in convenience stores, according to IRI data.
Chicago-based Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the United States with high-end imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico.
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