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Pernod to launch ‘connected cocktail library’
Pernod Ricard’s Breakthrough Innovation Group (BIG) is seeking to “transform” at-home cocktail culture with its “connected cocktail library” system Opn, set to launch in early 2018.
Initially unveiled in 2014 with the working title Project Gutenberg, Opn allows at-home users to serve cocktails from customised recipes, adapted for available ingredients, in line with the developing ‘smart home’ trend.
Opn comprises a “four-pillar system”: “space-optimised” cartridges, designed to hold the standard 70cl of spirit; a tray which houses and connects with the cartridges; the Opn app which details recipes, places cartridge orders and can design event invitations; and the Opn website which features editorial content about hosting at home.
By using the Opn system, consumers can use and customise hundreds of cocktail recipes, learn and develop cocktail-making skills, manage shopping lists, order ingredients, create calendars and manage social events in the home.
Opn will be previewed at the CES consumer technology trade show in Las Vegas from 5-8 January 2017.
“We are utterly committed to developing the future of entertaining at home: an experience that is connected, engaging, tailored and responsible,” says Alain Dufossé, Pernod Ricard’s BIG managing director.
“With Opn, our goal is to make it easier to enjoy meaningful moments of convivialité at home.”
Over the next 12 months, the BIG team will continue to develop the system based on the results of ongoing trials with 200 consumers.
“Since November 2016, we have been meeting consumers in five European cities and the feedback is clear: Opn provides simplicity, great cocktails and great moments with your friends and family,” Dufossé continued.
“Opn is redefining relationships between the user and product, creating a whole new range of experiences. Its potential is tremendous”.
The Opn concept is one of the four accelerators of the Pernod Ricard business model, alongside portfolio development, digital acceleration, and premiumisation and luxury.
According to Pernod Ricard, innovation contributes to the Group’s top-line growth, delivering 1% of incremental gains.