Malibu to launch RTDs with Dole
Pernod Ricard-owned Malibu has joined forces with juice producer Dole on a range of canned cocktails, which will be released early next year.
The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails will comprise four flavours, each made with a mix of Malibu’s rum-based coconut liqueur and Dole’s pineapple juice.
The lineup includes Pineapple, Pineapple Mango, Pineapple Strawberry, and Pineapple Dragon Fruit – each packaged in 355ml cans. Pineapple, and Pineapple Mango will also be available in large format (540ml).
The cocktails are all canned at 4.5% ABV and are slated to debut in the US in early 2026.
The collaboration is inspired by the pairing of Malibu and Dole pineapple juice, which Malibu noted is ‘the number one way’ people enjoy the brand (based on IWSR 2023 data).
Natalie Accari, division vice-president, general manager, RTD and convenience, Pernod Ricard USA, said: “Malibu and Dole have had a long-standing relationship and have been enjoyed together by our consumers in bars and homes across the country for many years.
“This innovation takes our consumers’ favourite serve and makes it even more accessible in a convenient format.”
The canned cocktails contain just 130 calories. Alongside their main ingredients, they are made with sparkling water and natural flavours, while being free from artificial sweeteners or colours.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new collaboration with Malibu,” added Elisabeth Morris, director, brand and licensing at Dole Food Company. “Both brands are leaders in their category and bringing them together in a highly desirable and convenient format will only enhance the consumer experience year-round.”
Malibu said the collaboration follows on from its ‘Clock Off’ campaign, which launched earlier this year starring Succession actor Brian Cox. The campaign highlighted the importance of work-life balance.
The Dole crossover sees Malibu join a growing list of spirits brands that have teamed up with a large-scale non-alcoholic drinks company to produce an RTD; including Captain Morgan with Pepsi, Absolut with Ocean Spray and Sprite; and Bacardí and Jack Daniel’s with Coca-Cola.
Schweppes also entered the mix this year with two canned alcoholic offerings.
Spirits-based RTDs have now surpassed US$2.7 billion in the US off-premise, while volumes of RTDs cocktails/long drinks are expected to shoot up to 400% in the States by 2029.
Related news
