Spiritfruit is making moves. The ready-to-drink canned cocktail company has launched an online, direct-to-consumer (DTC) store on Shopify.
“We have some juicy news!” the company blasted on social media. “You can now order Spiritfruit online and have it shipped right to your door! Check out our Spiritfruit shop and stock up on your favorite flavors today!”
Based in New England, Spiritfruit makes all-natural canned vodka sodas featuring a splash of real fruit juice. The vodka sodas are available in four flavors: Blackberry, Clementine, Cranberry Lime, and Grapefruit. The cocktails are packaged in 12 ounce standard shape cans, contain 110 calories, and are 5% ABV.
The company last month named Jeff Glennon as COO. Glennon oversees Spiritfruit sales operations in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Eventually he will also be responsible for sales and distribution efforts in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Glennon was previously COO at Night Shift Distributing in Boston.
“The opportunity to join an effort centered around a better-quality product and led by a founder with a clear vision is very exciting,” said Glennon of company founder Caitlin Morris.
Rather than using chemicals to extend shelf stability or disguise certain flavors, the company uses a proprietary pasteurization process to preserve the taste of its ingredients. Spiritfruit also boasts more than 4% more fruit than the average vodka soda on the market.
Shopify for Alcohol Sales
The vodka based RTDs sell for $29.98 per 8 pack of a flavor on its Shopify account, and a variety 8-pack is expected. As of today, consumers can purchase Clementine, Blackberry, Cranberry Lime, and Grapefruit flavors in increments of 8, 16, 24, or 48 cans. When purchases are made of 16 cans, Shopify programming automatically reduces shipping costs by 50%. If 24 cans are purchased, shipping goes to $0.
Selling alcoholic beverages is specifically allowed by Shopify (NYSE: SHOP). The ecommerce giant does have a list of prohibited products, which include nutraceuticals, kratom, drug paraphernalia, and a long list of high risk services, schemes, and offensive activities. According to the company, however, each application for alcohol sales is manually reviewed for compliance with its online requirements.
For example, producers of hard seltzers and RTDs need provide proof of liquor license, and the online store must employ an age verification
feature and disclaimer(s). Age verification is conveniently accomplished by partner app plugins for Shopify sites.
While it’s still a fluid situation, with no uniform guidelines per beverage type, Shopify provides a process for contacting Support Advisors for more information and paths to obtain state-by-state requirements.
There’s no exact guideline to follow as of yet, however, after you apply to join the gateway our Support Advisors or the Shopify Payments team can take a closer look into this with you. They’ll be able to list the exact requirements you need to follow or submit as every location and store is different.
Design and Inspiration of an RTD Cocktail Brand
Spiritfruit recently shifted packaging to a new can design. The beautifully minimalistic cans feature a splash of color on the bottom, with a line drawing of the fruit flavor on top. Existing inventory of the previous packaging is still being turned.
Since Spiritfruit vodka sodas contain real fruit extracts, the liquid has a hint of natural color as a result.
Spiritfruit is the brainchild of founder Caitlin Morris, who is “on a mission to deliver a clean and refreshing drinking experience that doesn’t compromise on taste.”
“The inspiration for Spiritfruit came to us while socializing with friends and family at our hometown beach in Duxbury, Massachusetts,” said Morris.
“We realized there was no easy way to bring our favorite drink with us to the beach and we were tired of settling for fake tasting or sugary alternatives.” Morris found the solution in premium vodka, lightly carbonated water, and real fruit juice plus other natural flavors – and put it in a conveniently portable can, perfect for beach parties.
A Dartmouth graduate, Morris left her full-time, corporate job to help make the Spiritfruit dream a reality. She is now a female founder and CEO making waves in a traditionally male dominated industry.
Spiritfruit is part of the growing trend of beverage companies boasting a clean label.
In addition to its DTC offering, Spiritfruit is also available for sale at Trader Joe’s, Market Basket, and other retail locations across the east coast and into the midwest. The company hopes to continue expanding its in store presence into 2021. It is currently available in store, online, or both in 43 states.
Who needs a spirit animal when you can have a Spiritfruit instead?
- Molson Coors Increases NA Foothold with La Colombe Coffee - September 15, 2021
- Half Time Beverage Adds Seltzer and Canned Cocktails Gift Packs - September 14, 2021
- Coming Soon: Great Lakes Agave Twist Ranch Water - September 13, 2021
