PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
Barts is the first hard seltzer developed entirely in Croatia. What exactly is implied by the beverage category ‘hard seltzer’? A hard seltzer or alcoholic sparkling water is a type of beverage developed as sparkling water with the addition of natural aromas and a low alcohol content obtained from sugar cane. Seltzers have gained enormous popularity in the US in the previous two years and all major beverage producers have at least one brand in this new category as part of their portfolio. The formula for Barts, our very own hard seltzer, was developed in our modern research and development laboratory.
What are the ingredients of Barts? Is there a secret formula? We invest our knowledge, experience and creativity in the development of each individual formula, and the same goes for Barts. The formula is the result of our know-how, so to speak, and we take pride in it. The formula is a secret and we cannot disclose it. The development of a new product is a complex process, and it takes at least a year and a half to turn an idea into a product that is ready for production and to find its way to consumers. How challenging was it to develop this beverage?
The work on our hard seltzer was especially challenging, as we wanted to create a low- calorie product containing only natural ingredients. The development process was also completely different compared to all the previous ones as the product is based on sparkling water with a very low alcohol content and natural aromas – a product we never developed before. We combined the aromas, base, alcohol content and water until achieving the perfect flavour, a market-ready, stable and quality product. The water itself, its quality and composition are very important elements that make a difference. Product stability and quality is a must, and this is equally important to consumers, who want to know what is contained in the product they consume.
Barts is made from natural ingredients and is low in calories. How different is it from other hard seltzers? We keep following global trends and staying in the know on everything that is currently
happening in the beverages industry, while also coming up with new ways of providing our consumers with fresh ideas and products that reflect our innovation and creativity. Our hard seltzer is exclusively made from natural ingredients, with a 4% alcohol content from fermented sugar cane – it contains only 29kcal per 100ml and has a mild and refreshing taste. Similar characteristics are shared by the majority of the most popular hard seltzers in the US, which served as an inspiration for making our own product. Thanks to all of this, we are sure that our product, which is available in two flavours – lime-lemon-ginger and cranberry – can keep up with other quality hard seltzers coming from the global market.
Why did you opt for such a business venture in these times challenged by the global coronavirus pandemic?
It is true that the times in which we are living and doing business are very turbulent and challenging, but we have to come up with a way to move forward. Despite everything we faced, we had already offered innovations the previous year and the results gave us the stimulus to continue in the same direction. We want to continue being the best at what we do. We want to offer top products to our consumers and surprise them again by making something new and innovative. By introducing hard seltzer on to the domestic market, Jamnica, a leading mineral water manufacturer, will spread its portfolio and business into a completely new beverage category. I believe that the potential is great because the category has not previously existed in our market. Our consumers like novelties and with this category we can show our readiness to create something new, beyond the routine and expected.
Jamnica is behind the development of the Barts beverage – from the formula to the and the brand identity. Product development, especially if starting from scratch, is a real multidisciplinary project. The product concept is agreed in co-operation with the marketing team and the research and development team. The concept was preceded by research on consumer habits, as well as monitoring global trends, continuing with research into local legislation and drafting the
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