We have world-class people and resources. Over 180 people are employed in dedicated innovation roles around the world, but innovation is also embedded within our marketing, sales and supply functions. The global team is based across our five regions while we have in market teams based in the UK, Spain, Ireland, Asia, Australia, Canada, Africa, North America, Latin America and Caribbean and many more locations. Diageo also operates Technical Research Centres in Bishops Stortford (UK), Norwalk (USA), Hong Kong and Australia which focus on driving our liquid development, packaging and technology agendas as well as running first-rate research and development programmes.
Diageo has a long history of innovation successes from the widget to Baileys Irish Cream. Examples of some of our more recent innovations include:
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Rowson's Reserve: Diageo entered the Indian made foreign liquor segment (IMFL) with the launch of Rowson's Reserve, a premium IMFL whisky. It is a blend of selected premium Indian whiskies and reserve stocks of the finest aged Scotch whisky matured in American oak casks that are mellowed to give a rich smooth finish. It has a well rounded and balanced flavour profile, with a soft, lingering aftertaste. Its distinctly superior liquid and premium packaging allows it to stand out as a premium offering. |
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Snapp: We need to offer more choices to female consumers. In Kenya, we launched Snapp.Women there told us they didn't like drinking beer, particularly in the on trade because both the packaging and the liquid were viewed as too masculine. Snapp is a premium, crisp apple tasting drink that provides women with a more stylish and sophisticated alternative to beer. |
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Captain Morgan Black: As a darker, spiced rum from Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan Black Spiced expands the brand's footprint into the bolder, more masculine whiskey occasion. The brand honours the legend of the real Captain Morgan, whose spirit is said to still roam the waters of the Caribbean today. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is best enjoyed on the rocks, but is also delicious as the key ingredient in edgy, new twists on classic cocktails, such as Henry Morgan's Old Fashioned. |
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John Walker & Sons Odyssey: Inspired by the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Sir Alexander Walker, this unique triple malt whisky commemorates the 80th anniversary of one of Sir Alexander’s most remarkable innovations – a whisky decanter that could move to match the motion of the sea. Developed using Sir Alexander’s own hand-written notes, this remarkable whisky has been carefully blended and married in European oak casks to create a drink that brings to life the House of Walker’s signature big, bold flavours, and delivers exceptional smoothness. Currently available in Asia Pacific. |
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Spirits dispense: Innovation unlocks growth in developed markets. In Ireland, for example, we have introduced new dispense technology to bring perfect cocktails to bars which do not usually serve cocktails. Smirnoff Mojito is available in over 600 Irish outlets which are now selling a total of nearly 40,000 cocktails a week. |
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Jeremiah Weed: Offering a credible, exciting new alternative to beer for British males, Jeremiah Weed Brews is a range of two products, Mash and Root Brew. The combination of an authentic AMerican brand, independent positioning, simple design and a unique jam jar serve over ice has helped deliver the masculine credibility of beer with an enjoyable taste. Jeremiah Weed has now been rolled out to 7,000 on trade outlets in Great Britain. |
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Limited edition packaging and gifting: This year's Asian Festive season gifting design was inspiring by the characteristic big, bold flavours of the Johnnie Walker brand. The packs were launched in stages, from India for Diwali and then across Asia Pacific for Chinese New Year. The eye catching limited edition gift boxes boast a beautiful design that allows each variant to stand out on shelves, with impressive and refined packaging including an embossed box and gold foiling. |