Arnold Palmer Spiked Lite launches, Molson Coors’ newest entrant in flourishing FMB segment

From Molson Coors & Alex Parker:

Now it’s a foursome.

Molson Coors Beverage Company today announced the launch of Arnold Palmer Spiked Lite, a new take on the original half-iced, tea half-lemonade flavored malt beverage with just 100 calories and 2 grams of sugar per 12 ounces. It’s slated to hit shelves next month. 

Arnold Palmer Spiked Lite, which checks in 4.5% alcohol by volume, is a lighter option of the original Arnold Palmer Spiked and represents the fourth beverage in the Arnold Palmer Spiked franchise.

“When we launched Arnold Palmer Spiked nearly four years ago, we introduced drinkers to a spiked version of the classic Arnold Palmer taste, and it instantly became a fan favorite,” says Joy Ghosh, vice president of above premium beer and flavored malt beverages at Molson Coors. “In the true spirit of living a life well-played, we are giving fans of the brand a lower-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on the classic Arnold Palmer Spiked flavor they already know and love.”

Made in partnership with AriZona, Arnold Palmer Spiked Lite will be available in 12-packs of 12-ounce slim cans and 24-ounce single cans in 16 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The brand’s launch will be supported by a robust social and digital campaign, as well as retail support, Ghosh says.

Arnold Palmer Spiked Lite is the latest addition to the brand family, joining Arnie’s Spiked Iced Tea, Arnie’s Spiked Lemonade and Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half Original. Arnold Palmer Spiked has been a hit since its launch in 2018, growing dollar sales by double-digit percentage points each year since its 2018 launch, including nearly 16% between 2020 and 2021, according to IRI data.

The franchise outpaced the growing flavored malt beverage segment, which grew 11% in dollar sales between 2020 and 2021, according to IRI. The segment includes flavored beverages, hard seltzers and cider.

“Whether you’re in the back yard or on the back nine, there’s a clear consumer desire for complex and flavorful beverages like Arnold Palmer Spiked and Spiked Lite,” Ghosh says. “Numbers don’t lie, and that’s why we think Spiked Lite is a tap-in.”