Elevating a Brand to #3 in the Exploding RTD Market
From Shelf to Spotlight in the Canned Cocktail Boom
Challenge
In a fast-paced and saturated RTD-FMB alcoholic beverage category, Clubtails needed to break through the noise, scale visibility, and assert category leadership against a wave of rising competitors and shifting consumer preferences.
Strategy & Execution
Developed and executed a multi-channel growth strategy that expanded Clubtails’ distribution to over 90,000 retail locations nationwide, spanning convenience stores, grocery, and mass channels
Managed an 8-figure marketing budget, optimizing spend across digital, retail, and experiential channels to maximize ROAS and campaign effectiveness.
Used Forged high-impact partnerships with the NHL, NBA, and NCAA, driving trial and brand affinity during key consumer moments.
Implemented a robust digital marketing strategy including paid media, programmatic, SEO/SEM, and retargeting fueling brand discovery and purchase intent.
Activated influencer and content creator collaborations to boost relevance, reach, and user-generated content.
Launched shopper marketing and retail media campaigns across major national accounts, with in-store activations, endcap displays, and full omnichannel integration.
Results
- Achieved 20% YOY unit sales growth, outperforming the category by 5X in 2024.
- Elevated Clubtails Margarita to the #1 best-selling canned cocktail in the U.S.
- Positioned Clubtails as the #3 RTD-FMB brand in America.
- Generated viral momentum and nationwide trial, leading to record-high brand recall and sell-through.
- Featured in Forbes, Bloomberg TV, and Bain & Company’s 2024 Insurgent Brands Report as a top RTD success story.
- Winner of the 2024 Hot Brand Award, recognizing explosive growth and brand impact.
