Global Brands targets spritz and liqueur growth
Global Brands has unveiled two new liqueur launches — Asuki and Nottari Sambuca — as the company looks to capitalise on emerging flavour trends and expand into new spirits categories across the on-trade.
The launches reflect growing demand for distinctive flavour cues, lower-ABV cocktail serves and premium aperitivo experiences, with operators seeking new products to drive consumer interest and incremental sales.
Japanese-inspired Asuki taps Asian flavour trend
The newly launched Asuki range has been designed as a Japanese-inspired liqueur aimed at the modern aperitivo and spritz occasion. The range launches with two 17% ABV variants — Yuzu Citrus and Cherry Blossom — targeting bars and venues seeking flavour-led cocktail ingredients.
According to Global Brands, the concept was developed to align with growing consumer demand for Asian flavour influences and lower-strength serves, alongside the continued expansion of cocktail culture in the on-trade.
The Yuzu Citrus variant delivers bright citrus notes suited to spritz and long serves, while Cherry Blossom offers floral sweetness designed for highballs and martini-style cocktails.
The launch also responds to broader category momentum. Asian flavours in the UK drinks market are valued at £14.6m and growing at more than 26%, with ingredients such as yuzu increasingly appearing across both bar menus and FMCG innovation.
Global Brands said the range aims to provide operators with a versatile liqueur that supports multiple drinking occasions, from daytime aperitivo to evening cocktails.
New sambuca marks expansion into Italian liqueurs
Alongside Asuki, Global Brands has entered the sambuca category with the launch of Nottari Sambuca, marking the company’s first move into the segment.
The Italian-style liqueur will debut with two SKUs — Nottari Bianca, a clear sambuca, and Nottari Black, a darker variant — targeting pubs, bars and late-night venues seeking new options within the popular after-dinner shot and cocktail category.
The brand is scheduled to launch at the Northern Restaurant & Bar 2026 trade event, where the company plans to introduce the range to hospitality buyers and operators.
Innovation driven by flavour exploration
Together, the launches underline how drinks producers are expanding portfolios around flavour-forward liqueurs and cocktail versatility as consumers seek new drinking experiences.
For manufacturers and brand owners, the strategy highlights the continued importance of global flavour inspiration and occasion-based product design — particularly around spritz serves, aperitivo moments and premium shot occasions.
With Asian-inspired flavours gaining traction and established categories such as sambuca still performing strongly in the on-trade, Global Brands’ dual launch signals how producers are diversifying portfolios to capture both emerging flavour trends and established consumption rituals.
