Ready-to-Freeze (RTF) alcohol ice pops, lollies and frozen cocktails are predicted to be the next big trend in drinks following the union of two companies that specialise in both drinks and ice.
A statement of intent came when drinks and brand development company Iconic Brands, acquired ready-to-freeze- alcohol ice pop company TopPop. The company unveiled that “the growth in demand for different ways to consume alcohol” as well as “an increasing variety in ways alcoholic beverages are consumed” has directly led to the acquisition.
“In 2020, I began looking for a possible ice pop project for Iconic, which led me to TopPop. We believed adult ice pops and RTF were going to be a massive category in the future,” said Richard DeCicco, president and chairman of the board of directors of Iconic Brands.
Iconic Brands highlighted that the combined company will boost product offerings and strengthen its foothold in the fast-growing RTF marketplace. DeCicco revealed that the plan will also be for the TopPop arm to expand by adding a 64,000 sq. ft. facility and has already ordered £2.55m of manufacturing equipment to help the newly-merged company meet growing demand for adult alcohol ice pop products and cocktail pouches.
Tom Martin, co-founder and COO of TopPop, added: “We expect the merger of our companies to be a game-changer as it allows us to combine our unique capabilities. We provide the manufacturing expertise and capabilities while Iconic provides high-level branding and marketing. It truly feels like a symbiotic relationship, and we are eager to blend the companies and provide the best products and services. We are moving quickly as demand is growing rapidly, and we are expanding to keep up with it.”
RTF adult ice pops are a fast-growing segment in the alcohol beverage industry and have grown in popularity. According to Grand View Research, the global ready-to-drink cocktails market size was valued at £521m in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2021 to 2028.
