Anheuser-Busch has applied for a federal trademark for the word "Pomacai," which it describes as a vodka. A company spokeswoman says A-B doesn't comment "on products that may or may not be in
development." Industry observers say A-B would likely test a product in limited markets to evaluate its prospects before jumping into a national rollout.
The application for a
trademark for "Pomacai" might mean A-B is exploring a fruit-flavored vodka involving pomegranate and açaí, a fruit native to South America, says Mark Swartzberg, an analyst with Stifel
Nicolaus. When "you look at what vodkas are growing, not only are they the Grey Goose and Ketel Ones, but the ones that have flavor," he says.
In 2005, Anheuser formed a separate
division, Long Tail Libations Inc., to develop, test and market distilled spirits. The unit has test-marketed its first product, a liqueur called Jekyll & Hyde, in more than 50 markets. Anheuser also
began distributing Ku Soju--a vodka-like product distilled from sweet potatoes and made by a South Korean company--in seven test markets last year.
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