'First luxury Mediterranean vodka ' is all about the look
27 August, 2008
           
Page 20 
Brand
Akvinta
Critique by
Angela Pirrie, director
Charteredbrands
Product
There seems to be an endless stream    of new products when it comes to  vodka, each one claiming its own uniqueness with  increasingly contrived propositions.  Akvinta's claim  is that it 
was  the first Mediterranean Luxury vodka.  Made from Italian wheat and Croatian water, this super -premium vodka is the brainchild of Croatian company, Adriatic Distillers. 
Packaging
Vodka has been presented in all shapes and sizes, and the new Akvinta is not ostentatious or elaborate like some, but has won numerous awards for its style all the same. The wine -shaped bottle is no different from Grey Goose  or Citadelle, but its  clarity sets it apart, made of "a special kind of crysta l-clear glass".  The overall look has artisan  qualities with a contemporary twist.
Positioning
Akvinta prides itself on its taste and positions itself as the connoisseur's  choice. The website encourages consumers to drink vodka neat to appreciate the subtleties in taste of the spirit, enjoying  it  as you would a fine wine. Product differentiation lies in the rather extravagant, quintuple -filtration process where the spirit passes through  five natural elements: charcoal, marble, silver, gold and platinum. The brand positioning is followed through in the  name, which is built around the product's key attributes  of purity of water , the association with wine and the quintuple filtration  -  aqua,  vinum and  quinta.
Pricing
Akvinta is indeed a luxury vodka at £35 per 70cl bottle. The pricing is on a par with the boutique brands and designer creations of the category. Each time a new  premium vodka is launched the pricing boundary is challenged in terms of what consumers are willing to pay for  it.
Marketing
In the UK Akvinta has targeted the  on -trade, attending various trade shows and hosting "pleasure parties". It has won various awards for its packaging design, but  hasn't performed so well on taste. For a brand that believes itself to be the "best -tasting pure vodka in the world", the quality of the liquid must be able to deliver  to expectations. 
Overall
Since its launch in early 2007, the brand has proven popular in its home country. However, whil e vodka is the most popular spirit in the UK, Akvinta's sophisticated proposition will restrict its appeal. The size of the market opportunity with such price and positioning is limited. The tenuous connection with wine is not the most compelling idea, although it does challenge consumers' perceptions of vodka. Akvinta may be the first Mediterranean luxury vodka , but are   any more likely to follow?