Pernod Ricard has delayed the launch of its Opn home cocktail maker until the first half of next year.
The Opn device was intially called Project Gutenburg because of its resemblance to a bookshelf
The internet-connected cocktail device, first unveiled in 2014, was due to appear at the start of this year. However, Pernod confirmed to just-drinks today that the Opn will now roll out sometime during the first six months of 2019.
The company did not give a reason for the revised launch date.
Described by Pernod as "hometainment", Opn features 7cl cartridges containing spirit brands from the group's portfolio including Absolut vodka and Beefeater gin. The cartridges are housed in a docking station that can dispense measures and monitor when the contents are running low, allowing refills to be ordered automatically online. The station also connects to Opn's central operating system to suggest to users what cocktails can be made - from a database of 300 - from the spirits available.
Since Pernod introduced Opn in 2014 - then called Project Gutenburg because of the platform's resemblance to a bookshelf - at-home entertainment has become a bigger focus of global spirits companies. Diageo called 2017 "the year of home-consumption" in a report that highlighted digital technology and smartphone apps that can turn residences into entertainment venues.
Continuing its focus on home-consumption, Pernod this week announced a partnership with US delivery company Cocktail Couriers. Consumers can order cocktail kits that supply everything they need for home mixology.
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Sectors: Spirits
Companies: Pernod Ricard
