Diageo launches low-ABV alcoholic iced tea RTD across South Africa
Gordon’s enters the RTD tea category in South Africa through a national retail rollout created with rooibos iced tea maker BOS Brands.
SOUTH AFRICA – Diageo has expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio in South Africa with a new alcoholic iced tea variant linked to the Gordon’s gin brand.
The product was co-developed with BOS Brands, a South African business recognised for its rooibos-based iced tea lines.
The Gordon’s x BOS RTD, branded as Gordon’s & BOS G&Tea, has been distributed nationwide through the off-premise retail network, covering key supermarket chains, neighbourhood convenience outlets, and select non-on-trade lifestyle channels.
The drink combines Gordon’s gin with BOS’s herbal iced tea foundation. Two non-sparkling flavour profiles have been introduced: lemon paired with mint, and peach blended with rosemary.
Diageo and BOS referred to the beverages as “lower-ABV,” although the exact alcohol by volume (ABV) levels were not disclosed at launch. Industry communications characterised the releases as low-strength, non-carbonated options aimed at moderate consumption moments.
Diageo’s regional marketing lead for Convenience and Convenience Innovations covering South, West and Central Africa, Atlegang Moloko, confirmed that the collaboration was built to broaden consumer options within moderate drinking preferences.
BOS Tea CEO William Battersby also marked the launch as BOS’s largest category innovation step thus far, emphasising the company’s entry into the rising alcoholic RTD market segment under the rooibos iced tea identity.
The extension responds to evolving consumer behaviour, particularly among legally eligible Gen Z buyers and young Millennials. Brand statements highlighted that both demographics increasingly favour flavour-heavy, lifestyle-positioned RTDs aligned with shared social experiences.
The rollout in South Africa follows other RTD activity around the brand, including Gordon’s Spritz Edition, which was introduced in the UK market earlier in 2025 as part of the company’s wider innovation cycle.
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