Red Stripe Mango named breakthrough product of the year

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Red Stripe Flavours Mango has been named Breakthrough Product of the Year 2025 at the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) Manufacturing and Export Awards. In a press release on Tuesday, the company said the award recognises the product’s innovation, market impact and strategic success following its launch in July 2025. Red Stripe Mango was developed in response to consumer demand for greater variety in the beer category, particularly among drinkers seeking lighter, more flavour-forward options. Research conducted by the company identified a gap in the local market, where mango-flavoured beer was not available despite the fruit’s popularity and cultural significance in Jamaica. The company subsequently conducted consumer testing and product development to refine the balance of mango flavour, refreshment and drinkability before launching what it describes as Jamaica’s first mango-flavoured beer. “Launching a mango-flavoured beer meant stepping into new territory,” said Sean Wallace, head of commerce at Red Stripe. “We knew consumers were looking for greater variety, but we also knew the flavour had to feel authentic and unmistakably Jamaican. The challenge was getting the balance right, and the team’s willingness to test, learn and refine the product made that possible,” he added. Red Stripe Mango debuted at Reggae Sumfest 2025 as part of the company’s Red Stripe Flavours “The Chill Side of Life” campaign. The launch was supported by consumer activations, sampling, influencer partnerships, digital content, public relations and trade engagement. The beer’s returnable glass bottle format also forms part of the company’s RedCycling programme, through which bottles are recovered, sanitised and reused. Less than a year after its launch, the product has secured the JMEA award, marking a milestone for the company’s latest offering in Jamaica’s beer market.