The News
Casalú, a sparkling rum-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage, announced a distribution partnership with Eagle Brands, a top beer wholesaler in South Florida. The deal was announced on April 29, 2026, and includes Casalú's Sparkling Rum RTD offerings such as Limón, Mandarina, Té con Durazno, and Moscow Mule. The product is available in an 8-pack variety pack with a suggested retail price of $18.99.
Today I’m looking at a partnership that may alter how distributors in South Florida approach Latino‑driven RTDs. Casalú’s rum‑based ready‑to‑drink is paired with Eagle Brands’ expansive wholesale network, targeting a segment where Latino consumers have been historically underserved.
The press release describes Casalú as tailored for Latino audiences, yet only 12 % of RTDs are purchased by Latinos—about one in eight—despite that group representing roughly 20 % of the U.S. population. The RTD market’s growth slowed to a 4.1 % CAGR in 2025, underscoring a maturing category where niche positioning can deliver real upside.
Eagle Brands’ footprint covers more than 9,000 retail accounts across South Florida, giving Casalú immediate access to an extensive distribution network and reducing the typical ramp‑up time new brands face in the region.
The release lists an $18.99 MSRP for an 8‑pack of Casalú’s sparkling rum, which works out to about $2.37 per can. Compared with the median RTD price range of roughly $1.80–$2.00 per can, Casalú sits at the premium end.
Distributors need to monitor depletions and align inventory with Casalú’s premium positioning. Retailers might slot it alongside high‑end spirits rather than in mainstream RTD aisles. Bars could feature the brand as a cocktail base or an elevated pre‑mixed option for patrons seeking something distinct from typical vodka‑based RTDs.
Because the launch is exclusive to South Florida, competitors will watch how quickly Casalú gains shelf space and consumer attention. Retailers should consider placing the brand in premium sections to match its pricing.
Original Press Release
The Sparkling Rum RTD Enters Growth Stage Through Partnership with One of the Top Beer Distributors
MIAMI, FL. April 29, 2026 — Casalú, the rum-based RTD redefining what a “beer alternative” looks like for the Latino consumer, today announced a distribution partnership with Eagle Brands, naming them its exclusive distributor for South Florida.
“I don't need another brand competing for the same consumer the vodka-based RTD segment already owns. I need a brand that brings in consumers who aren't buying RTDs at all right now. That's exactly what Casalú does,” said George Halper, Eagle's General Partner.
Casalú is built on a simple insight: the fastest-growing consumer group in the U.S. isn’t being served by RTDs. Latinos drink a lot of beer—but they’re not buying canned cocktails at the same rate. Not because they don’t want to, but because nothing out there really speaks to them. Casalú was created to solve for that—with a drink made with Latino culture at its core. Current offerings include Limón (Lemon-Lime), Mandarina (Tangerine), Té con Durazno (Peach Tea), and Moscow Mule (Ginger), offered in an 8-pack variety pack (18.99 SRP) and singles.
“This is about unlocking the consumer that the RTD category has ignored,” said Gabriel Gonzalez, Casalú co-founder. “One in four Gen Z consumers is Latino. But they haven’t adopted RTDs like everyone else. That’s the gap. Casalú is built for them. And there’s no better partner to do it in our home market than Eagle Brands.”
The partnership with Eagle Brands marks a critical step in executing that vision. As one of the leading Anheuser-Busch distributors in the country, Eagle brings scale, service, and execution at the account level.
“We're putting real resources behind Casalú in South Florida because the opportunity is obvious. Any distributor in a Latino-heavy market should have Casalú on their radar,” said George Halper, Eagle's General Partner.
South Florida serves as Casalú’s first territory with an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler. They are approaching it with a playbook focused on retail execution, targeted distribution, and high-frequency sampling to drive trial and conversion.
Halper recalls, “Ricardo, Gabriel, and Andres impressed me. This team didn't show up guessing. They had a sharp distribution plan. They understood the consumer, the whitespace, and how to work with a wholesaler like us. That's very rare for an emerging brand.”
The company plans to scale this model into other high-density Latino markets including Texas, California, Georgia, Illinois, and more. “South Florida is just the start,” said Ricardo Sucre, Casalú co-founder. “Look at Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance, or Karol G headlining Coachella…Latino culture is pop-culture, and we need a brand that represents it. Casalú is that brand and we want to work with partners like Eagle who truly believe in this opportunity.”
Eagle Brands services more than 9,000 retail accounts across South Florida, spanning both on-premise and off-premise channels. The partnership positions Casalú to accelerate distribution, increase consumer trial, and establish itself as a leading beer alternative for a rapidly growing and influential consumer base.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Inside Floridas Liquor Distributor Landscape
- Major U S Wine Spirits Distributor Acquiring Eagle Rock Distributing…
- Wholesale Distributor Employees Notice Pending Sale
Source: BevNET