A new partnership in the ready-to-drink beverages market has been announced, with Malibu and Dole expected to enter the segment together through the launch of Malibu & Dole Ready-to-Drink Cocktails in early 2026. The move has been positioned as a strategic product expansion, with the offering being designed around a flavour combination that has already been widely recognised by consumers. A tropical blend of Malibu’s signature coconut character and Dole’s pineapple juice heritage has been brought into a pre-mixed canned format, allowing convenience and familiarity to be combined in a single product line.
It has been stated that the drinks will be crafted using real pineapple juice from Dole, sparkling water, and other natural flavours, while the product profile has been kept comparatively light. Each 12-ounce can has been reported to contain 130 calories, and it has been emphasised that no artificial sweeteners or colours will be included. This formulation appears to have been developed with current consumer expectations in mind, especially as demand has increasingly been shaped by interest in lighter, more convenient beverage choices.
The collection has been structured across two retail formats. A variety 8-pack will be introduced with four flavours: pineapple, pineapple mango, pineapple strawberry, and pineapple dragon fruit. In addition, larger 19.2-ounce single-serve cans will be released in pineapple and pineapple mango. Through this dual-format approach, both multi-pack buyers and on-the-go consumers are expected to be targeted.
The collaboration has also been supported by leadership from both companies. It was said by Natalie Accari of Pernod Ricard USA that Malibu and Dole had “had a long-standing relationship,” and it was further noted by her that the familiar serve had already been enjoyed “in bars and homes across the country.” She suggested that the new innovation had been created to make this preferred combination more accessible in a simpler and more convenient format. On behalf of Dole, Elisabeth Morris stated that the company was “thrilled” by the collaboration, and it was highlighted by her that the coming together of two category leaders in a practical format would help elevate the consumer experience throughout the year.
The launch is being viewed as another step in Malibu’s broader innovation journey within the growing RTD category. As the segment has continued to expand globally, this new collaboration is expected to strengthen Malibu’s presence while fresh interest is likely to be generated among both loyal followers and new consumers. A classic cocktail pairing has thus been reintroduced in a modern canned form, and its market entry is likely to be watched closely in 2026.