A limited-edition Banks beer can was released on Thursday to coincide with the island’s Independence celebrations and We Gatherin’ initiative, with Banks Breweries Ltd, describing the release as a patriotic collector’s item intended to evoke patriotism and cultural identity.
The specially designed can was launched in a brief ceremony at the company’s Newton Industrial Estate, Christ Church plant, where Marketing Manager of SLU Beverages Ltd, Janelle Germain, revealed the product, which she said has been months in the making.
“We’re very excited to have finally launched our We Gatherin’ can. It is an initiative we’ve been working on for the last, I would say, six to seven months,” she said. “The intention was really to commemorate We Gatherin’ in a big way, in a momentous way, for an iconic brand like Banks.”
The design incorporates visual symbols associated with national identity, including the We Gatherin’ logo, the Broken Trident, and other subtle references to Barbadian culture. A key feature, she stressed, was ensuring the national colours were represented prominently.
“One thing we definitely wanted to do was incorporate the Barbadian colours. So, as you can see, we have the can blue, Banks is normally synonymous with red, and we’ve incorporated the gold to signify the elements of the flag as well.”
The launch is also aimed at reconnecting members of the diaspora returning home for the We Gatherin’ initiative, which encourages Barbadians abroad to visit the island, celebrate heritage, and support national events throughout the year.
“The intention is that persons abroad coming into Barbados to be part of the We Gatherin’ celebrations really see this as a collector’s item and feel a sense of strong pride, unity and connection to the Barbadian brand,” Germain added. “Just a can alone representing your Barbadian flag colours is synonymous with true identity, true empowerment, true Barbadian culture.”
She encouraged the public to embrace the release, noting that Banks remains deeply tied to national tradition.
“I encourage all Barbadians, as you see this can, you know, try it. Banks is a very premium product; it’s a very iconic brand to what Barbadians stand for. When you think of beer and you think of Barbados, only one brand comes to mind, and that’s Banks. Which is why we decided to really take this initiative and pioneer this limited-edition can.”
The commemorative Banks We Gatherin’ beer is expected to be in stores early next week, pending final adjustments to pricing.
Germain said: “The intention is for the product to go to market early next week, and we’re trying to get the price points very competitive,e where you know every Barbadian can have access to the can. We’re just trying to finalise a few kinks in terms of pricing now.”
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