James Ross Consulting partnered with the client to develop a sophisticated new packaging format, streamline production, and implement an NPD framework that continues to accelerate product launches across their portfolio.
Proximo Spirits produces a range of premium beverages for North American and global markets, including Three Olives Vodka, Boodles Gin, Tin Cup Colorado Whiskey, Kraken Rum, and 1800 Tequila.
Following its acquisition of the Three Olives brand, Proximo wanted to reposition the product from a mass-market “party drink” to a refined, aspirational vodka aimed at a more mature audience. The previous packaging featured brightly colored closures, frosted glass, and screen-printed artwork — inconsistent with the new brand direction.
The brand also presented significant operational complexity: 52 flavors, four bottle sizes, and multiple packaging formats. Integration into Proximo’s existing production facility demanded precise coordination between design, engineering, and operations.
The project’s dual objective was to deliver a premium new pack while reengineering the NPD process to enable faster, more efficient innovation across the business.
Key challenges included:
James Ross Consulting worked alongside Proximo’s design partner (Stranger & Stranger) and internal teams to integrate creativity with technical precision.
We supported the creation of a new premium packaging suite featuring a ribbed glass bottle, self-adhesive labels, and a custom closure system. The team developed qualification procedures to validate the new bottle design, ensuring durability at the shoulder — a key stress point introduced by the ribbed structure.
To improve speed to market, we led a full NPD process review covering:
Innovation and marketing alignment – defining launch goals, priorities, and timelines.
Procurement and vendor capability mapping – evaluating suppliers for scalability, quality, and lead-time performance.
Plant capacity and performance review – analyzing centerline ranges, bottlenecks, and cost drivers.
Supply chain and logistics assessment – modeling demand profiles and finished-goods formats for efficiency.
Financial linkage – reviewing cost-allocation models to clarify how supply chain choices affected product margins.
We created complexity maps to visualize how flavor or size variations impacted project risk, investment, and production efficiency.
The Three Olives Vodka relaunch achieved its goals — a premium design delivered within tight launch schedules, underpinned by new standards and documentation that now guide all subsequent innovation.
Key outcomes included:
By combining packaging expertise with end-to-end process improvement, James Ross Consulting helped Proximo Spirits relaunch a flagship brand and create a repeatable model for packaging innovation. The result: faster, more reliable product development and a scalable framework for future growth.
Let’s talk about your next project. Complete the form below and one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss how we can help.
