ecoSPIRITS USA Activates First Two ecoPLANTs in Florida and California

MIAMI 15 December 2022 ecoSPIRITS USA, the United States operating partner of ecoSPIRITS, has announced the locations of its first ecoPLANTs in the United States, which will be managed in partnership with well-regarded distilled spirits plant (DSP) operators Mango Bottling in Florida and Chareau in Southern California. Both new partners join ecoSPIRITS’ growing network of ecoPLANT hosts around the world, playing a critical role in the launch and scaling of closed loop spirits and wine service. ecoSPIRITS USA now has plans to bring additional ecoPLANTs online in the United States in the second half of 2023. The news also paves the way for the launch of closed loop ecoTOTE service in both California and Florida next month.

Chareau creates plant-based spirits made using local California ingredients.

ecoPLANT No. 032 is based at Mango Bottling in the Cocoa Beach area, Florida.

ecoSPIRITS global closed loop network is anchored by its proprietary ecoPLANT technology, which are semi-automated, containerised spirits and wine processing plants. The containerised design provides a highly scalable modular solution for geographically distributed spirits and wine processing. To improve the safety and efficiency of ecoPLANT operations, ecoSPIRITS looks to partner with experienced local operators, often leading distilleries, or bonded warehouse companies, to host each ecoPLANT. Hosts provide licensed premises for the ecoPLANT site, as well as experienced production staffing and quality control systems.

The ecoPLANT is a semi-automated, containerised spirits and wine processing plant.

Mango Bottling, which is located north of Miami in the Cocoa Beach area, Florida, has commenced operations of ecoPLANT No. 032, which is an ecoPLANT 2.0W model capable of processing both spirits and wine and will provide service to both South Florida and the duty-free hub in Miami port. Perfectly located to service the fast-growing Southern Florida region, including Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, ecoPLANT No. 032, is also near the Miami headquarters of ecoSPIRITS USA, which is a joint venture between Park Street Technology Ventures and the Edmund Pillsbury family. Mango Bottling started as a producer of spirit-based brands and later, in 1995, it extended its services into contract bottling. It now works with both new and established brands and all sizes of spirit-based products.

ecoPLANT No. 032 will service the Southern Florida region, including Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

Drayton Sproull, President of Mango Bottling (centre) - pictured here with Dan Holmes, Sales Director (left) and Jared Shammah, COO (right)

My vision for Mango is utilizing our team’s strengths to modernize the manufacturing production facility while preserving the goal of creating efficiencies, decreasing waste, and ultimately reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Our executive team members, Jared Shammah, Mango’s COO, and Dan Holmes, our Sales Director, are also delighted to partner with ecoSPIRITS USA to support environmentally sound products for our customers and the alcoholic beverage market.

Chareau’s spirits facility is located north of Los Angeles in Ventura County, California. As part of the new partnership, ecoPLANT No. 031, which is also an ecoPLANT 2.0W model, is hosted in a dedicated production and warehouse facility to be operated by Chareau staff, who will be trained and supported by ecoSPIRITS’ global Closed Loop Operations team. The Chareau brand and business is the brainchild of Kurt Charron, who was inspired by the rich agriculture and natural beauty of California. Chareau spirits are designed to be made as naturally as possible from plant-based ingredients. Chareau is also a social purpose company, which means it cares about the wellness of its staff, customers, and the community at large. These attributes of caring for both the environment and those who interact with the business make Chareau an exceptional fit for ecoSPIRITS and its mission to end single use glass in the spirits and wine industry. ecoPLANT No. 031 will offer closed loop ecoTOTE service to Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

The California-based ecoPLANT No. 031 will service the Southern California region, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and select venues in San Francisco.

Kurt Charron, Founder & CEO, Chareau

We are excited to join ecoSPIRITS on their global mission to eliminate single use packaging waste and significantly reduce carbon emissions in the spirits industry. We formed our company as a Social Purpose Corporation to not only make the best quality spirits, but also to operate with intention, increase our sustainability efforts and make a difference in the world. We are proud to partner with a company operating with a similar ethos.

Zdenek Kastanek, Managing Director, ecoSPIRITS USA

“The U.S. market has now shown that it is ready to embrace the low carbon revolution on a much greater scale than we expected. We have an exceptional group of brands, distributors and hospitality operators committed to join our Climate Partner Program here in the U.S. Our launches in California and Florida, and our partnerships with Mango Bottling and Chareau, are the perfect first step in the world’s most exciting market for circular spirits and wine.

Bob Syihabuddin, Head of Closed Loop Operations, ecoSPIRITS

Our fast-growing ecoPLANT network plays an essential role in circular spirits – without distributed processing, local closed loop service would not be possible. Finding the right host for each ecoPLANT have proven to be a key to safely and efficiently scaling production operations. By working together, our ecoPLANT hosts, such as Mango Bottling and Chareau, and ecoSPIRITS’ Closed Loop Operations team, are building the world’s first truly standardized, truly global closed loop production network. This is an exciting challenge for everyone involved.

Closed loop service in both Florida and California will commence in January 2023. Additional details on early Climate Partner brands, distributors and outlets in the United States will be released soon. For more information about ecoSPIRITS USA, please contact Zdenek Kastanek on Zdenek@ecospirits.global or Jessica Berry on Jessica.Berry@ecospirits.global. For more information about ecoSPIRITS you may contact Senior PR Manager, Sonya Hook on Sonya.Hook@ecospirits.global.


About Mango Bottling

Mango Bottling is a privately owned corporation, based in East Central Florida, licensed as an Alcoholic Beverage Distiller and Producer. Mango was established in 1992 to manufacture pre-filled test tubes with flavored liqueurs carrying the Tooters brand name. The goal was simple, to add an element of fun through a unique ready to drink packaging. Then in 1995, Mango expanded its business model by offering contract bottling services to start-up and established Spirit brands. The focus was to establish ourselves as a niche co-packer that could facilitate standard and custom packaged products. In the past 30 years since its inception, Mango Bottling has continued to be creative and innovative within our product offerings and a reliable resource for contract bottling customers.

For more information visit www.mangobottling.com.


About Chareau

Chareau is a low ABV plant-based spirit made with real California Aloe. The founder, Kurt Charron, developed Chareau to be an honest spirit free of artificial colors and flavors, while bringing a much-needed sense of wellness and transparency to the industry. The company takes a mindful approach to creating light, refreshing, and delicious spirits using local California ingredients, and the brand is a gift from the hands and hearts of California’s farmers and artisans. Chareau is named after Kurt Charron’s great-grandparents, Arthur Charron and Florence Favreau, hard-working farmers who moved the family out west, where Kurt Charron has lived ever since.

For more information visit https://chareau.us/.


About ecoSPIRITS USA

ecoSPIRITS USA is introducing ecoSPIRITS’ award-winning circular distribution technology to the world’s largest premium spirits and wine market. Starting with closed-loop service in California and Florida and January 2023, ecoSPIRITS USA is building and operating a ‘first to market’ circular distribution system that will eventually service metropolitan markets across the United States. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Miami, FL, and its investors include, among others, Wavemaker Partners, Park Street Technology Ventures, and the Edmund Pillsbury Family.

For more information, please contact usa@ecospirits.global


About Park Street Technology Ventures

Park Street Technology Ventures (“Park Street Ventures”) is an affiliate of Park Street, a technology-enabled services company that helps emerging and established alcoholic beverage suppliers and brand owners cost-effectively and securely scale and manage their businesses. The company is trusted by thousands of brands from new-to-market entrepreneurs to well established multi-brand global portfolios. Park Street Ventures invests in early-stage start-ups and established growth companies in the alcoholic beverage industry. The firm’s investment mandate focuses on transformative technologies and green initiatives.

For more information, visit: www.parkstreet.com


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.

For more information visit www.ecospirits.global.

 



ecoSPIRITS Expands Investment in Intelligent Circular Vision With Independent Board Member and CTO Appointments

SINGAPORE 8 December 2022 ecoSPIRITS is marking a major expansion of its investment in its Intelligent Circular roadmap, which includes its CircularONE software platform, with two senior technology appointments. Eric Tan has joined the ecoSPIRITS Board of Directors as an independent board member and Derek Tang has been appointed to the newly-created role of Chief Technology Officer. Together, the new appointments add five decades of technology, software development and Internet-of-Things IoT (IoT) leadership experience to ecoSPIRITSboard and executive leadership team. Messrs. Tan and Tang will help direct ecoSPIRITS’ expanded financial investment in the development of its software, IoT and data solutions. ecoSPIRITS’ Intelligent Circular roadmap is anchored by its CircularONE software platform, which integrates a complex global supply chain of hardware packaging assets into an IoT network. Through this integration of hardware and software, ecoSPIRITS is able to use data and automation to deliver real-time commercial insights, traceability and supply chain security, and unique performance features such as the patent-pending Verified Sustainable Refill technology. Having completed the first phase of development of CircularONE, ecoSPIRITS is now embarking on an intensive second phase of software development, which will see new features and capabilities released over the course of 2023.

ecoSPIRITS’ cloud-based CircularONE software platform is being developed to power a global closed loop network.

Tan joins the ecoSPIRITS Board of Directors as an independent board member, with a mandate to mentor ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie and newly-appointed Tang in the development of its software vision. Tan currently sits on the Chief Information Officer (CIO) advisory boards of Gartner and the Wall Street Journal, and has spent many years working for PwC in various leadership roles. He brings to ecoSPIRITS a wealth of experience in technology, AI/ML, and cybersecurity. Tan currently holds the role of CIO and Senior Vice President for Technology at Coupa, the California-based, NASDAQ-listed global SaaS company for business spend management. In 2022, he was a Bay Area’s ‘CIO of the Year’ at the ORBIE Awards for his outstanding leadership and innovation. He is a Certified Public Accountant, and holds a Masters in IT and Bachelors in Accounting.

ecoSPIRITS’ mission to end single use glass by transitioning the spirits and wine industry to circular packaging technologies is an inspiring one. Developing an integrated platform powered by IoT and data is an immense undertaking, but one well worth pursuing. A future where we waste less and save more is possible. I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members and the leadership team at ecoSPIRITS.

Our Intelligent Circular roadmap will help us, and our customers, deliver circular solutions at unprecedented scale. I am delighted to welcome Eric to our board as ecoSPIRITS navigates the challenges and opportunities of building a global Intelligent Circular network. His wealth of technology leadership will be invaluable in helping our board and leadership team make smarter strategic decisions as we expand our investment in this all-important roadmap.

In the newly-created role of Chief Technology Officer, Tang will be responsible for overall product and technology development at ecoSPIRITS. Leading a team of hardware and software engineers, Tang will take charge of bringing to life ecoSPIRITS’ vision of a global Intelligent Circular network of IoT hardware powered by software and data. In this role, he will oversee ecoSPIRITS’ entire product portfolio, including its ecoPLANT, ecoTOTE, SmartPour, SmartKiosk and CircularONE technologies. In his new role, one of Tang’s first tasks will be to expand ecoSPIRITS’ team of hardware, IoT and software engineers in both Singapore and Shanghai. Tang has spent his 20-year career on the forefront of IoT and software development and innovation. Prior to joining ecoSPIRITS, Tang was most recently a founding member and Head of Engineering at Singapore-based SaaS logistics start-up Spares CNX, where he built and led a software development team of 30 engineers. Previously, Tang held senior software development and IoT leadership roles at Amazon Web Services, Accenture, Intel Corporation and GE Aviation. Throughout his career, he has focused on digital transformation strategies, with a specialization in IoT software platforms.

Over the past few years IoT has become one of the most important technologies of the 21st century and I have dedicated my career towards understanding and developing ways in which the physical world of products meets the digital world. I am delighted therefore to be able to use my experience and passion about future technology to work with ecoSPIRITS, a company that is dedicated to the sustainable future of our planet.

Over the past four years, ecoSPIRITS has built an industry-leading hardware product portfolio. We have also completed the first phase of development of CircularONE, which has now deployed with some of our largest customers. Over the next three years, we will be investing heavily in software, IoT and data integration to power our network. Derek’s extensive technology development and leadership experience, and his specialisation in IoT are the perfect fit for this next chapter in ecoSPIRITS’ journey.

The ecoSPIRITS circular packaging technology is now operating in more than 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, with network coverage on pace to expand to 25 countries by early 2023. For media inquiries or general information on ecoSPIRITS, you may contact Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager at Sonya.Hook@ecospirits.global.


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.




Rémy Cointreau to Launch Closed Loop Distribution in the United Kingdom

LONDON 1 December 2022 ecoSPIRITS has announced that it has partnered with Rémy Cointreau, one of the largest producers and distributors of spirits and liqueurs in the world, to jointly launch closed loop service in the United Kingdom in January 2023. The new collaboration will see two of Rémy Cointreau’s iconic brands Cointreau liqueur and Mount Gay rum made available in co-branded editions of ecoSPIRITS award-winning ecoTOTE and SmartPour hardware for on-trade venues in London and beyond. With this launch, Rémy Cointreau becomes the first global drinks company to partner with ecoSPIRITS in the United Kingdom and Cointreau becomes the first global liqueur brand to be available in a closed loop packaging format. For the launch, ecoSPIRITS and Rémy Cointreau have partnered with leading UK distributor, Speciality Drinks, which will be the exclusive distributor of Cointreau and Mount Gay’s Eclipse variant in ecoTOTE format for the initial phase of the pilot distribution period.

Cointreau is produced in France while the Mount Gay distillery is based in Barbados.

The Rémy Cointreau brands chosen to feature in the initial UK launch have global recognition and sit among the most high-profile spirits and liqueurs found in the UK’s on-trade scene. The producer’s eponymous Cointreau brand originated in Angers, France in 1849. The orange-flavoured liqueur is a cocktail pioneer at the heart of more than 600 cocktail recipes, including classics such as the original Margarita. The Barbados-born Mount Gay rum has a history dating back to 1703, making it the world’s oldest working rum distillery. It joined Rémy Cointreau’s stable of brands in 1989.

Cointreau is a versatile liqueur and a key ingredient in several cocktails.

As the first global customer to launch with ecoSPIRITS in the UK, Rémy Cointreau will see its two iconic brands deployed in co-branded hardware to venues across the on-trade, including bars, restaurants, and hotels. The brands will travel to outlets in ecoTOTE format where they can be dispensed into branded bottles or served directly into glass or cocktail shaker via ecoSPIRITSSmartPour technology. The venues involved in the program will be revealed when the partnership officially commences in early 2023.

Co-branded innovation: the ecoTOTE 2.0S Cointreau Edition and the SmartPour 2.0S Mount Gay Edition.

The UK launch with Rémy Cointreau is also significant for ecoSPIRITS because it marks another milestone in its journey to develop industry-leading circular technology. The co-branded SmartPour 2.0S Cointreau Edition has been adapted specifically for Cointreau to accommodate the higher levels of viscosity and sugar that are the hallmarks of the liqueur category. These adaptations included an upgraded dispense nozzle, enhanced calibration, and an upgraded cleaning process. The Cointreau Edition is the first SmartPour to be specifically tailored for liqueurs and will help accelerate ecoSPIRITS’ innovation in this important category.

The co-branded SmartPour Cointreau Edition has been adapted specifically for liqueurs.

The partnership with ecoSPIRITS forms part of Rémy Cointreau’s overall commitment to sustainable practices, whereby the company has set itself the goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% per bottle by 2030 and moving towards Net Zero by 2050. The program forms part of the company’s “Sustainable Exception” roadmap built around Terroir, People & Time, where soil regeneration, sustainable production (products and transport), increased bottle circularity and responsible consumption, are all key elements. The collaboration with ecoSPIRITS will result in a 95% reduction in single use packaging waste for Cointreau and Mount Gay distributed in ecoTOTE format. The system will also help UK on-trade partners reduce their own operations waste streams and reduce back-of-house storage by 30 to 50%.

Mount Gay’s Eclipse is produced under the watchful eye of its Master Blender Trudiann Branker.

To support the new collaboration, existing ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner and leading UK distributor, Speciality Drinks, will be the exclusive distributor of Mount Gay Eclipse rum and Cointreau liqueur during a pilot period. Speciality Drinks was founded in 1999 by Sukhinder and Rajbar Singh, who also founded the leading spirits retailer, The Whisky Exchange. The family-owned business works with more than 1,000 of the best bars, restaurants, and hotels across the UK and overseas, from the smallest pop-up bars to large international groups. As a member of the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program, Speciality Drinks is part of growing global coalition of importers, distributors, and wholesalers who are licensed for closed loop distribution using ecoSPIRITS’ technology.

The team at Speciality Drinks works with venues across the UK.

Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSPIRITS

Rémy Cointreau is an industry-leading drinks company and a producer of renowned quality and heritage. We are delighted to welcome them as our first global brand partner in the United Kingdom. It is no small milestone when Cointreau and Mount Gay, each an iconic brand in its own right, join the circular economy. The transition to circular is gathering momentum in the spirits industry. We applaud the entire Rémy Cointreau team for their commitment to building a sustainable future together.

Augustin Depardon, Managing Director of Rémy Cointreau UK

I’m thrilled that Rémy Cointreau can pilot the ecoSPIRITS programme in the UK, and to see Cointreau as the first global liqueur to join the ecoSPIRITS system. Mount Gay Eclipse and Cointreau are incredibly important brands for our on-trade partners in the UK, and this is a significant step in helping them reduce their overall waste. Equally, it’s vital for us at Rémy Cointreau to look at every pillar of our sustainability practices to see where we can do better, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Jen Baernreuther, Commercial Director of Speciality Drinks

Speciality Drinks is genuinely proud to be a part of such an important movement in the effort to make our hospitality industry more eco-conscious. More and more of our customers are looking for advice on how to make changes, big or small, to their offering, reducing their impact on the planet and in turn their own customer’s impact. This is a huge move forward in the way we supply product and has such great potential to bring positive change.

Bars, restaurants, and hotels in the UK interested in participating in the collaboration between Rémy Cointreau and ecoSPIRITS can get in touch by contacting ecoSPIRITS’ Sales Director for Europe Iain.McPherson@ecospirits.global. For media inquiries or general information on ecoSPIRITS, please contact Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager at Sonya.Hook@ecospirits.global and for Cointreau and Mount Gay in the UK, please contact cointreau@akacomms.com.


About Rémy Cointreau

All around the world, there are clients seeking exceptional experiences; clients for whom a wide range of terroirs means a variety of flavors. Their exacting standards are proportional to our expertise – the finely-honed skills that we pass down from generation to generation. The time these clients devote to drinking our products is a tribute to all those who have worked to develop them. It is for these men and women that Rémy Cointreau, a family-owned French group, protects its terroirs, cultivates exceptional multi-centenary spirits and undertakes to preserve their eternal modernity. The Group’s portfolio includes 14 singular brands, such as the Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, and Cointreau liqueur. Rémy Cointreau has a single ambition: becoming the world leader in exceptional spirits. To this end, it relies on the commitment and creativity of its 1,924 employees and on its distribution subsidiaries established in the Group’s strategic markets. Rémy Cointreau is listed on Euronet Paris.

For more information, visit www.remy-cointreau.com.


About Cointreau

Iconic orange liqueur creator and cocktail pioneer, Maison Cointreau was founded in 1849 in Angers, France, when the terroir and several generations of entrepreneurs came together. The excellence of its products would not be possible without concrete action in the field of corporate and environmental responsibility, from the orange groves through to the tasting glass. With the 2025 Sustainable Exception plan, environmental challenges now form the heart of the House of Cointreau’s strategy. This plan is based on three cornerstones: preserving our terroirs and biodiversity for future generations, committing to people by encouraging them to consume our products responsibly and respecting the value of time by combatting climate changeThe brand’s heritage as a liquorist-distiller lives on today at the heart of more than 500 cocktails, including the original Margarita and Cosmopolitan. Cointreau liqueur’s distinctive character is the result of the meticulous selection, harmony, and distillation of sweet and bitter orange peel essences, a task entrusted to Maison Cointreau’s Master Distiller. Unique and boasting exceptional organoleptic qualities, it’s a staple for bartenders and at-home cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

For more information, visit www.cointreau.com.


About Mount Gay

Mount Gay is the world’s oldest running rum distillery established in 1703. Founded and still located in the Parish of St Lucy, at the northernmost tip of Barbados, Mount Gay is crafted using pure, coral-filtered water and the finest Barbadian and Caribbean molasses. Distilled in traditional double copper pot and copper column stills, Mount Gay rums are aged in a diverse selection of casks including American whiskey, Bourbon and Cognac. Harnessing over 300 years of heritage and expertise, Mount Gay rums are a fine balance between science, art and innovation. Blended by Master Blender Trudiann Branker and aged under the influence of Barbados’ tropical climate, our rums highlight a unique, rich and flavourful character. Mount Gay’s core range includes Mount Gay Silver, Mount Gay Eclipse, Mount Gay Black Barrel and Mount Gay XO alongside the annual limited editions 1703 Master Select and the Master Blender Collection. In addition to crafting the world’s oldest rum, Mount Gay is committed at all times to the use of sustainable and transparent practices in order to realise our vision of environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality.

For more information on our rum and to explore more about what we do for our community and the planet, visit www.mountgayrum.com.


About Speciality Drinks

Speciality Drinks is a family-owned business, working with more than 1,000 of the best bars, restaurants and hotels across the UK and overseas from the smallest pop-up bars to large international groups. A premier supplier of whiskies, spirits and champagnes to the on-trade focused on exceptional service, sharing our passion for great drinks and introducing new producers and categories to the on trade. The company was founded in 1999 by Sukhinder and Rajbar Singh, founders of the world’s leading whisky and spirits retailer, The Whisky Exchange.

For more information, visit https://specialitydrinks.com.


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.

For more information, visit www.ecospirits.global.



ecoSPIRITS to Launch in Canada with Caldera Distilling, Expanding North America Presence

CALGARY 17 November 2022 ecoSPIRITS has announced plans to launch closed loop service in Canada under a Licensed Operator Agreement with Caldera Distilling, a Nova Scotia-based craft spirits producer and owner of Highwood Distillers in Alberta, Canada’s largest independent distillery. ecoSPIRITS Canada will start operations in early 2023 with a range of spirits in ecoTOTE format, including Caldera’s flagship Hurricane 5 Canadian Whisky. Distribution will initially commence in British Columbia and Alberta with other Canadian provinces to be added over the course of 2023. The move into Canada is a significant step for ecoSPIRITS as it continues to build on its North American footprint, which currently covers the United States, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands.

Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta will be amongst the first cities served by ecoSPIRITS Canada.

Canada is a strategic market for ecoSPIRITS, being one of the world’s top ten economies with GDP expected to reach $1.74 trillion by the end of 2022. A G8 nation, Canada’s enormous geographic footprint offers both significant opportunities and challenges. It is also home to the well-established Canadian Whisky segment, which is the best-selling whisky style in North America and a popular category globally. Canada has been producing whisky for more than two centuries and now boasts more than 300 craft distillers. Concentration means that the country’s top eight producers represent more than 95% of Canadian whisky production. Canadian Whisky shares some characteristics with Scotch Whisky and bourbon, but the frequent addition of rye, along with unique production techniques, means Canadian whiskies tend to have a style of their own.

Caldera Distilling’s Hurricane 5 Canadian Whisky will be the first Canadian spirit to be available in ecoTOTE format.

Caldera Distilling was founded in 2013 in the port town of River John, Nova Scotia, a community famed for its shipbuilding craftsmanship and agricultural export market. Caldera Distilling pays tribute to this heritage by handcrafting its spirits using regional ingredients, such as local hard water and homegrown grains. Caldera’s flagship brand, Hurricane 5 Whisky, will be the first to be distributed in ecoTOTE format, but other brands will follow shortly after. Earlier this year, Caldera bought Alberta-based spirits producer Highwood Distillers. Caldera’s acquisition of Highwood not only significantly expanded its portfolio of brands, but it added storage and aging facilities for more than 17,500 barrels of whisky, while also giving the producer a much-needed presence on Canada’s West.

Caldera Distilling is located in the port town of River John, Nova Scotia.

Highwood Distillers was founded in 1974 and is based in Alberta’s High River, near the city of Calgary, which will also be the location of Canada’s first ecoPLANT™. Highwood produces several well-known brands across most spirit categories, including White Owl Whisky, Centennial 10 Year Old Whisky, and Foothills Vodka. Highwood is Canada’s largest privately-owned distillery and is one of the country’s biggest spirits producers. It sits within the top eight major Canadian distillers and is the only one not owned by a multinational alcoholic beverage company. Highwood distils its own whisky, vodka, and gin, and it also imports rum, whiskies (including Scotch whisky) and tequila for distribution across Canada.

Highwood Distillers was founded in 1974 and is based in Alberta’s High River, near the city of Calgary.

ecoSPIRITS Canada will be headed up by Caldera Distilling’s CEO Jarret Stuart, Co-Owner David Walker, and President Michael Nychyk. To cover such a large geographical area, the trio will roll out ecoSPIRITS Canada in stages, with the first phase anchored by the installation of an ecoPLANT at the Highwood distillery in Alberta. This facility will serve Western Canada, starting with the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Over time, Caldera and ecoSPIRITS plan to deploy additional ecoPLANTS across Canada, to eventually cover all major population centers in country.

Jarret Stuart, CEO of Caldera Distilling

Caldera Distilling was founded with a commitment to the idea that spirits can deliver terroir character, much like fine wine. From the start we have placed a big focus on ingredients, regionality and craftsmanship, and this extends to a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment. We are excited therefore to be able to take this next step in our sustainability journey while simultaneously bringing circular technology for the distribution of wine and spirits to Canada.

David Walker, Co-Owner of Caldera Distilling

Sustainability has always been important for us as a company and so it is a great honour to be able to lead the way in Canada by bringing ecoSPIRITS’ innovative circular distribution model to the region. We know there are many venues, drinks businesses and consumers in Canada who are keen to make the move towards ending single use glass in wine and spirits, and we are keen to work with ecoSPIRITS and the industry to help drive this transition.

Jessica Berry, Sales Director, North America for ecoSPIRITS

“The launch of our closed loop technology in Canada will be an important step in the development of our North America region. We could not ask for better partners in Caldera Distilling. I am confident that the team behind ecoSPIRITS Canada have the knowledge, commitment, and existing market base to support this important transition to the circular economy. I am looking forward to working with them for the launch and beyond.

ecoSPIRITS’ industry-leading closed loop packaging technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, with network coverage forecast to expand to 25 countries by the first half of 2023. To find out more information about opportunities to partner with ecoSPIRITS in Canada, please contact Jessica Berry at jessica.berry@ecospirits.global and canada@ecospirits.global. For media inquiries or general information on ecoSPIRITS, you may contact Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager at sonya.hook@ecospirits.global.


About Caldera Distilling

Capturing the essence of our history in every bottle, Caldera Distilling embodies the spirits of the explorer, the eye of the craftsman and the patience of the farmer in every bottle of whisky we share with the world. Raise your glass and join us in celebrating our roots. Nova Scotia craftsmanship combined with whisky ingredients that are grown on our River John distillery property gives us the unique opportunity to craft authentic local spirits. Enjoy flavours shaped by the land that our traditional grains are grown in. Caldera Distilling is proud to be 100% Canadian owned and operated, using only Canadian grains and aging some of the rarest and finest Canadian whiskies on earth.

To find out more visit: www.caldera.ca


About Highwood Distillers

Highwood Distillers, which was founded in 1974, was named after the famous river and region that surrounds the distillery in the foothills of Western Canada’s beautiful Rocky Mountains. Until 1997, both the distillery and sales offices were located at the distillery in High River, Alberta. Today the sales team operates out of Calgary, Alberta, while the distillery continues to thrive and grow in High River. Highwood’s fine whiskies begin with small batch distillation, following by aging in charred oak barrels. It has whisky brands such as White Owl, Highwood Canadian Rye Whisky and Potters Special Old Canadian Rye Whisky and its portfolio also includes a range of spirits including vodka, rum, gin, and liqueurs.

To find out more visit: www.highwood-distillers.com


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.



ecoSPIRITS Strengthens Collaboration with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

BANGKOK 7 November 2022 ecoSPIRITS is strengthening its relationship with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts by working more closely with two high profile destinations in the Rosewood Asia portfolio: Hong Kong and Bangkok. This is the second consecutive year ecoSPIRITS has worked with Rosewood Hong Kong, and the first year working with the luxury hotel group in Bangkok. The unique collaboration comprises a range of premium spirits from ecoSPIRITS’ Climate Partners in ecoTOTE format, which are then showcased on a creative ecoCOCKTAILS menu in the properties’ flagship bars. Each menu features a collection of special low waste cocktails made using upcycled and otherwise sustainable ingredients. This expanded partnership in Asia builds on ecoSPIRITS collaborations with other Rosewood luxury properties around the world, including London, United Kingdom; Hamilton, Bermuda; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

ecoCOCKTAILS II: A video collaboration by Rosewood Hotels and ecoSPIRITS

ecoCOCKTAILS II: a video collaboration by Rosewood Hotels and ecoSPIRITS in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

As part of Rosewood’s commitment to waste reduction, ecoSPIRITS‘ low carbon, low waste technology has been introduced throughout eight of Rosewood Hong Kong’s bars, restaurants, and lounges, matched by a similar number in Rosewood Bangkok. The partnership supports Rosewood Hotels’ ambitious Green Initiative, supported by its ‘VERDES’ pledge: ‘To Value the Earth’s Resources and Demonstrate Environmental Sensitivity’. By committing to sustainable practices throughout the business the group aims to ‘Embrace a Sense of Place’, which looks at respecting each venue’s unique setting; ‘Provide Ultimate Hospitality’, whereby it offers ultra-luxurious accommodation while showing consideration for the environment; ‘Nurture Nature’, which relates to all areas of energy efficiency and waste reduction; and ‘Educate and Dedicate’, incorporating issues such as sustainability training for staff.

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Bangkok

The Bangkok and Hong Kong hotels are celebrating their focus on sustainability by launching a special menu of ‘ecoCOCKTAILS carefully curated by the creative forces behind two of Rosewood Hotels’ most acclaimed bars: Simone Rossi, Director of Bars at DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong and Giuseppe Carneli, Bars Manager at Lennon’s at Rosewood Bangkok. DarkSide Bar is a cocktail parlour featuring retro cocktails and an extensive library of rum, whiskies, and calvados. The elaborate menu, spearheaded by Rossi, contributed to its recognition as number 13 in the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022. Lennon’s sits on the top floor of Rosewood Bangkok. To enter, guests walk through a vinyl shop, housing around 6,000 records, while the bar itself has floor-to-ceiling glass and a spiral staircase leading to a cigar lounge. The drinks list, curated by Carneli, features rare whiskies, Thai cocktails, and signature serves.

DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong

Simone Rossi, Director of Bars, Rosewood Hong Kong

Our ecoCOCKTAILS II menu maximises our waste reduction by giving ingredients a second chance and it also creates incredible tipples for our patrons, so it’s a sustainable win-win for both bar and guests. It is also exciting to be able to continue our collaboration with ecoSPIRITS and bring it to new heights by involving – and working closely with – our Rosewood Bangkok sister property.

Lennon’s at Rosewood Bangkok

Giuseppe Carneli, Bars Manager, Rosewood Bangkok

This year, we introduced an all-new cocktail menu that puts sustainability at the forefront. This partnership with ecoSPIRITS enables us to go even further with the world’s first closed–loop spirits technology to reduce our carbon footprint and eliminate waste at the same time.

James Wynn-Williams, Sales Manager, Asia Pacific, ecoSPIRITS

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts have been wonderful partners in helping reduce single use glass waste by embracing the ecoSPIRITS technology. From Hong Kong to Bangkok to London to Bermuda, individual Rosewood Hotels are showcasing remarkable beverage creations using sustainable spirits in ecoTOTE format. I personally cannot wait to experience these latest collaborations on the ecoCOCKTAILS II menu at Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood Bangkok.

The partnership between ecoSPIRITS and the two hotels will eliminate hundreds of single use glass bottles each year, subsequently reducing the landfill waste in both Bangkok and Hong Kong, while saving an average of 30g of carbon emissions per cocktail. For cocktails ordered from the new ecoCOCKTAILS II menu ecoSPIRITS, its spirits partners, and Rosewood Hotels, will plant one tree for every ecoTOTE ordered by the hotels, as part of the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program. This not only extends the collaboration to consumer participation, but it delivers supplemental carbon emissions offsets, improves biodiversity, and supports the local community in the endangered rainforest and mangrove areas in Thailand and Indonesia. Rosewood Hong Kong and Bangkok’s reforestation and C02 impact will be made available to hotel guests through the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program’s unique ‘proof of planting’ digital interface.

Click to see the area of forest dedicated to Rosewood in real time:

Crafted ecoCOCKTAILS by Rosewood Hong Kong

DarkSide has three ecoCOCKTAILS on its menu, made using locally sourced ingredients and recycled materials, such as banana skins, from the hotel’s bars and restaurants. The cocktails are:

The ecoLADA

A floral interpretation of a Pina Colada, the ecoLADA is made with low-waste Plantation Dark rum infused with Rosewood bars’ surplus coconut oil and leftover salted lime cordial. This is then mixed with homemade, low waste Tried & True Vodka, infused with pineapple skin and pandan.

The ecoFFEE

The ecoFFEE is the the bar’s version of an espresso martini, but with a lighter and fruitier approach. It is concocted from a distillation of low waste Widges Gin and reused coffee grounds, clarified orange stock yielded from whole leftover oranges, and homemade Banana Oleo Saccharum macerated from banana skins.

The eco Salty Citrus Cooler

This refreshing mocktail is made using all citrus remnants from Rosewood’s kitchens and bars. This mix is then blended with vinegar and hot water to preserve their taste and to create a sharp-flavoured citrus stock. This is then combined with ‘salty citrus kombucha’, made in collaboration with local producer Taboocha.


Crafted ecoCOCKTAILS by Rosewood Bangkok

Lennon’s ecoCOCKTAILS menu comprises three carefully crafted drinks, made using locally sourced ingredients and complemented by ecoSPIRITS’ low-waste technology. The three drinks are:

The ecoMALI

A twist on the French 75, the ecoMALI is made with T&T Vodka, Kosapan Jasmine Botanicals, and re-carbonated Champagne. The latter is made by using Champagne, which has lost its carbonation. The cocktail team mix it with raspberries and various acids and then it is carbonated in-house.

The ecoKOKO

This cocktail, which is named after the Thai word for cacao, is made using the Kosapan Cacao Botanical, grown in the south of the country. A key ingredient is Plantation Original Dark, which adds body as well as sweetness. This is then blended with Coffee and Passionfruit Kombucha, made in partnership with Sea’s Kombucha.

The ecoSOM

The ecoSOM is made using Widges Gin and Kosapan Orange Liquor. The cocktail team also wanted to include one of Thailand’s many mango varieties and so this recipe also features a hint of lacto-fermented mango honey.


The ecoCOCKTAILS are available now at the two Rosewood hotels. For more information about Rosewood Hong Kong and DarkSide bar, contact simone.rossi@rosewoodhotels.com and for enquiries about Rosewood Bangkok and Lennon’s, contact Giuseppe.carneli@rosewoodhotels.com. To find out more about ecoSPIRITS in Asia, contact James Wynn Williams, Sales Manager Asia Pacific, on dub.dub@ecospirits.global and for general enquiries about the company please email sonya.hook@ecospirits.global


About Rosewood Bangkok

Rosewood Bangkok is a dramatic landmark in the capital’s skyline, honouring rich Thai culture while celebrating the cutting-edge creativity and contemporary design ethos of the dynamic city. Rosewood Bangkok is a 30-storey, visually stunning, vertical architectural marvel. Its contemporary form is inspired by the wai, the famous Thai gesture of greeting. Rosewood Bangkok has been recognized as one of the very best places to stay by the world’s leading organizations.

For more information, visit: www.rosewoodhotels.com or follow @rosewoodbangkok on Instagram.


About Rosewood Hong Kong

Soaring over Victoria Harbour, Rosewood Hong Kong is a new centre of gravity on the Kowloon waterfront – the crown jewel of the Victoria Dockside arts and design district. On passing the gate and traversing the cobblestoned drive, the urban din falls away, revealing lush topiary and a serene forecourt that commands the harbour. A warm welcome heralds a stay of unparalleled comfort and distinctive hospitality at the Hong Kong luxury hotel.

For more information, visit: www.rosewoodhotels.com or follow @rosewoodhongkong on Instagram.


About the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program

The ecoSPIRITS Forest Program helps ecoSPIRITS’ venue partners generate additional carbon mitigation beyond the substantial carbon footprint reduction from their use of the ecoSPIRITS circular packaging technology. Under the program, one tree is planted for each cycle of an ecoTOTE through the ecoSPIRITS closed loop network.Each tree planted is geo-tagged in the name of the partner venue. Using Green Steps Groups proprietary proof of impact technology platform, the program is verified, monitored, and reported through an industry-leading digital record. Tree planting benefits the venue partners but is jointly funded by ecoSPIRITS and our Climate Partner brands and distributors.

For more information, visit: https://www.greenstepsgroup.com/


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.



Diageo Officially Launches the First ecoSPIRITS Intelligent Circular Closed Loop Network

JAKARTA 31 October 2022 In collaboration with Diageo, a global drinks leader, ecoSPIRITS has officially launched its first Intelligent Circular closed loop network in Indonesia, which is powered by the new CircularONE™ software platform and the newest-generation SmartPour 2.0S technology. The project is the first major deployment by the two companies since the partnership was first revealed in April of this year. As part of this pilot program, co-branded Smirnoff Vodka editions of the ecoSPIRITS’ award-winning ecoTOTE and SmartPour technologies have been launched in 38 venues in Bali and Jakarta, including the popular eco-beach club La Brisa Bali. The SmartPour 2.0S Smirnoff Edition is the first Internet-of-Things (IoT) device to be officially powered by ecoSPIRITS cloud-based CircularONE software platform, which is being developed to improve the security, scalability and efficiency of ecoSPIRITS’ global closed loop network. The Indonesia launch also coincides with the upcoming G20 Leader’s Summit in Bali, which will see the world’s attention focus on the island destination in November 2022.

Smirnoff Sustainiverse with ecoSPIRITS

The #smirnoffsustainiverse campaign celebrates the positive impact of circular packaging.

By using the new SmartPour 2.0S technology for direct service, Smirnoff is eliminating 99% of packaging waste.

In April 2022 ecoSPIRITS released its roadmap for an Intelligent Circular future in closed loop spirits and wine, with Diageo confirmed as the global launch customer. Under this Intelligent Circular roadmap, ecoSPIRITS’ core hardware portfolio is being enhanced by the new CircularONE software platform, with a range of security, data and sensing features. Smirnoff Vodka is the first of Diageo’s brands to feature in the rollout, with Captain Morgan Rum set to join in the coming months. To support closed loop operations in Indonesia, Diageo and ecoSPIRITS have deployed a full complement of circular packaging innovation, including a dedicated ecoPLANT in Bali, the co-branded ecoTOTEs and SmartPours, and the launch version of the new CircularONE cloud-based platform. The new SmartPour 2.0S allows each venue to dispense the appropriate measure of spirits directly into glasses or cocktail shakers while showcasing the partner spirit brand in a fully co-branded design.

The SmartPour 2.0S & ecoTOTE 3.0S Smirnoff Editions. Each Smirnoff ecoTOTE eliminates up to 600 single use glass bottles.

The collaboration between ecoSPIRITS and Diageo will have a positive environmental impact, dramatically enhancing Smirnoff Vodka’s sustainability in Indonesia. Each Smirnoff ecoTOTE used by the venues eliminates 3.3kg of carbon emissions – which is equivalent to the carbon emitted when driving in a car for 11.9km  and 99% of the packaging waste associated with Smirnoff Vodka in traditional bottle format. During its lifetime, each Smirnoff ecoTOTE will eliminate up to 600 single use glass bottles. The collaboration will also give back to the local environment because for each ecoTOTE used by outlets, Diageo and ecoSPIRITS will plant a tree in endangered wild areas of Indonesia. The activity forms part of the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, which it has developed in partnership with carbon dioxide (CO2) mitigation specialists, Green Steps Group.

A positive sustainability story for Bali, an island known worldwide for its natural beauty.

Alefiyah Sarma, CEO, Diageo Indonesia

With more than 40 billion glass bottles manufactured every year in the alcohol beverage industry alone, a solution needed to be created in order to reduce the amount of waste and the carbon emission generated. Through this innovation, we can reduce 99% of our packaging waste and eliminate the emissions of 3.3kg of carbon. Smirnoff wants to become the most sustainable vodka brand. Smirnoff invites our business partners, the outlets, to participate in this initiative and switch from glass bottles to the ecoTOTE.

Anand Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer, ecoSPIRITS

We are hugely excited about this first step with Diageo, to welcome the first global customer for our CircularONE software platform and to jointly launch the intelligent SmartPour 2.0S. By merging hardware and software innovation, ecoSPIRITS closed loop network becomes not only more efficient, but also more secure, more scalable and more cost-effective. These improvements will benefit our entire customer base – the growing network of brands, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and hospitality venues that make up ecoSPIRITS’ Climate Partner Program.

A total of 38 bars and restaurants across Bali and Jakarta are participating in the program and are the first in the world to receive the new Intelligent Circular technology. La Brisa Bar in Bali was selected for the September 30th press event for the launch of the pilot program, where the full list of participating venues and the new co-branded hardware were shared with local media. La Brisa, which is located on the island’s iconic Echo Beach, has a major focus on sustainable practices. The food it serves is sustainably sourced and the whole venue has been built using reclaimed wood from old hand-decorated fishing boats. Every Sunday is La Brisa Farmer’s Day, which is a weekly initiative powered by LYD Organic, designed to support local farmers and small businesses. As part of this initiative, the venue showcases an array of organic baked goods, natural body care items, upcycled fashion and low waste products.

Bali’s eco-friendly beach bar La Brisa hosted the launch event.


Indonesia has now become the first destination for the partnership between Diageo and ecoSPIRITS, with plans for a wider rollout in Diageo’s global market underway. More details about ecoSPIRITS’ Intelligent Circular roadmap, the CircularOne software platform and the collaboration with Diageo will be released in the coming months. Bars, restaurants, and hotels interested in signing up to the Indonesia rollout can contact dannies.hendrato@diageo.com and journalists seeking more information about this story can contact sonya.hook@ecospirits.global from ecoSPIRITS or Stephan.Sinisuka@Diageo.com from Diageo Indonesia.


About Diageo Indonesia

In Indonesia, Diageo started in 1973 when Guinness products entered the market. Since 2014, PT Langgeng Kreasi Jayaprima (Diageo Indonesia) started a new chapter through job creation and the local production of high-quality spirits including Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, Gilbey’s, Mr Dowell’s and Gordon’s in Bali. Globally, Diageo is a leader in premium beer and spirits with an outstanding collection of more than 200 brands including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Tanqueray, Baileys and Don Julio. Our products are sold in more than 180 countries as Diageo’s ambition is to become the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products company.

Through Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, we are building on the legacy of our founders. We want to create a positive impact on our company, within our communities and for society. Our facility in Bali is already Zero-Waste to Landfill and using 100% Certified Renewable Electricity. Working hand in hand with our local stakeholders, we are developing the Nyambu Eco Tourism village in Bali. By 2030 in Indonesia, we will have targeted 400,000 participants for our SMASHED program in tackling underage drinking and in addition, educated 200,000 people in responsible drinking.

To learn more, follow our @diageoid instagram accounts and support us in Celebrating Life Every Day Everywhere.


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.



ecoSPIRITS Makes Global Sales Team Appointments Amid Growing Demand for Circular Solutions

LONDON 25 October 2022 In response to continuing growth in demand for its circular packaging technology, ecoSPIRITS has bolstered its global sales team with a series of senior appointments over the last two months, including Iain McPherson as Sales Director, Europe; Jessica Berry as Sales Director, North America; and James Wynn-Williams as Sales Manager, Asia Pacific. Additionally, drinkx +, a Miami-based sales consultancy firm led by industry veteran Chris Hopkins, has been appointed to the role of national sales agent in the United States. Together, the newcomers bolster ecoSPIRITS’ capabilities with more than seven decades of sales and market experience across some of the industry’s largest brands, distributors and wholesalers. The expanded global sales team will work closely with ecoSPIRITS’ worldwide network of Licensed Operators and Climate Partners to accelerate the transition to circular packaging in spirits and wine.

ecoSPIRITS' global network of closed loop service will grow to cover 25 countries by early 2023

In the newly-created role of Sales Director for Europe, Iain McPherson will help navigate ecoSPIRITS’ rapid expansion across the region. McPherson moves across from the United Kingdom’s largest wholesaler, Matthew Clark, where he most recently held the role of Managing Director for Scotland. In this role he was responsible for leading a £100 million business, overseeing a team of 130 and serving more than 2,500 on-premise customers. He has also held roles in wine and beer sales and business development with WaverlyTBS and Scottish & Newcastle. Based in ecoSPIRITSgrowing London office, McPherson is also responsible for ecoSPIRITSstrategic customer relationships in the region, such as its collaborations with industry leaders such as Pernod Ricard and Diageo. McPherson will also manage a pipeline of new Licensed Operators and markets, including the recently announced ecoSPIRITS Central Europe, ecoSPIRITS Ireland, and ecoSPIRITS Switzerland. He also recently led ecoSPIRITS’ presence at Bar Convent Berlin and Whisky Live Paris.

LONDON 25 October 2022 In response to continuing growth in demand for its circular packaging technology, ecoSPIRITS has bolstered its global sales team with a series of senior appointments over the last two months, including Iain McPherson as Sales Director, Europe; Jessica Berry as Sales Director, North America; and James Wynn-Williams as Sales Manager, Asia Pacific. Additionally, drinks+, a Miami-based sales consultancy firm led by industry veteran Chris Hopkins, has been appointed to the role of national sales agent in the United States. Together, the newcomers bolster ecoSPIRITS’ capabilities with more than seven decades of sales and market experience across some of the industry’s largest brands, distributors and wholesalers. The expanded global sales team will work closely with ecoSPIRITS’ worldwide network of Licensed Operators and Climate Partners to accelerate the transition to circular packaging in spirits and wine.

ecoSPIRITS' global network of closed loop service will grow to cover 25 countries by early 2023

In the newly-created role of Sales Director for Europe, Iain McPherson will help navigate ecoSPIRITS’ rapid expansion across the region. McPherson moves across from the United Kingdom’s largest wholesaler, Matthew Clark, where he most recently held the role of Managing Director for Scotland. In this role he was responsible for leading a £100 million business, overseeing a team of 130 and serving more than 2,500 on-premise customers. He has also held roles in wine and beer sales and business development with WaverlyTBS and Scottish & Newcastle. Based in ecoSPIRITSgrowing London office, McPherson is also responsible for ecoSPIRITSstrategic customer relationships in the region, such as its collaborations with industry leaders such as Pernod Ricard and Diageo. McPherson will also manage a pipeline of new Licensed Operators and markets, including the recently announced ecoSPIRITS Central Europe, ecoSPIRITS Ireland, and ecoSPIRITS Switzerland. He also recently led ecoSPIRITS’ presence at Bar Convent Berlin and Whisky Live Paris.

I count it a privilege and fantastic opportunity to join ecoSPIRITS. The response from brands, distributors, and venues from all over the world has been incredibly humbling. ecoSPIRITS technology offers all our partners the ability to make huge progress in removing waste and reducing CO2 in their supply chain and enabling consumers to make choices that really make a difference to the impact we are having on this planet.

Meanwhile, ecoSPIRITS has appointed Jessica Berry in the newly-created role of Sales Director for North America, where she will oversee sales and expansion in the all-important United States market, as well as regional partnerships in Canada and the Caribbean. Berry has worked with some of the largest brands in the world, having previously held roles at Diageo and Patron Spirits Company, and she has extensive experience in brand building, distributor partnerships and people management. Prior to joining ecoSPIRITS, she held the position of Vice President of Sales for Rosaluna Mezcal where she was responsible for executing a US launch plan in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, developing a successful growth strategy, and building a national distributor footprint in more than 10 key states. She has worked closely with many distributor partners across the United States and has the know-how and relationships with key stakeholders to successfully launch ecoSPIRITS in North America.

Joining the ecoSPIRITS team and having the opportunity to launch a new technology that will greatly reduce the waste in our industry is a dream come true! It’s an issue that has frustrated the drinks industry for some time and I know that many in North America are ready to welcome a solution that will help them move away from single use glass. I can’t wait to use my experience to help make a positive impact on our world, and I hope many will join me!

As ecoSPIRITS prepares to enter the US market under its joint venture with alcoholic beverage importer and distributor, Park Street, it has appointed drinkx +, a sales consultancy led by Chris Hopkins, as a national sales agent for the ecoSPIRITS technology. Under Hopkins’ leadership, drinkx + will focus on ecoSPIRITS’ technology partnerships with leading regional and national hospitality operators and outlet chains. Hopkins, who is also the founder of Hashtag Mixology, was previously Corporate Mixologist for Wynn Resorts, where he oversaw the beverage training and development for 27 different bars and restaurants with a team of more than 200 bartenders. He founded Cocktail Roadshow, a global hospitality consultancy specializing in beverage development, training, and event management for hospitality companies, and he has also worked closely with Bacardi USA, where he grew the brand and mentored a team of ambassadors.

It’s exciting to be able to play a part in bringing ecoSPIRITS to the US and I am looking forward to introducing this innovative technology to some of the region’s leading regional and national hospitality operators. Sustainability is such a big focal point for many in the industry and drinkx + is ready to work with ecoSPIRITS as it continues to transition people to the circular economy.

Completing the line-up of new sales team appointments is James Wynn-Williams, who joins as ecoSPIRITS’ Sales Manager for Asia Pacific. Wynn-Williams previously worked as the Australian Sales Manager for Proof & Company, one of the region’s leading independent spirits distributors and the licensed operator for the ecoSPIRITS technology in Australia. In this role, he led a national sales team calling on more than 1,000 on-premise customers across five states and built the ecoSPIRITS closed loop network in Australia from launch to more than 300 active accounts. In his new role, he is responsible for ecoSPIRITS customers and partnerships across the Asia Pacific region, including the launch of closed loop service with Pernod Ricard in Singapore and Diageo in Indonesia, and the rollout of ecoSPIRITSSmartKiosk technology in Singapore with Proof & Company and DFI Retail Group, a pan-Asian retailer operating more than 10,200 outlets across the region.

Having worked for Proof & Company for the past three years meant I was involved in the early days of ecoSPIRITS as it launched in Asia in 2018 and 2019, and I watched it go from strength-to-strength. It’s fantastic to now be working even more closely with this innovative closed loop technology. I am also particularly excited by the company’s first move into the retail environment, starting in the Asia Pacific region.

Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS continues to experience a remarkable level of interest in our technology, and in the circular economy transition in general. With a growing portfolio of global brand partnerships and more than four hundred prospective brand partners on our network waiting list, ecoSPIRITS is investing heavily in our capacity to serve our partners wherever we are present. Welcoming Iain, Jessica, drink+ and James to our global sales team reflects the depth of our commitment to serving those partners – our Licensed Operators and Climate Partners to the very best of our ability.


The ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. The expansion of ecoSPIRITS’ global sales team will help accelerate the company’s rollout of the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for spirits and wine, with coverage now expected to expand to 25 countries by early 2023. To find out more information about opportunities to partner withecoSPIRITS in Europe, please contact Iain McPherson at iain.mcpherson@ecospirits.global, in North America, please contact Jessica Berry at jessica.berry@ecospirits.global and in Asia Pacific, please contact James Wynn-Williams at dub.dub@ecospirits.global. For media inquiries or general information on ecoSPIRITS, you may contact Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager at sonya.hook@ecospirits.global.


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 25 countries worldwide by early 2023. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.




Pernod Ricard Launches Closed Loop Service in Singapore and Makes Plans for Global Rollout With ecoSPIRITS

SINGAPORE 17 October 2022 Pernod Ricard and ecoSPIRITS have launched a portfolio of co-branded circular hardware to service leading bars, restaurants and hotels across Singapore. This pilot project marks an important milestone in a larger-scale collaboration between the two companies, paving the way to further rollouts beyond Singapore. The collaboration in Singapore will eventually cover at least 30 venues, including Republic Bar Singapore, MO Bar and Smoke & Mirrors, and it features three of Pernod Ricard’s iconic spirit brands: Absolut Vodka, Beefeater London Dry Gin, and Havana Club Rum.

The world’s first portfolio of co-branded ecoTOTEs.

Details of the launch were revealed at a press event in Singapore on October 4, along with the release of a ‘Circular Making’ video that explains the process and innovation behind closed loop spirits. Pernod Ricard and ecoSPIRITS joined forces to advocate for the circular economy in the industry by creating a circular journey from their countries of origin to the end consumer in ecoSPIRITS’ award-winning closed loop system.

For the Singapore-based pilot program, ecoSPIRITS has released a portfolio of co-branded ecoTOTE™s and SmartPour™s featuring the three iconic Pernod Ricard spirit brands to service bars, restaurants, and hotels across the city state. Venues can securely refill branded spirit bottles using the latest generation SmartPour 2.0S technology. These co-branded SmartPours are equipped with ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending Verified Sustainable Refillfeature, which uses NFC-based refill bottle authentication via a cloud-based software platform. The collaboration will eliminate an estimated 95% of all packaging waste and a minimum of 60% carbon emissions of the packaging and distribution for the participating Pernod Ricard brands in Singapore, when compared with the traditional format of single use glass.

Absolut Vodka uses powerful imagery to highlight the partnership.

The partnership between Pernod Ricard and ecoSPIRITS, which was first announced in March 2022, marks the first of its kind for a global brand portfolio and it is a natural fit for both parties. Pernod Ricard is an industry leader in sustainability, having made broad commitments under a Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The roadmap includes a pillar of ‘Circular Making’, which envisions reducing carbon footprint and encouraging circularity by developing more sustainable packaging solutions. The company aims to reduce its overall carbon footprint intensity by 50% by 2030, and to pursue a Net Zero trajectory by 2050.

Cutting-edge circular innovation. The SmartPour 2.0S in Absolut, Havana Club and Beefeater branded editions.

To support the Singapore collaboration, leading Singapore distributor Drinks Fellas will join the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program and be the exclusive distributor of Absolut Vodka, Beefeater Gin and Havana Club Rum in ecoTOTE format for the launch period. The company, which is headed up by Jack Ong, joins a growing global coalition of importers, distributors, and wholesalers who are licensed for closed loop distribution using ecoSPIRITS’ technology. Drinks Fellas is the third ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner distributor in Singapore.

Jean Touboul, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Southeast Asia

We’re thrilled to start this journey with ecoSPIRITS to create more sustainable and responsible moments of conviviality. It marks a key milestone in our commitment to circular making and distribution, which is at the heart of our 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap, Good Times from a Good Place. With the highest density of Asia’s Best Bars, and an increasing number of eco-conscious drinkers, Singapore is the perfect location to launch our pilot program. We’re very excited to have the support of Smoke & Mirrors, MO Bar and Republic Bar, three award winning bars in Singapore, and glad that we all share the same vision. Looking ahead, we hope more venues will join us on this circular distribution journey across Asia and the world.

Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS

Singapore is home to a celebrated bar scene with a growing crop of sustainable bar concepts and eco-conscious consumers. It’s also where the ecoSPIRITS journey started back in 2018. So, for us, there’s no better place than Singapore to launch our pilot program with Pernod Ricard. Through this first-of-a-kind partnership with a global brand portfolio, we hope to inspire more industry leaders and players to make the pivot to circular. We believe that this is an effective lever on our road to a circular economy and a significant step towards a low carbon revolution.

Jack Ong, Owner, Drinks Fellas

Drinks Fellas is excited to be involved in this project with ecoSPIRITS and Pernod Ricard. We have a reputation for responding with agility to an ever-changing market and we have spent many years being at the forefront of shaping and developing Singapore’s spirits sector. We pride ourselves in finding new trends in spirits and we are now at a point where we can fully commit to building sustainability into our plans for the future.

The Singapore pilot program, which will include a target of 30 bar, hotel and restaurant partners, is forecast to eliminate more than 4,400kg of glass waste and save more than 3,400kg of carbon emissions in the initial six months. In addition, three of Asia’s best bars – MO Bar, Republic Bar Singapore and Smoke & Mirrors – are among the first to join the program and will be serving inventive, sustainably crafted cocktails in celebration of the launch in Singapore.

Journey Cocktail

is made using Beefeater London Dry Gin, Dehydrated Citrus Tea and spices. Journey is inspired by the travels made during the early tea traders in Asia. For this drink, leftover citrus is dehydrated, and turned into a tea by combining it with discarded tea from the bar’s Hi Tea operations to add more flavour. It is then married with Beefeater London Dry Gin and carbonated.

Sunday Spritz Cocktail

is made with Absolut Vodka, Citrus Stock, Lillet Blanc, Chartreuse Jaune, London Essence Peach & Jasmine Soda. Citrus fruits often lead to a lot of waste because they are only used for their peels and juice. As an organic product with high acidity, it is also very difficult and not ideal to compost. To minimize waste and fully utilise them, Republic Bar makes a stock of all-purpose substitute acid, which works wonderfully when mixed in the bar’s Sunday Spritz with Absolut Vodka.

Lacquer-Tini Cocktail

is made from Havana Club 3YO Rum, Jasmine Verte, Acid and Sugar. The drink draws inspiration from the lacquer-style painting of Nguyen Gia Tri’s The Landscape of Vietnam. With botanical and floral notes in a rum-based version of a Daiquiri and Gimlet blend, its clear appearance is not one to be deceived.


This launch in Singapore is an important milestone in a growing collaboration between Pernod Ricard and ecoSPIRITS. In parallel with the rollout in Singapore and one planned for Hong Kong in the coming months, the parties are working together to take the partnership to its next stage, working together on inspiring and encouraging more bars and restaurants to transition to circular packaging across Asia and the world.


Bars, restaurants, and hotels in Singapore interested in participating in the ongoing collaboration between Pernod Ricard and ecoSPIRITS can get in touch via email at info@ecospirits.global or orders@drinksfellas.com. To find out more information about ecoSPIRITS, please contact Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager, ecoSPIRITS at sonya.hook@ecospirits.global.


About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales amounting to 10,701 million in fiscal year FY22. The Group, which owns 17 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive portfolios in the industry with over 240 premium brands distributed across more than 160 markets. Pernod Ricard’s portfolio includes Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. The Group’s mission is to unlock the magic of human connections by bringing “Good Times from a Good Place”, in line with its Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap. Pernod Ricard’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,480 employees to be on-the-ground ambassadors of its purposeful and inclusive culture of conviviality, bringing people together in meaningful, sustainable and responsible ways to create value over the long term. Executing its strategic plan, Transform & Accelerate, Pernod Ricard now relies on its “Conviviality Platform”, a new growth model based on data and artificial intelligence to meet the ever-changing demand of consumers. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.


About Drinks Fellas

Drinks Fellas has been plying the discerning liquor connoisseurs of Singapore with the choicest of spirits since the company’s inception in 2003. Not satisfied with the generic offerings so easily obtained in many of Singapore’s retailers and licensed establishments at that time, the team at Drinks Fellas set themselves the challenge of scouring the globe in search of unique spirits. We are justly proud of all the brands that we are privileged to represent and so now, among a list of over 500 products that adorn our shelves you can find the finest Peruvian pisco from BarSol, as well as Italy’s Fabbri 1905. We believe that products such as these represent the very best of what their region has to offer in terms of quality, value for money and of course taste!


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 18 countries worldwide by late 2022. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.



ecoSPIRITS Expands European Footprint With Three New Licensed Operators

BERLIN 10 October 2022 ecoSPIRITS has announced the addition of three new European partners under its Licensed Operator program, which will expand the reach of the global closed loop network to cover Ireland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic and Slovakia. The new Licensed Operator for Ireland is Lough Ree Distillery, while ecoSYSTEMS AG has signed the agreement on behalf of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The final newcomer is ecoSPIRITS Central Europe, which will be operated by TrunkBros s.r.o., and bring closed loop service to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. All three new European partners will join the ecoSPIRITS global team this week at Bar Convent Berlin to meet with brands, distributors, and hospitality operators curious about circular spirits.

ecoSPIRITS’ exhibition at Bar Convent Berlin on 10 -12 October.

ecoSPIRITSLicensed Operator Program first launched in late 2021 with several markets in Asia Pacific and the United Kingdom. Under the program, experienced local industry partners invest in the ecoSPIRITS portfolio of circular technologies, including the ecoPLANT, ecoTOTE and SmartPour systems to bring closed loop service to new markets. In return, they receive the long-term rights to operate the ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology in their territory. Licensed Operators commit to offering closed loop service to other industry participants, including premium spirits brands, distributors and wholesalers who are looking to improve their cost and environmental performance. Licensed Operators are supported by a global ecoSPIRITS team, which provides comprehensive engineering, commercial, marketing and sustainability expertise.

ecoSPIRITS' European network now covers eight countries, including several of the largest economies.

TrunkBros s.r.o is the new Licensed Operator for Central Europe, initially covering the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The company is run by the Kastanek brothers, Zdenek and Pavel, who are both native to the region and are well versed in the culture, language and business practices. The pair have complementary skills with Zdenek Kastanek bringing years of food and beverage, as well as distribution experience, balanced with Pavel Kastanek’s skills in marketing and brand building. As its founding member, Zdenek Kastanek spent many years with Proof & Company, one of Asia Pacific’s leading spirits distributors and bar consultancies, before joining ecoSPIRITS in 2019 as International Sales Director. The duo plan to kickstart this venture by introducing two ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner brands from the True Believers portfolio: Widges Gin and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave.

Zdenek and Pavel Kastanek, co-owners of TrunkBros s.r.o.

In this era of enhanced climate change awareness, we are very excited to help develop the circular economy within the Central Europe region by bringing circular technology for the distribution of wine and spirits, collaborating with local venues and partners, and helping them tackle their levels of waste and carbon emissions. It’s a region we know very well, and we are looking forward to working closely with local and international producers, hotels, bars and restaurant operators. In addition, with Zdenek’s in-depth knowledge of ecoSPIRITS as the company’s International Sales Director, we believe it has a strong future ahead and we are therefore very prepared to invest in it.

The team behind Lough Ree Distillery will be the new Licensed Operator for ecoSPIRITS Ireland. Lough Ree Distillery, which is based in Lanesborough, Co. Longford in Ireland, is headed up by Michael and Peter Clancy and their sister Sheila Mullen. The two Clancy brothers are bringing their flagship brands – Sling Shot Distilled Irish Gin and Bart’s Irish Whiskey – to the ecoSPIRITS’ stand in Hall 17 at Bar Convent Berlin. Lough Ree is the first distillery to distil peat as a botanical in gin for its Sling Shot brand, while Bart’s Blended Irish Whiskey, which is a complex blend of five different whiskies, is named after their father, Bart Clancy, as a legacy to his memory. Lough Ree also produces the Bridge Series of Whiskey, Zesty Citrus Vodka and Aiteal Distilled Irish Gin.

Peter Clancy (pictured centre), CEO of Lough Ree Distillery.

At Lough Ree Distillery we have been assessing our packaging and processes to see where we can reduce our impact on the planet. Like many others, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint while facing huge challenges due to rising waste disposal and supply chain issues for packaging. ecoSPIRITS is a sustainable, circular distribution model that meets all these challenges and can bring additional benefits in terms of product traceability and integrity. The ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology is a game changer for the spirits and hospitality industries and we’re delighted to be the ones to bring this innovative and disruptive solution to the Irish market.

The Licensed Operator for Switzerland and Liechtenstein is ecoSYSTEMS AG, a new company set up by three hospitality experts: Armin Azadpour, Justin R. Rayani and Erik Amstad. All three have many years of experience in the drinks industry: Azadpour runs the popular venues: Hunky Dory in Frankfurt and Bar Lupo in Zurich, while Rayani is the owner of the Zurich-based bars Dante, Grande and Le Raymond. Amstad’s background is in the on-trade drinks industry, having worked in global roles for leading consumer brands, such as Coca-Cola and Red Bull.

Armin Azadpour (pictured right), co-owner of ecoSYSTEMS AG.

Collectively the three of us have many years of experience in the drinks trade across various parts of Europe, and we are very excited to be able to join forces and to work together with ecoSPIRITS as the Licensed Operator for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Many of the venues and drinks businesses in this region already have a big focus on environmental concerns and we are looking forward to working with them on their long-term sustainability strategies by helping them make the move towards ending single use glass. The ecoSPIRITS system will also deliver a reduction in the carbon emissions footprint of the spirits packaging and distribution.

ecoSPIRITS will be represented in Hall 17 (stand 17C45) at Bar Convent Berlin (10 12 October) by members of its global team, including Iain McPherson, ecoSPIRITS Sales Director, Europe. For the first time, the team will exhibit the full portfolio of ecoSPIRITS closed-loop technologies, including a complete ecoPLANT, which is ecoSPIRITScontainerised, semi-automated processing facility. Also at the show will be the company’s latest generation of dispense technologies including the patent-pending SmartPour and SmartKiosk. The new SmartKiosk is ecoSPIRITSintelligent retail system, which allows consumers to securely and safely refill branded spirits bottle in retail environments. In addition, Climate Partner brands from the existing ecoSPIRITS markets will be exhibited.

Visitors to BCB can see the full collection of ecoSPIRITS’ hardware.

Iain McPherson, ecoSPIRITS Sales Director, Europe.

I am delighted that ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology will be introduced into these markets by knowledgeable and excellent partners. We look forward to working with our Licensed Operators in providing a platform for the industry to adopt the circular economy in these new markets. The transition from single use packaging to circular spirits and wine is a complex endeavour. Our Licensed Operator Program taps into the best of ecoSPIRITS’ global expertise and our operator’s local knowledge to help our partner brands distributors, and outlets make this important transition in a commercial sustainable way.

Parties interested in finding out more about these three new Licensed Operators or ecoSPIRITS presence at Bar Convent Berlin may contact Iain McPherson, Sales Director for Europe iain.mcpherson@ecospirits.global or Sonya Hook, Senior PR Manager, sonya.hook@ecospirits.global.


About TrunkBros s.r.o

TrunkBros s.r.o was established in 2018 by brothers Zdenek and Pavel Kastanek with the aim of helping the hospitality industry to have access to artisan, interesting and timeless products with a focus on circular systems and products. Gastronomy and entrepreneurship run in the family, alongside a focus on the environment. The pair have worked in many areas of the industry over the years, in roles ranging from bartenders, ambassadors, cooks, waiters, bosses, drivers and more. In more recent years their work in the sector has spanned out to drinks marketing and distribution in Europe and Asia Pacific. Responsibility and joy of life is what drives the brothers forward and they are always looking at ways to share their passion with others.

For more information, please visit https://trunkbros.com/


About Lough Ree

Founded and run by sibling trio Peter & Michael Clancy and their sister Sheila Mullen, Lough Ree Distillery is the ultimate family business. Commencing operations in 2018 by opening a micro distillery in their hometown of Lanesborough, Co. Longford, the company has an impressive product portfolio of multi award winning products. Lough Ree’s brand emphasises the power of connection – connecting whiskey tradition with modern technology, connecting the gentle pace of rural Ireland with the confidence of a new generation and finally connecting people from far and wide through fine spirits. With innovation at the heart of the business, the team became the first to distil peat as a botanical with their Sling Shot Gin, while Bart’s Blended Irish Whiskey is a complex blend of grain, pot still and peated malt with malt whiskeys finished in Rye and Oloroso casks. The company also has The Bridge series of Single Cask Whiskies.

For more information, please visit https://www.lrd.ie/


About ecoSYSTEMS AG

ecoSYSTEMS AG is a new company set up by a trio of hospitality and drinks experts: Justin Rayani, Armin Azadpour and Erik Amstad. The three decided to put their many years of industry experience together to set up ecoSYSTEMS, with the aim of focusing on sustainable strategies for the bar and drinks sectors around their homelands of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Between the three of them they have worked in, managed and owned several bars and they have a focus on excellence and quality. With an in-depth knowledge of the bar scene around the region, the team intends to work closely with venues, producers and hospitality businesses to help them transition to environmentally-friendly practices.

For more information, please visit www.ecosystemag.com


About BCB

Bar Convent Berlin, which takes place in the Messe Berlin exhibition centre, is the largest trade fair for the bar and beverage industry. Bar owners, bartenders, distributors and manufacturers from around 80 countries come to BCB in Berlin every year to make new contacts, learn about product innovations and attend seminars. The event is unique in that it includes large and small brands exhibiting their wares side by side, a wealth of visitors from around the world and entertaining and informative presentations and seminars from top industry experts. BCB has expanded its global network with further shows in the US (Bar Convent Brooklyn) and Brazil (Bar Convent Sao Paulo). The first of the annual Berlin events took place in June 2018.

For more information, please visit https://www.barconvent.com/en-gb.html


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants and hotels have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 18 countries worldwide by late 2022.

Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.

For more information, please visit www.ecospirits.global



ecoSPIRITS Releases Intelligent Circular Retail Technology With Proof & Company and DFI Retail Group

SINGAPORE 12 September 2022 ecoSPIRITS has announced the release of the latest innovation in its Intelligent Circularroadmap and its first foray into circular packaging solutions for the retail channel. The innovative SmartKiosk™ technology allows consumers to sustainably reuse branded spirits bottles in a secure, digital shopping experience. The new SmartKiosks will be pioneered by Proof & Company, ecoSPIRITS’ largest licensed operator in Asia Pacific, and DFI Retail Group, a leading pan-Asian retailer operating more than 10,200 outlets across the region. Additional SmartKiosks will be deployed in ecoSPIRITS markets around the world in the coming months.

The patent-pending SmartKiosk 1.0S. An interactive, planet-friendly consumer shopping experience like no other

The new SmartKiosk 1.0S is an intelligent circular retail technology that makes it possible to securely and sustainably reuse branded spirits bottles for the first time. Wifi-enabled and powered by ecoSPIRITS’ cloud-based CircularONE software platform, each SmartKiosk 1.0S is equipped with a large high-definition touchscreen, bottle and brand authentication through a unique Verified Sustainable Refill™ feature, and fast, accurate refills using ecoSPIRITS’ existing SmartPour™ technology. As an extension of ecoSPIRITS’ existing portfolio of closed loop technologies, the SmartKiosk enables retailers to leverage existing ecoTOTE distribution in their local market and offer a scalable, cost effective refill solution to consumers.

Each SmartKiosk 1.0S unit supports sustainable refills for a range of six spirit products, with a two-level merchandising display for branded refill bottles and a rear cabinet for convenient restocking of ecoTOTEs. SmartKiosks feature a Microsoft Windows CE-based operating system and live content and data powered by the CircularONE software platform. This software integration makes a range of intelligent features possible, including displaying live content on the 125cm touch screen display, NFC-based bottle authentication via Verified Sustainable Refill, and fast, accurate dispense. Kiosks also feature programmable dispense volumes, stainless steel drip trays and locking wheels for ease of handling.

Cold Storage & CS Fresh, a popular household name and Singaporean icon

Proof & Company, ecoSPIRITS’ Licensed Operator for Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, China, Australia and New Zealand, will be the first partner in the world to own and operate a fleet of SmartKiosks. For the Asia Pacific launch of the new technology, Proof & Company has partnered with DFI to deploy the new SmartKiosks in five CS Fresh supermarkets around Singapore from September 2022. This technology debut with Singapore’s leading premium grocer is aligned with the city state’s Singapore Green Plan 2030, which commits to reducing landfill waste by 30% by 2030.

CS Fresh SmartKiosks offer refills of six different spirits. One tree is planted for each sustainable refill

The new CS Fresh SmartKiosks will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to refills of a selection of craft spirits brands, including gins from Singapore’s own Brass Lion Distillery. Other spirits on offer will include Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Widges Gin, Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave. Each refill will offer the shopper significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single use packaging waste, as well as significant cost savings of up to 20%, compared with the same spirit in its traditional single use packaging format. As part of the collaboration, for each refill purchased ecoSPIRITS, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the dedicated CS Fresh forest under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program.

CS Fresh SmartKiosks offer refills of six different spirits. One tree is planted for each sustainable refill

The new CS Fresh SmartKiosks will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to refills of a selection of craft spirits brands, including gins from Singapore’s own Brass Lion Distillery. Other spirits on offer will include Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Widges Gin, Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave. Each refill will offer the shopper significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single use packaging waste, as well as significant cost savings of up to 20%, compared with the same spirit in its traditional single use packaging format. As part of the collaboration, for each refill purchased ecoSPIRITS, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the dedicated CS Fresh forest under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program.

Brandon Grusd, General Manager, Southeast Asia, Proof & Company

Proof & Company is proud to be the very first operator of the SmartKiosk technology globally. Having first pioneered ecoSPIRITS in the on-premise channel back in 2018, its a natural fit for our growing network of retailers across Asia Pacific. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for our brand partners, such as Brass Lion Distillery and True Believers, to be at the forefront of consumer innovation. DFI and CS Fresh should be commended for their sustainability leadership in pioneering such a unique shopper experience.

Gwen Cheong, Head of Corporate and Consumer Affairs, SEA, DFI Retail Group

DFI is very proud to partner with Proof & Company and ecoSPIRITS in this initiative as part of our sustainability efforts.  With a mission to do the right thing for our customers and the environment, the deployment of these SmartKiosks is a clear step towards how we can support the sustainable consumption of wine and spirits while still providing our customers with the products they seek. This deployment is also timely and in line with changing customer behaviours – sustainability has become a powerful value proposition to increasingly conscious consumers and we remain committed to delivering on what our customers have asked for.

Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS

Circular retail for spirits and wine presents enormous opportunities, and equally great challenges. Retail purchases make up the largest volume segment for our industry, and the largest source of single use glass waste. As such, it is incumbent upon all of us to find more sustainable ways to serve consumers. Helping shoppers adapt to novel consumption patterns is not easy, but in the face of a global waste and climate crisis adaptation is a must. Together, we can build a future beyond single use packaging.

Parties interested in learning more about ecoSPIRITS’ global Intelligent Circular network, the new SmartKiosk technology or opportunities to join the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program as a brand or distributor may reach out to info@ecospirits.global. For more information on Proof & Company and its leading Asia Pacific spirits distribution platform, please contact info@proofandcompany.com. For more information on DFI Group or CS Fresh, please contact sgcomm@dfiretailgroup.com.


About DFI Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading pan-Asian retailer. At 30th June 2022, the Group and its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,300 outlets and employed some 220,000 people. The Group had total annual sales in 2021 exceeding US$27 billion.

The Group provides quality and value to Asian consumers by offering leading brands, a compelling retail experience and great service; all delivered through a strong store network supported by efficient supply chains. The Group (including associates and joint ventures) operates under a number of well-known brands across food, health and beauty, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing. The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong by DFI Retail Group Management Services Limited through its regional offices. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

For more information, please visit https://www.dairyfarmgroup.com/en-US/


About Proof & Company

Proof & Company is one of Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits companies, merging a disruptive approach to independent spirits distribution with a team of highly regarded bartenders and educators, a customer-focused mindset, and the region’s leading hospitality clients. From offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland and Christchurch, Proof & Company manages the exclusive distribution of a portfolio of independent spirits, craft cocktails ingredients, and premium bar tools and glassware. Proof Creative’s award-winning team of Senior Bar Consultants is one of the most well-regarded creative teams in the cocktail and spirits community globally. Together they guide the development of bars for clients across Asia Pacific. Four of these bars ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars list of 2020 and eight in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars List 2021, including Proof & Company’s own cocktail bar, 28 HongKong Street in Singapore.

For more information, please visit https://proofandcompany.com/


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants and hotels have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 18 countries worldwide by late 2022.

Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.

For more information, please visit www.ecospirits.global