ecoSPIRITS Celebrates European Launch With The Savoy Hotel London & Portobello Road Gin
LONDON 24 JULY 2021 This month, ecoSPIRITS is celebrating its official European launch with one of the continent’s most storied hotels, The Savoy Hotel London, and the acclaimed Portobello Road Gin from Notting Hill in the British capital. Together, the companies have teamed up to create one of Europe’s most sustainable cocktail serves, The Co-Naissance Cocktail. This special serve – which is the first cocktail in Europe to use the ecoSPIRITS low waste, low carbon spirits technology – will be available at The Beaufort Bar and the Thames Foyer through the month of September.
The Co-Naissance Cocktail by The Savoy Hotel
Located on the Thames River in the heart of London, The Savoy has been one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels for more than 130 years. The first purpose-built deluxe hotel in Britain when it opened in 1889, The Savoy has, fittingly, long been known for innovation. Over the many decades since its opening, the hotel introduced a range of innovations to the London and European market, from central hot water boilers, in-room light switches and modernised kitchen layouts in the early years to the first computerised guest records in 1984. With the hospitality industry now looking towards a more sustainable future, it is a natural fit for The Savoy to become the first hotel in Europe to serve low carbon, low waste spirits to its guests.
Beaufort Bar, The Savoy Hotel
The Thames Foyer, The Savoy Hotel
Jan-Peer Lehfeldt, Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage, The Savoy
“We are on a journey to revolutionise how cocktails are developed and produced and this is just the first step, but it’s a significant one. It reflects The Savoy’s commitment to reducing waste and actively supporting the environment. We plan to continue and expand our collaboration with ecoSPIRITS – so watch this space! And we really hope that other hotels, bars and restaurants will follow suit as this can only benefit our industry and the environment.”
For a ‘Made in London’ celebratory serve, The Savoy and ecoSPIRITS selected a native spirit, London’s own Portobello Road Gin. Made from a base spirit from English-grown wheat by ninth generation distiller Charles Maxwell of The Thames Distillery, Portobello Road No. 171 Gin features juniper berries and orris from Tuscany, Spanish lemon peels, bitter orange peels from Haiti or Morocco, nutmeg from Indonesia and cassia bark from South East Asia. As an official ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner, Portobello Road Gin is now available to on-trade venues in London in ecoTOTE™ format through Mangrove UK.
Portobello Road Gin, an ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner
The Ginstitute on Portobello Road in London
Jake F. Burger, Co-Founder, Portobello Road Gin
“One of the proudest moments of my career was seeing a bottle of Portobello Road Gin on the shelves of the American Bar at The Savoy shortly after we first launched. To now be working with them on such a worthwhile endeavour as carbon emission reduction is a dream come true. I can’t wait to visit my favourite hotel bar in the world, enjoy a Co-Naissance Cocktail, congratulate Shannon Tebay on her new appointment as Head Bartender at the American Bar, and to know that in some small way we’ll be helping the world.”
Cristian Silenzi, Senior Mixologist at The Savoy
An environmentally-friendly cocktail developed by Senior Mixologist at The Savoy, Cristian Silenzi, the Co-Naissance Cocktail is the first cocktail in Europe to use the ecoSPIRITS low waste, low carbon spirits technology. This special serve brings together Portobello Road Gin in ecoTOTE™ format, re-carbonated Champagne, and two unique locally foraged London ingredients, elderflower from Little Venice and fig leaves from Embankment Gardens. The name ‘Co-Naissance’ celebrates both knowledge of the past and new beginnings, vital themes as the world emerges from a challenging period and looks to a more sustainable future.
“We are always looking for ways to innovate, so when I learnt that we were going to be working with ecoSPIRITS it made sense to me to source or create other elements to the cocktail that were sustainable as they could possibly be. So with Portobello Road Gin and our foraged ingredients we went hyper-local, and by re-carbonating Champagne, we were able to avoid waste in a premium ingredient. It is really exciting to work on new projects like this and I am proud of this collaboration and of the Co-Naissance Cocktail, which in a short time has proved to be really popular with our guests”
The ecoSPIRITS closed loop system eliminates more than 90% of the carbon emissions footprint associated with the packaging and transport of the Portobello Road Gin at the heart of the cocktail. Re-carbonated Champagne, using premium Champagne from the hotel’s restaurant service, upcycles a valuable resource that would otherwise be discarded. Local foraging of ingredients from urban London complements the sustainability theme, further minimizing carbon emissions and agricultural impact. Finally, to further the positive impact of the cocktail, ecoSPIRITS, Portobello Road Gin and The Savoy are planting one native tree in the endangered Kalimantan rainforest in Borneo, Indonesia for each Co-Naissance Cocktail served. Overall, the Co-Naissance Cocktail involves no packaging or ingredient waste, no single use glass and eliminates more than 1.8kg of C02 emissions per cocktail through waste reduction and reforestation.
ecoSPIRITS will be officially available to on trade venues in the United Kingdom from 1 August 2021. In addition to Portobello Road Gin, the launch will see a range of new spirits become available in ecoTOTE™ format. ecoSPIRITS closed loop service will be available in additional European markets before the end of 2021.
To book a table at The Savoy, please email or call +44 (0) 20 7836 4343. For more information on ecoSPIRITS in the United Kingdom, please contact ecoSPIRITS or Mangrove Global.
About The Savoy
The Savoy is the UK’s most historic luxury hotel. Right on the River Thames, it is perfectly placed at the cultural heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities. 267 rooms and suites are accompanied by some of the most well-known restaurants and bars in London, alongside magnificent and varied meeting and events space. The Savoy’s legendary service creates wonderful memories to last a lifetime. You don’t just stay at The Savoy, The Savoy stays with you.
For more information, please visit The Savoy London
About Portobello Road Gin
In late 2011, nestled above a 19th century drinking den on London’s world famous Portobello Road, three longtime friends; Ged Feltham, Jake Burger & Paul Lane decided, after amassing a staggering collection of gin and alcoholic artifacts, to open The Ginstitute, London’s premier gin making class. In the nine months of experimentation that followed, the character of their very own gin was slowly created, thus Portobello Road No. 171 was born. A timeless London Dry saluting the distillers of the past using nine time-honoured botanicals. Born on something of a whim, Portobello Road Gin has quickly established itself as a favourite amongst connoisseur consumers, bartenders and gin fans alike. Taking home its first gold medal at International Spirits Competition in 2013 and collecting awards ever since, it seems the judges are fans too.
For more information, please visit Portobello Road Gin
ecoSPIRITS Announces Global Network Details & New Climate Partner Program
SINGAPORE 15 JULY 2021 ecoSPIRITS today revealed its vision of a global network of closed loop service, bringing circular spirits packaging technology to markets both large and small. As part of this vision, ecoSPIRITS is also launching a Climate Partner Program, offering a much wider range of spirits producers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues with access the patent-pending ecoSPIRITS technology.
Since 2018, the extraordinary pace of adoption of the ecoSPIRITS system has proven the hospitality industry is in widespread agreement: a transition to circular economy principles is central to cutting greenhouse gases and securing a sustainable future in food and beverage. As evidence of this emerging consensus, more than 600 venue partners in 8 countries are now using the technology. The challenge that lies ahead is straightforward, yet daunting. With 40 billion single use glass spirit bottles used every year, how can circular packaging technology play a role at truly global scale? ecoSPIRITS’ answer is a global network of closed loop service.
The ecoSPIRITS Network
Licensed Operator Program
A worldwide network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors who own and operate ecoSPIRITS closed loop service in individual territories. Together, we make circular possible at global scale.
Climate Partner Program
A global coalition of brand partners (owners & producers), channel partners (importers, distributors & wholesalers) and venue partners (bars, restaurants & hotels) who make use of ecoSPIRITS closed loop service.
ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending system of closed loop technologies offers a proven reduction in the delivered cost of premium spirits, and a transformative reduction in single use waste and C02 footprint. To now bring these benefits to a global market, ecoSPIRITS is building a worldwide network of licensed operators of its technology. Under the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator program, experienced local spirits industry partners invest in the ecoSPIRITS hardware, receive the rights to operate the ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology in a market and commit to offering closed loop service to other industry participants.
“Since announcing the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator Program in December 2020, we have received inquiries from dozens of countries worldwide,” notes Zdenek Kastanek, International Sales Director, ecoSPIRITS, “This level of interest demonstrates the universal appeal of circular packaging to the industry. As we now work to build a global closed loop network, we will be partnering with experienced, forward-thinking brands and teams who share our vision of a circular future.”
ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending system of closed loop technologies offers a proven reduction in the delivered cost of premium spirits, and a transformative reduction in single use waste and C02 footprint. To now bring these benefits to a global market, ecoSPIRITS is building a worldwide network of licensed operators of its technology. Under the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator program, experienced local spirits industry partners invest in the ecoSPIRITS hardware, receive the rights to operate the ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology in a market and commit to offering closed loop service to other industry participants.
“Since announcing the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator Program in December 2020, we have received inquiries from dozens of countries worldwide,” notes Zdenek Kastanek, International Sales Director, ecoSPIRITS, “This level of interest demonstrates the universal appeal of circular packaging to the industry. As we now work to build a global closed loop network, we will be partnering with experienced, forward-thinking brands and teams who share our vision of a circular future.”
Over the coming months, ecoSPIRITS will announce ten new ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operators and forecasts the global closed loop network to cover more than 30 countries by the end of 2022.
To complement the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator Program, ecoSPIRITS is launching an official Climate Partner Program, which has been developed to offer the industry access to the growing network of closed loop service. This new program seeks to build a broad industry coalition of spirits producers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues who are committed to sustainability and waste reduction. Through their use of the ecoSPIRITS technology, our Climate Partners are eliminating single use glass waste, dramatically reducing C02 emissions, and supporting the reforestation of some of the world’s most endangered green tracts.
Joining the Climate Partner Program offers industry participants a range of benefits, including:
- Access to ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending closed loop service in their chosen territories, with hardware and network upkeep provided by ecoSPIRITS and our Licensed Operators.
- Official Climate Partner status, including comprehensive rights to the use of ecoSPIRITS logos, trademarks and authorised C02 and waste impact metrics and tools.
- Active reforestation management under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, including access to the ‘proof of planting’ digital interface and dollar-for-dollar matched reforestation investment by ecoSPIRITS.
- Individualised quarterly reporting covering the C02, single use waste and reforestation impact of their use of circular packaging technology.
Under ecoSPIRITS’ unique circular hardware-as-a-service model, Climate Partners are not required to fund the capital cost of the closed loop system in their chosen markets. All closed loop hardware investment and upkeep is provided by ecoSPIRITS and our Licensed Operators. In return, brand partners and channel partners pay annual and volume-based license fees based on their usage of the network. There are no costs for venue partners to join the ecoSPIRITS network.
In celebration of the launch of the Climate Partner Program, throughout July and August ecoSPIRITS will be shining a well-deserved spotlight on both new and existing Climate Partners. These are the changemakers who are helping lead us all to a circular future.
Meet Some of Our Climate Partners
Over the coming months, ecoSPIRITS will announce ten new ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operators and forecasts the global closed loop network to cover more than 30 countries by the end of 2022.
To complement the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator Program, ecoSPIRITS is launching an official Climate Partner Program, which has been developed to offer the industry access to the growing network of closed loop service. This new program seeks to build a broad industry coalition of spirits producers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues who are committed to sustainability and waste reduction. Through their use of the ecoSPIRITS technology, our Climate Partners are eliminating single use glass waste, dramatically reducing C02 emissions, and supporting the reforestation of some of the world’s most endangered green tracts.
Joining the Climate Partner Program offers industry participants a range of benefits, including:
- Access to ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending closed loop service in their chosen territories, with hardware and network upkeep provided by ecoSPIRITS and our Licensed Operators.
- Official Climate Partner status, including comprehensive rights to the use of ecoSPIRITS logos, trademarks and authorised C02 and waste impact metrics and tools.
- Active reforestation management under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, including access to the ‘proof of planting’ digital interface and dollar-for-dollar matched reforestation investment by ecoSPIRITS.
- Individualised quarterly reporting covering the C02, single use waste and reforestation impact of their use of circular packaging technology.
Under ecoSPIRITS’ unique circular hardware-as-a-service model, Climate Partners are not required to fund the capital cost of the closed loop system in their chosen markets. All closed loop hardware investment and upkeep is provided by ecoSPIRITS and our Licensed Operators. In return, brand partners and channel partners pay annual and volume-based license fees based on their usage of the network. There are no costs for venue partners to join the ecoSPIRITS network.
In celebration of the launch of the Climate Partner Program, throughout July and August ecoSPIRITS will be shining a well-deserved spotlight on both new and existing Climate Partners. These are the changemakers who are helping lead us all to a circular future.
Meet Some of Our Climate Partners
“We set out to create the world’s most planet positive spirits brand, and that includes embracing innovation and technology by collaborating with partners like ecoSPIRITS, who provide a brilliant solution to an age old waste problem while further improving our climate positive credentials.”
- Stephanie Jordan, CEO & Co-Founder of Avallen Spirits
“After two years of pioneering the ecoSPIRITS technology in our markets, we are delighted to see the level of worldwide interest in reducing single use glass in the industry. The introduction of closed loop packaging has been nothing short of transformative for our business. The bars we partner with have embraced ecoSPIRITS and we are looking forward to continuing to expand the platform across our markets."
“After two years of pioneering the ecoSPIRITS technology in our markets, we are delighted to see the level of worldwide interest in reducing single use glass in the industry. The introduction of closed loop packaging has been nothing short of transformative for our business. The bars we partner with have embraced ecoSPIRITS and we are looking forward to continuing to expand the platform across our markets."
- Paul Broadbent, Chief Executive Officer, Proof & Company
“Portobello Road Gin are delighted to collaborate with ecoSPIRITS and its pioneering technology. Innovation has always been at the forefront of our business and innovation surrounding sustainable production techniques, lowering carbon footprints and reducing waste has never been more important.”
“Portobello Road Gin are delighted to collaborate with ecoSPIRITS and its pioneering technology. Innovation has always been at the forefront of our business and innovation surrounding sustainable production techniques, lowering carbon footprints and reducing waste has never been more important.”
- Tom Coates, Brand Director, Portobello Road Gin
eS Climate Partner in the United Kingdom
“Innovation and evolution is essential to Paramount and partnering with likeminded organisations is a must. Sustainability is critical to long term viability and we’re happy to be able to play our part and help facilitate such a great initiative.”
“Innovation and evolution is essential to Paramount and partnering with likeminded organisations is a must. Sustainability is critical to long term viability and we’re happy to be able to play our part and help facilitate such a great initiative.”
- Leigh Rowe, Director, Paramount Liquor
“We set out to create the world’s most planet positive spirits brand, and that includes embracing innovation and technology by collaborating with partners like ecoSPIRITS, who provide a brilliant solution to an age old waste problem while further improving our climate positive credentials.”
– Stephanie Jordan, CEO & Co-Founder of Avallen Spirits
eS Climate Partner in the United Kingdom
“After two years of pioneering the ecoSPIRITS technology in our markets, we are delighted to see the level of worldwide interest in reducing single use glass in the industry. The introduction of closed loop packaging has been nothing short of transformative for our business. The bars we partner have embraced ecoSPIRITS and we are looking forward to continue to expand the platform across our markets.”
– Paul Broadbent, Chief Executive Officer, Proof & Company
eS Licensed Operator & eS Climate Partner in Singapore, China, Hong Kong SAR, Australia & New Zealand
“Portobello Road Gin are delighted to collaborate with ecoSPIRITS and its pioneering technology. Innovation has always been at the forefront of our business and innovation surrounding sustainable production techniques, lowering carbon footprints and reducing waste has never been more important.”
– Tom Coates, Brand Director, Portobello Road Gin
eS Climate Partner in the United Kingdom
“Innovation and evolution is essential to Paramount and partnering with likeminded organisations is a must. Sustainability is critical to long term viability and we’re happy to be able to play our part and help facilitate such a great initiative.”
– Leigh Rowe, Director, Paramount Liquor
eS Climate Partner in Australia
For more information on the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator or ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Programs, please contact ecoSPIRITS
Raffles Hotel Singapore & ecoSPIRITS Blend Tradition & Sustainability in the Iconic Singapore Sling
SINGAPORE 27 JUNE 2021 In celebration of the inaugural Singapore Sling Day on 27 June, Raffles Hotel Singapore and ecoSPIRITS have announced the results of a sustainability review of the iconic Singapore Sling. In collaboration with Proof & Company and ecoSPIRITS, the Singapore Sling was revitalised in 2018 by Raffles Hotel Singapore as part of the reopening of the hotel after a two-year renovation. By using the patent-pending ecoSPIRITS technology and taking other steps to reduce waste, each new Singapore Sling saves the equivalent of 200g of C02 emissions per serve and contributes to the planting of native trees in the endangered rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia.
Developed with taste and sustainability at the fore, the revitalised Singapore Sling honours the long tradition of a cocktail widely regarded as the national drink of Singapore and first created in 1915 by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The classic recipe of gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, curaçao, pineapple juice, lime juice and grenadine and bitters remains, but with improved, natural ingredients throughout and an eye to the future through a commitment to limiting single use waste and carbon footprint.
The iconic Singapore Sling, first created in 1915 at Raffles Hotel Singapore
The revitalised Singapore Sling features copper pot-distilled Widges London Dry Gin, a cherry liqueur from the Luxardo family who have produced cherry liqueurs from their own marasca cherry orchards in Italy for more than 200 years, an artisanal dry curaçao from Ferrand Cognac, an all-natural pomegranate grenadine produced exclusively for Raffles Hotel Singapore by Crawley’s, and a bespoke Scrappy’s Spice Plantation Bitters, which is prepared using local Singapore botanicals such as nutmeg, mace and cloves. The result is a Singapore Sling for modern palates, one that is fresher, less sweet and more balanced.
The revitalised Singapore Sling, with all-natural ingredients and sustainable practices.
The ecoSPIRITS low carbon, low waste technology lies at the heart of the revitalised Singapore Sling, used to dramatically reduce single use glass waste and carbon footprint for the spirit and liqueur ingredients. The gin, cherry liqueur and dry curaçao are all delivered to Raffles Hotel in patent-pending ecoTOTE™ format, saving tens of thousands of glass bottles each year. Furthering the sustainability profile of the cocktail, both the real marasca candied cherries used as garnishes and the Spice Plantation bitters are shipped in large low-waste formats, eliminating several thousand kilograms of packaging waste per year. Single use plastic straws have also been replaced with biodegradable potato starch straws.
The Singapore Sling was the first cocktail in the world to use the ecoSPIRITS technology, dating back to November 2018
The result is a Singapore Sling that is far more sustainable, led by significant reductions in single use glass waste, other packaging and service wastes and carbon (C02) emissions. For purposes of the sustainability review, C02 reductions were estimated using the ecoSPIRITS Carbon Calculator, which was developed by leading consulting firm Deloitte. In addition to the waste and C02 savings, under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, Raffles Hotel is planting native trees in the Kalimantan and Sumatran rainforests, leaving a permanent legacy of carbon reduction and reforestation of endangered wild areas. The reforestation program yields an additional 150g of C02 sequestration per year per Singapore Sling, bringing the total to 200g of C02 reduction.
“The inaugural Singapore Sling Day honours our cherished heritage and the undisputed legacy of the Singapore Sling, an exceptional icon fashioned at Raffles Hotel Singapore that has, much like the storied luxury property, put Singapore squarely on the global map. Singapore Sling Day also recognises our constant efforts towards sustainability and innovation aligned with Accor Hotel’s Planet 21 initiative, while continuing to deliver vibrant and inimitable experiences to engage our guests and the community,” said Christian Westbeld, Managing Director, Raffles Hotel Singapore.”
– Christian Westbeld, Managing Director, Raffles Hotel Singapore
“ecoSPIRITS is proudly a ‘Born in Singapore’ technology. To be able to work with one of Singapore’s great icons – Raffles Hotel – to transition the Singapore Sling into a new era of sustainability, quality and taste is a dream come true,” notes ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie, “Raffles was the first hotel in the world to use the ecoSPIRITS technology, going back to November 2018. Their leadership in committing to green innovation and a vision of a sustainable future in food and beverage can serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
– Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS
About Raffles Hotel Singapore
Opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. Till today, its architecture is perfectly preserved both inside and out, giving it an intoxicating blend of luxury, history and classic colonial design. Within its walls are more than a hundred expansive suites, framed by polished teak verandahs and white marble colonnades, clustered around lush tropical gardens. Each is serviced by the legendary Raffles butlers and offers every modern convenience necessary.
Raffles Singapore has recently undergone a careful and sensitive restoration and has fully reopened on 1 August 2019. The restoration of Raffles Singapore is designed to ensure that it retain what is so special about Raffles – the ambience, the service, the charm and the heritage of the hotel. It is also designed for Raffles Singapore to stay relevant and distinctive by moving with the times and with its guests and adapting to the changing needs of the well-travelled and Singapore’s community.
For more information, please visit Raffles Singapore
About Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group which invites travellers to feel welcome in almost 4,800 hotels, resorts and residences, along with some 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe.
For more information, please visit Raffles | Accor Hotels
ecoSPIRITS Launches Licensed Operator Program, Starting with the United Kingdom
SINGAPORE 21 DECEMBER 2020 Building on its success across Asia Pacific over the past 18 months, ecoSPIRITS has announced a global licensed operator program, which will bring its closed loop spirits distribution technology to new markets worldwide. The first market under this new program will be the United Kingdom, where ecoSPIRITS has partnered with the team behind premium spirits importer and distributor Mangrove UK. The new partnership will bring closed loop spirits distribution to London in April 2021, with additional cities to follow over the course of the year.
ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending system of closed loop technologies offers both a substantial reduction in the delivered cost of premium spirits, and a transformative reduction in waste and C02 footprint. As one of the world’s most mature markets for premium spirits, the United Kingdom is a natural fit for this cost reduction advantage. The ecoSPIRITS circular solution to eliminating single use glass waste is also in sync with United Kingdom consumers, who are increasingly transitioning to sustainable consumption and purchasing choices.
Under the new Licensed Operator program, experienced local spirits industry partners invest in the ecoSPIRITS hardware and technologies, including the ecoPLANT™, ecoTOTE™ and SmartPour™ systems. They receive the rights to operate the ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology in a market, with comprehensive technology, engineering and product support from the ecoSPIRITS team. In return, 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.
Zdenek Kastanek, International Sales Director, ecoSPIRITS
“Since launching in Asia Pacific in late 2018, ecoSPIRITS has received inquiries from countries around the world about the prospect of closed loop service,” notes Zdenek Kastanek, ecoSPIRITS International Sales Director, “The ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator program makes this prospect a reality. Together with our local partners, such as the wonderful team behind Mangrove UK, we can scale our climate impact many times over. From a personal perspective, I am excited to have this opportunity to reconnect with so many industry friends and relationships that I developed during my years working in hospitality in London.”
Nick Gillett, Managing Director, Mangrove UK
Nick Gillett, Managing Director, Mangrove UK, added,“I have tracked the progress of ecoSPIRITS in Asia since its launch, and firmly believe their technology offers a sustainable blueprint for the UK drinks industry to follow. A number of brands in our portfolio have sustainability, environmental and Fairtrade principles at their core, and ecoSPIRITS offers us a very natural next step. The on-trade community is a driving force for change – campaigning against plastic straws, ill treatment of workers in production, treatment of waste water. ecoSPIRITS offers the potential to remove single glass from a large portion of the UK trade, in addition to commercial and logistical advantages, and deliver greater long term sustainable benefits. We are all experiencing a seismic change in the industry and revaluating everything we have previously believed in, so the question for me was – how can we not get involved?”
Founded by spirits industry veterans Nick Gillett and John Coe, Mangrove UK is a leading specialist distributor of premium spirits and liqueurs. As the anchor investor in the new United Kingdom Licensed Operator for ecoSPIRITS, Mangrove UK brings an extensive network of industry relationships, and an existing portfolio of premium spirits and liqueur brands, to the launch of closed loop service in this all-important spirits market.
The more than 500 hospitality venues that operate the ecoSPIRITS technology in Asia Pacific markets will soon be joined by leading United Kingdom hospitality operators, both large and small. As the on-trade community begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, reduced spirits costs, smaller carbon footprints, and sustainable consumption choices offer the prospect of a ‘green reset’ – moving forward to a more sustainable future, rather than a simple reversion to the old normal.
Every now and then there is a need for a disruption in the market place. A disruptor who understands there is a need for change, who is not afraid to challenge status quo and who goes and figures it all out and dedicates massive effort to solve the problem. ecoSPIRITS is the disruptor and a total game changer.”
“I am really excited to have ecoSPIRITS on the UK market. Reducing waste in our industry is sometimes really hard work, but in this case someone has basically done it for you while you are saving cost, which ultimately is a benefit for our guests as well. Having great spirits delivered to your bar, while helping the environment is just a beautiful thing! I cannot wait to have them over in the Mezcaleria soon.”
“Many have seen circular spirits as mission impossible. ecoSPIRITS have made it mission possible to bring the ground breaking concept to the bars to reduce the waste in bars which has a massive impact on our environment. Definitely the way forward as our industry needs to see more actions like this from drink producers.”
The first United Kingdom ecoPLANT™, the 16th worldwide, will be located in central London. More details regarding the United Kingdom launch will be released in January, including the initial portfolio of spirit brands that will be available in ecoSPIRITS format. In the meantime, spirit brands, importers, distributors and venues interested in learning more about closed loop service in the United Kingdom can reach out to ecoSPIRITS via email at [email protected] or Mangrove UK via email at [email protected]
About Mangrove
Mangrove UK was established by John Coe and Nick Gillett in 2014 and now employs over 30 specialist spirits professionals, mixologists, sales and brand experts with extensive experience in both the On and Off trade UK spirits market. Mangrove UK’s hand-picked portfolio displays heritage, innovation and commercial viability. The company has delivered measurable growth for a number of brands to become market leaders in their categories in under five years through strategic marketing and commercial advice, category education, menu creation, PR partnerships and brand activations. With over 100 routes to market, the business has grown turnover from £10.5 million in 2015 to £21.4 million in 2019. Focusing on the premium market, Mangrove UK ensures it represents the highest quality of brands by hand-selecting all products based on their provenance, category authenticity, innovation and commercial value to the trade. For more information, please visit mangrove.com
ecoSPIRITS Embarks on Journey to B Corporation Certification
SINGAPORE 11 DECEMBER 2020 ecoSPIRITS has been granted status as the first Pending B Corp in Asia, as it embarks on a year-long journey to secure the coveted B Corp Certification offered by B Lab, a global non-profit organisation. B Corps are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
ecoSPIRITS’ belief that society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and non-profits alone inspired the company to join the B Corp movement. The growing global community of certified B Corp companies, which includes impact leaders Danone, Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, is working toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment.
“ecoSPIRITS mission to end single use glass in the spirits industry has deep environmental foundations. However, we realise our work to have a positive impact cannot end there,” notes ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie, “By pledging to become a B Corp, we are committing to better understand the impact of our operations on the environment, our communities, our suppliers, our team members and others we engage in our work.”
“We are extremely excited to welcome ecoSPIRITS to the B Corp community and to partner with them on the journey to full certification in 2021. The Pending B Status provides a mark of intent for companies to manage their impact and inform stakeholders of their intent, notes Tom Stewart, Executive Director for B Market Building in Singapore and Malaysia, “ecoSPIRITS is a visionary organisation, addressing a key environmental issue, and a great business to have as the first Pending B in Asia.”
The B Corp Certification assesses the overall positive impact of a company. To be certified, companies must achieve a minimum verified score on the B Impact Assessment, a rigorous evaluation of a company’s impact on its workers, customers, community and the environment. Once completed, ecoSPIRITS’ B Corp certification score and impact assessment will be public, and available on bcorporation.net. This powerful combination of third-party validation, public transparency and legal accountability builds trust.
The patent-pending ecoTOTE 3.0, a closed loop technology for spirits distribution.
The ecoSPIRITS Forest Program supports low-income communities in the endangered Kalimantan rainforest area of Borneo.
From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, B Corp Certification will require ecoSPIRITS to evaluate every aspect of its business and operations with impact in mind. Just one example of the impact of the B Corp process: ecoSPIRITS will now be required to audit, monitor and support its manufacturing partners in China, who produce ecoPLANTS, ecoTOTES and other ecoSPIRITS hardware and technologies, to ensure their environmental and labour practices meet B Corp standards.
“To obtain the Pending B status, we have already completed the first step of amending our corporate constitution to include the B Corp purpose clause. It now legally requires our board of directors to balance profit and purpose,” notes Cash van Halder, ecoSPIRITS General Counsel, “To maintain transparency as we complete the journey to full B Corp Certification over the next 12 months, ecoSPIRITS will provide interim updates on our progress. And once certified, we will also be subject to a B Corp audit every three years to ensure we are maintaining high standards of positive impact, governance and transparency.”
For a young technology company with a mission of environmental impact, B Corp Certification is a natural fit. By becoming a member of the growing B Corp community, ecoSPIRITS hopes to inspire others in the spirits industry to join this movement towards a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
About B Lab
B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, and tools for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our community includes over 3,500 B Corps in 70 countries and 150 industries, and over 100,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the SDG Action Manager.
For more information, please visit bcorporation
ecoSPIRITS Announces ecoPLANT 2.0, Reducing Closed Loop Operating Costs
SINGAPORE 18 NOVEMBER 2020 ecoSPIRITS has produced the first units of its containerised, semi-automated spirits processing facility, the ecoPLANT 2.0. Destined for Yantai, China, Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia, the first units of the ecoPLANT 2.0 technology will go into service in late December. Additional ecoPLANT 2.0 units will be deployed to international markets in the coming months.
Introducing the ecoPLANT 2.0
The ecoPLANT is a cornerstone of the ecoSPIRITS closed loop solution for premium spirit distribution. An upgraded version of the original ecoPLANT technology, the ecoPLANT 2.0 is a containerised, semi-automated spirits processing facility engineered to meet international food safety standards and best practices. ecoPLANT 2.0 units provide high-efficiency, hygienic ecoTOTE cleaning, sanitisation and refilling in line with the standards of leading international distilleries. When paired with the ecoTOTE™ and SmartPour™ technologies, the ecoPLANT completes an innovative closed loop system that eliminates more than 95% of the packaging waste and as much as at 80% of the carbon footprint of spirits production, distribution and consumption.
The ecoSPIRITS closed loop system for spirits distribution
The ecoPLANT 2.0 offers a broad array of performance upgrades over the first generation ecoPLANT technology, which was originally deployed in early 2019. First and foremost, the containerised ecoPLANT 2.0 design and upgraded, semi-automated cleaning, sanitisation and filling equipment dramatically improves closed loop efficiency, allowing for the processing of up to 400 ecoTOTES per day with three operators. A single ecoPLANT 2.0 can eliminate more than 40,000 single use glass spirit bottles – equivalent to 22,000 kg of carbon emissions – per month when operating at full capacity. This multi-fold increase in processing capacity reduces closed loop operating costs by as much as 70% over the prior generation ecoPLANT.
An efficient, modular solution to closed loop spirits processing
At its essence, the ecoPLANT technology is a miniaturised bottling and spirits processing facility designed to fit comfortably within a customised 20-foot shipping container. This ensures that all spirits handling takes place in a clean room environment that meets or exceeds international distillery standards. Each ecoPLANT 2.0 is equipped with automated sanitisation and filling stations in an air conditioned work environment, supplemented with spirits filtration, pre-rinsing, and additional safety and hygiene features. ecoTOTE processing takes place in a continuous loop, utilising automated conveyors to reduce operator movement and strain.
Continuous process for operator efficiency
Hygienic, clean room environment
Setting gold standards in hygiene, food safety and quality control was a core objective of the ecoPLANT 2.0 project. The standard ecoPLANT 2.0 is compliant with Food Standards Australia and New Zealand for Food Premises and Equipment, as well as the National Food Safety Standard for Food Production in China. Individual ecoPLANT units can tailored to specific food safety and production regulations of any country during the manufacturing process. Spirits filtration standards, as well as spirits handling, sampling and analysis, can also be adjusted to the requirements of individual spirits producers, dovetailing with existing production standards and controls in place at their distilleries.
Distillery grade process engineering
Gravimetric filling for speed and accuracy
The modular, containerised design of the ecoPLANT 2.0 allows for rapid deployment to any global spirits market, opening the prospect of expanded access to closed loop service for spirit brands, distributors and hospitality venues. Each ecoPLANT 2.0 arrives in its destination market fully equipped for operations, requiring just 24 hours for commissioning at a new site. For production operations, the ecoPLANT 2.0 requires three-phase power supply, as well as compressed air and cold water. With comprehensive onsite commissioning and production training from the ecoSPIRITS engineering team, activating closed loop spirits distribution in a new market is a seamless experience.
“ecoSPIRITS is committed to moving the spirit industry in the direction of a circular future. With the release of the ecoPLANT 2.0, we are now able to make closed loop spirits distribution even more efficient and cost effective,” notes ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie, “Despite the challenges 2020 has brought to our industry, we are convinced that the future is green and the future is bright.”
Photography for ecoSPIRITS by Graeme Kennedy
ecoSPIRITS Releases the SmartPour, Streamlining the Closed Loop Experience
SINGAPORE 2 NOVEMBER 2020 ecoSPIRITS today announced the release of the latest addition to its closed-loop spirits distribution technology, the SmartPour automatic dispense accessory for the ecoTOTE. This latest hardware release will further improve the closed loop operations experience for hundreds of venue partners and hospitality operators who have already adopted the ecoSPIRITS low carbon, low waste system. The SmartPour will become available across all ecoSPIRITS Asia Pacific markets in the coming weeks.
The new SmartPour, an automatic dispense accessory for the ecoTOTE
Circular economy solutions, while offering transformative environmental impact, present complex challenges in packaging design, closed loop logistics, user experience, and quality control. The ecoSPIRITS system, which is a 360-degree approach to circular spirits distribution, is anchored by three proprietary technologies: the ecoPLANT, a containerised, semi-automated spirits processing facility; the patent-pending ecoTOTE™, a tamper–proof, closed–loop 4.5L vessel; and, now, the SmartPour™, an electronic accessory for seamless, hygienic in-venue dispense and sustainable refilling. When operated as a closed loop system, the ecoSPIRITS technologies eliminate more than 95% of the packaging waste and as much as 80% of the carbon footprint of spirits distribution and consumption.
The ecoSPIRITS closed loop system for spirits distribution
The new SmartPour accessory enables ecoSPIRITS partner bars and restaurants to quickly and accurately transfer spirits from an ecoTOTE to spirits bottles, cocktail shakers, or serving vessels. When mated with an ecoTOTE, the SmartPour provides a one-push pour at 30ml, 45ml, 60ml and 700ml volumes, along with a continuous pour option for any desired fill volume. Regional variants will be available for standard pouring measures in all global markets.
Battery powered with convenient USB-C charging, the SmartPour is compliant with global hygiene best practices for food handling, as well as FCC and RoHS standards in the United States and European Union, respectively. The SmartPour is compatible with both the new ecoTOTE 3.0 and the prior generation ecoTOTE 2.0, allowing for seamless deployment in existing ecoSPIRITS cities.
A SmartPour used to sustainably serve, and refill, Peddlers Gin, the world’s first Shanghai craft gin.
“ecoSPIRITS supports hundreds of partner hospitality venues across our Asia Pacific markets. The release of the SmartPour will improve their closed loop experience, while further enhancing hygiene standards and reducing labour costs,” notes Bob Syihabuddin, ecoSPIRITS Operations Engineer and lead for Asia Pacific closed loop operations, “The SmartPour solution provides a fast, accurate pour every time. It also integrates easily into back-of-house operations and processes.”
The SmartPour offers ecoSPIRITS partner venues a range of performance upgrades over the prior manual transfer solution, improving speed, hygiene, and accuracy. Each unit is water resistant, easy to clean, and transitions seamlessly between spirit types. SmartPours come packaged with all necessary accessories, as well as a link to a brief online product training resource.
One push pours that are fast and accurate
The perfect complement to the ecoTOTE
Whether batching cocktails, direct service, or sustainably refilling branded spirits bottles, the SmartPour completes the ecoSPIRITS closed loop in a user-friendly manner. Eliminating single use glass in the spirits industry just got easier.
Wavemaker Partners Invests in ecoSPIRITS to Support Global Expansion
SINGAPORE 27 OCTOBER 2020 Building on its rapid growth across the Asia Pacific region, ecoSPIRITS has announced a growth funding round with Wavemaker Partners, a leading venture capital firm for enterprise and deep tech companies with a presence in Southeast Asia and California. The support of Wavemaker Partners will both fuel the global rollout of ecoSPIRITS’ patent-pending, closed-loop spirits distribution technology and begin the next chapter of ecoSPIRITS’ vision: a ‘intelligent’ circular economy of the future.
Although the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the investment by Wavemaker Partners will bring both financial capital and deep technology expertise to ecoSPIRITS’ growth plans. The funding comes amid unprecedented demand for the ecoSPIRITS vision of ending single use glass in the spirits industry, offering dramatic cost savings coupled with transformative carbon footprint reduction. Since its launch in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS closed-loop technology has been implemented with partner spirit brands, distributors, wholesalers and hospitality venues across much of Asia Pacific, including Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, China, Australia and New Zealand.
ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie notes, “Over the last three years, ecoSPIRITS has built remarkable momentum with our rollout in Asia Pacific and hardware development work. In this next chapter, as we embark on a journey to integrate intelligent features into circular packaging solutions, we were in need of a partner with experience bringing new technologies to regional and global scale. Wavemaker Partners was our first and only choice for this role. We have tremendous respect for the work Eric Manlunas, Paul Santos, Gavin Lee and the Wavemaker team have done over the past eight years to champion technology innovators.”
Left to Right: Eric Manlunas, Gavin Lee, and Paul Santos of Wavemaker Partners
The new funding from Wavemaker Partners will be used to grow the ecoSPIRITS team, expand its industry-leading intellectual property portfolio and add range of smart technology features to the existing ecoSPIRITS closed-loop hardware solutions. Building on the recent release of the third-generation ecoTOTE 3.0, ecoSPIRITS also has a number of new product releases to announce before year end. The focus will also turn to the United States and Europe, where ecoSPIRITS is in the advanced stages of launch planning. These new products and markets are expected to further accelerate ecoSPIRITS growth in 2021.
Never Never triple juniper gin in ecoTOTE 3.0 format
Global ecoTOTE tracking & management
“Prior to meeting with Paul and Spencer, we never really appreciated the amount of waste created by single-use bottles in the spirits industry,” says Gavin Lee, General Partner of Wavemaker Partners. “We were intrigued by their insights and amazed by the progress they’ve made in terms of product development, customer interest and adoption. It’s not very often that we get to invest in an early-stage start-up that is growing fast while delivering positive EBITDA. We are excited to be part of the company’s push to build the pioneering intelligent circular economy for the spirits industry that will be sustainable on so many levels.”
The close of this funding transaction also marks the completion of the spinout of ecoSPIRITS from Proof & Company, the award-winning independent spirits company that incubated the ecoSPIRITS brand and technology starting in 2016. As a stand-alone technology company, ecoSPIRITS is now poised to work with a broader network of spirit brand partners, distributors and hospitality operators across a range of global geographies. This independence will allow ecoSPIRITS to further its standing as the global market leader in circular packaging hardware and technology solutions for the spirits industry.
Grain Bar at Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Mill Bar, Hangzhou, China
“With this transaction, ecoSPIRITS is well-positioned to welcome a global network of partners onto the platform,” notes Spencer Forhart, Chairman of Proof & Company, “The ecoSPIRITS technology’s impact on our Asia Pacific distribution business has been nothing short of transformative, both commercially and environmentally. We look forward to furthering and expanding our partnership with ecoSPIRITS in the years ahead.”
About Wavemaker Partners
Wavemaker Partners is Southeast Asia’s go-to early-stage VC for enterprise and deep tech. 116 out of the 136 (85%) portfolio companies we have invested in since 2012 are in enterprise & deep tech. Our portfolio includes startups in software, AI and cybersecurity as well as precision agriculture, cleantech, additive manufacturing and laser communications. Recent exits include TradeGecko’s acquisition by Intuit, Moka’s and Coins.ph’s acquisitions by Gojek, Red Dot Payment by PayU/Naspers and Wavecell by 8×8.
For more information, please visit wavemaker.vc
ecoSPIRITS Introduces Next Generation ecoTOTE 3.0
SINGAPORE 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 ecoSPIRITS today announced the launch of the new ecoTOTE 3.0, a third generation of the patent-pending technology at the heart of the ecoSPIRITS system for low carbon, low waste spirits distribution. The latest generation ecoTOTE introduces a range of new features and performance upgrades, further reducing the carbon impact of spirits distribution and enhancing the experience for ecoSPIRITS partner spirits brands, distributors and venues. The new ecoTOTE 3.0 was released in China on 30 September and will become available across ecoSPIRITS Asia Pacific markets in October.
The new ecoTOTE 3.0, the third generation of the patent-pending closed loop technology.
“With the ecoTOTE 3.0 project, we set out to incorporate nearly two years of operating data from a wide range of markets and partner spirit brands, distributors and venues into our design and performance upgrades,” notes Zhang Shanshan, ecoSPIRITS Product Engineer and design lead on the ecoTOTE 3.0 project, “This is an exciting moment for our engineering team. We are confident the enhanced usability and performance will speak for themselves.”
The ecoTOTE 3.0 offers ecoSPIRITS partner distributors and hospitality venues a range of performance upgrades over the prior generation ecoTOTE 2.0, improving ergonomics, usability, durability and economics. For ecoSPIRITS partner distributors, the ecoTOTE 3.0 offers more streamlined cleaning, sanitisation and filling, reducing labour time per ecoTOTE at the closed loop ecoPLANTS by as much as 75%. This translates into a further reduction in the operating cost of the ecoSPIRITS system. The ecoTOTE 3.0 is also 500 grams, or approximately 12%, lighter than the ecoTOTE 2.0, improving handling during closed loop distribution operations.
Machine-washable enclosures and caps streamline closed loop operations.
For ecoSPIRITS partner venues, the ecoTOTE 3.0 offers a number of design enhancements, including added top handles for improved ergonomics and a graduated inventory check window for seamless stock takes. An enhanced anti-scratch surface and improved enclosure design offer cleaner aesthetics – welcome upgrades for the many ecoSPIRITS partner venues who proudly showcase their ecoTOTES in the front-of-house environment. The popular nesting feature of the ecoTOTE 2.0 is carried over and enhanced, providing secure stacking and compact storage in the back-of-house.
The ecoTOTE 3.0 also delivers improved environmental performance – an objective that is central to ecoSPIRITS’ mission. The transition to injection-moulded plastic enclosures reduces the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of each ecoTOTE by more than 12.5 kilograms of emissions, or more than 50%. The ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, which plants one tree for every cycle of an ecoTOTE through the ecoSPIRITS closed loop system, is showcased on the ecoTOTE 3.0 enclosure with the addition of the “One Tote, One Tree” mark. As with prior generations of hardware, ecoSPIRITS funds reforestation to fully offset the carbon impact of its own hardware manufacturing, making the production of each ecoTOTE 3.0 climate positive.
ecoSPIRITS new cloud-based ecoTOTE tracking service, with QR code tracking to improve fleet efficiency and security.
The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 coincides with the launch of a global, cloud-based ecoTOTE tracking service, which will provide ecoSPIRITS partner distributors with real-time location information for all ecoTOTES in the global fleet. This feature will enhance tracking and fleet management, further streamlining closed loop operations and improving supply chain security.
The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 is the first in a series of new product and technology announcements to come before the end of 2020. Taken together, these releases will deliver a comprehensive, generational upgrade to the entire ecoSPIRITS closed loop system.
ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie notes, “At ecoSPIRITS, our mission is to end single use glass in the spirits industry through ground-breaking circular hardware and technology solutions. The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 marks another step in that journey. Through our rapidly growing movement of partner spirit brands, distributors and venues, more than 20,000 ecoTOTES will be in closed loop service by the end of the year. Together, we are beginning to have a meaningful impact on the 40 billion single use glass bottles the spirits industry will produce in 2020.”
Three Leading Craft Spirits Producers Join the ecoSPIRITS Platform in Asia Pacific
SINGAPORE 27 JULY 2020 ecoSPIRITS has welcomed three leading craft spirits producers to the ecoSPIRITS low carbon, low waste distribution network in Asia Pacific: Never Never Distilling Co. in Australia, Peddlers Gin Company in China, and Brass Lion Distillery in Singapore. Through these partnerships, ecoSPIRITS will help each producer make their award-winning spirits more affordable to bars, restaurants and hotels, while eliminating 95% of the single use glass and packaging waste in their respective supply chains.
ecoSPIRITS is movement. One in which producers, distributors and venues come together to dramatically reduce waste, improve affordability, and build a sustainable future for the industry,” notes Zdenek Kastanek, ecoSPIRITS International Sales Director. ”We could not be more excited to welcome these three wonderful partners to the ecoSPIRITS network.
From August 2020, Never Never’s acclaimed Triple Juniper Gin will be available to on trade customers across Australia in the ecoSPIRITS format. In just three years, the team behind Never Never have built Australia’s highest awarded gins and swept onto the world gin stage – no small feat in the current category boom. Winner of Double Gold at the San Francisco Spirits Awards in 2019, Never Never’s signature spirit bursts with more flavour, to create better gin. Using a three stage infusion process to build juniper intensity – Triple Juniper is perfect for gin & tonics and classic cocktails. The ecoSPIRITS partnership builds on the team’s recent momentum, which includes the February 2020 opening of their permanent brand home and distillery in McLaren Vale, South Australia.
The Never Never distillery in McLaren Vale, Australia
Never Never Triple Juniper Gin
George Georgiadis, Never Never Managing Director, notes, “We set out to push the boundaries not just of flavour but of everything we do. So it’s amazing to play a role in the incredible ecoSPIRITS waste reduction movement, which will have a lasting impact on the sustainability of our industry.”
Founded in Shanghai in 2016, Peddlers Gin Company is China’s first craft gin. Their core product is a Shanghai Gin, using premium local botanicals, such as Buddha’s Hand citrus, lotus flower, and Sichuan pepper. The product and brand is a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences. Blessed with extraordinary growth in their first three years, Peddlers Gin Company is part of a growing “Made in China” movement. Having won several big awards in China and abroad, Peddlers is living proof in that premium spirits from China can compete with the best on the world stage. The partnership with ecoSPIRITS is expected to further grow on trade volumes for Peddlers in their home market by more than 80% within the first twelve months. Peddlers Shanghai Gin will be available in ecoSPIRITS format in select cities in Mainland China from September 2020.
Peddlers Rare Eastern Gin, in ecoTOTE 4.5L and traditional 700ml bottle format
Rio Liu, Asia Sales Director, Peddlers Gin
“We are excited to be an early partner of the ecoSPIRITS program in China, and be a part of the wider sustainability movement in the alcohol industry,” says Rio Liu, Asia Sales Director of Peddlers Gin. “Waste reduction in our supply chains is an important issue. As a Chinese craft gin, we are committed to delivering a premium and thoughtful experience to our customers, who will no doubt embrace the innovation of the ecoSPIRITS technology.”
A partnership between ecoSPIRITS, founded in Singapore in 2017, and Brass Lion Distillery, Singapore’s leading craft spirit producer, is a natural step for both companies. Building Singapore’s first full-fledged micro distillery was a six-year journey for Founder and CEO, Jamie Koh. “I first conceptualised the idea of a Singaporean distillery producing uniquely Singaporean spirits back in 2012. We believe Singapore is the perfect place to create a holistic distillery experience, given how the cocktail and spirits scene here has matured in recent years. At Brass Lion Distillery, we place a strong focus on the quality of our product.”
Jamie Koh, Founder & CEO, Brass Lion Distillery
Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin
Collaborations like the one between ecoSPIRITS and Brass Lion Distillery are in keeping with Singapore’s vision to become the world’s greenest city. The ecoSPIRITS format will also make Singapore’s leading gin more affordable to the city’s renowned cocktail scene, reducing the delivered cost to venues by a remarkable 25%. Brass Lion’s flagship Singapore Dry Gin will be available in ecoSPIRITS format in Singapore from August 2020.
“With the ecoSPIRITS program, Brass Lion will be the most sustainable spirit available in Singapore.” Notes Jamie Koh, Founder & CEO of Brass Lion Distillery, “In addition to distilling locally and sourcing our botanicals within a 5km radius of the distillery, we will now able to significantly reduce our glass and packaging waste. This lowers our carbon footprint and allows us to pass on the cost savings to our venue partners. We are proud to be able to do our small part for the environment.”
All three spirit producers will participate in the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, in which one tree is planted in for each cycle of an ecoTOTE through the ecoSPIRITS closed loop distribution platform. Their support of the Forest Program will plant thousands of additional trees, each sequestering approximately 12kg of CO2 per year, in the ecoSPIRITS reforestation area in the endangered Kalimantan rainforest in Borneo.
“Drinking local is an integral part of the future of our industry. Local spirits delivered through low waste, low carbon technology is the ultimate in spirits sustainability,” notes Paul Gabie, ecoSPIRITS CEO. “We thank the teams at Never Never, Peddlers and Brass Lion for their trust. Now we roll up our sleeves and get to work together on the 40 billion single use glass bottles that our industry produces every year.”
About Never Never Distilling Co.
Never Never Distilling Co. is built on bold decisions and a fearless spirit. It was founded by three friends with the passion and drive to produce Australia’s most highly awarded gins. When it comes to the Never Never Distilling Co, our mantra is more flavour. More flavour makes better gin and better gin makes better drinks. We create gins with bold, concentrated flavour, that celebrate a new classic style, in order to create the best g&t’s and signature cocktails. We thirst for more, not just in the spirits we make but in the lives we lead. For more information, please visit www.neverneverdistilling.com.au.
About Peddlers Gin Company
Founded in Shanghai in 2016, Peddlers Shanghai Gin is the world’s first craft gin from China. The product is the result of a three-year journey across the country focused solely on making a gin for the most discerning and adventurous drinkers. Distinctive notes of Buddha’s hand, Sichuan pepper and lotus flower complement traditional botanicals for a unique yet perfectly blended gin. Having won several big awards in China and at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards, Peddlers Gin is part of a growing “Made in China” movement showing that premium craft spirits from the Middle Kingdom can compete with the best on the world stage. For more information, please visit www.peddlersgin.com
About Brass Lion Distillery
Launched in 2018, Brass Lion Distillery is Singapore’s first full-fledged micro-distillery offering a selection of high-quality craft spirits using local ingredients. Inspired by the flourishing spice trade that made Singapore a trading hub in the 19th century, Brass Lion Distillery uses familiar Southeast Asian botanicals to create distinctive spirit creations that reflect Singapore’s heritage as a cultural melting pot. For more information, please visit www.brassliondistillery.com