Nick Gillett: Why vodka needs to break out of its boring ‘steady Eddie’ box

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘vodka’. Not much, right? Where the word ‘whisky’ evokes images of sipping from a glass next to a roaring fire and ‘rum’ transports you to tropical climates grasping a glass filled with amber liquid on ice – vodka just doesn’t deliver the same dreamy (if clichéd) scenarios. But vodka is estimated to have a global value of $40.25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.6% each year until then (IWSR Vodka Innovation Trends report). So, the category has to be doing something right, surely?

Mangrove forecasts rich flavours and classic cocktails this winter

As the cooler months approach, premium spirits distributor Mangrove has identified several key trends likely to dominate the drinks scene across the UK this winter. 

Nick Gillett: Flavoured spirits – top tipples or faddy favourites?

Flavour. When it comes to food and drink – it’s the most important thing. As a producer, you can be entirely carbon neutral, use the finest ingredients, have the sharpest packaging – but if your liquid isn’t up to scratch, you won’t last long. But beyond that, producers are now using flavours to expand their ranges, tap into new markets, and attract new demographics of drinkers to their brands. As a man who has sampled thousands of liquids and has reasonably good taste (although I’m sure my colleagues might not agree, especially when it comes to taste in music or fashion!) here’s my reckonings about flavour trends in the spirits industry.

The economics of the great British booze market – do we pay to play?

The UK spirits market, to many global producers, is one they want to be part of. It’s not the biggest by any means, nor is it the most fruitful – but there is an air of prestige about it. And yet many independent producers trying to break into the UK market, will struggle or worse, fail miserably. It’s a tough nut to crack but by understanding the nuances of the market, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenge – and hopefully reap a bit of great British success.  

Nick Gillett: Satisfying distributors – the secret sauce for spirits brands

I don’t think I have to preach about the benefits of working with a distributor when it comes to the UK spirits industry. It’s a complicated market at the best of times and currently full of challenges like cost-of-living pressures and hospitality closures, which in turn lead to more cautious buyers that are harder to access.

Nick Gillett: Why mezcal could cure the ‘tequila timebomb’

If you’re an avid agave fan or have been subject to any of my previous tequila musings of the last few years, you might have heard the phrase – ‘the tequila timebomb’. For a few years now, the boom in tequila’s popularity has been well documented, as have the numerous voices warning that, to keep up with this demand, producers are irresponsibly damaging Mexico’s agricultural and civil landscapes. In 2022, my article on the subject talked about monocropping practices of enormous agave cultivations, cloned plants, and the dangerous effect these were having on biodiversity, agriculture, and even water availability for local communities. So, 18 months later, have we managed to dispose of the tequila timebomb?

Nick Gillett: Education, education, education – hospitality’s secret weapon

When it comes to the spirits and hospitality industries, I harp on about education a lot. But with good reason. That dinner you had out the other week with the outstanding service – it’s thanks to education. Receiving a top new tipple recommendation from your local bartender – education. Formal training, cocktail masterclasses, category insight – it’s all helping to create better teams, better serves and ultimately an altogether better experience for the customer. So as someone who works for or is interested in the industry, here’s why you should care about it.

Nick Gillett: A festive ‘through the keyhole’ look at our columnist’s home bar

As MD of a spirits distribution company, you might imagine that my home bar is huge. And guess what – you’d be absolutely right. As someone who genuinely loves a good, stiff drink, learning about new producers and brands is one of the biggest perks of the job. And as a result of that perk, I’m now the proud owner of the best stocked bar in Woodford Green. So, in case it’s of any interest at all to the booze enthusiasts among you, here’s exactly what I’ve got stocked on my own bar at home.

Trade reflects on ‘mixed-bag’ Autumn Statement

Following rumours of a second duty hike in line with inflation, the government quelled fears by announcing a freeze on alcohol duty in the Autumn Statement last week.

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Nick Gillett: Predicting the big Christmas spirits trends

When it comes to this point of the year, customers start turning their thoughts towards Christmas. I know we say this every year, but Christmas 2023 really is going to be one of the most important festive seasons of the last ten years. While a great season won’t solve the various problems put upon the industry by government (duty hikes, rail strikes, and soaring energy costs, to name but a few) it’ll certainly go some way to protecting against the inevitable quiet months in early 2024.

Mangrove expands spirits team following French buyout

Mangrove Global, the independent spirits distributor, has expanded its marketing team and collective expertise by appointing four new spirits specialists. The expansion of ‘team purple’ comes soon after Mangrove was bought by French conglomerate, Groupe Bernard Hayot (GBH), bringing it into the fold of the SPIRIBAM portfolio.

Nick Gillett on the rum renaissance: is it finally happening?

With the rum revival being forecast for the best part of 25 years, it’s great for us mystic megs of the industry to finally be able to say, it’s happening. But why now, after all this time, and is it here to stay? Whether you’re a professional in the on or off-trade, or just a seasoned spirits lover looking to learn – here’s how to navigate this brilliant and booming category.

Mangrove partners with Booker Marketplace to service smaller retailers

Premium spirits distributor Mangrove Global has announced a new partnership with Booker Marketplace, a digital platform that provides a direct-to-store delivery service.

New era for Mangrove following French buyout

Mangrove Global has been bought by the spirits branch of GBH, a French group based in Martinique, in a move which is set to usher in a new phase for the company. 

Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

East London Liquor Co joins Mangrove Global portfolio

Mangrove Global, the premium UK spirits distributor, has announced the addition of East London Liquor Company to its portfolio.

Nick Gillett: Why sugar and spice don’t always add up to nice

In the latest of our new critical mini-series, Mangrove UK’s MD calls for clarity over rum.

Nick Gillett: How red tape is paralysing the industry

In the second of our new critical mini-series, Mangrove UK’s MD calls for a serious untangling of post-Brexit red tape.

Nick Gillett: Tequila’s dance with environmental vandalism

In the first of our new critical mini-series, penned by Mangrove UK’s MD Nick Gillett, tequila’s crumbling environmental credentials come under the spotlight.