Which of Cotswolds’ ESG initiatives are you most proud of?
It has to be our on-site wetlands ecological treatment system, which was recognised with the Global Drinks Intel ESG Award for ‘Biodiversity Achievement of the Year’ in 2025. Rather than sending process water off-site, we invested in a natural reed-bed filtration system that treats and returns water to the local ecosystem.
It’s a long-term commitment, not a marketing initiative. As a rural distillery in the Cotswolds, we believe custodianship of our landscape is fundamental. The system reduces our environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity, which makes the award especially meaningful.
What is the biggest ESG challenge that the drinks industry is currently facing?
Moving from incremental improvements to structural change. Energy use, water stewardship and packaging all require serious capital investment. For smaller independent producers, the challenge is balancing sustainability ambition with commercial reality. ESG cannot sit alongside the business – it has to be embedded within it.
What advice would you give to companies looking to strengthen their ESG performance?
Make it strategic, not cosmetic. Start with what is material to your operations and geography, commit for the long term, and measure it properly. Authenticity is critical – consumers and investors can tell the difference.
Has winning an ESG Award influenced your approach?
It has reinforced our belief that doing the right thing commercially and environmentally are not mutually exclusive. Recognition encourages us to be more ambitious and to share what we are learning with the wider industry.
