Isle of Wight Distillery

We're excited to be heading out to Cannes for the start of the TFWA (Tax Free World Association) World Exhibition and Conference. You can find Co-Founder Xavier Baker, Sales Director Malcolm McClellan and Compliance and Sustainability Manager Charity Parker based on the Duty Free Global Ltd stand from 29th September to 3rd October. Head over for a sample and chat with the team! Nathalie Roelands Barry Geoghegan John Kilmartin

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the team from BBC Spirits Xavier Baker enjoyed playing tour guide and showing them the sights of the Island and the home which was the inspiration behind Mermaid. The team ventured to our favourite beach spots, seeking some rock samphire or 'salicorne' in french and the typical tourists spots the Isle of Wight has to offer. It was a perfect opportunity to meet the team in person. We’re looking forward to continue working with BBC Spirits and hopefully catch them next time in their home town!

We’re delighted to share that Mermaid will be showcased at the Isle of Wight Festival exhibition. Running at the O2’s Innovation Centre from 19th September – 13th November, this one-off exhibition has been created to celebrate the remarkable history of the Isle of Wight Festival after this year marked its 25th edition. The grand space will host memorabilia, an archive of magical moments, including original imagery and footage of performances, as well as an insight into both Ray Foulks and John Giddings curation of the world-renowned events. Mermaid is proudly showcased amongst the backstage area of the exhibition, depicting a realistic set up to our typical bar at the Isle of Wight Festival. An exhibition not to be missed – head down to London’s O2 before the 13th November to experience the magical history of the Isle of Wight Festival. Xavier Baker Charity Parker Malcolm McClellan Poppy Payne Jessica Danson Laura Morris Tyrone Cole Jamie Harrison

Delighted to see Xavier Baker featured in the 6th edition of The Session Magazine Session Spirit® with thanks to Brad Crompton Download your free copy via the below link to delve deeper into history & processes of the Isle of Wight Distillery as well as our friends over at Thames Distillers and Cotswold Distillery. 🍸 https://lnkd.in/eRR5TWkS MPR Communications

While on a recent visit to Baltimore, US last week, co-founder Xavier, had the pleasure of popping into 2 of the Total Wine stores which stock the Mermaid Gin collection. Xavier had the pleasure of seeing an array of Mermaid stocked on the shelves at Total Wine & More Towson, Beltway, meeting Jo, Sailor, Serena and Bruce. Sailor, their gin specialist is a great fan of Mermaid Zest Gin! Heading across the city, Xavier also managed to meet the lovely staff at the Total Wine & More Laurel store, having been delighted by the depth of knowledge of the Mermaid story from staff members Monique, Kevin and Fletcher. For any of our US Mermaid lovers, Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Pink Gin and Mermaid Zest Gin is in a total of 250 Total Wine stores: https://bit.ly/3ZfsTgM

Join us in welcoming Jamie to the team, our new Head of Sales – UK. Jamie comes to us with a wealth of knowledge of the spirits industry, having spent several years at Molson Coors. He’ll be responsible for looking after our lovely trade customers across the UK as Mermaid continues to grow. Born and raised in North Wales, Jamie now resides in the North of Manchester along with his partner and young daughter Millie. His weekends filled with football are now long gone, exchanging them for a soft play centre, or watching The Grinch on repeat – even in August! Despite having only joined us in July, Jamie has since discovered his favourite tipple – an Espresso Martini with Mermaid Salt Vodka. But he also gives a special mention to Mermaid Spiced Rum, having now learnt and met many of our local Island suppliers where we source our ingredients from. If you spot Jamie at any events make sure to say hello, he has a cheerful personality and would love to chat more. It’s great to have you on board, Jamie!

We were pleased to be involved in Azureau's wonderful activation last week, The Ocean Ball, which featured a three hour cruise around Toronto's lakefront, raising money for Ocean Welfare. Guests enjoyed sipping Mermaid negronis whilst taking in the beautiful views of the city.

We’re so excited to be exhibiting at this years Barcode Festival, celebrating the fantastic work of GroceryAid – an incredible charity playing a pivotal role in supporting grocery industry colleagues and their families. If you’re attending, please come find us on stand M12 and say hello to Events & Partnerships Manager, Laura Morris and Head of Sales – UK, Jamie Harrison and enjoy a Mermaid & Tonic.   We look forward to seeing you there!

We’ve had some big news here at the Isle of Wight Distillery… Ginnie, our Marketing Director, is off to pastures new after 5 of the best years spent building and growing Mermaid. Having joined in 2018, Ginnie was one of the OG employees of the distillery, back when everything from distilling, bottling, packaging and office was all under one, very small, roof! And as far as colleagues go, she’s a very special one. If you've had the pleasure of meeting her, we're sure you'd agree! Isle of Wight Distillery and Mermaid quite literally would not be where it is today without the brain power and work ethic of Ginnie, and for that we are eternally grateful. We’d love for everyone to join us in wishing Ginnie all the best of luck as she moves on to enjoy new adventures. One of those being her eco-friendly campsite at Sunrise Hill Camping in Brading, Isle of Wight. Go and show them some love. Enjoy, Ginnie and we will be sure to catch up over a Mermaid sooner than you think! Love, the Distillery Crew x

Today we celebrate two important dates at the Isle of Wight Distillery – World Ocean Day and World Gin Day. As part of our commitment to conservation, we’re proactive in helping to protect our Island’s marine environment, we support and work closely with organisations a-like who are on a mission to save our oceans. Both Project Seagrass and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are currently working around the Solent to restore our seagrass meadows. Seagrass meadows are critical to all life on our planet, and sadly over the last 100 years, have been damaged by pollution, human activity, reduced water quality and much more. Their work to replant and monitor our lost seagrass meadows is saving our marine life, communities, nutrition and ultimately, our oceans. We also work closely with Surfers Against Sewage, participating in beach cleans and cold-water dips to raise funds for their ocean-saving work, while raising awareness and campaigning to protect our oceans. Despite years of investment, sewage and agricultural pollution still plague rivers and the ocean, destroying delicate ecosystems, killing our wildlife and so much more. Surfers Against Sewage are calling for an end to sewage pollution to guarantee safe seas and rivers, all year round. While we are doing everything we can as a business to support our ocean, there is still so much education and awareness needed to be spread to continue to help the works of these charities. Make sure to follow Project Seagrass, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Surfers Against Sewage to see how you can pledge your help. In spirit of World Gin Day, why not raise a Mermaid and Tonic to saving our oceans, cheers!