Hardware Podcasts

202 - Delightful Gin Packaging with Sweet Gwendoline French Gin

People of Packaging · 11 Jul 2023 · 29m

What this episode covers

Kevin Byer, Head of Marketing, and Larry McGearty, Founder of Sweet Gwendoline French Gin, discuss the design and marketing of their premium spirits brand. They detail the unique French gin formulation, featuring fig, cardamom, and white wine, and the intricate packaging design inspired by John Willie artwork, including a faceted bottle and collectible back images. The conversation highlights their innovative 'Salon of Delights' sensory tasting experience and the regulatory challenges of expanding into European markets with different volume requirements.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Products
Sweet Gwendoline French Gin, Sailor Jerry, Hendrick's, Smirnoff, 19 Crimes
Also
John Willie Bazaar, Dita Von Teese

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 1h 08m

    #202 - Buyer Spotlight: Total Wine & More

    Michael Lowry, VP of Global Spirit Sourcing, and Andrea Starr, Senior Director of Merchandising at Total Wine & More, explain how the largest independent alcohol retailer in the U.S. discovers, evaluates, and scales new CPG brands. They discuss the critical role of packaging design in spirits and seltzers, the shift toward flavor-driven purchasing, and the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic and THC beverage categories. The guests detail Total Wine's data-driven assortment strategy, their preference for brands that invest in staff education and tastings, and the logistical realities of getting products onto 300+ store shelves.

    Retail, wholesale & distributionPackaging design
    8 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 25m

    Bonus: Raising the bar in the alcoholic beverage category with G’s Dry Hard Ginger Beer

    Donna Katz, founder of G’s Dry Hard Ginger Beer, explains how she reinvented the ginger beer category by fermenting it dry to eliminate added sugars, resulting in a 4.5% ABV, 87-calorie ready-to-drink beverage. She details the 17-month R&D process, including early failures like bottle explosions and the non-linear scaling of ingredients, and discusses the complex three-tier regulatory system for alcohol distribution in the US. Katz also describes her go-to-market strategy, focusing on saturating California’s independent retail before expanding into major chains like Target and Safeway.

    Materials & manufacturing processesPricing, margins & unit economics
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 36m

    Founder Feature: Spencer Hoddeson, Gay Water

    Spencer Hoddeson, founder and CEO of Gay Water, explains how he leveraged his background in media and tech to launch a mission-driven canned vodka soda brand aimed at increasing queer representation in the alcohol industry. He details the product development process, including working with a co-packer and a queer Japanese Hawaiian designer to create vibrant, Nickelodeon-inspired packaging that stands out on shelves. Hoddeson discusses the challenges of navigating alcohol distribution, starting with a difficult direct-to-consumer launch before expanding into off-premise retail channels like Total Wine across New York, New Jersey, and California. He also shares personal strategies for managing founder stress and imposter syndrome, emphasizing prioritization and the importance of positive customer feedback.

    Starting a product companyMarketing & brand
    9 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 30m

    How Quincy Is Reinventing the Dirty Martini, One Perfect Jar at a Time

    Halli Sigel, co-founder of Quincy, explains how a personal frustration with olive jar ratios led to a premium martini brine and garnish brand. She details Quincy's strategy of building three distinct revenue channels—specialty retail, on-premise bars, and food service—while leveraging her operational background from Casper and Chief. Sigel discusses the decision to use Spanish Queen olives, the success of co-branded collaborations like the 'beertini' with Taleo, and how positioning the product as alcohol-free captures the growing non-alcoholic market without requiring future reformulation.

    Direct-to-consumer & e-commerceRetail, wholesale & distribution
    8 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 18m

    Vervet's Canned Craft Cocktails are Harnessing the Cultural Wealth of California

    Tuan Lee, co-founder of Vervet, explains how the company differentiates itself in the ready-to-drink cocktail market by using premium spirits and fresh, farm-sourced ingredients rather than lab-produced flavors. He details the brand's commitment to cultural appreciation, highlighting recipes that celebrate Los Angeles's diverse culinary heritage and the founders' own backgrounds. The episode covers their strategic partnerships, such as with Ventura Spirits and Cool House, and their roadmap for new product lines including low-ABV and zero-alcohol options.

    Validation & product-market fitSourcing & supply chain
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by People of Packaging. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.