Blog

Reflections on 2021

Posted on by Vanessa Kerrigan

 

I started drafting this a few weeks back before we’d even heard the word ‘Omicron’. How quickly things can change; here we are again on the eve of Christmas, slightly uneasy about things to come. But if there is one thing this year has taught us, it’s that with the right people by our side, we can keep going and make great things happen.

Running a small business is intense (to put it mildly) and it’s easy to forget how much has been achieved. But there were some big highlights for us this year:

 

 

 

Back in March, we launched two beautiful, all natural, low sugar G&Ts-in-a-can back which have been very well received across the land.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s been a transformational year for One Gin listings, with some iconic new customers. We’re particularly delighted to now be stocked in Majestic and in John Lewis nationwide, be house pour in Incognito Bars and premium pour in Hippo Inns. 

This Christmas saw the launch of our new bespoke One Gin glasses and our lovely gift sets and boxes inspired by the countries we support.

 

 

But once again, what made this year was people who supported our small brand from near and afar. 

 

 

Our team may be small, but it’s unstoppable. We genuinely believe we can conquer the world with Duncan, Esther, Vanessa, George and Michael and the wonderful Saint team at our sides (and not forgetting the one and only Johnny Hunter who will always be part of our family).

Special thanks to Helen McGinn for inviting us on Saturday Kitchen and introducing Nish Kumar to ‘BBC One Gin’!

 

 

2022 is going to be a game-changing year for The Spirit Of One. Watch this space as there are a few big announcements in the pipeline which we’ve been beavering away on for the last few months.

In the meantime, I’d like to raise a glass to all of you, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing this Christmas – May you be with the people that matter most and enjoy a few days of safe, healthy R&R.

Here’s to 2022 and the One Gin butterfly taking off and flying afar.

Cheers,

Ian

 

 

 

Blog

One Gin Christmas Gift Guide

Posted on by Vanessa Kerrigan
01
Dec

 

The festive season has arrived and we’ve put together some of our favourite sustainable and ethical gifts. From cruelty-free chocolate to snazzy socks that help the homeless, there’s something for everyone.

Socks that are going to change the world

Surprise Sock Subscription £19.99 a month for 2 pairs

Stand4 Socks started by this simple statement when founder Josh Turner said this amongst friends casually,

“A bold concept but when you stop and think about it, most of us wear socks everyday…. and if each pair could have a positive impact, then why can’t socks change the world?“

From that initial comment they have come a long way. They have donated a pair of thick, anti-bacterial socks for every pair purchased, having donated over 150,000 pairs of socks to vulnerable people in need to date.

 

Farmer-owned Fairtrade Chocolate

Hamper of 24 bars £50.00

Founded by Kuapa Kokoo Farmers’ Co-operative, Twin Traders and The Body Shop in 1998, with support from Comic Relief and Christian Aid. Divine Chocolate was created to help end the exploitation within the cocoa industry. 

Their scrumptious range of chocolates are perfect stocking fillers or to gift for a Secret Santa. Try a luxurious dark chocolate with hazelnut truffle or a smooth milk chocolate with pretzel & caramel, each bar improves the lives of farmers, is Fairtrade, palm oil free and made with natural ingredients.

 

Bags that battle plastic pollution

Hackney Backpack £75.00

All of Kind Bags products are made from 100% recycled plastic, saving bottles that were destined to float away in our oceans. Founded by Maria Rodriguez in 2019, all of their beautiful bags are 100% recyclable, machine washable and rain-proof as well as being super stylish!

For your fashion conscious friends, their range of gorgeous bag come in a wide variety of designs, from block colours to florals and a limited edition range featuring prints from British textile designer, William Morris.

 

World’s best coffee’s, in a way that’s best for the world

HALO Ristretto Coffee Pods £10.00

We are super fans of HALO, being an office full of coffee drinkers and environmentally conscious, their home compatible pods are perfect for us. In 2018 alone, the coffee capsule industry produced 60 billion capsules, HALO capsules address the negative effects of capsule production by utilising waste sugar cane to create their eco-friendly pods.

Their delicious range of coffee pods include a strong, intense Ristretto blend and also a lighter, milder Three Mountains blend as well as some tasty decaf options. Perfect for the coffee lovers in your life.

 

Make up brushes that make a difference

So Eco Luxury Brush set £45.00

So Eco are a PETA accredited brand, being cruelty free and vegan friendly, and on top of that they plant a tree for 100 products sold to off-set their carbon footprint and help towards tackling deforestation around the world. What can’t they do?

They have a stunning range of make up brushes, bath care, haircare and beauty accessories. All of their packaging is recyclable, using vegetable inks and water-based adhesives that are solvent free. Their accessories are great for your friends and family who want to look after themselves whilst looking after the planet.

 

And our gift guide wouldn’t be complete without our favourite One Gin

One Gin 70cl Gift Box £38 One Gin Miniature Gift Set £16.00

Giving back is at the heart of what we do and 10% of our profits are put towards supporting clean and sustainable water projects in some of the world’s poorest communities. 

Our range of award-winning gins are now available in our beautiful new gift boxes, designed to celebrate the natural wonders of the African countries that The One Foundation supports. The red rose of Rwanda, the lilac breasted roller bird from Kenya, the lotus of Malawi and the elephant ear plant from Ghana.