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Ex-Campari CEO joins Cygnet Gin
Welsh gin brand Cygnet has appointed ex-Campari global CEO Matteo Fantacchiotti as its partner and chairman.
Cygnet was co-founded by Katherine Jenkins OBE and Andrew Levitas.
According Levitas, Fantacchiotti brings “more than 25 years of leadership expertise in premium and luxury consumer goods to the brand, making him the ideal partner to help Cygnet deliver on its promise to ensure audiences have a taste of luxury and revolutionise the way people enjoy gin globally”.
Having worked with renowned brands like Nestle, Diageo, Carlsberg Group, and Campari across global markets, Fantacchiotti has gained recognition in Diageo’s global luxury business and, most recently, as the global CEO of Campari Group.
He left Campari in September this year.
Fantacchiotti, the brand’s new chairman and partner, stated: “After decades in the luxury spirits sector and as a devoted gin adorer, it was exhilarating to connect with the founders of Cygnet. Katherine, Andrew and I share a common vision to pioneer the luxury gin category.
“The recent gin trend and subsequent diversification of the category that saw a broad array of colour and flavour innovation hasn’t always stayed true to the category or enhanced the consumer experience. With this exceptional brand, it’s time to shift the paradigm and offer consumers the quality and experiences they truly deserve through elevating the category with luxury gin. The Cygnet collection is crafted for those who, like its founder, value mindful indulgence, where luxury is balanced with intention.”
He continued: “I was stunned by the unparalleled quality of Cygnet’s liquid, evident by the multitude of awards the brand has won since its inception only one year ago. Cygnet offers sophisticated gins designed for those who demand the highest standards of quality in liquid and artisanal craftsmanship. As a result, they can be savoured neat, thus evolving the category.
“I am personally convinced that the combination of our unique liquid credentials, Katherine’s commitment to developing craft spirits that align with the precise demands of her physiology and exacting design standards, and Andrew’s creative vision and influence will be a powerful combination to enable us to deliver on our journey’s ambition. I am immensely excited about this partnership.”
The partnership was announced ahead of ‘Katherine Jenkins & Friends’ annual Christmas concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Jenkins commented: “What began as a personal journey to create a luxurious gin, one I could enjoy between performances, has evolved into a commitment to deliver the very best gin to consumers worldwide and in Matteo, we have found the ideal partner to support us on this mission. I firmly believe every one of us deserves the best.”
After a year on the market, Cygnet’s two expressions, Welsh Gin and Cygnet 22, as well as ready-to-drink Gin & Tonic, have secured listings across a wide range of establishments.
These include Caprice Holdings, D&D, Tao Group, The Ivy Collection, Searcys, and Gaucho.
Additionally, the gins are featured in boutique and luxury hotel groups and prominent retailers like Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Co-Op, John Lewis, and Waitrose.
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