The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast

Ilias Mastrogiannis, the founder of Distillery Nation Podcast and Mastrogiannis Winery and Distillery, shares his journey influenced by Greek traditions. He discusses the evolution of his podcast into a distillery, illuminating the importance of adaptability in branding. Building demand through authenticity and community connections is key, alongside the significance of consumer engagement at events. Ilias also highlights the challenges of cocktail culture and the importance of consumer education in enhancing the drinking experience.

Stephanie Jordan, Co-founder of B Corp Avallen Spirits and former Global Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin, shares her journey in the drinks industry. She discusses the importance of sustainable packaging, highlighting innovations and collaborations that drive eco-friendly practices. Jordan elaborates on navigating bar distribution and crafting cocktail menus while maintaining brand identity. She emphasizes gratitude and community engagement as essential for driving sustainable change, showing how these elements can transform the spirits market.

Stephanie Jordan, Co-Founder of B-Corp Avallen Spirits and a sales & marketing consultant, shares her journey in launching a unique Calvados brand. She discusses the challenges of introducing an obscure spirit to the market and highlights the importance of sustainability in today’s drinks industry. Topics include transforming consumer engagement by simplifying choices and ensuring clear messaging around sustainability to combat greenwashing. Her insights on positioning Calvados as a sophisticated alternative in cocktails are particularly fascinating.

CEO of Duppy Share Rum, Jack Orr-Ewing, discusses efficient marketing spend, aligning route to market with brand stage, dangers of overeating as a brand, systematizing selling to bars, adapting to local ecosystems, best brand awareness tools, pitfalls of big brand events, and strategic sponsorship decisions.

CEO Jack Orr-Ewing shares insights on brand development, selecting bars, differentiating brands for on-trade, utilizing portfolio for market entry, and targeting consumers, with a focus on the journey of The Duppy Share Rum brand in the UK market.

Francesco Sapienza, a talented food photographer based in NYC, shares valuable insights into drinks photography and the fast-paced hospitality industry. He discusses the art of capturing enticing images in dim light and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication. Sapienza reveals how relatable visuals can resonate better with consumers than overly aspirational shots. He also highlights the role of education in enhancing brand connection and consumer loyalty, showcasing how storytelling elevates drink culture.

Francesco Sapienza, a NYC-based Food & Drink Photographer who left a successful engineering career in Stockholm, shares his journey into the culinary world. He discusses the importance of choosing a niche and targeting the right clientele. Francesco emphasizes the role of effective communication in the hospitality sector, helping brands understand the visual impact of photography. He also dives into how networking and personal connections helped him establish his brand in a competitive industry, all while creating demand for his unique photography style.

Drinks Industry Consultant André De Almeida discusses Global Travel Retail logistics, segmenting airports, identifying consumers, and local vs. standardized airport selections. He emphasizes the importance of staffing, understanding consumer motivations, and adapting strategies based on operational variances for successful brand building in this channel.

André de Almeida, a drinks industry consultant, discusses whiskey branding, education, and attracting new drinkers. Topics include wood's role, creating unique flavor profiles, cocktail recruitment strategies, and engaging with independent bottle shops for brand identity. A deep dive into building flavor from grain to cask and recruiting consumers.

In this chat, Arturo Isola, co-founder of Amazzoni Gin and an architect by trade, shares his inspiring journey of crafting Brazil's first gin. He discusses the unique challenges of blending Italian roots with Brazilian flavors while staying authentic. Arturo emphasizes the importance of commitment and integrity for entrepreneurial success, advocating for passion-driven projects over quick growth. He reflects on the emotional connection to distillation and invites listeners to explore Brazil’s vibrant spirit scene.