The week in pictures

Devonshire rum blender Hattiers has become the first British rum label to secure B-Corp certification, a trendy new accreditation for companies large and small that prove their run in a sustainable and ethically-conscious manner.

The brand joins a growing group of global companies including UK breweries Small Beer Co, and Freestar, and South American wine group Santa Rita Estates.

On Thursday (19 November), Spanish Cava brand Freixenet welcomed a masked Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, at its headquarters in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.

The meeting took place within the framework of an institutional visit as a show of support for the Cava sector.

Planas took a tour of the Freixenet cellars and was given the headlines on the company’s production process and plans for the future.

A dachshund is giving away free G&Ts this weekend to encourage Brits to “shop small” this winter.

This very distinguished gentleman is handing out drinks on behalf of craft spirits label Delilah’s Gin. The Save Our Spirits packages, which include 50ml of Delilah’s Gin and a can of premium tonic, will be available from www.delilahsgin.co.uk on Friday 20 November from 5.00pm GMT for the first 100 adults who subscribe. The offer runs until 30 November.

Hendrick’s Gin is set to launch its first-ever TV advert this weekend.

The advert will be featured during Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage, the gripping England vs. Ireland rugby game, and the hotly anticipated dramas ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Brave New World’ on Sky One – running through until Sunday 20th December.

The short film  depicts a butler, who also happens to be a hammerhead shark at his daily butlering tasks, because this is Hendrick’s.

In Prosecco wars, Pizza Express is attempting to revive its image and footfall and has launched an own-label Prosecco Rosé to coincide with the pink fizz’s approval for export.

It is priced from £4.95 per glass, and £23.50 per bottle, and is available on delivery as well as being lined up for dine-in once all the restaurant chain’s branches can reopen.

Left to right: Diego Osorio, Dia Simms and Lebron James (Photo: Lobos 1707)

US athlete Lebron James has invested in Lobos 1707 Tequila and mezcal, which is due to launch across the country early next year.

Founded by Diego Osorio, chief creative officer, and CEO Dia Simms, who has worked with brands such as Deleón Tequila and Cîroc Vodka, the range includes an extra añejo, reposado, joven and mezcal artesanal.

The basketball star has invested in the company alongside his business partner and friend Maverick Carter in order to take a chance to build a “strong consumer brand with diverse leadership”.

James and Carter are part of Main Street Advisors’ (MSA) investment group, which co-led the investment in Lobos 1707, alongside Mezorio Spirits. Other investors include basketball players Anthony Davis and Draymond Green, American sports agent Rich Paul, and investment firm Torch Capital.

“I knew the first time I tasted Lobos 1707 Tequila that it was special,” said James. “When I learned more about the brand story and leadership team, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

“Lobos 1707 is about celebrating the strength of the group and bringing people together. It’s about shared passion and values. I love sipping Tequila with my friends, and we want a brand that speaks to us.”

The Tequila is finished in Pedro Ximénez barrels from Spain using the solera system.

Lobos 1707 Mezcal is made with 100% espadín agave which has been roasted in an open Oaxacan fire pit.

“Lobos 1707 is a premium brand, and our distinctive ageing process meets the need of an accelerating category,” said Simms. “After first trying Lobos 1707, I fell in love with the liquid and the brand history. We have an incredible liquid, beautiful packaging, and a proud legacy. Our vision is to reach our customer community through our values as well as our products.”

The entire range is currently available at restaurants in New York City, Florida and California, and online at Reserve Bar, but is due to launch across the US and Mexico in early 2021.

Champagne group Moët & Chandon has launched a new digital campaign starring comedian Katherine Ryan.

The series sheds light on the much-debated pronunciation of Moët (wet) & Chandon. For the uninitiated, it is pronounced “Mwet” (or “Wet”) in France, and “Moe-ay” in the VIP booths of the Hoxton Pony.

Featuring model and photographer Laura Bailey, dancer Eric Underwood, author Jack Guinness, body activist Jada Sezer and members of London Community Gospel Choir, the ads show Ryan aboard a borrowed Moët & Chandon milk float, as she delivers gifts across London.

The fizz maker has also made a donation to the Film & TV Charity in support of those working behind the scenes.

UK craft spirits maker Zymurgorium has announced its first ever celebrity collaboration, joining forces with TOWIE star Gemma Collins to create a gin liqueur, the FlaGINgo Gemma Collins.

Collins said: “I’m so happy to have teamed up with the wonderful Zymurgorium wizards to create my first ever gin liqueur – we’re talking a bold and sparkly drink worthy of any diva. I really liked the fact they are a family run business and were able to capture my vision and run with it, FlaGINgo Gemma Collins is a true representation of me, the GC and staying true to my fabulous self!”

The liqueurs will be available at B&M, Studio, Prezzybox, Masters of Malt and Amber Taverns from 23 November, as well as being available on the Zymurgorium website, priced at RRP £20.

Also in high glamour, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK contestant Baga Chipz has teamed up with DJ Limbrey distillery to launch a series of videos promoting a range of teabags that can be used to create cocktails at home.

Ms Chipz, known as one of the strongest contestants in the first ever UK edition of Ru Paul’s Drag Race last year, stars in a series of videos promoting the new product – called DJs Cocktail Infusers with Nancy Sorrell, Paralympic gold medallist Claire Cashmore MBE, fitness expert Shaun Stafford and US TV star Paul Wharton, with a special appearance from Vic Reeves.