Bacardi appoints new “master of botanicals”

Spirits firm Bacardi has promoted Alessandro Garneri to become a “master of botanicals” for its Bombay Sapphire and Martini brands.

The news means Garneri takes control from Ivano Tonutti, who is due to retire this year after 33 years working for the family-owned firm, and during the 160th anniversary for its brand, Martini.

Garneri has worked with the company for more than 17 years, most recently heading up its Global Botanicals Center in Geneva, where he has taken a role in installing new technology at the plant and assisting in sustainable sourcing and product innovation for the company’s portfolio of spirits.

He has trained under Tonutti for six years, who has also worked with Anne Brock, the master distiller for Bombay Sapphire, and Beppe Musso, the master blender for Martini – as well as being responsible for the creation of new brands, such as Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru and Martini non-alcoholic aperitivo, and various sustainability initiatives.

In his new role, Garneri  will be responsible for overseeing the field-to-bottle journey of every botanical used to craft Martini and Bombay Sapphire , as well as for St Germain elderflower liqueur,  Noilly Prat vermouth and Bénédictine liqueur.

Dave Ingram, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Bacardi, said of the appointment: “Alessandro is the perfect example of our focus on nurturing talent and growing careers at Bacardi. After training for years for this role, he has everything it takes to be an incredible Master of Botanicals who will continue to lead the industry in sustainable sourcing of ingredients.

“Ivano’s contribution to our business cannot be overstated. During his three decades with Bacardi, his expertise, energy and leadership have transformed the way we source, extract flavor from and ensure the quality of our beautiful botanicals. Everyone at Bacardi joins me in wishing Ivano a very happy and healthy retirement and in saying a huge thank you to him for his incredible impact on our business and the industry.”

Alessandro Garneri said it was an “honour” to become Master of Botanicals and that Bacardi “does the right thing” when it came to sourcing.

“I’m excited to continue that legacy, creating a blueprint for others in the industry to follow,” he said.

Tonutti will continue to work with Bacardi in an advisory role, supporting advocacy efforts and sharing knowledge for the firm.

He said: “Every day of my 33-year career at Bacardi, I have been able to use my curiosity, my passion and my drive to protect the planet and to have a real impact on the way we source our ingredients and care for those who grow our botanicals. It’s been an incredible journey and I look forward to seeing Bacardi continue to take huge strides in this space in the years to come.”