Renowned global industry veteran John Gakuru has joined Australian-made and owned Eau de Vie brand, Feels Botanical, as an investor and advisor with a view to helping Feels develop strategic growth initiatives.
Feels Botanical was co-founded by Blake Vanderfield-Kramer and has developed into a brand with a strong grassroots following of forward-thinking individuals seeking out new, natural alternatives to grain-based alcohols. The range of Australian Botanical Eau de vie grape spirits is hand-blended in South Australia, using a carefully curated collection of sustainably sourced and natural botanicals.
With Gakuru’s appointment Feels Botanical aims to embark on an exciting journey towards global recognition and market expansion. Gakuru’s vast experience and industry insights will be instrumental in driving trade education, training initiatives, and leveraging the brand’s potential to tap into key consumer growth trends.
Gakuru expressed his enthusiasm for joining Feels Botanical, saying: “It’s not often that I’m approached to lend my more than 25 years of global experience to a brand like Feels.
“The brand speaks to me on many levels. The passionate desire to be different, to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australia, without compromise, is a pleasure to be a part of. I look forward to sharing more feels.”
The Feels Botanical range comprises:
- Feels Botanical Bask distilled with; Hemp, Quandong and Kakadu Plum
- Feels Botanical Vivify distilled with; Turmeric, Coconut and Ginger
- Feels Botanical Revel distilled with; Coffee, Ginseng and Illawarra plum
- Feels Botanical Rouse distilled with; Rose, Davidson Plum and Horny Goat Weed
And the spirit is available a range of leading and craft bars including: Bert’s, Mr Wong and Felix By Merivale, Mex Club, Hotel Palisade, W Hotel, Ovolo Group of Hotels, The Herring Room, Sky bar, Rosellas and Bar Elvina.