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Former Campari Group chief executive Matteo Fantacchiotti has been appointed partner and chairman of UK distiller Cygnet Gin.
Commenting on the news, Fantacchiotti said: “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."
He added: "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 move follows Fantacchiotti's unexpected resignation from Campari in September after just five months in the CEO position.
The Aperol owner said Fantacchiotti had stepped down due to “personal reasons”, and declined to comment further on the matter to Just Drinks at the time.
Founded by singer Katharine Jenkins and artist and filmmaker Andrew Levitas, Wales-based Cygnet Gin has two main gin SKUs, Cygnet 22 and Cygnet Welsh Dry, sold at an RRP of £48.50 ($61.86) and £35.99 respectively. The brand also offers canned and bagged variants of the SKUs.
Speaking on Fantacchiotti's appointment, Levitas said: “Matteo brings over 25 years of leadership expertise in premium and luxury consumer goods, having worked with renowned brands at Nestle’, Diageo, Carlsberg Group, and Campari across global markets.
"His expertise in pioneering Diageo Global luxury business and most recently as Global CEO of Campari Group, makes 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.”
Jenkins added that Fantacchiotti was "the ideal partner" to help the business "deliver the very best gin to consumers around the world".
Cygnet's products are only available in the UK for now, with plans to enter the EU and other international markets "very soon", according to the company website.
The drinks are listed in up-market on-trade locations including Searcys Estate, The Ivy Collection, and The Cosy Club bars and restaurants nationwide, and major retailers Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.
They are also available at regional Tesco and Co-Op stores throughout Wales.
"Ex-Campari Group CEO invests in Cygnet Gin, named chair" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.