‘I Love the Planet and I Love a Drink’: Comedian Ricky Gervais Becomes Co-Owner of Eco-Friendly Distillery
Ricky Gervais wants you to buy vodka from the U.K. distillery he now co-owns. (Photo: Ricky Gervais/Facebook)
English comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has recently made a significant undisclosed investment in Ellers Farm Distillery, establishing himself as a co-owner of the North Yorkshire-based producer of gin, vodka and flavored liqueurs.
“Please buy it,” Gervais said of Ellers Farm Distillery’s Dutch Barn Vodka in a video posted to Facebook. “Sure, like all strong liquor, it may damage your liver — and your well-being — but think about how happy it’ll make me if [you buy it].”
This strategic move comes as Gervais, famed for co-creating and starring in the iconic British sitcom “The Office,” seeks to align his investments with eco-friendly ventures, The Spirits Business reported Wednesday.
“I’d been looking to invest in eco-friendly businesses for a while, and as soon as I found Dutch Barn – I wanted in,” Gervais said, per the report. “I love the planet and I love a drink, so it was the perfect combination. On a serious note, Dutch Barn really is a quality product. I love the fact that it’s done differently, and I can’t wait to let everyone know about it.”
“The exciting part for me is that I’ve been promised that I can try to make it a global brand in my own way. Something I can’t help but think they will regret.”
Ellers Farm Distillery has gained attention for its commitment to sustainability. Founded in 2021, the distillery achieved B-Corp certification in September 2022 and has maintained carbon neutrality since its inception. Notably, Ellers Farm operates under fair pay ratios and an innovative profit-sharing scheme, allocating 20% of its revenue to its workforce.
Gervais will play a pivotal role in shaping the global perception of Ellers Farm’s flagship product, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, along with its diverse range of gins, liqueurs and single malt whisky.
“We are so excited to have Ricky join the team,” added Chris Fraser, founder and chairman of Ellers Farm Distillery, according to The Spirits Business. “With so many hollow celebrity cash-for-face brand endorsement deals out there, we are really pleased to have forged an authentic partnership with Ricky involving both investment and creative leadership.”
“Ricky will be an integral part of the business going forward and will help shape how Dutch Barn is seen around the world and helping us make Dutch Barn a global success.”
Gervais’ co-ownership of Ellers Farm Distillery is the latest to join this year’s slew of celebrities entering the juniper spirits market. In May, “Barbie” star Margot Robbie unveiled her own gin brand, Papa Salt, made in collaboration with friends and her husband, Tom Ackerley.
Meanwhile, Scottish actor Sam Heughan, most known for his leading role in the historical drama television series “Outlander,” debuted his Wild Scottish Gin in June. Woody Harrelson has also joined in on the fun, debuting his Holistic Spirits Company’s Harmony Gin in September.
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