A MANUFACTURER of sustainable and eco-friendly vodka is celebrating its first national supermarket contract by hand-delivering the stock… by bike.
Jelley’s Vodka, based at Brixworth, launching its elderflower and honey-flavoured spirit into 14 Morrisons stores across Devon and Cornwall. Brand founder Benjamin Jelley (pictured above) will be cycling a 250km route next week (August 12-16) to personally deliver a total of 250 bottles.
The mode of transport has been chosen with the environment in mind, with the trip minimising its carbon footprint and saving the equivalent of 0.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Each bottle contains a QR code link to receive a pack of elderflower seeds, with drinkers urged to sow them to encourage the future growth of the plants, which act as pollinators for the dwindling bee population.
“We started the business a decade ago, selling at food and drink fairs and farmers markets but it has always been my ambition to secure a supermarket contract,” said Benjamin.
“We have made it happen and I wanted to do something to mark the occasion. As a B Corp brand, we are all about sustainability so removing the equivalent of 0.25 tonnes of carbon from the usual supply chain really fits in with our ethos.
“We are on a mission to reduce, replenish and rejoice – it is our three-point plan for a better planet.”
The vodka has been produced in partnership with the master distillers at Colwith Farm and features a drop of local honey from North Devon Queens in every bottle.
“We cannot wait to see it on the shelves,” said Benjamin.
The epic ride will take in some of the South West’s most stunning scenery. It will start from the Colwith Farm distillery near Lostwithiel where the vodka has been produced and will take in multiple stores before ending at Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth.
The clifftop hotel features on the drink’s swing tag, with anyone purchasing a bottle able to enter a competition to win a £500 stay at the luxury adults-only eco-sanctuary.
The ride has been sponsored by Scarlet and Double Dutch tonics while premium cycling lifestyle brand Rapha has donated kit to be used throughout the journey. The drink will be showcased at Rapha’s 20th-anniversary celebrations taking place next month.
Benjamin will be going back to nature by wild camping throughout the journey. “I am delighted to have the support of such fantastic brands for this trip, who share our culture, our vision and our sense of purpose.
“Exploring the great outdoors is something we are extremely passionate about and it does not get much better than Devon and Cornwall. It’s a beautiful part of the world and getting out and about to enjoy it, whether walking or cycling, is a brilliant way to stay fit and healthy.”
Jelley’s is a member of 1% For The Planet, a network of businesses around the world that pledge to donate a minimum of 1% of annual revenue to environmental causes to protect the environment.
Aboard his Ribble GRAVEL TI bike, Oliver will be documenting his progress on social media and the cycling platform Strava. Keep up to date with his progress by following @Jelleys on Instagram or visit www.jelleydistilleries.co.uk
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