This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Bacardi names master of botanicals
Bermuda-headquartered Bacardi has appointed Alessandro Garneri as its new master of botanicals after the retirement of Ivano Tonutti.
Tonutti held the position for more than 33 years, during which he has worked alongside Dr Anne Brock, master distiller for Bombay Sapphire, and Beppe Musso, master blender for Martini.
He was responsible for creating the signature flavours of ‘countless successful innovations’ for Bacardi, including Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, and Martini’s non-alcoholic aperitivos.
Dave Ingram, chief supply chain officer, Bacardi, said: “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 flavour 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.”
Tonutti will continue to work closely with Bacardi as an expert advisor, supporting advocacy efforts and sharing his knowledge and expertise.
“I am immensely proud of the legacy I leave behind at Bacardi,” 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.”
Tonutti is succeeded by Alessandro Garneri, who has been a member of the Bacardi team for more than 17 years.
Garneri has headed up the company’s Global Botanicals Center in Geneva since 2017, where he led the installation of ‘cutting-edge’ technology at the plant, and ‘pushed boundaries’ in sustainable sourcing.
“Alessandro is the perfect example of our focus on nurturing talent and growing careers at Bacardi,” said Ingram. “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.”
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 Bénédectine liqueur – ensuring the consistent quality and flavour of each.
Martini celebrates its 160th anniversary this year.
“It’s an honour to become the master of botanicals for such iconic and well-loved brands,” commented Garneri. “I have been passionate about science, the natural world and technology for as long as I can remember, and I feel privileged to be able to pursue those passions through my work.
“As a family-owned company, Bacardi does the right thing when it comes to sourcing and I’m excited to continue that legacy, creating a blueprint for others in the industry to follow.”