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Ricky Gervais invests in Ellers Farm Distillery
English comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has become a co-owner of North Yorkshire-based spirits producer Ellers Farm Distillery.
B Corp-certified Ellers Farm has gained a ‘major’ undisclosed investment from Gervais, most famously known as the co-creator and star of British sitcom The Office.
The deal will see the English actor focus on Ellers Farm’s flagship brand, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, as well as its gins, liqueurs and single malt whisky.
Gervais, who had sought to invest in a sustainable spirits business, plans to turn Dutch Barn into a “global brand”.
“I’d been looking to invest in eco-friendly businesses for a while and as soon as I found Dutch Barn – I wanted in,” he said. “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, which is based just outside of York, was founded in 2021. The distillery secured its B Corp certification in September this year and has been carbon neutral since its launch.
Furthermore, Ellers Farm operates fair pay ratios and a profit share scheme where 20% of the company’s revenue is given to its employers.
Chris Fraser, founder and chairman of Ellers Farm Distillery, added: “We are so excited to have Ricky join the team. 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.”
In addition, AIG Holdings, a global talent brand incubator, has invested in Ellers Farm as part of the agreement.