Slingsby Gin founder invests in Hacien Tequila
Slingsby Gin owner Mike Carthy has joined Hacien Tequila’s advisory board as a shareholder.
Carthy is the founder and owner of Spirit of Harrogate Distillery in Yorkshire, which produces English brand Slingsby Gin.
His experience in the drinks industry spans more than 40 years – a tenure that has seen him lead the charge at third party contract distilling firm Intercontinental Brands, and Spirit of Harrogate. Now, he will take an official position on Hacien’s advisory board, putting his drinks industry experience behind what is described as a rapidly expanding Tequila market.
Carthy said: “I’ve spent the last 44 years involved in the UK spirits market, and I see all the same signs in the premium Tequila sector now that we saw at the beginning of the gin revolution. The modern drinker is adventurous, educated, and actively looking for quality.
“The shift from Tequila as a shot to a premium, versatile spirit for cocktails and sipping is undeniable. Hacien is perfectly positioned to lead this charge. Their commitment to 100% agave, authentic production, and on-trend flavour range is exactly what customers want.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the advisory board and investing in what I truly believe is the next big thing.”
Hacien Teqila said Carthy’s backing comes at a time when flavoured Tequila is ‘poised to become the next major high-growth category in the UK spirits industry’.
Hacien launched in the UK in 2022 after securing £500,000 (US$686,430) worth of investment, and has a range of flavoured expressions in its portfolio, alongside a classic blanco.
This year, the brand launched a trio of flavours: Coffee, Lemon & Lime, and Summer Berries.
The brand is expanding its presence in both on- and off-trade to meet the ‘surging demand’ for premium, flavoured agave spirits.
Hacien’s co-founder Seb Francis called Carthy’s investment a “monumental endorsement of our brand and vision”.
“His journey with Slingsby Gin is legendary, and he fundamentally understands how to build a category-defining brand. His strategic insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and lead the flavoured Tequila space in the UK.”
Agave spirits have been cited as the UK’s fastest-growing spirits category, with industry analysts forecasting the market to expand at an average yearly growth rate of 9.8% between 2025 and 2030.
Last year we revealed that the UK off-trade market for Tequila was worth £35 million (US$44m) after experiencing year-on-year growth of 12.5% in value and 6.6% in volume.
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