Fernet-Branca revives coin tradition in UK
Fratelli Branca has initiated a creative tour across three cities, inviting the UK bar community to design the next official Fernet-Branca Coin.
The tour is organised in partnership with Fernet-Branca’s newly named UK distributor Mangrove Global.
The initiative invites the UK bar community to create the next official Fernet-Branca Coin, allowing them to leave their mark on a tradition by participating in its creation.
The coin tradition began in San Francisco in 2013, inspired by bartenders’ custom of having a shot of Fernet-Branca when they changed shifts.
This ‘bartender handshake’ has since become a distinctive ritual in the drinks industry, symbolising membership of the bartender community.
After running in the UK for several years, the coin tradition is now returning in partnership with Mangrove, with ‘a creative twist’.
Nicola Olianas, global export head of advocacy and ambassadors at Fratelli Branca, said: “The coin is Fernet-Branca’s, but its meaning belongs to the bartender community. It has become a symbol of recognition, respect and belonging because of the people who have carried it and kept its tradition alive.”
All three events are invitation-only, with guest lists managed by Mangrove.
The first stop on the tour will be in London today (14 July), where bartenders are invited to Acme Fire Cult in Dalston.
The next stop will be Manchester bar Double Down on Monday 20 July, followed by Hey Palu in Edinburgh on Tuesday 21 July.
Each evening will feature a dose of ‘healthy competition’ and opportunities for industry networking.
At each event, one winning concept will be selected. The three city winners will then be submitted to Fratelli Branca’s global team, which will choose one design to become the official UK Fernet-Branca Coin.
The winning city will be celebrated with a launch hosted by Mangrove in the autumn.
Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove Global, explained: “The Fernet-Branca Coin is one of those wonderful traditions that gets to the heart of what this industry is about, a ritual that belongs to bartenders.
“This revival is about giving the UK bar community real ownership of that tradition and giving the industry time and space to come together.”
Related news
Beluga illuminates on-trade with Noble Night
