UK-based Queer Spirits has announced an initiative to build the world's-first LGBTQ+ cooperative distillery in the UK to focus on community building.
The initiative consists of a Crowdfunder campaign where the distillery is seeking a minimum of £100,000 to create a new queer space for crafting high-quality spirits, but also to foster a greater sense of inclusive community. The funds raised will reportedly be used to fit the venue with equipment including a 100-liter still for small-batch spirit production and also build on the brand's ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings and alcohol-free expressions.
Co-Founder of Queer Spirits Jon Gronow spoke on the new initiative saying, "Queer Spirits is about building community power to celebrate our queerness all year round. Queer Spirits is about building community power to celebrate our queerness all year round
LGBTQ+ Community-Owned Distillery's
Queer Spirits is Crowdfunding to Create a New Kind of Space
Trend Themes
1. Community-owned Alcohol Brands - The cooperative model adopted by Queer Spirits indicates a growing trend towards community-owned and operated distilleries that focus on inclusivity and shared responsibilities.
2. Inclusive Beverage Crowdfunding - The use of crowdfunding to finance Queer Spirits showcases the trend of leveraging collective financial support to develop niche markets focused on inclusivity and diversity.
3. RTD and Alcohol-free Spirits Expansion - Queer Spirits' investment towards enhancing their RTD and alcohol-free offerings reflects a broader trend towards diversifying product lines to appeal to both traditional and non-traditional spirit consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Alcoholic Beverages - The launch of an LGBTQ+ focused distillery presents opportunities within the alcoholic beverage industry to develop niche products catering to underrepresented communities.
2. Crowdfunding Platforms - The initiative by Queer Spirits underscores a disruptive potential for crowdfunding platforms as a means of grassroots fundraising for community-centric businesses.
3. Inclusive Hospitality Spaces - The creation of new community-based spaces by Queer Spirits alludes to emerging demands within the hospitality sector for venues that prioritize inclusivity and diversity.