Premium Craft Spirits from the heart of Western Ukraine

Proactive maintenance: The key to reducing unscheduled downtime

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are delighted to feature LUNIN™ as our Premium Craft Spirits Company of the Month.

LUNIN™ was originally established in Ukraine in 1991. Since May 19th, 2023, LUNIN™ has been operating in the UK, serving as a key hub for European and international operations, driven by Serg Lunin and his ambitious team.

Serg, born and raised in Kyiv, began his professional journey as a heat and power engineer. Despite his success in this field, he felt drawn to his true passion – crafting authentic Ukrainian cuisine and traditional drinks. Inspired by cooking alongside his grandfather, Serg mastered the art of blending flavours, a skill that would later define his career in distilling.

LUNIN™ is deeply rooted in family tradition and craftsmanship. The distillery has earned a reputation for pushing industry boundaries, creating exceptional spirits from rare and unconventional raw materials never before used in spirit production.

“We’re proud to be the only distillery in the world producing gin from wild plum spirit and 21 botanicals, horilka from acacia, and brandy from elderberry and honey. These exclusive recipes and ingredients set us apart in the market,” said Olga Patiuta, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

The distillery’s diverse range includes brandy, horilka, gin, and liqueurs, with popular offerings such as YAGODANKA Sour Cherry Liqueur, Acaccia Horilka, LUNIN Apple Brandy, Elderberry & Honey Brandy, and its signature drink, The First Ukrainian Dry Gin. Additionally, LUNIN™ offers bespoke alcohol creation, crafting spirits tailored to individual preferences, including the development of exclusive private alcohol brands.

Leading in sustainabilitySustainability is a core focus for LUNIN™, and the distillery is setting an industry standard with its innovative eco-friendly practices. By leveraging renewable energy and repurposing waste materials, the company significantly reduces its environmental impact while maintaining top-tier production standards.

“Our production operates on a fully sustainable cycle, using only natural fruits and berries, some of which we grow ourselves or source from local farms. We produce our own spirits and infusions from these ingredients,” Olga explained. “One of our standout techniques involves using gravity-fed water from a natural mountain spring near our distillery to cool condensers during distillation. This water then flows back into the river, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. We also repurpose fruit remnants as animal feed and use fruit wood offcuts and pits to heat our boilers, making our processes even more environmentally friendly.”

Direct supply and partnerships LUNIN™ isn’t just a producer; it also acts as a direct supplier to bars and restaurants, ensuring a seamless connection between the producer and the customer, without intermediaries. This direct approach is integral to its business model, and the company continually seeks new partnership opportunities.

“Collaborating with us is straightforward. Interested companies can contact us directly to explore partnership opportunities,” Olga noted. “They’ll benefit from working closely with a producer, gaining access to exclusive craft spirits and personalised service. Our products cater to a broad audience, offering something for everyone, regardless of age or gender.”

Exciting future plansThe future looks bright for LUNIN™, with several exciting innovations and expansions on the horizon. Olga shared some of these upcoming developments, “We have plenty of surprises in store for our customers and fans. Our recently launched trading company aims to expand into multiple countries, and to meet growing demand, we’re scaling up our production capacity. In the near future, enthusiasts will also have the chance to visit our very own branded bars, offering a unique experience that embodies the essence of LUNIN™.”