Gin’s Carmen O’Neal Crowned Woman of the Year

Carmen O’Neal, MD of Haggerston-based 58 Gin, the UK’s Gin Producer of the Year[1], has been awarded the sought-after title of Woman of the Year at The Drinks Business Awards 2021.

Commended for her holistic approach to running a business and doing things a bit differently, Carmen, 35, impressed with the speed and success at which she led the pivot from making gin to 50,000 bottles of hand sanitiser during the pandemic, evolving the company to cater to a new way of living.

A person in a white shirt

Description automatically generated with low confidence

Judges also praised her eco-conscious business approach, commenting: “Her commitment to sustainability at a time when business has been challenging is exemplary.” This included reference to her practice of donating macerated sloe berries to Humble Crumble London for use in their crumbles and her partnership with Loddington Farm in Kent which sees ‘wonky’ apples and foraged sloes used in 58’s gins, with waste returned for compost usage.

Carmen said: “I’m completely overwhelmed at being awarded the Woman of the Year title; it really hasn’t sunk in yet.

“The last 18 months has been a complete whirlwind – so much has happened! From responding to the pandemic, launching new products, building new collaborative partnerships, and implementing new sustainable business practices – it’s been full on! However, I’ve got in incredible team that shares my passion for what we’re creating here at 58 Gin, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to them for being so supportive throughout.

“To be recognised in this capacity is truly humbling and I look forward to living up to this title by continuing to raise the bar when it comes to what is expected from an urban distillery. This includes prioritizing becoming a collaborative, supportive space for nurturing young females within the drinks sector.”

58 Gin was the first distillery in the UK to pivot to hand sanitiser production in March 2020 when the pandemic hit, is behind the UK’s first gin-based hard seltzers and is home to a beautiful gin school which has received Tripadviser’s Traveller’s Choice Award. 58 Gin is also proud to produce spirits in accordance with the highest ethical standards.

The Drinks Business is the world’s leading drinks trade magazine, and the awards are now in their 18th year as they continue to celebrate outstanding achievements within the drinks industry.