Learning opportunitiesThe Business of Spirits

From making a spirit to building a business

Created by The Distillers’ Company, this one-day seminar brings experienced members of the Livery together with distilling students, qualification candidates and emerging entrepreneurs. The aim is candid, practical commercial insight, alongside technical education.

What the day covers

Each seminar draws on the speakers’ experience and the needs of the audience. Topics have included:

• the global spirits market and changing consumer trends;
• brand purpose, positioning and equity;
• category and consumer segmentation;
• finance, costing and pricing;
• innovation and new product development;
• building and growing a distillery; and
• lessons from successful founders and industry leaders.

Real examples, questions and panel discussion turn business concepts into something participants can apply to their own careers and ideas.

Learning from experience

Speakers come from across the Company’s membership and bring decades of leadership, technical, commercial and entrepreneurial experience. They share methods, and the choices, setbacks and lessons that textbooks often omit.

The seminar also gives participants an opportunity to meet peers and expand their professional network.

Who is it for?

The Business of Spirits is delivered with our education and industry partners. Audiences have included:

• undergraduate and postgraduate students at ICBD, Heriot-Watt University;
• current and former CIBD General Certificate, Diploma and Master Distiller candidates; and
• members of the Gin Guild.

In 2025, three seminars were delivered for ICBD and CIBD students and members of the Gin Guild.

Accessing the programme

Attendance is arranged through the host education or industry partner. CIBD also makes selected recordings and learning materials available to its members.