Introduction by: Peter Marshall
This has got to be one of the most striking interviews I have conducted this year. As Managing Director International of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, John McDonnell has helped carve a major global presence for the brand. Now standing at 142 countries, but hungry for more – especially in Travel Retail.
At Trunblocked.com we strive to produce interviews that stand out, that wholly differentiate themselves from others. This interview is no exception. It is 15 minutes of compulsive viewing and kicks off with something altogether different as John tells three stories about some famous successes and failures of other brands in the business. This may be of especial interest to our millennial and Gen Z viewers.
We then move into some fairly straight talking on vodka’s under-representation in TR, the need for retailers to rethink the category, to nurture and give more space to hand-crafted brands, as well as other spirits industry developments. “I’m going to talk about something that nobody likes to talk about”, says John. This is typical of his straight shooting style, but it is always valid and constructive in purpose.
And then we talk about things that have been an integral part of Tito’s DNA from day one of the business – sustainability, community matters and philanthropy.
We close on a couple of very funny stories. This really was a special interview and you can look forward to another round after Cannes.