Inside the Coastal Spirit - How Salcombe Gin Became a Premium Icon

Most premium drinks brands don’t fail because of the product… they fail because they can’t stand out.And in a category like gin, where every bottle looks beautiful on the shelf, that’s a serious challenge.In Episode 22 of Fuelling Foodies: The Food Marketing Podcast, Kate sits down with Howard Davies, Co-Founder of Salcombe Gin, to unpack how the brand became one of the UK’s most recognisable premium coastal spirits brands.From market positioning and storytelling to loyalty, experiences and luxury branding, this episode explores what it actually takes to build a premium drinks brand people remember, emotionally connect with, and buy into long term.Because premium brands don’t just sell products. They sell a world people want to be part of.Here’s what we cover:How Salcombe Gin was built from a shared love of sailing, spirits and the Devon coastThe importance of storytelling in saturated categoriesHow packaging, design and detail shape perceptionWhy emotional connection drives long-term loyaltyCreating a lifestyle brand instead of just selling a productScaling without diluting brand identityPartnerships, collaborations and experiential marketingThe future of the premium gin categoryThis episode is especially valuable for premium food & drink brands looking to stand out in crowded markets, strengthen brand positioning, and create deeper customer loyalty.If you’re building a premium brand, this episode will change the way you think about storytelling, experience and growth.LINKS & RESOURCES:Follow @salcombegin and explore their luxurious spirits.Join the Food Marketing Club for just £57/month - your monthly hub for digital marketing strategies, templates, and supportWant tailored strategy support? Book a Strategy Call with KateFollow @kwmarketinguk for food & drink marketing insights, email tips & digital strategyIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow founder building their brand — we love seeing how you're fuelling your growth 🔥