There is nothing like a lockdown to bring out the creativity in people. Such was the case for two dynamic businesswomen with a love of gin who launched an online gin concierge business, The Ginporium.
It was a masterstroke of timeliness because The Ginporium tapped into a zeitgeist combining the burgeoning love affair consumers are having with gin and increased online retail engagement in a COVID world. Consumers are also overwhelmed with choice, curious about options and yearning for help with decisions.
Five months in and The Ginporium is going gangbusters.
Australia is now producing around 600 gins alone before we even consider the international brands. Consumers are spoilt for choice but also confused.
Caroline Childerley AKA The Gin Queen and her business partner, Inoka Ho, owner of Cocktail Co. came to the gin concierge concept one night after a few martinis – an online gin store combined with a concierge service to match the consumer’s palate with a gin they will enjoy and deliver it to their door.
The consumer is asked a series of questions, and the answers are formulated to create a personalised set of recommendations to suit their palate. It also recommends tonics to mix with the gins it suggests.
“We have found personalisation in general is what people love right now. We make sure we deliver with a personalised handwritten note and that is received very well,” said Childerley.
“We are thrilled we have received nothing less than a five-star review from our customers to date.”
Renowned drinks writer and Australian Financial Review wine and spirits critic, Max Allen reported; “I did the quiz and was impressed by how well-suited to me the suggested gins were.”
The Ginporium stocks a carefully curated selection of local and international gins and mixers and delivers nationwide.
