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The Zanzibar Gin Company is the brainchild of Oliver and Tom, who became great friends during their time at University.
Both have family connections to Zanzibar/Tanzania & sought to embrace a joint passion for Gin and Rum which they could develop into a successful brand while having a positive impact on the spice industry and farming community of Zanzibar.
The "Spice island"
Zanzibar was a critical component of the spice trade routes from East Africa to the Middle East and India, and in the 18th and 19th century Zanzibar was coined “the spice island” for its rich exports of a variety of spices.
Many spices were brought to the island through the spice trading routes, and found they could grow well with the tropical climate. The trade of them brought wealth to the island and made it a coveted destination for merchants and traders from across the world. The island was once the world’s largest producer of cloves (which feature in our gin) and is famous for its many other spices grown in it's fertile soils.
Did you know Freddie Mercury was also born in Zanzibar?
Unfortunately the spice trade in the late 20th century has become far more competitive, driving down prices and making it difficult for the small island of Zanzibar to compete. We are making it our goal to show the world the quality of spices that can be found here.
Zanzibar is classed as an archipelago, formed mainly of the large island "Unguja" (typically referred to as Zanzibar), the Northern, smaller island, "Pemba", as well as the Southern island of "Mafia" and other smaller islands.
Oliver's Grandfather was Zanzibari - born in Pemba to a Mother from Pemba and a father from Unguja. It was a local legend that the most beautiful women were from the northern island of Pemba!
Oliver's grandmother was English, working as a nurse in the main hospital, and his father was born in Stone Town (capital city of Zanzibar) in 1962.
In the late 1960s the family took the difficult decision to leave the country and move to the UK.
The family have returned to visit Zanzibar on many occasions and it remains close to their hearts. This was the original inspiration to produce a Gin which emphasised the incredible rich flavours of Zanzibar.
Our Partners
Our products wouldn't be the same without you
Stone Town, Zanzibar
1001 Organic is a social enterprise and stands for sustainable cultivation of traditional varieties and organic premium spices. They maintain transparency and traceability in their supply chain from natural spice forest to our customers. 1001 insist on producing spices in a sustainable manner, which preserves nature and environment and benefits the local farmer cooperatives financially in order to maximize the positive social impact.
Bath, United Kingdom
Kaskazi is the ancient “North Wind” in Kiswahili, which were monsoon winds that facilitated the spice trade between East Africa and the rest of the world.
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Kaskazi Back to Nature is that north wind that now brings responsibly sourced products from small scale farmers in East Africa to the UK and Europe.
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They have partnered with businesses based in Tanzania and Zanzibar who share the same values, ensuring fair prices are paid to the local farmers and profits are returned to the community to provide development, education and certification.
Hertfordshire, UK
Set in the picturesque Luton Hoo Estate, Black Bridge offer their years of expertise in the industry to support us crafting our unique recipes.
Director
Oliver Rashid (Oli)
"I'm proud of my Zanzibar heritage, and want to show the world a little taste of the spice islands through our fantastics drinks"
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Trained as a mechanical engineer, Oli has a passion for basically anything with an engine. In his spare time he's often found in a garage somewhere.
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Favourite Drink: The Spiced Mojito
Director
Thomas Pegler (Tom)
"While I do not directly have Zanzibarian heritage myself, my mother was born in Tanzania as her father worked in Dar Es Salaam, and has fond memories of growing up there. I feel its an incredible place to be involved with and be able to give back to."
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Tom has a passion for fitness and Olympic weightlifting, and is always the kind of guy to run outside when a plane flies over!
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Favourite Drink: "Classic" Gin & Tonic