In the dynamic and competitive business world, entrepreneurship requires innovation and the ability to create something unique. As an entrepreneur, you must identify market gaps and adapt to evolving customer demands. It’s about thinking outside the box, challenging norms, and bringing fresh perspectives to the table.
Emily Darchuk recognized a problem she was committed to resolving and transformed the solution into a career path. She is the Founder and CEO of Wheyward Spirit, the female owned, award winning, and sustainably-distilled whey spirit company.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Wheyward Spirit was born from Emily’s vision to create a spirit that resonates with consumers, emphasizing both quality and environmental impact. Recognizing the limitations imposed by narrow product categories in the spirits industry, Emily sought to bring the best-tasting products to the market. Wheyward Spirit, as industry outsiders, takes a unique approach to spirit production. Through a design thinking mindset, they prioritize value for customers and partners, from farm to flask.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Emily is also a food scientist who gained valuable experience in the industry. She discovered that a large amount of whey (a byproduct of dairy) goes unused in the food system every year, amounting to billions of pounds. By upcycling whey, the company can reduce waste, add value to dairy producers, and create a sustainable spirit with a unique flavor profile. Unlike traditional spirits, which are made from grains, grapes, or agave, Wheyward Spirit is made from whey. This sustainable practice reduces waste, lowers the carbon and water footprint of production, and creates a distinct flavor profile. “We are proud to be a first-of-its-kind whey specialty spirit where you can taste a difference and make a difference,” says Emily.
Launching Wheyward Spirit during the lockdown not only generated attention for the company, but also fostered a strong sense of community. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Wheyward Spirit successfully adopted a direct-to-consumer strategy that adhered to three-tier regulations. This approach enabled a direct connection with customers, bypassing intermediaries like large retailers and distributors. The invaluable feedback and support from early customers were instrumental in shaping Wheyward Spirit’s evolution. As a result, the spirit is now being savored at various venues nationwide, including events, conferences, restaurants, and homes.
Despite Emily’s incredible success in the alcohol industry, the sector continues to exhibit a substantial gender disparity. Women occupy less than 4 percent of C-suite positions in the beer, spirits, or wine field, highlighting the lack of representation.
COMPANY EXPANSION
While female-owned and distilled alcohol brands are on the rise, achieving greater diversity in retail buyer and distributor roles is crucial for promoting equity and enabling novel products to enter the market. “My advice to women is to know challenges absolutely exist but don’t lose sight of your goals, as there are opportunities and many good people to build a community with for shared success,” Emily says.
Not too long ago, Wheyward Spirit launched Wheyskey, the barrel-aged version of their award-winning spirit. Through the oak aging process, Wheyskey develops a rich and smooth flavor with notes of oaky vanilla, toffee, and warm spice. This specialty spirit is carefully aged to maintain its original character while delivering the best possible flavor. Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails, Wheyskey offers a complex and approachable drinking experience.
Wheyward Spirit is driven by a commitment to breaking boundaries and offering responsibly crafted, flavorful spirits. Recognizing a market gap for approachable and sustainable aged spirits that retain their true character, Wheyward Spirit listened to their diverse customer base and analyzed data from the website’s cocktail quiz. This valuable insight revealed a balanced mix of clear and dark spirit drinkers, leading to the natural evolution of their product offerings.
For more information about Emily Darchuk and Wheyward Spirit, visit wheywardspirit.com