Ledi Gind was founded by husband and wife duo Naledi Goottsch and James Chirwa. The name Ledi comes from Naledi’s name which means star in Sesotho. Woodstock Gin hosted multiple tasting events where Naledi used to be a regular. James’ knowledge from working in a distillery coupled with Naledi’s new found passion for Gin inspired them to start their own brand. They partnered up with James’s old employer, Simon Von Watt from Woodstock Gin, who gave them access to his distillery so that they could create their own brand.
Ledi Gin prides itself in using local products and working with local creatives and industry partners to create their gin. Most of the botanicals used to create Ledi are from Table Mountain, which is the source of its distinctive taste that sets it apart from other local gins as well as international brands. What is unique about Berry-Ledi Gin are the sweet and fruity fragrances of the berries and pineapples which they infuse into the gin. They also use the traditional gin bases of juniper, lavender, coriander, and buchu, The infusion of fresh fruits gives the gin both its unique colour and flavour. This makes it a more palatable gin that leaves a pleasant after-taste of the berries and pineapples infused in the gin that keeps the consumer going for another glass.
Naledi and James partnered up with OURS Studio for the creative and visual side of the brand. Through the CROSS CLASS Programme that OURS was already hosting, students from various institutions were able to work directly with Naledi and James to develop the brand from the ground up. This included sketch design; brand development , packaging, product design; planning, content creation, marketing and launching at the OURS Studio in Greenpoint in 2018. They also brought in artists, Thato Lengosane and Chad Barends to the creative team to create the final product.
Working on a real project allowed students to gain practical entrepreneurial / start up experience, making it an extremely valuable learning opportunity. Ledi Gin has now received three stages of investment since its inception and is available in all liquor stores in Cape Town and selected liquor stores in Gauteng.