Gin in her Gene(s)
In the symphony of her professional odyssey, Sakshi Saigal first traversed through the realms of impact investments and the intricacies of infrastructure and logistics within a shipping & export entity. However, the allure of the alcobev world beckoned, steering her towards the Netherlands to immerse herself in the art of distilling.The flame of passion was kindled as her gaze turned to the intoxicating landscape of alcoholic beverages, a journey that would eventually lead her to co-found Third Eye Distillery.
Born into an entrepreneurial ethos, Sakshi’s upbringing instilled in her a reverence for innovation and enterprise. Her formative years were a medley of vibrant experiences, laying the groundwork for her eventual metamorphosis into an entrepreneur. The catalyst for her venture into the world of gins came when the opportunity to authentically showcase India on the global gin stage presented itself within her company.
When Sakshi was thinking of exploring the world of gins, many international gin brands claimed ties to India, yet their origins were elsewhere. Sakshi’s discerning eye detected a gap and fuelled their mission to use gin as a canvas to paint the narrative of a new India, intertwined with its rich historical connections.
“This realisation motivated us to create an inherently Indian gin that could cater to both local and global audiences,” she elaborates.
Journey Saga
Of course, she faced her share of challenges and impediments towards her journey to success in the alcobev industry. However, her challenges seem to be more industry specific than gender specific. “Establishing our brands in India posed unique challenges. The prevailing market prioritises mass liquor production over quality, while societal taboos around alcohol persist. Moreover, India’s regulations often favour prohibition, emphasising quantity over the quality of products,” she elaborates.
“Despite the challenging phase that Covid presented, including initial sales setbacks, our team swiftly adapted by channeling creativity and persistence. We promptly shifted our communication strategy, focusing on online engagement with both trade and consumers,” Sakshi explains further.
