Claims by Olivia Attwood that she 'founded' her new drinks brand, Savano, are being challenged, as it has emerged the company has a history dating back over 16 years. Attwood, who has promoted the brand extensively since its launch, has referred to Savano as her 'baby' and stated it was created with her audience in mind.
In interviews, including one with the drinks industry publication Bar Magazine, Attwood described her move from brand ambassador to founder as an "exciting new chapter." She stated, "Savano has been created with my audience in mind, we’ve worked hard to create cocktails that feel genuinely premium."
However, sources indicate that while Attwood is the majority stakeholder in Savano, the brand's origins predate her involvement. The company was originally founded as Tom Savano Cocktails in 2010 by James Kerslake, who developed the idea of bringing premium cocktails into homes while working in investment banking.
In February of this year, the Tom Savano Cocktails company was acquired by Babco International, a firm that owns brands like Neptune Rum and Tofka Vodka. Babco International purchased the recipes and licensing, subsequently rebranding and relaunching the business as Savano.
Attwood became the majority stakeholder and public face of the revamped operation. The current Savano range includes flavors such as Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha, and Moscow Mule, priced at approximately £25 for a pack of six. Notably, these flavors, including the Hot Honey Margarita, were reportedly part of the original Tom Savano range, with the latter being released in 2024 before Attwood's rebranding.
When Savano was unveiled in July, Attwood described the drinks as having been "a year in the making" and celebrated its launch with a party. The original Tom Savano range from 2010 included a Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha, Margarita, and Mojito. Attwood's recent promotional efforts have included posing with the drinks, featuring them in her public appearances, and even getting a "Savano" tattoo on her arm.