Reality television personality Olivia Attwood's claims of founding her drinks brand, Savano, are being questioned as it emerges the company's origins date back more than 16 years. Attwood, who has heavily promoted Savano as her "baby" and a project she created, is the majority stakeholder in the company. However, the brand was originally established as Tom Savano Cocktails in 2010.
Tom Savano Cocktails was founded by James Kerslake, who developed the concept of bringing premium cocktails into homes while working in investment banking. The original product line included flavors such as Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha, Margarita, and Mojito. In February of this year, the company and its recipes were acquired by Babco International, a firm that also owns brands like Neptune Rum and Tofka Vodka. Following the acquisition, the business underwent a rebranding and relaunch as Savano.
Attwood has stated in interviews, including one published in the drinks industry publication Bar Magazine, that she moved from being a brand ambassador to a founder, describing Savano as a "new chapter" created with her audience in mind. She also stated that the drinks were "a year in the making" at the time of Savano's launch in July. However, some of the flavors offered by Savano, such as the Hot Honey Margarita, were part of the Tom Savano range prior to Attwood's involvement and the brand's subsequent relaunch.
Attwood's promotional activities for Savano have included various public appearances and social media posts. She has described the launch as the "birth of my first child" and hosted a launch party featuring a stocked bar, a DJ, and branded merchandise. The Savano range, priced at approximately £25 for a pack of six, includes cocktails like the Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha, and Moscow Mule. Despite her significant role as the majority stakeholder and public face of the brand, the company's established history predates her association.