Hey Paolo Spotlight: Vlad Sopotsko of Firestarter Beverages

Chatted with Firestarter Beverages Marketing Director Vlad Sopotsko to learn more about their products and the challenges of introducing a new brand to Adelaide, South Australia. “If you can make it in Adelaide, you can make anywhere in Australia,” he quips.

Hey Paolo: What is Firestarter Beverages?

Firestarter Beverages is a premium brand of spirits. At the moment, we have gin, vodka, and a range of sparkling wines with a colourful twist. Soon we’ll be adding tequila and rum to our range.

Hey Paolo: Who do you think will enjoy Firestarter Beverages?

Our primary target audience are the young adults who basically want to have a good time. We attract people who want to go outside the box. At the moment, our main campaign is: “premium has a new look.”

Hey Paolo: How different are your vodkas and gins?

Our vodkas can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The production of our gins and vodkas are currently in Moldova where our master distillers have been perfecting the recipe for many years. Our gin is the traditional London Dry Gin without the over-infusion of botanicals and other flavours. It’s a very nice Juniper-scented gin with the traditional aftertaste of a proper London Dry Gin.

Hey Paolo: What’s unique about your wines?

At the moment, we only have one line of wines called “Wine of Fire.” It’s a light, sparkling, fruity wine made from Spanish Airen grapes. In order to create the amazing pearlescent effect, you have to shake the bottle and serve it cold. Very soon, we’ll be looking at adding a selection of Australian-made wines.

Hey Paolo: What are the challenges introducing your new brand to Adelaide?

Our main expansion process started in 2020 which wasn’t the best time to start a new brand. We had a few challenges with COVID restrictions such as not being able to host tastings, parties, and be able to go out there to promote the product. But despite that, we managed to overcome those difficulties and we are growing rapidly. We are doing very well.

Hey Paolo: How receptive is Adelaide to new brands?

Adelaide is a very interesting market. But it’s just something we have to approach in a slightly different manner compared to other states which are probably just a bit larger and are more used to seeing new things come into their lives.

FIRESTARTER BEVERAGES. To learn more, visit: https://firestartervodka.com.au/

COCKTAIL OF THE DAY: RUSSIAN MOJITO WITH A TWIST

Ingredients: Lime, Parsley, Ice, Sugar, Soda Water, and Firestarter Vodka