Carbon-negative rum producer Two Drifters Distillery has secured a loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund (SWIF), via appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, enabling the business to increase production capacity and expand trade distribution in both domestic and international markets.

The Devon distillery is a rum producer making its spirit entirely from scratch — fermenting, distilling, ageing and bottling on-site. Two Drifters operates an all-electric distillery powered by 100% renewable energy and applies a self-imposed internal carbon tax to guide procurement and operations toward the lowest-carbon options available. This framework positions the brand as one of the UK’s most sustainability-led rum producers.

The loan will allow the distillery to scale production to meet rising demand from the on-trade and retailers, and support continued overseas expansion, where interest in British rum — and sustainable production — is growing.

Co-founder Dr Russ Wakeham said:

“This support comes at exactly the right moment. Demand for our rum is increasing in the UK and internationally, and this loan allows us to build stock, strengthen production and keep full control of the business as we grow. The South West Investment Fund understands the needs of manufacturers, which makes it an ideal fit for us.”

Co-founder Gemma Wakeham added:

“We’ve always believed that British rum can stand alongside the best in the world — and that it can be made more sustainably. Running an all-electric distillery, using renewable energy, and applying our own internal carbon tax keeps us accountable to that. This funding will help us produce more, serve more customers and build the Two Drifters brand across new markets.”

Investment Manager at The FSE Group, Hannah Sprague added:

"Two Drifters is a great example of a South West business combining innovation with sustainability. Their approach to carbon-negative production and renewable energy is impressive, and we’re pleased to support their plans to grow both in the UK and overseas. It’s exciting to see businesses like this driving positive change in the drinks industry."

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25k to £100k, debt finance from £100k to £2m and equity investment up to £5 million.