Sustainability

Sustainability at Devon Cove is a guiding principle rather than a standalone initiative, shaped by our farming heritage and a commitment to using resources thoughtfully. At its core is a simple philosophy: reduce, reuse and recycle, applied across every part of the business.

This begins with our ingredients. The potatoes grown on our family farm are carefully selected, giving the ‘wonky’ potatoes a second life in our award-winning vodka. This approach ensures that more of what we grow is used meaningfully, reducing waste while adding value. The same respect for ingredients extends to our liqueurs, where we work with seasonal produce such as damsons and hazelnuts, hand-picked locally when at their best.

Across production, we work with partners who share our values. Renewable energy, including solar power, supports key parts of the process, while more circular practices—such as growing yeast in-house and returning stillage to the land as fertiliser—help to reduce waste.

Attention to sustainability also extends beyond production. We have removed plastic from our packaging wherever possible, replacing it with more responsible alternatives and have reduced the weight of our glass bottles. Even our physical presentation reflects this thinking, with bar structures and display materials created from repurposed potato crates.

Our cocktail kits are carefully designed to hold each element securely in place, reducing excess packaging and minimising waste in transit. Alongside this, we continue to prioritise recyclable materials and regularly review how we can refine and improve.

Each decision may feel small on its own, but together they form a considered and evolving approach—balancing sustainability with the quality, craft and attention to detail that define Devon Cove.

We see sustainability as an ongoing journey, and one that evolves as the business grows. A key focus for us is continuing to reduce our overall environmental impact, particularly through improvements in energy efficiency and the use of more renewable solutions across production.

Packaging is another area we are actively reviewing, with the aim of further reducing weight, increasing recycled content and ensuring every element remains as responsible as possible without compromising the premium nature of our products.

As we develop, we are also interested in exploring ways to bring even more of our processes closer to source, strengthening the link between farm, ingredient and final spirit. This would allow us to build on what is already a highly considered, low-waste approach.

Above all, our goal is to grow in a way that remains true to our values—thoughtful, responsible and firmly rooted in the land that inspired the business in the first place.

For other businesses looking to become more sustainable, the most important step is to start with what is within your control. Sustainability does not need to mean immediate, large-scale change—often, the most meaningful progress comes from small, consistent improvements over time.

Looking locally is a powerful first step. Sourcing ingredients, materials and services closer to home can reduce environmental impact while strengthening relationships within your community. Equally important is taking a closer look at waste—what may initially seem like a by-product can often be reused or repurposed with a little creativity.

Collaboration also plays an important role. Working with other local businesses can help share resources, reduce inefficiencies and create more considered, sustainable solutions together.

Finally, transparency matters. Customers value honesty, and being open about both progress and challenges helps build trust. Sustainability is not about perfection, but about making better choices wherever possible and continuing to improve over time.

Devon Cove create award-winning Cove Vodka and Liqueurs using King Edward potatoes, lovingly grown on Leanne’s family’s farm overlooking Hope Cove in Devon. Their copper pot, single distilled vodka is handcrafted in an artisan distillery, made only from the finest ingredients, to ensure its smooth, luxurious taste.

The Lidstone family have been growing quality Devon potatoes in the Atlantic sea air for over 50 years and love them love them! After many discussions around the dinner table about the different ways you can cook and enjoy potatoes they decided to take things a step further and make potato vodka.

They found that using the finest Devon potatoes and Devon spring water combined with small batch traditional copper pot distillation creates a distinctly smooth and delicious vodka that captures the essence of our county. Who doesn’t love the sea and fresh home-grown food?

Their very first batch of Cove Vodka was made from King Edward potatoes, grown in rich soil in fields overlooking Hope Cove, South Milton Sands and the renowned Burgh Island. The potatoes were harvested in September 2018 and Cove Vodka was born.