headings
Rising Star of Comedy Raises Awareness for Premium Vodka
A Growing Brand with Global Ambitions
Expansion into the US Market
Key to Success: Engaging Content Strategy
Future Plans: Whisky and More
The UK’s spirits industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with premium vodka being a standout sector. Ellers Farm Distillery, based near York, is leading the charge with its Dutch Barn Vodka brand. Sales have increased by 207% year-on-year, and website traffic has soared to 919%.
The success of Dutch Barn Vodka can be attributed to global comedy icon Ricky Gervais, who has been instrumental in raising awareness of the brand through his comedy shows and stand-up routines.
Gervais’s involvement with Ellers Farm Distillery extends beyond promotion; he is also a significant shareholder. Chris Fraser, founder of Ellers Farm Distillery, credits Gervais for driving growth at the distillery, stating that ‘Ricky has been fundamental in raising awareness of the brand through comedy and laughter.’
The brand’s exports to the US began last year, with Florida proving to be a lucrative market. Premium vodka sales in the state are three times larger than those in the UK.
Social media growth has also been substantial, with Dutch Barn’s Instagram followers more than doubling, Facebook followers growing 170%, and YouTube subscribers increasing by 150%.
The brand’s content strategy, which prioritizes entertaining and engaging audiences, has been credited for its success. Ellers Farm Distillery is now focusing on building awareness of the brand, leveraging Gervais’s comedy to drive sales.
As part of a new collaboration with Theakston’s brewery, Dutch Barn Vodka will soon be launching an English single malt whisky in March 2026. This move aims to further establish the distillery as a major player in the UK spirits industry.
While figures are not yet available for total US sales, Ellers Farm Distillery is confident that its vodka brand will continue to thrive in this growing market.
