Sustainability Spotlight | Devon Cove Vodka
Perched above the South Devon coastline near Hope Cove, Devon Cove is a family-run spirits brand inspired by the landscape, produce and traditions of its home. For generations, Leanne Carr's family - the Lidstones - have farmed this stretch of Devon, growing King Edward potatoes in rich coastal soil shaped by sea air, salt winds and changing seasons.
The idea for Devon Cove was born, quite simply, around the kitchen table. After years of growing potatoes, conversations turned to new ways they could be enjoyed, and the possibility of transforming this humble crop into something altogether more refined.
From that moment, the ambition was clear: to create a vodka that truly expressed the character of the land.
We asked Leanne tell us more about their ethos and how sustainability is woven through it.
About Devon Cove
The vision was never just about producing a spirit, but about building something rooted in provenance and place - crafted with care and shaped by the farm it comes from. Working in small batches, we developed our signature potato vodka using homegrown potatoes as its foundation, resulting in a spirit defined by exceptional smoothness and clarity.
Devon Cove has evolved into a collection of premium spirits and liqueurs, including Cove Limoncello, Coffee, and seasonal expressions such as Damson and Hazelnut. Each is carefully crafted to capture a sense of place, with flavour shaped by ingredient, season and origin.
Alongside our spirits, we produce cocktail kits and curated gift sets designed to bring a modern taste of Devon to both everyday moments and special occasions. Today, Devon Cove can be found online, as well as in independent retailers, farm shops and hospitality venues across the region and beyond.
We also welcome visitors to The Tasting Room in Kingsbridge, where guests can explore the full range, learn more about the story behind the spirits, and enjoy tasting experiences that bring the journey from field to bottle to life.
At its heart, Devon Cove remains rooted in a simple idea: transforming what we grow into something exceptional, and sharing a true expression of Devon craftsmanship with a wider audience.
Making Devon Cove more sustainable
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.
Plans for the future
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.
Tips for other businesses
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.
To find out more about Devon Cove Vodka visit their website.