INVEST IN VOODOO SPIRITS
Tambour Original: Born in Africa, celebrated in the USA
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Our distillery has elevated sodabi, the traditional palm liquor of West Africa, from a cottage industry into a world-class spirit that retains the character and essence of its native roots. We work with local farmers to secure consistent, quality raw materials to produce refined palm liquor using industry-standard equipment and practices. After distillation, we infuse it with 14 ingredients to create a unique, aromatic, and complex flavor profile that results in a premium, award-winning spirit.
Jake Muhleman
PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER, VOODOO SPIRITS
OUR AMBITION
We first launched TAMBOUR ORIGINAL in sodabi’s native region, with our production facility in the cosmopolitan heart of Benin, and over the past 3 years sales have grown in the region. We are now ready to unveil TAMBOUR ORIGINAL in the US and we hope to explore additional markets in the future. We believe that TAMBOUR ORIGINAL has a place in bars and stores alongside mezcal, soju, and other exotic liquors recently popularized in global markets just as it holds a place in the culture of Benin.
KEY FACTS
- Silver Medalist: 2015 SF World Spirits Competition
- United States federal sales approval (COLA)
- Consistent growth in local markets over past 3 yrs
- Contracted American importer and brand representative in place
THE BUZZ ABOUT VOODOO SPIRITS
I was in New York when I first heard about Tambour and had the opportunity to taste the product in Cotonou in 2015. I must say that I was impressed by the quality of the product and on my way back to the US, I brought a few bottles to my friends in Boston, NY, and Toronto. Since then Tambour has become my drink and my friends in the US & Canada have not stopped asking me for more bottles. Tambour is a high quality product that I recommend to everybody in Benin, in Africa and in the world.
Tambour is a breath of fresh air to the North American spirit market. It also brings an historical connection to the African American and Canadian ancestry. As well, it is a very pleasant refreshing drink.
PRODUCTION, ADOPTION, AND PROMOTION
We label and number each bottle by hand before distribution, and that care has not gone unnoticed. Locally, Tambour Original has been enjoyed by the former US Ambassador to Benin, as well as the King of Ouidah (pictured below) in Southern Benin. Additionally, we have participated in a number of
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OUR SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Smooth and intense, the flavors of Tambour Original go with everything from pineapple juice or passion fruit, to banana and chocolate. Find out more information and specific recipes on our website:
www.tambour-original.com
MARKETING MATERIALS IN AFRICA
An example of our Francophone West African focused marketing. Unique materials will be developed appropriate to the advertising norms and trends of the United States and other markets.
3 YEARS OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH IN WEST AFRICA
Our problem is one of capital, not demand. Although our sales have been increasing steadily in Benin and Togo over the past 3 years, we operate out of a relatively small facility and our output is capped at current rates. At current production levels marginal profitability is positive (and could befurther increased through economies of scale as we grow), but in order to increase output and begin profitably exporting to the United States we need access to more space and additional equipment.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Three former UCLA sailing team members pair up to start an alcohol business in West Africa
Jake Muhleman
President and Co-Founder
MIT engineer with an MBA from Edhec Business School (Nice, France) and 3.5 years work experience in Benin; Favorite Cocktail: Hidden Passion
Eric Newton
Co-Founder
Former Peace Corps Volunteer with 3.5 years work experience in Benin; Favorite Cocktail: African Queen
Kassandra Klaritsch
Co-Founder
Former Head of Marketing at an organic French winery; current Financial Controller at Neilson; Favorite Cocktail: African Sunrise