Blue Turtle Gin gives Fiji Airways passengers a taste of home

Blue Turtle Gin, a handcrafted Fijian spirit made with local botanicals and prepared by village women, is now being served to Business Class passengers on Fiji Airways as part of their signature welcome cocktail.

The gin features uniquely Fijian ingredients including Moli Kula citrus and sun-dried kava, with botanicals sourced from neighboring villages where women meticulously peel and prepare them by hand.

"A lot of the botanicals that we use in Blue Turtle are uniquely Fijian," said Pate Sowane, head of sales and marketing at The Distillery Co, which produces the gin.

"The Moli Kula citrus, kava dried in the Fijian sun, and other botanicals are sourced from neighbouring villages, where women put in meticulous work peeling and preparing them. I feel like every bottle of Blue Turtle gin has a little bit of happiness in it and it shows."

The gin is made by Paul Clark, chief executive officer and founder of The Distillery Co, who leads its development and distillation.

Mr Sowane said the gin reflects Fijian culture and heritage.

"Looking at our culture, our heritage is making things by hand. It's really special to have something like Blue Turtle being made by the hands of actual Fijian people," he said.

"When guests are traveling on Fiji Airways and they try Blue Turtle Gin, I want them to feel they are tasting happiness. That's what Fiji tastes like."

Fiji Airways chief customer officer Akuila Batiweti said every detail served onboard tells a story.

"This gin isn't just a drink — it's a first impression, a moment of connection, and a taste of home. And we are proud to share it," Mr Batiweti said.

The feature is part of Fiji Airways' Meet the Makers series, which spotlights local artisans whose craft enriches the airline's inflight experience.

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