How retro bottle has propelled luxury liqueur brand 100 years into the Instagram age

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur has carved out a distinguished niche as a premium brand, underpinned by a captivating history and an exceptional product. 

Originating as the world’s first true farm-to-table Irish cream liqueur, sourced exclusively from five family-owned farms in County Cork, Ireland, Five Farms embodies a commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and deep-rooted heritage. 

Each week, the milk from these farms is carefully blended with premium Irish whiskey, resulting in a distinctive flavour profile that contains ten times the amount of whiskey found in mainstream alternatives or supermarket copycats.

Sustainability has always been central to Five Farms' operations, from production practices to packaging choices.

At the core is the use of packaging materials that prioritise recyclability and sustainability.

The bottle itself is a wide-mouthed glass design adorned with intricate embossed details and a ceramic swing-top cap in a style that dates back to the early 1900s, evoking a rich sense of history and tradition.

This design not only exudes elegance but also practicality, with a metal handle that is easy to carry it gives another nod to milk containers of the past, complimented by the elegant black glass that allows the bottle to be either repurposed or recycled.

The product is shipped in a case of nine bottles, allowing for delivery in a square box that recalls the wooden milk crates that continue to pay homage to an earlier era.

Retail displays include replicas of the metal milk churns that are symbolic of Ireland, from their traditional use in dairy farming to their modern appearance throughout the Irish countryside as flower planters or roadside works of art.

These elements highlight Five Farms' dedication to showcasing their product in a way that aligns with their values of authenticity and sustainability. From the bottle closure to the cardboard used for shipping, all of the packaging uses 100% recyclable material. The card packaging is made exclusively from sustainably sourced materials, with over 75% coming from recycled origins.

In today's digital age, where visual appeal plays a crucial role in brand differentiation and consumer engagement, the photogenic qualities of the Five Farms bottles have proven a big hit with audiences across social media.

The aesthetically pleasing nature of the brand not only enhances brand awareness but also sparks creativity among consumers, who share their innovative uses for the bottles, such as repurposing them as vases or homemade cordial containers.

Co-founder Johnny Harte, who reinforces these values, said:  “Five Farms celebrates Ireland’s farming culture and the dedication of our farmers. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our business ethos, reflected from the farms to our packaging.

“I spent a lot of time designing the bottle top because I wanted a ritual around it, because no matter how many bottles of champagne you open, you always get a little bit of a buzz with the next one. I wanted that kind of ritual for Five Farms, that this was something special."

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur demonstrates how a brand can effectively blend a rich, authentic history and a delicious product with a strong commitment to sustainability efforts.

By prioritising environmental responsibility, Five Farms meets the evolving expectations of today's consumers, who are eager to share their purchases on social media. 

As the brand continues to expand and innovate, its dedication to preserving traditions and promoting sustainable practices serves as an inspiration to both industry peers and its loyal customer base.

Starting in September, Five Farms will be available in approximately 200 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK.