Description

In this episode of Chain Reaction, host Michael Ostroumov sits down with Christopher Chilton, co-founder of Ram Tang Cello, to explore the fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship, logistics, and innovation in the UK beverage industry. From humble beginnings in a family-run bed and breakfast to launching a premium British take on limoncello, Christopher shares how he and his mother turned a passion project into a refined, market-ready product, one that blends Italian tradition with a tangy, modern twist.

Their conversation dives deep into the challenges of scaling a craft beverage brand: navigating manufacturing partners, battling the oligopoly of major distributors, and mastering the delicate balance between data-driven insight and instinctive decision-making. Christopher also opens up about personal resilience, the power of kinesiology, and why emotional and physical awareness matter just as much as strategy in building a sustainable business.

Guest BioChristopher Chilton is the co-founder of Ram Tang Cello, an independent British spirits brand bringing a fresh twist to the classic Italian limoncello. With a background rooted in entrepreneurship and creativity, Christopher combines an artisan’s attention to detail with a modern business mindset. His work emphasizes authenticity, craftsmanship, and balance whether in refining recipes, managing logistics, or exploring holistic wellbeing through kinesiology.

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurship requires balancing granular detail with big-picture strategy.
• The biggest logistical pitfall for small producers is over-ordering and storage costs.
• Building supplier relationships demands discernment and trust early on.
• The alcohol supply chain is dominated by a few large players, breaking in takes persistence and smart networking.
• Pricing and logistics are inseparable; delivery costs should be factored into product pricing.
• Owning the customer relationship (D2C) is vital for resilience in a volatile market.
• Data only becomes useful when organized and actionable, clarity beats quantity.
• Combining intuition with analytics leads to better business decisions.
• Technology should complement, not replace, human adaptability and creativity.
• Mental resilience is foundational for entrepreneurship; self-regulation is key.
• Kinesiology and mindfulness techniques can help manage stress and sustain focus.
• Sometimes, the best solution is simple: breathe, move, and step away from the desk.

 Chapters 00:00 Introduction – Welcome to Chain Reaction

00:30 The Origin Story of Ram Tang Cello

03:50 Managing the Details and Big Picture

06:10 Manufacturing Challenges and Learning by Doing

09:00 Logistics Lessons – Storage, Costs, and Flow

10:20 Breaking into the Drinks Industry’s “Oligopoly”

14:50 Competing with Industry Giants

17:00 The Power of Agility and Direct-to-Customer Strategies

18:30 Data Dungeons and the Importance of Readiness

24:00 Using Data to Drive Efficiency and Profitability

27:50 Technology as a Complementary Tool

31:40 Kinesiology, Resilience, and Entrepreneurial Balance

35:20 How to “Chill” Under Pressure

36:30 Closing Reflections and Takeaways

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