Aarti Calvin's career at Diageo combines science and creativity

Aarti Calvin is a Senior Liquid Scientist behind Diageo's PIMM’S Sundowner, one of the many innovative products in the company's brand portfolio.

PIMM’S Sundowner has a fruity flavour profile of ripe, juicy raspberry and tart redcurrant that are perfectly balanced with bitter-sweet notes. It was designed to be mixed in a spritz serve with prosecco, and looks fun and vibrant.

Using technical knowledge to support innovation

As the liquid developer on this project, Aarti's role within this innovation was to create, recommend, and influence the business to implement the ideal liquid. This involved supporting the European innovation team with her technical knowledge and experience on ingredients and flavour trends.

"I then had the amazing job of bringing the concept to life by combining science with creative flair – the feeling of a gorgeous British sunset in a bottle," says Aarti.

Bringing product to market via cross-functional collaboration

In getting PIMM’S Sundowner to market at pace, Aarti worked closely in collaboration with talented and dynamic cross-functional teams to ensure that the liquid created matches the concept. This also included label design and the commercial production.

"I was really excited to have the freedom to innovate a new liquid at pace for the much-loved British brand and was keen to apply my learning on flavours and ingredient trends, perfect serves, and consumer insights on the emerging new Aperitivo occasion. This project was perfect as I am the European Innovation Technical Lead on Gin and Aperitivo," she explains.

Creating the perfect environment for employee success

Working in the Europe Innovation Technical team, Aarti has had fun creating liquids for Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon and White Peach. She then went on to create Tanqueray 10 Grapefruit and Rosemary for Global Travels, Villa Ascenti Rosa Gin, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Seltzer, Tanqueray Royale and of course now PIMM’S Sundowner. "Where else would I be able do that?" she asks.

"Diageo has created the perfect environment for me to succeed and my skills are valued. I regard myself as extremely fortunate to have the ability to take these iconic brands forward to new generations and making them relevant for the new generations to enjoy and create memories."