Choosing these projects to support was a joint management decision for The Lost Explorer team, working closely with the Voice for Nature Foundation. The Lost Explorer’s commitments come from a place of contributing beyond their own business goals and supporting a more sustainable future for the environment and communities of Oaxaca. These specific initiatives were chosen because they would have impact in the immediate short-term, but also longer-term, in addition to supporting the UN Sustainability Goals of Climate Action, Gender Equality and Economic Growth.

Data automation transforms revenue management by building trust. Esclapez noted, “In general, our teams cannot focus on the value-added operations without reliable, transparent and timely reporting data. Our financial systems consolidates and profitability data across jurisdictions. That’s important from a regulatory perspective, but also drives are pricing strategy, product allocations and market share pursuits. Such insight is critical for effective revenue management and business growth.”

International delivery

Scaling requires credible long-term capacity planning. While many new spirits brands focus on the US market only, The Lost Explorer widened its launch to include Mexico and key strategic markets with strong on-trade and luxury brand networks — specifically the UK, Australia, Greece and Italy. Future expansion plans underway target South America, mainland Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. We’re also interested in making vintage mezcals, where we can pre-sell certain vintages and play with limited editions in a similar way to wine.

The hip flask-sized Mezcalitos are said to be perfect for the ‘mezcal curious’, and a great size for on-the-go adventuring and gifting. Like many brands, especially those formed outside of Mexico, The Lost Explorer is built on a foundation of privilege and Rothschild’s is to the high end of that privilege. However, there is credit due, given the extent of the work being done to focus on the sustainable agenda, both environmental and social. Maestro Ramos and his family are shareholders in the brand and there is an emphasis on their story, and that of mezcal (rather than Rothschild’s) throughout the presentation of The Lost Explorer. Curiosity is a human emotion, similar to love or fear. It is fundamental to how we’ve evolved as a species, and it’s the essence that unites mezcal drinkers. Each of our mezcals has a distinct profile and activates this curiosity. One sip and it invites you to search out the story behind the plant and its journey. Some of these agaves have grown for over 10 years, some 12 years, and some of them 25 years. Think about all the stories that a single one of these plants has lived through. When one agave was a seed, what was going on in the world then, and how much time has it had to soak in all this curious energy that’s floating around our planet?As an adventurer who’s spent the last 20 years on the road, one of the places where I feel like home, no matter where I am, is around a campfire, sipping a drink and sharing stories. Being able to create something that can explore this concept of community and that sense of togetherness that comes when you’re sitting around a fire, whether literal or metaphorical, is rooted in the commitment to one another as fellow species on this planet. And this, we felt, was something really special. I had a real love for Mexico and its culture, craft, heritage, and the depth of it all. With that inevitably came spending a lot of time there and meeting many friends. I was really touched by Fortino and his family when we met. We had this instant bond. I love the fact that whenever you arrive at Fortino’s, you sit down with the family, you have a meal, and you share stories before you do anything. To achieve that reach, the leadership team devised and implemented a data-driven marketing strategy aimed at both distributors and consumers.

If you can work in partnership with Nature, you’ll produce something brilliant. And that’s exactly what Fortino does, because he does it with such intentionality to respect the plant and the craft—it comes from the earth, from his hands, from his mind, his passion, his creativity, his ingenuity, his enthusiasm. We have a shared commitment and we decided that we are going to do something together that is meaningful to both of us. All industries are affected by global supply chain challenges. We ensure that we meet partners’ needs, carefully select our target markets and increase our logistics spend to avoid supply and sell-through disruption — that’s how to build the firm foundation that a leading brand requires,” Esclapez added.

The Lost Explorer Mezcal Review

Investing in one of The Lost Explorer’s “luxury” mezcals, you are not just buying a bottle, but a piece of artwork, as well as supporting their choice of charities and efforts for sustainability. Like any business they still have profit targets and plans for expansion, which are challenging in this saturated market, without the addition of a high standard of sustainable practice. It remains to be seen if the expansion of the mezcal world can be tenable in general, but The Lost Explorer is in a strong position to pursue this dream, using its prestigious platform to lead the way as “the most sustainable brand in the world.” Complete list of The Lost Explorer projects and initiatives All production partners selected based on environmental ethos, quality and in support of Mexican enterprise

The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a handcrafted spirit cultivated on ancestral Miztec land in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, this small-batch artisanal mezcal invites people to Live Curiously and Celebrate the Earth, exploring the wonder and diversity of the sacred agave. CFO Olesya Esclapez credited cross-functional collaboration for that successful shift, highlighting, “I work closely the sales, marketing, production, and supply teams to expand and grow our business. Adaptability and resilience are key. We balance long-term ambition with flexible short-term plans. That’s been our mindset from the start.” Novel and nimble

Beyond consumer engagement and marketing initiatives, Escalapez offered three key, often understated, suggestions for CFOs and CIOs tasked with brand building.