ecoSPIRITS Launches Chicago’s First Producer-Operated ecoPLANT with Hoste Cocktails & Apologue Liqueurs

Chicago (September 22, 2025) – ecoSPIRITS has teamed up with Hoste Cocktails and Apologue

Liqueurs to launch Chicago’s first partner operated ecoPLANT™

ecoSPIRITS has teamed up with Hoste Cocktails and Apologue Liqueurs to launch Chicago’s first partner operated ecoPLANT™, which will maximise the sustainability impact of the producer’s spirits packaged in ecoTOTE™ format, alongside commercial benefits. This activity represents the start of a new relationship between ecoSPIRITS and the Chicago-based producer, with a number of Hoste Cocktails now packaged in ecoTOTE format for distribution to bars across the region.

Big Star, a pillar concept of the major Chicago-based One O Hospitality group, is the launch partner for the first ecoTOTEs in Chicago. Big Star’s three sites will be the first in Chicago to take spirits in ecoTOTE format, and The Publican’s location in O’Hare International Airport will carry the Espresso Martini in ecoTOTEs as well. Additionally, Chicago hospitality group 16 on Center (160C) will pilot the ecoTOTEs at both The Salt Shed and Moneygun. Hoste plans to expand into additional accounts across the Chicagoland area this quarter.

Chicago is home to one of the country’s most vibrant and influential hospitality scenes, with a deep bench of bar talent, award-winning venues, and forward-thinking operators. The adoption of ecoSPIRITS by local industry leaders, such as Hoste and One O Hospitality, signals a growing commitment within this community to advance sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of premium spirits. The new ecoPLANT has been installed at Hoste’s production and event space in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, so that spirits can be dispensed into 1.75L ecoTOTEs directly from the production floor. Use of the ecoSPIRITS system will lead to an average reduction of 60-90% in thecarbon emissions footprint related to premium spirits packaging and distribution, as well as a significant reduction in glass and cardboard packaging.

Co-founders, Jordan Tepper and Robert Haynes, started Apologue six years ago, and soon after branched into premium bottled cocktails. The company now has two ‘arms’ of the business: Apologue Liqueurs, which are crafted from non-GMO ingredients; and Hoste Cocktails, a line of premium bottled cocktails. The team will package several drinks in ecoSPIRITS’ ecoTOTE format, including Hoste house spirits (vodka, bourbon, rye whiskey, triple sec, and two Destilado de Agave options), and a number of cocktails from the Hoste portfolio, starting with the Espresso Martini.

Jordan Tepper, co-founder, Hoste Cocktails and Apologue Liqueurs, said: “Partnering with ecoSPIRITS is a meaningful step forward – not just for Hoste, but for the future of Chicago’s drinks industry. We are proud to help set a new standard for sustainability behind the bar."

Zdenek Kastanek, managing director, ecoSPIRITS North America, said: “ecoSPIRITS’ ability to deliver on commercial and sustainability benefits, combined with the strengths of “local hero” distillers, creates a huge opportunity to drive the transition to circular technology and eliminate event more single use packaging. We are delighted with this partnership and with the initial interest and early success to date in Chicago."

About Hoste Cocktails

Hoste is setting a new standard for bottled cocktails. By blending impeccable sourcing with world-class bartenders, Hoste delivers unparalleled, ready-to-serve cocktails that ship directly to your door. Designed to engage all your senses, each cocktail is paired with a custom atomizer zest that enables the perfect aromatic garnish. In 2024, Hoste was honoured with a "Double Gold” win at the San Francisco World Spirits Championships. And in 2025, Hoste opened a 15,000 square foot production and event space in their home city of Chicago, where all of their cocktails are now produced on site. Hoste Cocktails are ideal for those who love to entertain or are looking for the perfect gift, and are available to be shipped to 46 states via hostecocktails.com.

About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 28 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Nearly 3,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow further in 2025. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.