We were lucky to catch up with Todd Manley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Todd, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Mutiny Island Vodka was born from a deep passion for sustainability, agriculture and the spirit of the Caribbean. As a chef in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, I saw firsthand the challenges islands face with food security and the over-reliance on imports. In 2017, after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria, my business partners and I explored ways to create something that could support local agriculture, create jobs and honor the resilience of island communities.

That’s when we turned to breadfruit. This incredible, sustainable superfood has been feeding tropical communities for centuries, yet it was largely overlooked as a viable resource for economic development. We experimented with distilling it into vodka at our restaurant, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. What started as a small, curiosity-driven project evolved into a mission-driven brand dedicated to innovation and sustainability.

Beyond creating an exceptional spirit, Mutiny Island Vodka is about making an exceptional impact. We’re proud to collaborate with The Trees That Feed Foundation, who plant breadfruit trees to enhance food security, create opportunities for local economies and better the environment. A single breadfruit tree can feed a family of four for generations, absorb carbon dioxide and enrich the soil—making it a powerful force for good. Ultimately, our mission is simple: to create an exceptional spirit for a more sustainable future and introduce the world to the incredible potential of breadfruit.

Todd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a chef and entrepreneur, my passion has always been creating experiences that blend culinary artistry with sustainability. Originally from North Carolina and Virginia, I built my career as the chef and owner of several acclaimed restaurants before moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where I became executive chef and partner of six diverse dining establishments. The islands deepened my connection to local ingredients and the importance of sustainable practices, which led me to breadfruit and the founding of Mutiny Island Vodka.

My journey has been about more than just food—it’s about building communities, supporting local agriculture and finding innovative ways to make a lasting impact. Whether in the kitchen or through my other ventures like Mutiny Island Vodka, I remain committed to creating with purpose, honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Mutiny Island Vodka is the world’s first breadfruit island vodka brand, distilled with nutrient-dense breadfruit and pure Caribbean rainwater. This under-utilized superfood is our superpower–it’s what makes our brand and product lineup truly stand out from others in the space.

Above all, our goal is to educate consumers and the broader community about the incredible benefits of breadfruit, helping to address food security and combat climate change for the future of our planet–and because of Mutiny Island Vodka, we’re given a new platform to do so.

While we take the most pride in our unique, one-of-a-kind and innovative spirit, it is our business model of continuously giving back and doing good through growth that incentivizes the planting of more trees!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Having a clear, impact-driven mission has been essential in setting Mutiny Island Vodka apart in a highly competitive spirits industry. From the start, we’ve remained focused on not just creating an innovative, premium island vodka, but inspiring real change by championing sustainability, which is the heart of our brand identity. By staying true to this vision, we’ve been able to build and maintain trust with consumers, industry partners and environmental organizations that recognize the value of what we’re doing and are aligned with our goals.

Our commitment to quality and authenticity has also played a major role in establishing our credibility, from using all-natural ingredients to working tirelessly to perfect our distillation process. Collaborating with experts, engaging in sustainable initiatives and consistently delivering a one-of-a-kind, high-quality product have all helped to earn respect within the industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Our journey hasn’t been without challenges—navigating the unique distillation process of breadfruit, overcoming logistical obstacles on an island and ensuring a consistent, high-quality product, to name a few. But through persistence and collaboration with experts like distiller Chris Richerson and Art Wollenweber, we’ve perfected the process over time, allowing us to introduce the world’s first vodka distilled with breadfruit.

In addition to weathering two hurricanes just 12 days apart at the start of this adventure with Mutiny Island Vodka, to being shut down just months after opening due to the pandemic and pivoting to produce hand sanitizer for the island when none was available, we have shown unwavering resilience, overcoming challenge after challenge! Coincidentally, the two most resilient trees in the world are the coconut tree and the breadfruit tree! Maybe they are rubbing off on us!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mutinyislandvodka.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutinyislandvodka/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MutinyIslandVodka/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mutiny-island-vodka/

Image Credits

Mutiny Island Vodka