- Grace Ubawuchi graduated from Aston University with a degree in business and international relations
- She founded her company Xin and Voltaire in 2017
- Grace was previously recognised in the KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards.
An Aston University graduate and award-winning cocktail entrepreneur has been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe Art and Culture list for 2024.
Grace Ubawuchi completed a degree in business and international relations from Aston University in 2020. It was while she was on her placement year in 2017 that she first had the idea for a frozen cocktail company.
Forbes 30 under 30 is a set of lists of 30 notable people under 30 years old in various industries issued annually by Forbes magazine and some of its regional editions. The Art and Culture list recognises young people who are creating and designing the future of fashion, food and the creative arts.
Candidates are evaluated by Forbes staff and a panel of independent, expert judges on a variety of factors, including funding, revenue, social impact, scale, inventiveness and potential.
Grace collaborated with scientists, mixologists and chefs including world-famous Parisian Michelin-trained pastry chef Nina Métayer to develop the food tech necessary to freeze alcohol at high percentages and her frozen sorbet cocktail company Xin and Voltaire was born.
She now sells four different flavours directly to consumers on the company's website, as well as in 300 locations throughout the UK and Europe, including Mandarin Oriental UK, Selfridges and Soho House.
Two of Xīn and Voltaire's cocktails won bronze awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2023.
Grace also won the most promising medium-sized business title in the 2023 KPMG Black Entrepreneurs' Awards.
Sharing the news of her inclusion in the Forbes list on her LinkedIn account, Grace said:
“I’m blessed to have incredible people be a part of my journey to help build the Xin and Voltaire brand and believe in my vision for the brand.
“I am but a product of the people who have poured into me and helped build the foundations of this business.”
Kerrie Holland, executive director of alumni relations and development at Aston University, said:
“We would like to congratulate Grace on this well-deserved recognition.
“She is a shining example of the inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational spirit of Aston University and we are delighted to see her career and business going from strength to strength since she graduated.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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