Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin has agreed on a deal with UK supermarket giant Sainsbury’s to be stocked in 600 of the company’s stores across Britain, according to the Irish Times.
Gunpowder, which is produced in Leitrim, is a product of Shed Distillery, founded and owned by Pat Rigney, is also available in Tesco and Asda stores across the UK.
Thinking Big
“Sainsbury’s is just another score on the board but a very important one for us,” Rigney told the Times. “Our goal is to build a very substantial international brand that will generate sustainable jobs in County Leitrim at the Shed Distillery.
“We’re barely in business three years so we’re making a significant contribution to the local economy and we’re very connected with the community in Drumshanbo.”
The Irish Times reported that Rigney expects Shed Distillery’s turnover to grow to €6 million this year, doubling last year’s figure, as it expands its market in the US. The company is listed in 200 Target and Whole Foods store across the US.
Rigney added, “We’re in the process of investing in our visitors’ experience so that should add another 20 jobs so that Drumshanbo becomes a destination to see our wonderful distillery in Ireland.
“We’re not thinking micro, we’re thinking of developing a global brand from a small town. The psychology is unique.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
